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Nowadays the use of antibiotics has become very common. These medicines prevent bacterial infection and help in curing the infection. Usually doctors prescribe them in cases like toothache, throat infection, urinary tract infection. But often people stop them without consulting or completing the entire course. This can upset the balance of bacteria in the body, especially the good bacteria of the gut. Research has shown that antibiotics can also affect our good bacteria, which can change the way our immune system works.

incorrectly or repeatedly antibiotic Taking it may affect the body's defense system. In some people its effect may persist for a few days or even weeks. In such a situation, let us know how the immune system is getting weakened by repeatedly taking antibiotics and what research says about it.

Effect on immunity due to repeated taking of antibiotics? What does research say?

Some people have this belief that taking antibiotics repeatedly weakens the immunity. Immunity always gets weakened by taking antibiotics every time, this is not completely scientifically proven, but research has definitely indicated it. African Journal of Biomedical Research A study published in , states that while antibiotics kill bacteria, they can also affect the good bacteria present in our stomach. The microbiome of our stomach, along with the immune system, helps the body fight infections. When this balance is disturbed, the functioning of some parts of the immune system may change.

This means that the body's defense response may be less effective, especially if the medicine is taken inappropriately, in the wrong dose or for a long time. The research does not directly claim weakened immunity, but suggests that the balance of the immune system may be affected when the gut microbiota changes and there is a difference in the activity of immune cells.

How to protect?

First of all, antibiotics should not be taken without doctor's advice. If the doctor has prescribed the medicine, the entire course should be completed from beginning to end within the prescribed period, even if the symptoms seem to improve soon. At the same time, antibiotics are useful only for bacterial infections, they are not effective in viral infections like common cold/cough.

Including fibre, curd and probiotics in your diet supports the good bacteria of the stomach, which helps in balancing the immune system. Apart from this, regular exercise, adequate sleep and balanced diet keeps the body's natural immunity strong. If you experience side effects from any medicine, talk to your doctor immediately. In this way you can avoid possible harm associated with antibiotics.

What do experts say?

Professor Dr. Subhash Giri, Director, Department of Medicine, RML Hospital. Explains that antibiotics are not enemies in themselves, but can cause problems if used incorrectly.

The purpose of these medicines is to kill bacteria, not the immune system. But when taken unnecessarily or without medical advice, it also affects the good bacteria in the body, which can lead to an imbalance in the immune system. Therefore, take antibiotics as a medical treatment and use them only when needed.