Putting the Herd (Immunity Debate) to Rest

Understanding infectious systems (and debating them) requires a person to be able to reason about highly complex biological structures, of which, contain hundreds of demographic and epidemiological variables.[*]

It seems commonplace in debates/discussions concerning herd immunity that extrapolating demands on others are made – particularly to maintain specific elimination thresholds (one example easily comes to mind: non-medical vaccine exemptions should be void to maintain herd immunity). 


Elimination Thresholds and the Dynamics of Immunity

Two authentic hazards arise when debates concerning herd immunity/vaccination rates place consistent emphasis on maintaining elimination thresholds (ie 90-95% vaccination rates)

(1) the debate begins to distract from the fundamental extreme dynamics of epidemic theory, particularly to herd immunity[* pg297]  

(2) the debate portrays a human life as a instrument in medicine that can/should be utilized in a societal defense against viruses/bacteria/disease. (the dismissal pertaining to an individual’s choice regarding a medical procedure)

For this post, I will only be addressing the first point (the complexities relating to the influences on herd immunity). To learn more about the second issue you can read this post.

I feel the need to address this particular point because in common debates regarding herd immunity (pertaining to national vaccination programs) a fundamental cornerstone of epidemiology is continually dismissed: the extreme dynamic consequences of the intrinsic nonlinearity of host-agent systems.[*] 

In laymens terms – this shit is complex.


Does Herd Immunity Exist?

Absolutely.

There is no denying that herd immunity is an extremely potent natural phenomenon which is altered by a multitude of influences (which I am going to attempt to list briefly a little later). In the presence of a national vaccine program, it is purposefully manipulated with the intention that the recognized gains will out weigh any known disadvantage(s) that might occur (financially, safety, policy, etc). [*]

In the United States, we rely on the ACIP to examine new (and current) vaccination campaigns of which must be weighed very cautiously. To intentionally modify the current existing herd immunity against a non-fatal, acute childhood disease can carry unfortunate characteristics such as protecting one population while actually placing another group at higher risk than before (ex varicella campaign).[*][*][*][*]


On the other hand, there are campaigns that historically have provided success. So far, the only infection to be eradicated worldwide is smallpox (variola major -WHO 1977). This accomplishment generated much optimism in the philosophy of eradication thresholds that other infectious diseases (such as measles and pertussis) were targeted.  Unfortunately, this thinking may have been misguided for many reasons: smallpox was unique given its low communicability, the high average age of infection, the ease of diagnosis and the stability of vaccine storage conditions.[*]


It is also important to reveal, that there are complete absences of herd immunity seen in several diseases (some of which we currently vaccinate against such as rubella, diphetheria, pertussis).[*]

The blanket justification of herd immunity in support of elimination thresholds for vaccination on the current US vaccine schedule has the very real potential in becoming a crude and one-dimensional debate.


The Fundamentals

When speaking of herd immunity in relationship to a national vaccination campaign, one must be specific to which disease they are discussing and they must show an understanding to the intricate nature of influences of immunity within the individual and within a community.

To begin, a foundation must be understood. Epidemic theory considers three variables: agent, host and environment (each of which has many components/interactions/influences in-and-of themselves).

Agent
An agent is any infectious pathogen. These vary in biological makeup, size, transmission, and habitat. In the construction of mathematical models of epidemics and herd immunity, all possible variations in all aspects of the agent's behavior (particularly in relation the host and the environment) must be taken into account.[*]

Host
The classification of a host is relevant when an agent invades a foreign entity (aka the host) resulting in a defensive immune response with the purpose of protection. Immunity attained can range from temporary to permanent. [*] 


What is of particular study is the host’s response with antibodies specific to the infectious antigen. These seropositive individuals are those who have current infections or who have experienced an infection in the past – moving them from the category of ‘infected’ to ‘recovered’.[*]    

Of course, when referring to the context of herd immunity, one must consider both the individual hosts and the population as a whole.

Environment
Consideration and concern is given to the environment and vicinity in which both the host and agent dwell. This can range from geographical heterogeneity to seasonal variations (again, for both host and agent).



Mathematical Modeling – SIR Model

Epidemiology gives birth to herd immunity theory when the first mathematical model examined how infectious agents affected large populations over time.[*][*][*]

Obviously, for ethical reasons and financial reasons (hopefully the former out weighs the later), experimentation or field trials are prohibitive – making mathematical modeling critical in making theoretical predictions of how a disease will spread and can be useful for evaluating control strategies (particularly in the case of a bio-weapon attacks).[*][*]

The Mass Action Principle (SIR) has been widely applied and accepted in epidemic theory since 1927 – when Kermack and McKendrick published 3 papers outlining and describing a mathematical model in which they considered a fixed population with 3 compartments: susceptible; infected; recovered (SIR).[*][*][*]

Susceptibles (S) – Individuals that are susceptible have, in the case of the basic SIR model, never been infected, and they are able to catch the disease. Once they have it, they move into the Infected compartment.[*]

Infected (I) – Infected individuals can spread the disease to susceptible individuals. The time they spend in the infected compartment is the infectious period, after which they enter the recovered compartment. [*]

Recovered (R) – immune to the disease or otherwise removed from the population. Individuals in the recovered compartment are assumed to be immune for life. [*]

In the SIR model, vaccination is equivalent to complete removal (aka transfer to the Recovered compartment). It is assumed that vaccinated individuals can not infect or be infected. [*] 

The above described SIR model is helpful although it is written using an equation that implies a deterministic model (no randomness with a continuous time). [*]

To account for this, the SIR model is the basis for other similar models (SEIS, MSIR, MSEIRS) that make small adjustments in its parameters that attempt to alleviate certain ‘real-world’ problems, for example:[*][*] 

SEIS  - considers the exposed or latent period of the disease (a person is not immediately infected).

MSEIRS – considers an infection that does not leave a lasting immunity in which individuals that have recovered will return to being susceptible again, moving back into the S compartment.

MSIR – considers a disease where an individual is born with a passive immunity from the mother.

Although mathematical equations are very useful in understanding basic principles and the interplay between variables, their assumptions can lead to oversimplification.[*][*]

My concern centers on the simplicity of many mathematical models, particularly in the face of such biological complexity. Especially useful tools in modern complex theories incorporate multiple algorithms and concepts of TCS (theoretical computer science), however these tools are not yet utilized and relatively unknown in epidemiology.[*][*]



Complexities of the Herd

There are several assumptions made in the formulation of the above mentioned equations. These assumptions have benefits and disadvantages.

Benefits may include being utilized for a general guide to risk assessment or a supportive piece to compare alternative policies/intervention – a wide-ranging compass to help make epidemiological decisions.

However, it is clear that to make the forecast more realistic, it is necessary to introduce more details in the disease dynamics. Models that incorporate even the most elaborate derivations omit important features.[* pg 296]

Here are a handful of features to begin to take into consideration that influence the dynamics of disease, immunity, transmission, and recovery.[*]


Geographical heterogeneity
This refers to gender (i.e. male-female ratios), age, and factors correlated with residence. Because of existing heterogeneity, estimated elimination thresholds vary between local communities – significant local differences in population dynamics arise which, consequently adjust estimates.[*][*]

Areas of similar dynamics and variation pertaining to heterogeneity:

• Age-Structured populations

• Variable infectivity

• High contact probabilities

• Persistence of pathogens within hosts

• Variations in infection risk by age group

• Limitation of application to a closed population (no immigration or emigration)[*]

• Demographic turnover (birth or death).[*]

Host genetic factors
A particularly new dynamic gaining more comprehension is the role of host genetic factors – this dynamic is critical because mathematical models rely on and individual within the population as having an equal probability as every other individual of contracting and transmitting a disease.[*][*][*]
Research is continuing to learn strategies to identify host genes responsible for resistance/susceptibility to particular agents and the relationship between vaccine efficacy and genetics.

Areas of similar dynamics and variation pertaining to host genetic/immuno factors:

• intra-host dynamics

• Maternal immunity

Spatial epidemiology
The most fundamental of these is the problem of defining the spatial location of the entities being studied. For example,

In regards to the study on human health, spatial position of humans can pertain to the area or point with where an individual/group live, or with a point located where they work, or by using a line to describe their weekly trips. Each variation has dramatic effects analysis and on the conclusions obtained.[*]

Other issue arise in the application of spatial analysis which includes the limitation of mathematical knowledge problems in computer based calculations.[*] 


Antigenic shift
Antigenic shift is contrasted with antigenic drift (a natural mutation over time). The issue with antigenic shift concerns our lack ability to forecast ability of viruses to alter their genetic makeup (quickly creating mutant antigens) and bypassing the antibody barrier a host/community.[*]


Phylodynamics
Viral phylodynamics examines how epidemiological, immunological, and evolutionary processes impact viral genetic variation.

Dynamics of transmission is considered at the level of cells within an infected host, individual hosts within a population, or entire populations of hosts.[*]

Currently, it is understood that viruses within similar hosts, such as hosts that reside in the same geographic region, are expected to be more closely related genetically if transmission occurs more commonly between them.[*]

Areas of similar dynamics and variation pertaining to phylodynamics:

• pathogen population genetics

• evolution and spread of resistance to immunity/medication

• Strain (biology) structure and interactions

Seasonal variations
There are several biologically distinct mechanisms in which seasonality and climate change impacts host-pathogen interactions. Strong pressures on population dynamics are exerted by temperature, rainfall, seasonality and climate change – responses can range from simple annual cycles to more complex multiyear fluctuations.[*][*]

Although scientists are only beginning to understand how seasonal external drivers influence the majority of host–parasite systems, empirical evidence strongly supports the strength and mechanisms of which seasonality alters the spread and persistence of infectious diseases. [*][*]

To present two examples for further understanding:

Agent: rotavirus.
Seasonal affects: winter peaks; timing shifts with latitude[*]

Agent: meningococcal meningitis
Seasonal affect: wind speed and low humidity affect respiratory/aerosol transmission[*]

Areas of similar dynamics and variation pertaining to seasonal variation:

• alterations in immune system defenses (weakened during winter and during harsh weather)

• periparturient rise (pregnant women lowering their own immunity to prevent harming the fetus)

• diseases that are cyclical in nature

• diseases that are seasonal in nature

Ending the Debate on Herd Immunity 

Agent-Host-Environment: This relationship is complex and depends on such factors as a precise course of infection (not only with an individual but within the demography of the host population). Other factors include duration of immunity (natural or artificially acquired), maternally derived protection, age-related changes in the intimacy of contacts – not to mention a prevailing level of genetic and spatial heterogeneity in both susceptibility and resistance to infection.[*]

There is no denying that mathematical models aid in defining details associated with infectious systems. Adjustments made to incorporate dynamic influences have the ability to make useful generalities and estimates – particularly to elimination thresholds and the course of infection within a population.[*] 

However, the science and intuition built on decades of practical epidemiological experience still often fail to predict outcomes/implications of vaccination programs.[*]

Each vaccination campaign entails a massive disruption of the previous balance which results in a destabilization of epidemiologic patterns for many years.[* p297]

...are vaccinated individuals the ones stepping outside the herd?

Herd immunity existed prior to vaccination.

Preceding national vaccination programs, epidemiological patterns of immunity/disease existed for the greater good. With each national vaccine campaign, epidemiology is modified (benefiting some and disadvantaging others).

While it is perceived beneficial that some vaccinated diseases have diminished over time (such as measles, chicken pox, rubella), it is very likely that these infections existed in a precise biological niche that was very much intentional – benefits in which our understanding can not yet comprehend.[*]

How exactly can the herd immunity debate end? 

(1) Accepting that the encompassing complexity of infectious disease (and nature in general) is not something human understanding will be able comprehend in entirety. Yes, artifical modification (via vaccine) can impart benefits – but it also exposes populations/individuals to disadvantages (many of which cannot be forecasted in advance) – implementation of vaccine programs must not be taken lightly nor forced upon a population without individual consent. 

(2) Above all else, voluntary consent married with adequate comprehension of each vaccine is fundamental as national vaccine campaigns develop and progress. This is whatshould be the underlying principle in discussions on herd immunity – NOT mandatory vaccination.

This post is dedicated to those families that have been deliberately and maliciously accused of ‘free riding’ off of vaccine-induced/artificial herd immunity – especially those who have been told this by a medical professional in hopes of altering a consent of vaccination.

I like to believe all parents are doing the best they can. Please choose what works best for your family while honoring the rights of others to make that same choice.

Alternatives to Chemical Lawn Treatments

You know what really grinds my gears?

Lawn chemicals being advertised as grass “food”.

Let’s call a duck a duck. Herbicides and pesticides (aka lawn chemicals) are formulated for one purpose and that’s basically to kill everything on your lawn, except grass.

When did sacrificing the health of homeowners, their families, pets and all other forms of life become okay for the attainment of a weed-free lawn?

Grrr. That imaginary property line does NOT contain your pestcidal drift, my dear neighbor.

Lawn chemicals are readily inhaled, tracked inside the home and absorbed though the skin. The National Academy of Sciences report that at least 1 out of 7 people are significantly harmed by pesticide exposure. The chemicals used on lawns can cause coughing, muscle pain, sleep disorders, fatigue, etc – with long term documented consequences of lowered fertility, immune disorders, and cancer.[*]

“Of 30 commonly used lawn pesticides, 19 are linked with cancer or carcinogenicity, 13 are linked with birth defects, 21 with reproductive effects, 26 with liver or kidney damage, 15 with neurotoxicity, and 11 with disruption of the endocrine (hormonal) system. Of those same pesticides, 17 are detected in groundwater, 23 have the ability to leach into drinking water sources, 24 are toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms vital to our ecosystem, 11 are toxic to bees, and 16 are toxic to birds.” [*]

Using chemicals on grass in hopes to achieve a ‘weed-free’ lawn is completely absent of logic. Chemicals kill earthworms and other living organisms that live in the ground that help grow grass. Lawn chemicals also add salt and changes the pH of the soil which aids in breeding of harmful insects.[*]

Where is the logic in this?

The grass, soil and the eco-structure of the lawn wholly changes and becomes reliant on more and more chemicals to maintain the artificial eco-configuration. In all actuality, the chemicals used on grass over a long period of time can actually help the very pests they target by eliminating their predators – making their use self-perpetuating.

Good for lawn chemical businesses – not so good for your grass (or your health).

But don’t fret, I’ve been reading and learning more about how to maintain a healthy lawn, free of weird synthetic chemicals, because my husband is adamant about how our grass looks.

So here is to the lawn-conscious husbands (and wives).

There are a lot of things you can do to create a more beautiful lawn. Although, a completely weed-free lawn is not enterly practical, you can get very close without the use of nasty chemicals.

First, you need to think of weeds as a symptom of other problems. You have to adjust the current conditions (such as compacted soil, too wet/dry areas, shady spots, mowing too low,etc) to reduce weeds.[*]

Most of the following would be fun to do with kids too – and would provide a great opportunity to teach them about how we are all interconnected with the planet!

Mow high.

Mowing too low places stress on grass plants and exposes growing weeds to sunlight. Let the grass grow a little – who wouldn’t like this tip?

Plant worms.

Planting earthworms are hugely beneficial to grass. Worms provide free fertilizer, aerate soil and even eat cur grass.

Refrain from watering.

During certain dry periods, allow the grass to enter its natural dormancy…and give the pocket book a little breather.

Dandelions.

It’s good to cut these particular weeds out by hand at the root. Get some vitamin D, and put the kids to work collecting dandelions.

Aerate.

Compacted dirt will promote weeds. Aerate your lawn twice a year and plant grass which will choke out weeds (pick varieties that are resistant to drought and need little mowing).

Prevent: Autism.

 

pre· vent [verb]: to act ahead of; forestall. to anticipate.

Experts, committees and awareness groups will rally this Tuesday (4/2/13) for Autism Awareness Day. They will speak of the continued efforts to develop and expand the current philosophies and research about why autism rates have exploded in the last few decades.

While each day and each hour passes, the sense of urgency is carved deeper into all of our lives, young and old.

….leaving us grasping for anything that can be done.

ASD is an extremely heterogeneous group of disorders with multiple subgroups that share a behavioral commonality. There is no medical or genetic test for autism and there is no one underlying cause of ASD – to some extent prevention is elusive. However, there are certain risk factors that are associated with an increase of susceptibility of ASD. [*]

We know that environmental toxicity and nutrition can play a key role in mythylation (a process the controls how genes are expressed). We must begin to use the knowledge we have gathered about known factors contributing to autism and apply them to our lives!

Environment

It is known that ‘environmental exposures and genetic susceptibility work in concert’ to increase the risk of ASD and becoming aware of environment stressors and exposures can play a pivotal role in the prevention ASD.[*][*][*][*][*]

When it comes to pesticides, our knowledge base is still growing about the timing, dose and which of the various mechanisms induce ASD. But what we do know, beyond any hesitation, is that pesticide exposure can impair neurodevelopment in children.[*][*][*][*]

Eat Organic (or local) Food

Wheat and corn products are the two most likely commodities contributing to pesticide exposure in children.  Organic does make a difference.[*][*]

Use natural products in your house.

(Cleaners, shampoos, laundry detergents, toothpaste, lotions, personal care products)

If the increased cost of more natural options deters you from eliminating chemical-laden cleaners and products, try making them yourself! There are many options available now and the competition among natural products have driven consumer prices down in recent years.

Be cautious of Flame Retardant chemicals (FR, PBDE)

In 2012, research was published that confirmed that flame retardant chemicals affected a specific gene mutation linked to Rett’s syndrome (a condition on the autism spectrum that primarily affects girls).[*]

These chemicals are widespread in children products, in fact, one study found 80 percent of baby and children’s products contained toxic flame retardants (some items include: furniture, car seats, strollers, baby changing mats, crib mattress, carpet padding pillows (even breastfeeding pillows) and pajama clothing).[*]

This particular point can be challenging since products aren’t required to be labeled as containing these chemicals.  Becoming more aware of which products contain FR is the first step.

You can cover mattresses and pillows with allergen barriers to reduce exposure to dust that contains PBDEs (I place a polyethylene shower curtain on our mattresses). You can also use a vacuum fitted with a HEPA filter or an air cleaner with a HEPA filter which reduces the FR-contaminates in the house. You can read more here as well.     

If dry cleaning your clothes, find a ‘green’ dry cleaner.

Most dry cleaning facilities will use a chemical called perchlorethylene, this is a known carcinogen and exposure has been associated with male animal models developing autism-like symptoms.[*]

Filter your water

Most of us are lucky enough to have access to treated water, however the water that comes out of the tap isn’t just H2O. Thanks to contamination from agriculture chemicals, cleaning products, pesticides, fertilizers, runoff from waste disposal sites, and industrial dumping – over 200 synthetic chemicals can be found in our drinking water. [*]

Lead is a heavy metal known to affect brain and nervous function – especially dangerous in children. Fluoride in water also influences hormones and brain function. Learn more about your filter choices at the Natural Resource Defense Council’s website here.[*][*][*][*]

‘Green’ industrial cleaners at school (daycares) too

Petition your local school to use cleaners that are safe for children. Using heavy-duty industrial cleaners increase indoor air pollution. Children are, of course, more vulnerable to the fumes inhaled by harsh chemical products (children breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults). Also, the residue from the chemicals used are absorbed through the skin and absorbed into the body.

Start by printing this pdf off and talk to the administration about how you can help keep children healthy. 

Improve air quality in your home

When you think of air pollution, you are not likely to think about the pollution in your house – however, you should!

Obviously, don’t smoke (even smoking outside and then coming into the house contaminates the air – just quit already).  Try to open windows and create cross ventilation whenever possible. Avoid air fresheners and candles.

Here are two links (here and here) to learn more about indoor air pollutants.

Nutrition

What a child eats absolutely contributes to over health and in some research has been seen to affect the clinical manifestation and development of autism.[*] 

We even know that certain nutritional interventions can even reverse underlying biochemical disturbances seen in autism (improvements in behavioral characteristics such as repetitive stereotypes, hyperactivity, social contact, and self-injurious behavior).[*][*]

Eliminate HFCS

Autism prevalence is related to the consumption of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) for a variety of reasons. It seems that the ingestion of HFCS leads to mineral imbalances which create multiple pathways for oxidative stress in the brain from exposure to OP pesticides and heavy metals.[*]

HFCS is found in sodas, junk foods, and processed snacks…adds one more reason not to buy that crap.

Avoid artificial food dyes and colorings

Autism has also been associated with certain artificial coloring additives found in processed foods. They also interfere with neurological processes (particularly behavior, personality and learning ability).[*][*][*]

Eat more Omega-3s

Evidence is mounting that a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders.[*] 

Omega-3 supplementation for treatment of children with ASD has been found to improve cognition, sleep, social interaction, eye contact and sleep.[*][*][*][*]

Omega-3 fatty acids also promote growth of neurons within the brain and can strengthen the surrounding myelin sheaths.

An excellent source of omega-3s is wild caught salmon, flax seeds, walnuts and some dark, leafy green vegetables. Krill oil is also a popular option (which can be a mercury-free source of fish oil) –supplements like Nordic Natural or OmegaBrite are great supplement options.[*]

Take Vitamin D3 supplements

Vitamin D plays a critical role in the development of the brain and research shows it is essential for normal brain functioning. Literature suggests that maternal vitamin D3 deficiency increases risk for autism in children.[*][*][*] 

The numbers I’ve seen - If you are pregnant, it is suggested to take 5,000 IUs daily. If you are nursing, take 7,000 IUs daily.[*]

I currently give my daughters 1,200 IUs daily along with a multivitamin. (Be mindful of HFCS and artificial coloring-read the label of your vitamins, especially those made for children.)

Avoid Antibiotics

(and if you can’t, avoid repeated/long-term use and always employ use of probiotics)

Using antibiotics eliminate both harmful and beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Over 500 hundred different kinds of beneficial bacteria is located in the small and large intestines of which hundreds of functions are performed for health metabolism and immune function. Through certain enzyme secretions, these healthy bacteria transform metabolic and microbial wastes (which include hormones, chemical waste, bile, viral toxins, bacterial toxins, cellular debris, etc.).[*] 

Research has emphasized caution regarding the increase in use of antibiotic course treatments in children and its association with ASD (particularly the damage done to the intestines).[*][*][*][*][*][*]

Antibiotics also damage the intestinal wall structure (both physically and chemically) by fostering growth of Candida albicans, fungi and yeast – which promotes Leaky Gut Syndrome.[*] 

Antibiotics should be withheld unless they are clearly needed.

Breastfeed (longer)

Children that are breastfed, and who are breastfed for longer periods have a lower risk of being diagnosed with autism. As this is the case, it is also very important for the nursing mother to be aware of her exposure to environmental toxicity and nutritional deficiencies.[*][*][*][*][*]

If you find yourself unable to breastfeed, then be sure to find a formula that does (1) not contain HFCS (2) is organic (3) is supplemented with DHA/ARA. And when preparing formula try your best to use (1) unfluorinate bottled/filtered water and (2) glass or stainless steel bottles.

Limit dairy  

In particular casein which is in all milk products. Casein has been documented in aggravating clinical symptoms of autism. Casein in dairy products breaks down into a peptide fragment called casomorphin which has opioid characteristics (yes, you’re literally addicted to cheese).[*][*]

If you are unsure reducing dairy is a good direction for your family, consider that many children (and adults) suffer from dairy intolerance which is much more difficult to diagnose then dairy allergy. Some symptoms of dairy intolerance are eczema and diarrhea (foul smelling poo). Some related dairy problems are ear infections, asthma, hives, ADD/ADHD and autism

Limiting milk/dairy does not mean giving up calcium. Many foods (such as cereals and rice) are enriched with calcium – not to mention that green veggies like spinach and broccoli are awesome sources of calcium as well.

Instead of ice cream – try for sorbet, pudding or fruit-based popsicles. Try alternative plant-based milks.

Vaccines

Although mainstream media, certain vaccine inventors (Paul Offit) and the majority of pediatricians would like to eradicate all vaccine-autism discussions, there are many scientists supporting research that remains to be completed regarding vaccine safety and autism.

In 2009, the director of one NIH (National Institute of Health) agency stated there is legitimate concern and a valid call to study a group of the pediatric population more susceptible (on a genetic basis) to develop ASD in response to vaccination.[*]  

There is a lack of clear evidence to either refute or accept a specific relationship, but concern exists regarding cross-reacting response to particular vaccine component, a mitochondrial disorder, or other yet-unknown responses that a subpopulation of children may be susceptible to.

Some other recent research states:

There is very current research now questioning the use of aluminum in vaccines and its ability to cause ASD. 2008[*]

Further study into the relationship between vaccines and autism is warranted. 2011 [*]

Experimental research clearly shows that aluminum adjuvants have a potential to induce serious immunological disorders in humans. In particular, aluminum in adjuvant form carries a risk for autoimmunity, long-term brain inflammation and associated neurological complications and may thus have profound and widespread adverse health consequences. 2011 [*]

What is becoming more evident in autism research is the link between the immune and neurological systems and the concern that a dysregulated or abnormal immune response may be involved in some forms of ASD.[*]

Hyperactivity in immune cells and molecules, such as cytokines, can affect cognitive and emotional processing particularly in the modulation of systemic and CNS responses to infection, injury, and inflammation.[*]

This absolutely does not mean rejecting vaccines.

What this does mean is making informative decisions about your child’s vaccination schedule.  

Wait if your child is sick

Postpone vaccination 1 or 2 weeks until your child is healthy (or if he/she was recently on antibiotics).

No Tylenol (Acetaminophen)

Never use Tylenol before or after vaccination.

According to one study completed in 2008, acetaminophen use after vaccination was significantly associated with autistic disorder with children 5 years of age or younger.[*]

This significant association is believed to be due to acetaminophen reducing the available amount of glutathione in the body – which is needed to eliminate toxins.

Delay and/or Select

The most effective and cautious course to pediatric health care is an individual approach.

Vaccination is not all or nothing. For example, your newborn might not need the Hepatitis B vaccine – a better choice may be to delay. That is your choice.

The current ACIP and CDC recommended vaccine schedule is not based on research testing the schedule in its entirety. [*Pg83]

In fact, the most recent report (2013, by IOM) stated, “No evidence is available from studies that have directly examined the current immunization schedule (most studies enrolled children in the 1990s, and most were not conducted in the United States)”.[*]  

The first step in making responsible choices in your child’s vaccination schedule is to learn about the disease (prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, etc) you are going to vaccinate against. An excellent resource is NVIC – which has a user friendly site listing information on each disease and the corresponding licensed vaccines. Another resource to confirm the data found on NVIC is the CDC’s Pinkbook.

National Vaccine Information Center –Diseases and Vaccines

CDC Pink book: Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Conclusion

Many of these lifestyle and dietary adjustments not only are associated with a decrease in ASD, but they offer a myriad of overall health benefits.

Do your best to provide superior sources of nutrition for your children, be mindful of their environment and utilize an individualized vaccine schedule.

Each child depends, in a very large part, on their caregiver to help them be healthy to explore, dream and create their lives. If there is chance that chemicals are going to interfere with such wonderment then we must be diligent in using them in a sensible and responsible manner-whether that be agricultural pesticides, cleaners used in our schools, chemical additives to food, or in our method of reducing communicable disease.

This post was inspired after watching the Fall 2012 ARI Conference presentation of ’10 Americans’ by President and Co-founder of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Ken Cook.

Ken reveals the shocking number of toxic chemicals EWG's research team found in the umbilical cord blood of 10 American babies born in 2004. This landmark study affirms the negative impact that environmental pollution can have on human health, especially relating to autoimmune diseases and autism.

You can the webinar here: http://www.autism.com/index.php//webinars/cook_2012

Veganism: The Next Step in Moral Evolution

Before becoming vegan myself, there was an idea already in my head of some airy-fairy, mid-twenty new-ager who spoke of horror stories of undercover footage of how factory farm animals were treated or, better yet, someone throwing buckets of blood on people who bought fur coats…all in hopes of converting the uneducated meat-eating masses.

At the beginning, I did NOT decide to stop eating meat/dairy because of the humane aspect. In fact, my main reason was for the health benefits (check out The China Study to begin learning more). Although, I was (at least I thought I was) aware of the humane characteristic of the lifestyle –I never planned on shunning a Coach purse made of leather or bother finding out if the cosmetics I was buying was tested on animals or not.

Sure, I felt that the ethics a ‘lifestyle-vegan’ stood for was great and all, but I never thought of ever actually choosing to become one.  

That’s the thing – no one ever thinks they are going to become vegan. You simply do not choose change like that. 

About 8 months into my journey in eliminating meat and dairy, I found I had enough courage to begin to bear witness with my eyes and my ears to what we make approximately 72 billion animals (each year) bear witness to with their bodies and souls.

I purchased Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home and it was incredibly honest and incredibly powerful. (If you are wondering, this is NOT one of those documentaries that goes undercover and tries to shock-change people, you can learn more about it here)

Visual images are very powerful to humans. It’s very challenging to grab a rubber erase or a bottle of white out and simply scrap the emotion and reactions felt when witnessing a particularly moving visual scene. I think we all can easily re-call the smoke billowing out from the twin towers from 9/11 or those graphic pictures we where shown in high school history books of bodies piled up during the Holocaust.

People use many reasons to avoid addressing particular humane issues when it comes to the food they eat. People simply have “enough on their plate” as it is and challenging the deepest aspects of a person’s upbringing and education is enormously daunting. Not to mention that we are all pretty much neatly removed from observing any horrors of the meat, dairy and egg industry – just look at all those happy cow commercials, right?

Meat-eating, dairy-loving people truly believe themselves to be kind and compassionate to animals; they love their dog and cats, they give money to the local animal shelter and they even brake for a family of Canadian geese crossing a semi-busy street.

What is the underlying catalyst among those animal-friendly people who become vegan and those who do not?

I’m not sure if it’s because I’m a mother now (there are a tremendous amount of changes I’ve made since being a parent and I’m not sure if this can be attributed to motherhood or not), but the images and knowledge I now have pertaining to the unethical treatment (particularly of dairy cows - and their calves) has damaged me and when I recall the information I feel as sick as I did when I first learn of it.

In a strange turn of events, the one thing I thought I would never be able cease (dairy) is one of the main factors that has solidified me becoming vegan.

Dairy. is. no. longer. appetizing. to. me.

(…not to mention there are great alternatives available).

True, dairy cows aren’t raised solely for the purpose for slaughter…instead, to put it in perspective, their devastating existence is drawn out a few years longer. One dairy cow will give birth to approximately 3-6 calves all whom are immediately taken from her. The female cow will be administered  hormones and a constant stream of antibiotics. The substantially unnatural demand of lactation will deplete calcium from her own bones – the bottom-line: that she will generate enough milk to fill as many half-pint containers for school children to drink each day as possible.

When she finally finds herself free from this “life”, her body will produce 2,000 quarter-pounders to a fast food franchise that will serve 7 billion low-cost happy-meals a year. 

****

I was asked last week by a colleague at work, if I truly believe the future of our diet as a community will not consist of consuming meat and/or dairy products.

I took a minute to consider the question and answer him honestly. The answer that surfaced did not surprised me, however the rationale did.

The answer is no, simply because compassion and reverence for Life is the goal of our human evolution.

Embracing veganism is not a moderate resolution. Instead, it is a dramatic, courageous, positive change the world is destined to experience. 

It takes courage to witness the suffering and cruelty that is being done on our watch. A part of you breaks. From that space, reverence and authenticity emerges.

The feedback I got when I asked my friends how they viewed people who choose not to eat meat/dairy was indifferent.

‘It’s everyone’s choice to eat what they want.’

‘As long as ‘they’ aren’t pushing their beliefs on me, then it’s fine.’

However, one simply does not choose to become vegan so it is impossible to try and ‘convert’ someone.

Becoming vegan is definitely isolating at times and (as with anything challenging within ourselves) it’s easy and more comfortable to focus on judging others – but that’s not what I choose to do.  I hope the people around me don’t think I am judging them or hoping to ‘convert’ them – because I truly understand veganism not to be a choice.

You see, I recognize that the only way to eliminate pain and suffering (by both animal and human) is very simple. Create Love and compassion in this world. This is our contribution and gift back to God (or whatever you choose to call it – the Source, the Divine, Buddha, etc). This Gift is not just a vegan’s gift but every and every one of us - to every creature (human and non-human) and with this we have the power to evolve our human race.

 The quotes provided throughout this post were taken from the book: Eternal Treblinka: Our Treatment of Animals and the Holocaust