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Modern people live a fast-paced and stressful life, and many people will have headaches, brain fever, stomach pain, and insomnia. With the advancement of medicine, there is a wide variety of medicines, and there is a corresponding medical treatment for almost any discomfort.
However, some medications are good, but long-term use may reduce our immunity and cause harm to the body. Let's talk about these six drugs in detail, see how they affect the immune system and the risks of taking them in the long term.
Long-term use of antibiotics is associated with decreased immunity
Antibiotics are powerful drugs that are often used to fight bacterial infections. Long-term use of antibiotics can have a negative impact on our immune system, especially broad-spectrum antibiotics like Vancomycin and Streptomycin. Studies have shown that antibiotics affect the immune response of the host by altering the composition of the gut microbiota.
A Canadian team of researchers conducted an experiment in 2008 to treat mice with vancomycin and streptomycin and found that the mice's gut microbiota changed significantly, which in turn affected the function of their immune systems.
In the experiment, the researchers treated mice with 150 to 450 mg/L of Streptomycin and 50 to 100 mg/L of Vancomycin for 2 days, and then infected the mice with Salmonella Typhimurium.
The results showed that antibiotic-treated mice showed higher levels of inflammatory cell infiltration and intestinal lesions. This dysbiosis of the microbiota not only increases the risk of infection, but may also lead to long-term weakened immunity.
Effect of immunosuppressants on immunity
Immunosuppressants, such as steroid drugs, are often used to treat autoimmune diseases and prevent organ transplant rejection. These drugs reduce inflammation and immune response by suppressing the activity of the immune system. Long-term use of immunosuppressants weakens the body's resistance to infection and increases the risk of infection.
Immunosuppressants weaken the immune response by inhibiting the function of T cells and B cells, and although necessary for the treatment of certain diseases, they also make patients more susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Long-term use of steroid medications can also lead to side effects such as osteoporosis, high blood sugar, and thinning of the skin.
Long-term risk of taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, etc., are widely used to relieve pain and inflammation. However, this class of drugs also has its drawbacks, especially when used for a long time.
NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, but they also inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins play an important role in protecting the gastric mucosa, maintaining blood flow to the kidneys, and regulating immune responses.
Long-term use of NSAIDs may lead to stomach ulcers, bleeding, renal impairment, and decreased immunity. Studies have shown that long-term use of NSAIDs suppresses certain functions of the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. NSAIDs may also interfere with the function of white blood cells, further weakening the immune response.
Potential effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on immunity
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, etc., are commonly used to treat hyperacidity and gastric ulcers. These drugs reduce stomach upset by inhibiting the secretion of stomach acid.
Long-term use of PPIs may adversely affect gut health and the immune system. Gastric acid plays an important role in digesting food and killing pathogenic bacteria in food, and inhibiting gastric acid secretion may lead to intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, increasing the risk of infection.
One study found that patients with long-term PPIs had a significant decrease in the diversity of their gut microbiota, which may lead to a decrease in the ability of the immune system to regulate, increasing the risk of infection and inflammation. PPIs may also affect nutrient absorption, further weakening immunity.
Long-term use of antidepressants and immunity
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are common antidepressants used to treat depression and anxiety. This class of drugs improves mood by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.
Long-term use of SSRIs may have an impact on the immune system. Studies have shown that serotonin not only plays a role in the brain, but also plays the role of a regulator in the immune system.
Long-term use of SSRIs may affect the function of immune cells and reduce the body's resistance to infection. One study found a significant increase in the incidence of infections in patients who used SSRIs for a long time.
This may be because SSRIs weaken the body's immune response by altering the function of immune cells. SSRIs can also cause other side effects such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, etc., which also need to be considered when using medications.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Long-term use of certain medications, such as antibiotics, immunosuppressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, proton pump inhibitors, and antidepressants, may adversely affect our immune system, increasing the risk of infections and other health problems. Although these drugs are effective in treating the disease in the short term, caution is required when taking them in the long term.
Rational use of medication under the guidance of a doctor and avoiding abuse and over-dependence on medication are important measures to protect yourself from the side effects of medications. Through a healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and adequate sleep, it can also help us boost our immunity and maintain good health.
Finally, what experiences and insights would you like to share? Feel free to leave a message in the comment area!
bibliography
1. Petersen C., Round J.L. (2014). Defining dysbiosis and its influence on host immunity and disease. Cellular Microbiology.
2. Finlay B.B., et al. (2008). Antibiotic-induced perturbations of the intestinal microbiota alter host susceptibility to enteric infection. Nature Medicine.