The Hidden Danger That Threatens the Immune System: Food and Drugs

Our immune system, which is our biggest weapon against diseases, can be affected by many different conditions, from environmental factors to psychological problems. The Internal Medicine and Endocrinology Specialist pointed out that drugs and nutrition also have a serious effect on the immune system. 
Nutrition comes first as a must for a strong immune system. To achieve this, a variety of foods, fresh vegetables, and fruits are required. However, Yeditepe University Hospitals Internal Medicine and Endocrinology Specialist pointed out that excessive consumption of some products may weaken immunity and gave the following information:
“The immune system is the total of the processes that protect a living thing against diseases, recognize and destroy harmful organisms and tumor cells. The system scans every foreign substance that enters the body or comes into contact with the body and distinguishes them from healthy body cells and tissues. A strong immune system prevents the body from opposing external factors and the development of disease. On the other hand, many different environmental, psychological, and endogenous conditions (coming from within the body) can cause the immune system to be affected. Sometimes the foods we consume, sometimes the drugs we use can weaken the immune system.”

Beware of Packaged Products

Noting that excessive consumption of carbohydrates, sugar, and red meat, low-fiber refined products, foods rich in saturated fat, and packaged products can weaken the immune system, our expert shared the following about the problems that may arise:
“Frequent and excessive consumption of such products can lead to an increase in inflammation in the body, leading to the development of diseases. It is well known that excessive sugar consumption, in particular, disrupts the defense of immune system cells against bacteria. Excessive consumption of bread can also weaken immunity and therefore make it vulnerable to dangers. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid sugary drinks, processed foods, refined carbohydrates (sugar, white flour, etc.), alcoholic beverages, and tobacco products. ”

Consume These Products Every Day!

Reminding that our intestines are an important barrier that protects us against external factors, Yeditepe University Bağdat Street Polyclinic Internal Medicine, and Endocrinology Specialist: "The intestines are an important gateway to our immune system as they are exposed to many foreign substances entering the body with food every day. The immune cells in the intestines are the cells that are most exposed to antigens (foreign matter marks) in the body. Therefore, it can be said that a healthy body, in a sense, passes through intestinal health. Fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and micronutrients, seeds, whole grains, and dairy products should be consumed every day to keep the immune system strong. ”

Medications Can Also Weaken The Immune System

Reminding that some drugs used compulsorily in the treatment of diseases can weaken the immune system, our expert said, although these drugs used in cases such as autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation provide therapeutic effects, they cause the body to become open to infections. Hence, these patients should be more careful. 
Our expert gave the following information about the drugs: “Cortisone, one of the oldest known drugs, is used in the treatment of many diseases. Especially when used in tablet or needle form for a long time (more than 2 weeks), it suppresses the immune system and makes the body vulnerable to infection. Chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer also weaken immunity, although the main goal is to destroy cancerous cells. Apart from these, drugs used in the treatment of some autoimmune diseases strongly suppress the immune system, opioid painkillers used in overdose, and for a long time, even unnecessary antibiotics can weaken the immune system by disrupting the body's flora. Therefore, patients using this group of drugs must be followed closely and show special sensitivity in complying with the rules specified by their physicians. ”

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