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Antibiotics, Stress, and Immune Depression Drugs

 

immune depression drugsA new study suggests that adding immune booster zinc supplements to the diet can boost the function of the immune system. The findings of this study, published in the May issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, imply that those who are deficient in zinc may be at risk for depression. Zinc is an essential mineral that is part of the vitamin group. It plays an important role in the body's mechanisms of fighting infection and disease.

For years, people have been aware that there is a connection between depression and immune dysfunction. Patients with HIV or AIDS are often prescribed medications that interfere with the HIV enzyme that aids the body's ability to fight off infections. Antibiotics have also been prescribed for immune disorders, including those that affect the immune system. In these cases, doctors may prescribe immunosuppressant drugs like Crixivan or Tamoxifen to suppress the immune system so that it can better fight off infection. However, many of these drugs only suppress the immune system, they do not cure it or improve its functions.

In a new paper published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, investigators suggest that there may be an opposite relationship between immune depression and HIV or AIDS. After conducting a survey of 615 adults with HIV or AIDS, researchers found that those who were lacking the essential vitamins and minerals found in a healthy diet were more likely to be deficient in zinc and other nutrients that are crucial to maintaining the immune system's proper function. While the researchers could find no evidence that zinc deficiency was the cause of immune depression, the results of the survey indicate that adding immune depression drugs to the diet may be a useful strategy to treat the deficiencies. The findings have been reported at a meeting of the American Association for the Study of Diabetes in Chicago.

Vitamins and minerals are necessary for the production of cells and the maintenance of healthy vision and organs. Zinc is one of the 20 essential minerals required for the immune system to function properly. Deficiencies in zinc may lead to fatigue, poor judgment and trouble concentrating. Low levels of vitamin B12 and folate are associated with an impaired immune system, as well as a higher risk of developing cancer.

The lack of vitamins and minerals may impair the body's ability to produce new cells. This means that your immune system may not be as efficient as it should be, leaving you vulnerable to infections. Researchers estimate that the majority of people with HIV/AIDS are zinc deficient. Adding a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement may help boost your immune system.

Of course, adding immune depression drugs to your diet is not the only way to optimize your health. Exercise, diet, stress management, and daily relaxation techniques can all have an effect on your immune system. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers. Stress, in turn, reduces the levels of the chemicals in your body that cause you to feel miserable, which can also help reduce your immune depression.

Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation have been shown to benefit your immune system as well. Studies show that those who meditate report lower stress levels and have more energy. Stress management, in turn, decreases your chances of acquiring immune depression drugs by 60 percent. Another important factor in maintaining optimal health is getting enough sleep, which is essential for your immune system.

If you do get ill, your immune system will be strengthened and you'll be able to fight off the illness. If you are feeling depressed, talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding your immune system. There may be some simple treatment steps you can take to improve it while you're combating the illness. A good, healthy lifestyle may just help you stay healthy even when you feel down.

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