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Vaccines are supposed to boost our immune system. However, when it comes to safety, they’re controversial. Recently, a CDC-funded study finds that a flu vaccine is associated with miscarriages.
The University of Minnesota reports that the recent study1 suggests a strong link between repeated doses of flu vaccine and misscariage.
The researchers say that the unexpected signal needs a deeper investigation, as well as highlights the challenges in the monitoring of annual flu vaccine.l vaccines.
James Donahue, DVM, Ph.D., MPH, lead author of the study and a senior epidemiologist at the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin says;
We are not saying this is a causal relationship. Meaning the data don’t necessarily show that the flu vaccine causes miscarriages. There’s no biological basis for this phenomenon, so the study represents something that wasn’t expected.
Doctors Still Recommends Flu Vaccine Regardless of the Findings
Regardless of the findings of the study, still doctors are recommending women to have flu shots. CBS News reports more;
The recommendation for flu vaccine is strict. In fact, in 2013, a nurse was fired from her job as she refused to have a flu vaccine. Her reason is simple, she feared of miscarriage.
CBS News reported this;
The experts’ opinions seem convincing as seen in the report. But…
Should Pregnant Women Get A Flu Shot?
We have heard the authorities of their reasons for recommending flu shots to women. Now, let us hear what researchers like Russell Blaylock, M.D. has to say about flu shots on pregnant women.
Here is an interview by Dr. Mercola with Russell Blaylock on the safety of flu vaccine on pregnant women. The interview is a bit long but it’s worth going through if you want to hear the other side of the safety of flu vaccine.
Natural Ways To Boost Immune System
There are women who opt for natural remedies on boosting their immune system for flu prevention. If you are among them, then you have the options to take the natural means.
One of the natural remedies to boost the immune system against flu is using herbs. Dr. Axe listed various herbs on his website. What’s interesting in this list is that some of the herbs and spices are readily available in most kitchens.
As a matter of fact, you may already be using them on a daily basis like garlic, oregano, and ginger. Additionally, Mama Natural has additional tips on natural flu remedies during pregnancy. In her list, she includes many common household stuff such as Apple Cider Vinegar, honey, onion, lemon, coconut oil, probiotics, which is beneficial for gut health, and among many others.
Increasing intake of whole foods particularly organic green leafy vegetables and fruits are also helpful in boosting not only the body’s immune system but overall health, too.
Vitamin D and The Immune System
There are many studies2 that prove Vitamin D is essential to boosting the body’s immune system. And, there’s no better way of getting it than regular sun exposure.
Of course, for those who are living in regions where sunlight is limited, there are proper supplements to take.
Vitamin D has important functions beyond those of calcium and bone homeostasis which include modulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in autoimmune disease. Cells of the immune system are capable of synthesizing and responding to vitamin D. Immune cells in autoimmune diseases are responsive to the ameliorative effects of vitamin D suggesting that the beneficial effects of supplementing vitamin D deficient individuals with autoimmune disease may extend beyond effects on bone and calcium homeostasis.
Conclusion
While there is no solid evidence, yet on flu vaccine causing miscarriages, the possibility is there. Would you take chances? Know that if you opt for natural remedies, you have plenty of options.
Fortunately, the options for natural remedies are not difficult to implement. A simple and healthy lifestyle practices such as eating healthy and staying physically active are all it takes to protect against viruses and infections.
Of course, if you’re in the habits of not doing it, then things might be difficult initially. However, with constant and conscious efforts, you can do it. If others are able to do it, why can’t you?