A reader writes: “Dear Dr. Gardner, I mentioned your comments [on the swine flu vaccine]to a neighbor of mine who is a physician. This is the feedback he gave me:
‘This well meaning MD, now naturopath, has misstated many important facts, and comes across as authoritative, when in fact, his ignorance of some basic microbiology and virology is apparent to most medically educated readers. My advice: get the swine flu as soon as it becomes available for your (our) age group. While it may not provide 100% protection, it will at least ameliorate the disease if you contract it.’
My reader asks: “ Why would he say this about your article?”
His neighbor’s response caused me to smile. I understand his thinking. Interestingly enough, I have been there. For over 20 years my medical practice focused on traditional, allopathic standards for medical care—mainly prescribing antibiotics and surgery when necessary. That was what I was taught in medical school. However, as I studied and listened to my patients and began reading the scientific studies, I had a paradigm shift. I came to understand how significant it is that our bodies are able to heal themselves, if they have sufficient nutrition on board and the immune system is supported. Of course, that is too simplistic an answer for all cases, so I am stating that, as a general rule, we need to be aware that we are in charge of our own bodies, and we can be full of dynamic health and energy by following some core health principles. I mean no unkindness or disrespect to my allopathic colleagues when I make my comments below.
There are many potential reasons as to why he would say this, so let me mention just a few.
“MD, now naturopath”—Webster’s Medical Desk Dictionary defines naturopathy as follows: a system of treatment of disease that avoids drugs and surgery and emphasizes the use of natural agents (as air, water and sunshine) and physical means (as manipulation and electrical treatment). The premise of my practice, as amply demonstrated on my website, is that you have alternatives to drugs and surgery. Standard or allopathic medicine treatment emphasizes medications, surgeries and many invasive diagnostic and treatment modalities. The patient becomes a passive participant in this process. Allopathic physicians’ emphasis is on treating symptoms through interfering or controlling the physiology of the body, including a ‘kill the enemy’ approach to infections and cancer. This whole process is heavily influenced by the pharmaceutical industry, insurance companies, physician group consensus and tradition.
I maintain that the body is self-healing if the nutrients and building blocks are present and toxic substances are removed. My emphasis is on treating the cause of the illness, working with the physiology and biochemistry of the cell and body function. Our emotions and thoughts also play a key role in the physical manifestation of disease. The natural defenses and immune system of the body can be strengthened to guard against infection and cancer. It does require a commitment on the part of the patients to assume responsibility for their own health.
In regard to the doctor’s comment: “his ignorance of some basic microbiology and virology is apparent to most medically educated readers. . .has misstated many important facts”—I can’t be certain of what he meant; I will have to guess here. But I propose an interesting question—who decides or defines what is fact? It may be that in this doctor’s mind, anybody who has opinions outside the ‘party line’ of the medical establishment is misstating important facts. In case he is open to this response, let me state a few “facts:”
- Fact—the safety studies on the vaccine with the adjuvant used are not available; the people receiving the vaccine are the first ones being studied.
- Fact—a pandemic has been declared for a virus that has already passed through its season in the southern hemisphere, and
- Fact—this version of H1N1 is actually not as deadly as the typical influenza flu viruses we typically see every year, which kills 20,000 to 30,000 people every year.
- Fact—what is being reported as deaths from H1N1 typically has a root cause that involves a heavily compromised immune system or respiratory system in the death—but interestingly, the root causal disease is not mentioned, and H1N1 is reported in the media as the “cause of death.”
The best protection that any of us have against any illness or disease is to be healthy. We need to avoid the foods that interfere with our immune systems—in particular, sugar and processed foods—and eat foods that feed and nourish all the cells of our body. This requires general supplements. Vitamin D, with its immunomodulatory effect, will provide specific protection against influenza viruses. Each of us is exposed to many infectious illnesses constantly without becoming infected ourselves, or we may get a very mild case of the infection.
Bottom line with my thinking is this: We have healthy alternatives. We are in charge of our own body, and we can make the choice to become healthy. We want to be careful that we do not become complacent in our vigilance of health by thinking that drugs and vaccines will protect us or come to our rescue.
My doctor says I can get all the vitamins and minerals I need from my food. What is your opinion on this?
I used to say the same thing to my patients, back in the days before I studied healthy alternatives. It is the party line of allopathic medicine, although that is starting to change. Here's the bottom line, and I'll follow up with some info on what allopaths are now doing:
14 responses so far ↓
1 Kat // Nov 18, 2009 at 7:33 am
Way to go Doc, I am very glad to be a part of your website. I have been very active in keeping my body healthy and find that when you challenge a doctor with questions; most will blow you off! I am glad to see you and others letting us know it is Our responsibility to keep our bodies healthy. I have been free of illness for years and plan on keeping it that way. Thanks for a great website full of Great information.
2 Melanie // Nov 18, 2009 at 8:18 am
I agree with you 100%!! I see way too many people turn their entire health over to their doctors instead of trusting themselves to help their bodies heal. I took some herb classes a few years ago and now use vitamins, herbs and homeopathic remedies and have not taken an antibiotic in years. I am grateful for doctors like you who are willing to speak up and show us healthy alternatives. Thank you and keep up the good work!!
3 Gene Pearce // Nov 18, 2009 at 8:44 am
So, whatever happened (in the minds of allopathic doctors) to “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?”
4 Reg // Nov 18, 2009 at 10:05 am
After close to 25 years of living according to nutritional science principles under the guidance of a medically qualified physician I can testify to its power and validity. If the doubters in the medical profession would take the time to study the science they will change their view. This is happening, thankfully, in ever increasing numbers. Just try googling ‘Eat To Live’ and start studying the science.
5 Susan // Nov 18, 2009 at 10:13 am
Amen!!! Your response to the “mainstream” thinking doctor is right on!!! Too often the arrogance (or just plain lack of knowledge/research) in some MDs is palpable. I appreciate your point of view and know that it resonates with me. Thanks for keeping us on our toes.
6 Joyce South // Nov 18, 2009 at 10:19 am
Thank you so much for this information. I am forwarding it to all my family, friends and clients. I will also make a copy of it and post it in the waiting room for ALL of my clients to see. I have helped MANY of my clients with the information that you have placed on your website because they ask me how to get off of certain medication and take care of their problems naturally. I tell them to study what you say and then be prayerful to know the correct steps to take. I lean heavily on your advise. Thanks again, Joyce
7 Dave, RN // Nov 18, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Gene Pearce, it’s simple “an ounce of prevention prevents a pound of profits”.
8 Marybeth Marchant // Nov 18, 2009 at 2:09 pm
It’s so nice to see a wise doctor. Thank you for your information. I wish there were more like you.
We need to find a way to get people to see past the AMA and recognize truth.
9 Rosemary Evans // Nov 18, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Way to go - I appreciate your comments and insights. We are responsible for our own health and I believe that everything we need is provided for us in nature.
Thanks for reminding everyone of that fact. Not, that MD’s don’t have their place but we need to remember that they do their best after you have some problem but they are not usually into preventive medicine. So…thanks again!
10 Rosemary Evans // Nov 18, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Way to go - I appreciate your comments and insights. We are responsible for our own health and I believe that everything we need is provided for us in nature.
Thanks for reminding everyone of that fact. Not, that MD’s don’t have their place but we need to remember that they do their best after you have some problem but they are not usually into preventive medicine. So…thanks again!
11 Nina Shildneck // Nov 18, 2009 at 9:41 pm
It boggles my mind to think that a Creator who created the whole universe was unable to create a self-healing body. Oh course you are right! I’m so grateful to you and others who dare to challenge the mainstream medical thinkers and big pharma to help the rest of us live a long and healthy life. After all, if mainstream medicine practitioners and big pharma helped us stay healthy, what would happen to their profit???
God bless. Nina
12 Sarah Allred // Nov 18, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Dr. Gardner,
I love all the information that you arm us with. I haven’t felt right about the H1N1 vaccination and my Primary Physician has been great about not pressuring it for my little ones. However, I am pregnant and I have been pressured by my OB to get the vaccination. I told him that I am not comfortable with it. He wants me to make the decision and I still feel bad. Now, I am told that this “swine” flu is different because it can be passed to my baby and cause it to be born with it and complications. Is this true? I feel it is a scare tactic…but is there any validity to it. I am just curious if it is true that my baby can get it if I do. Please calm my fears and give me some facts to throw back if I get pressured again. Thanks, Sarah
13 Gary // Nov 19, 2009 at 11:41 am
The truth will prevail! What a great website with loads of wonderful information. Keep up the good work Dr. Gardner.
14 judith // Dec 10, 2009 at 11:43 pm
It seems obvious to me that this administration needed a Pandemic to push through their health-care bill. I’m so glad there are voices of reason like yours who provide different, rational information.
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