The improper intake of antibiotic medication can harm the human body's immune system, pointed out Dr. Mona Sanan, nutritional consultant for Al Rabie Saudi Food Company, during a special lecture delivered recently at the King Fahd Medical City (KFMC) in Riyadh on the sidelines of the Antibiotics Awareness Day that was observed in the Kingdom. The event, which was sponsored by the KFMC Pharmacy Services Department, aimed at informing participants about the importance of responsibly using antibiotic medication and balancing it with a healthy lifestyle and diet as a means to help boost the body's immune system. Dr. Mona pointed out that a lot of people tend to take antibiotic medication habitually and without the proper guidance and advice from a medical expert like a doctor or a pharmacist. She warned that the improper intake of antibiotics can lead to adverse side effects like nausea, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea and colic. “If taken correctly and as per the recommendation of a physician, antibiotics can help your body's immune system by killing harmful bacteria. However, if you take more than what has been prescribed, the antibiotic medication can also destroy the good bacteria that your body needs in order to maintain a healthy immune system,” she said. Eman Al Amoudi and Nada Al Zakri, KFMC clinical dieticians, were also on hand to provide important dietary tips for people who are currently using antibiotics for treatment. The two diet experts recommended the increased intake of fluids like juice and water to avoid dehydration and also recommended eating yoghurt as it acts as a substitute for beneficial bacteria. Al Rabie Saudi Food Company Ltd., a pioneering producer of dairy products and juices in Saudi Arabia, provided samples of juices, milk and Awal Qatfa to participants attending the seminar. Dr. Mona noted that Al Rabie's line of fruit juices and milk drinks are healthy diet accompaniments for people who are taking antibiotics. Al Rabie's fruit juices contain Vitamin C and are free from additives and preservatives, making them healthy choices in boosting immunity levels.
