*Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Information contained in this post are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Please seek advice from your general practitioner or pediatrician for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance on the information in this post is taken at your own risk. Affiliate links contained in this post.
No matter which side of the vaccine debate you are on, the recent surge in media coverage on the latest measles outbreak can be alarming for any parent. There’s risks on both sides, whether you and your children have received vaccinations for measles or not, you may still be at risk of contracting measles. Despite current media hysteria, in the last three out of four years, there have been more cases of measles than there have been with this current outbreak. The risk has been there.
What we want to do here is simply be proactive and let you know what you can do to protect both you and your family during this time. So, what are naturals ways to protect against measles?
First, let’s talk about what you should be looking for? According to the CDC, common symptoms of measles are:
- fever
- pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- runny nose
- dry cough
- A skin rash
Measles, according to the CDC, starts with a mild to moderate fever, and then one notices the other symptoms. The rash is made up of small red spots, some of which could be raised, in clusters. Typically, one notices the rash behind the ears and along the hairline, then the face, down the arms and trunk, before moving to legs and feet.
What can I do to lessen our risk of measles and/or aid in the treatment of measles?
Most sources say there’s no treatment for measles, however, there are many correlations for lessening the complications of measles by:
- getting plenty of rest
- increasing fluids
- high doses of Vitamin A
- increasing Vitamin D and Vitamin C
We can start being proactive now by increasing our consumption of these vitamins and taking supplements to ensure that our and our children’s bodies are in their healthiest state. Instead of your normal go to foods, try getting 2-3 of these foods in everyday. Here’s 50 foods you can help boost your immunity to help protect against measles:
-Foods highest in Vitamin A
- Sweet Potato
- Carrots
- Kale
- Spinach
- Collard Greens
- Turnip Greens
- Other Dark Leafy Greens
- Butternut Squash
- Pumpkin
- Romaine Lettuce
- Dried Apricots
- Cantaloupe
- Red Peppers
- Bluefin Tuna
- Mango
- Papaya
- Broccoli
- Peas
- Asparagus
- Tomatoes
- Turkey Liver
- Beef Liver
- Fortified Oatmeal (check your labels)
- Paprika
- Fermented Cod Liver Oil
-Foods highest in Vitamin D
- Fermented Cod Liver Oil
- Trout, Salmon, and other oily fish
- Shiitake or Portabella Mushrooms
- Pork
- Beef Liver
- Orange Juice or Milk Fortified with Vit D
- Fortified Cereals (check your labels for more than 10% daily value)
- SUNLIGHT – Okay, this isn’t a food, but just 10 minutes of sunlight provides the daily recommended amount of Vitamin D. Stay outside for 30 mins everyday!
-Foods highest in Vitamin C
- Peppers (Yellow Bell highest, then red, then green)
- Guavas
- Kale
- Kiwi
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Strawberries
- Oranges
- Tomatoes
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Cantaloupe
- Peas
- Cauliflower
- Red Cabbage
- Lemon
Additionally, you should be making sure that:
- You are drinking plenty of fluids everyday
- Adults should be drinking 9-13 cups everyday (men more than women); Children over one should be drinking 4-5 cups everyday.
- Getting the recommended amount of sleep
Lastly, there are many supplements that you can take in addition to the above, especially if you do not feel like you are getting enough nutrients from food. For us, personally, we choose to give Skibbles
We take similar supplements for ourselves. These are some of the ways that we are working to naturally protect against measles ourselves, in addition to protecting about everyday illnesses that one may experience this time of the year. We truly hope that everyone stays safe and works hard to protect their immune systems the natural way.
This post is not meant to be looked at as saying that if you do these things you or your loved ones can’t catch measles, but rather that these things will boost your immune system to naturally protect against measles in the event that you do, they can lessen your overall symptoms.
We're Parents is a unique mom and dad natural parenting blog focusing on topics such as breastfeeding, babywearing, and car seat safety. You'll also find Delicious recipes, inspired travel recommendations, and more as you journey with us through parenting. 
