Homeopathics for Vaccinations to Minimize Side Effects

It's that time of year! Time for boosters!

For some people, vaccinations really wipe them out. So, while this is not intended to be medical advice for anyone/everyone (and of course should not replace a conversation with a medical provider), I wanted to offer you some homeopathic options to look into.

So when I go for my vaccinations, this is what I use:

Thuja occidentalis 15C or 30C. I put 10 pellets under my tongue as I am getting ready to receive the vaccine(s). I then take the same dose again later that day and again every day thereafter for a total of 8 doses. This is 2 doses the first day and then 1 dose for 6 more days (80 pellets in a vial). I like the Boiron brand, which you can purchase at a store like a Vitamin Shop or at Mertz Apothecary in Lincoln Square (or online).

If a person is particularly sensitive (breaks out in rashes easily, for example), Silicea 9C or 12C is helpful, but the dose is 5 pellets per day under the tongue for a total of 16 doses.

These homeopathics help to minimize side effects, but of course, if you have hives, swelling, shortness of breath, palpitations, or other side effects from a vaccine (or any other medication), you should seek conventional medical treatment immediately.

If you'd like to book a 10-minute call with me to go over your options and whether this is right for you (or you need something else for support), I'm making that available this fall for just $20.

Meal delivery services take a lot of the fuss and worry out of meal prep, especially when you're trying to make positive changes in your diet.

Having good food already in the house makes the healthy choice much simpler on a busy weeknight, and most services let you pause deliveries for a week when you're traveling or still working through last week's leftovers.

My rule of thumb is to plan about 2/3 of the meals for the week, which leaves room for leftovers, spontaneity, and going out. For me, that meant 6 breakfasts, 4-5 lunches, and 4-5 dinners planned each week (adjust for your own household and calendar, of course).

Here are a few options to explore:

Splendid Spoon: Plant-based soups, stews, grain bowls, and smoothies that ship frozen and only need a quick heat-up. I used to subscribe and loved having something warm and nourishing ready with zero prep (and the smoothies were great too).

Green Chef: A meal kit with easy recipes you cook yourself in about 30 minutes. Their Mediterranean plan, along with Sodium Smart and Low Added Sugar options, makes it easy to cook heart-healthy meals at home, and their gluten-free menu is certified.

Thistle: Fresh, ready-to-eat meals built around vegetables, with everything gluten- and dairy-free. They deliver along both the East and West Coasts, so check your zip code.

Urban Remedy: Organic, plant-forward meals, snacks, and juices made without gluten, dairy, or refined sugar. You can find them at Whole Foods Market and order them for delivery through Whole Foods on Amazon.

Epicured: Chef-prepared, gluten-free meals developed with doctors and dietitians, originally for digestive conditions and now for heart health, diabetes, and more. A great pick if you're managing a few things at once.

Modify Health: Fully prepared meals with Mediterranean, low-sodium, and low FODMAP plans, shipped nationwide. The meals keep in the fridge for about a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months (bonus for anyone who likes to stock up).

Trifecta: Mostly organic, gluten-free prepared meals where the planning, shopping, and cooking are all handled for you, with free nutrition coaching if you'd like some guidance along the way.

Methodology: High-protein, high-fiber meals that reheat in about 5 minutes and arrive in reusable glass jars and bentos. This one sits at the pricier end, so it might work best as a reset week or a treat.

Pick one that sounds good, try a single week, and see how much lighter dinnertime feels when the thinking is already done for you.