Keeping your baby's immune system strong and healthy is the best way to prevent infections from any of the millions of germs she is exposed to every day. A strong immune system will also reduce your baby's chances of suffering an adverse vaccine reaction. Most vaccine reactions result from an immune system reaction to the vaccine, so taking steps to build up immunity is a good way to offer a measure of protection. You need to add supplements for infants to water, formula or diluted juice in a bottle.
Fish Oil
Neurosurgeon Russell Blaylock and pediatrician Bob Sears recommend supplementing with fish oil. Blaylock cites eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, one of the components of fish oil supplements, as an immune suppressor. He says, "Studies show that if you take EPA oil one hour before injecting a very powerful adjuvant called lipopolysaccharide (LPS), it would completely block the ability of the LPS to cause brain inflammation." Blaylock suggests taking the dose recommended by the manufacturer every day.
Sears, author of "The Vaccine Book," points out that most children do not have diets rich in omega-3 fats, found primarily in fish and eggs, so supplementation can be beneficial. Breast milk is also a good source, so breastfed babies have more optimal levels of this healthy, protective substance.
Flavonoids
According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, flavonoids, especially curcumin, quercetin, ferulic acid and ellagic acid, are antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. According to Blaylock, curcumin and quercetin have been shown to keep vaccine adjuvants from causing long-term immune reactions. He recommends giving a supplement that includes several of these flavonoids an hour before the vaccination. Another way to increase flavonoid intake is to thoroughly blend parsley and celery into a liquid drink. Parsley is rich in a flavonoid called apigenin and celery contains the flavonoid luteolin.
Vitamins and Minerals
Blaylock recommends a daily multivitamin without iron, with particular focus on B vitamins and selenium. He recommends several extra vitamins and minerals to boost levels just before and after vaccinations are administered. Vitamin E reduces inflammatory cytokines, and zinc also offers protection against vaccine toxins. He considers one of the most critical supplements to be vitamin D3, which is actually a hormone. Blaylock says vitamin D can help tamp down an over-reacting immune system, or conversely, can boost the immune system if your baby is not showing enough response. Vitamin D also protects against infection. He specifically recommends that children receive 5,000 IU per day for two weeks following vaccination and 2,000 IU per day thereafter. Make sure the multivitamin contains calcium, which helps vitamin D work more efficiently.
Dr. Stephanie Cave, author of "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children's Vaccinations," recommends giving vitamins A and C before and after any vaccinations. According to Sears, vitamin A helps regulate the immune response to infections, and it may help protect the brain from vaccine side effects. He recommends giving vitamin A once a day for three days prior to vaccines and for 10 days following. The recommended dose for infants is 1,500 IUs, while toddlers and preschoolers should receive 2,500 IUs. Both Cave and Sears suggest cod liver oil as an excellent vitamin A source. However, Sears recommends against the use of cod liver oil for babies younger than 9 months.
Vitamin C is roundly recommended by Blaylock, Cave, Sears and Generation Rescue, an organization formed by parents of vaccine-injured children. Vitamin C boosts the immune system, is anti-inflammatory and may lessen adverse effects. Sears suggests giving vitamin C once a day for five days starting on the day of the vaccinations. The dose for infants is 150mg, while toddlers and preschoolers should receive 250mg. Sears cautions that the amount of Vitamin C in most multivitamins is typically not enough. Blaylock recommends the buffered form of vitamin C rather than ascorbic acid.
References
- Rense: Russell Blaylock, MD - What To Do if Force Vaccinated
- Ask Dr. Sears: The 12 Childhood Vaccines
- "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children's Vaccinations"; Stephanie Cave; Warner Wellness; 2001
- Linus Pauling Institute: Antioxidant Activities of Flavonoids
