Why and how antibiotics contribute to the general weakening of the immune system?

Answer 1

Antibiotics do not weaken the immune system in general. By the time antibiotics are administered the immune system is already mounting a response to the bacteria. This is seen with inflammation, and fever. Pus is a sure sign of a vigorous immune response as neutrophils (phagocytizing white blood cells) are building up and eating up the invaders and dying. Antigens from the invaders are already being presented to B-Cells which become plasma cells and produce specific antibodies to tag the bacteria for destruction. The antibiotics remove the bacteria, but do not halt the immune response. It may, however, prevent a 'memory' from being created so when the bacteria shows up again, the immune response won't be as vigorous (a weaker secondary immune response, in other words).

It is better to treat infections with antibiotics than not to treat. The immune system is very good, but even at it's peak efficiency (in really healthy people) it isn't perfect and it isn't always quick enough in the face of an aggressive pathogen.

The problem with overprescribing antibiotics is selecting for resistance in bacteria. It is okay to prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial infection. However, in viral infections they still get prescribed because they present nearly the same symptoms. It isn't easy to tell just what type of organism is making the patient sick without doing a bunch of test that the HMO might not want to pay for.

Answer 2

People can develop a resistance to antibiotics if they take them too much. Antibiotic resistance is a consequence of evolution via natural selection or programmed evolution. The antibiotic action is an environmental pressure; those bacteria which have a mutation allowing them to survive will live on to reproduce. They will then pass this trait to their offspring, which will be a fully resistant generation.

In certain settings, such as hospitals and some child-care locations, the rate of antibiotic resistance is so high that the normal, low cost antibiotics are virtually useless for treatment of frequently seen infections. This leads to more frequent use of newer and more expensive compounds, which in turn leads inexorably to the rise of resistance to those drugs, and a never-ending ever-spiraling race to discover new and different antibiotics ensues, just to keep us from losing ground in the battle against infection.

Answer 3

Because antibiotics cannot distinguish between "good" and "bad" bacteria, they kill them all thus causing your immune system to weaken. Therefore it's essential to replenish the "good" bacteria in your body especially after and when taking antibiotics. Shaklee Optiflora is an excellent natural product to take care of this. It guarantees the delivery of live "good" bacterial (probiotic) gets in your intestines which will help to build your immune system back up.

Answer 4

Because it doesnt let the body fight on its own and build strength. It the over use of antibiotics that cause this, they still have their place when used right.

Answer 5

Antibiotics have a measure of toxins in them and if you don't have something to push the toxins out your antibiotics can't work as effectively as they should.

I learned this from one of my training courses from the business I'm in.