(NaturalHealth365)  There is a rising awareness of the dangers of antibiotics.  Not only are viruses developing antibiotic resistance at an alarming rate, but research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine has found that antibiotic use can also make the gut microbiome and the immune system more prone to dis-ease.

The researchers believe that gut problems are due to the reduced levels of ‘good’ gut bacteria that help fight disease.  While antibiotics can help fight off unhealthy bacteria and other invaders, they can also suppress the growth of the bacteria that contribute to a healthy gut microbiome and a robust immune system.

Additionally, a 2023 study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that prior antibiotic use can negatively impact immune responses by diminishing gut microbiome diversity and altering systemic immune function.  The study demonstrated that patients with advanced gastric cancer who had taken antibiotics experienced poorer outcomes when treated with PD-1 inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy.

Immune system ‘first responder cells’ impaired by antibiotic use

The researchers specifically found that neutrophils, an important immune system white blood cell, were dramatically suppressed.  This weakened the intestinal barrier against invading bugs and made the entire immune system less effective at fighting off infections.

Neutrophils are in a sense the immune system’s “first responders” against invading foreign pathogens.  Antibiotics were found to disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome to the extent that natural microbes could not properly do their job.  This in turn left the gut and the entire body more susceptible to infection.

Researchers are still seeking more insights into the role of the gut microbiome in health.  Although the microorganisms that live inside us are still somewhat mysterious, they undoubtedly play a key role in digestion and overall health.

The entire gut microbiome and immune system are compromised by the overuse of antibiotics

For the study, the University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers focused on amebic colitis, a deadly parasitic infection commonly found in developing countries.  Antibiotic use is widespread in many third-world or developing countries.

The researchers collected and analyzed stool samples from children living in the slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh.  They found those with the most severe infections had far less gut microbiome diversity.  This correlated with high antibiotic use in this area, where children often receive two dozen or more antibiotic treatments by the age of two.

Use vitamin C, vitamin D, and a healthy diet to bolster the immune system naturally

This research adds to the mounting evidence that antibiotics should not be used unless absolutely necessary.  Not only does antibiotic overuse lead to multi-drug-resistant bacteria, but it also raises the risk of infection due to impaired immune system functioning.

Let this serve as a reminder to avoid antibiotics whenever possible.  Instead, strive to keep your immune system strong through a healthy diet, sufficient vitamin C, and adequate vitamin D intake through sunshine exposure and/or supplementation.

We at NaturalHealth365 can only hope that government health officials – especially within developing countries – will read this article and take action to help save lives.

Editor’s note: For the finest quality probiotics, vitamins C and D, I suggest you look at the LuvByNature brand.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
News-Medical.net