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Support
Plan for ImmunizationsA primary principle to recognize is that the immune system will react, is meant to react, to the immunizations. The reactivity is desirable, but potentially uncomfortable. We also want to minimize the (rare) chance of long term negative effects from the processes set in motion by the immunization ‘events’ in the body. So the purpose of this plan is to strengthen your child during the time period surrounding the immunization challenge and to recognize and immediately address any extraordinary reactions, with the intention of preventing long term consequences. Timing: best is a time of year when the family is likely to be quietly stable; try to avoid unusual stresses like travel, holidays, or illness. Foods: Following is a list of foods to avoid because they are likely to challenge the immune system. Digesting these foods will compete for resources that would be better given to the processes necessary to incorporating the benefits of the immunizations: Avoid all sweets except fresh fruit. This includes dry fruit, fruit juice (except very dilute), fruit concentrates, sugar, honey, syrups, malts. Avoid refined, white flour products- breads, pastas, crackers, white rice. Use whole grain items only and use these only in combination with a protein food in the same meal. Dairy foods- cow milk products are problematic for the majority of people, so avoid the challenge they represent at this time. Fermented forms, like (unsweetened) yogurt, buttermilk, a little bit of kefir is ok a few times a week. Substitute soy milk and soy cheeses unless there is a known allergy. Avoid rice milk—it’s a sweet. Next are foods to emphasize, because they are rich in immune-boosting nutrients and because they support a prostaglandin balance that favors healthy immune function: Brightly colored vegetables- orange, red, yellow, deep green Fresh fruits especially those with thin, bluey-red, purple skins- grapes, plums, berries, apples. Go easy on tropical fruits, like bananas and oranges Protein- fish is best, tuna, cod, salmon; chicken and turkey, game meat especially; avoid sausages and cured meats. Steaming, sauté, stewing and soups is the best way to cook and serve these protein foods. Soy foods like tofu and tempeh are also encouraged, but they should not be relied on solely. Eggs are also good as long as there is no known allergy. Good quality fats and oils- avoid margarine, all partially hydrogenated oils (these are found in all packaged foods) A little butter is good, as are olive and canola oil. Try also nuts and seeds in moderation and avocado. Consider supplementing your child with a flavored cod liver oil supplement during this period, especially if it is winter weather while you do the shots. Give according to label instructions for age/weight. Whole grains, preferably a wide variety- that is, minimize wheat, expand into brown rice, corn, millet, spelt, barley. buckwheat, to name a few. Specific Nutrients: these are cofactors essential to immune function- supplementing ensures adequate amounts of ‘raw’ material to meet the increased demands of the immunization series. Doses may be age related, or size related- bigger kid, bigger dose, or bigger dose when a bigger challenge is present- they get a cold, it’s winter, it’s a birthday party with sweets. Vitamin A- 1 to 5 years, 2,000 iu twice/day; 6 and over 4,000 iu twice/day Vitamin C- to bowel tolerance, meaning start with 100-200 mg twice daily and increase by 100-200mg each day until the stools loosen; this indicates tissue saturation. Back off by 100-200mg and that’s the individualized dose. Powdered, buffered Vit. C is easiest to measure out and play with the dose; mix in water, disguise with a splash of juice if needed. Vitamin B6- for kids over 1 year, 1 to 4 mg twice daily Zinc- for kids over 1 year, 10 to 15 mg twice daily A good quality, liquid multivitamin without iron, is the best source, because although these are most important in this circumstance, of course all the nutrients are essential, so take them in combination. You’ll need an extra source of Vit C to get enough. Botanical Support: there are plant medicines that are immune system modulators and lymph system supports. These are recommended for each child individually, after an assessment with Dr. Dunne Homeopathic Support: I suggest homeopathic Ledum pallidum 30c, one dose (3 pellets) the day before, the day of and the day after the injections. Homeopathy may be an important tool if there is post-injection distress we need to address. If your child becomes uncomfortable with any physical symptom, or if there are behavior changes that concern you in the 6 to 8 weeks after the immunizations, please schedule an office visit so we can address the specifics of your child’s reaction. The primary purpose of course is to offer supportive treatment, but also it is very important to document adverse reactions to immunizations for future decision making. Ideally you would start the recommended support measures a week or so before the first injections and continue for 2 to 3 weeks after. Don’t withdraw the support items abruptly, rather wean off of them (especially the Vit C) over 4 to 5 days. Consider retaining some of these habits, like the foods and the multivitamin support! © Nancy Dunne, ND rev 2007 |
