The improper intake of antibiotic medication can harm the human body’s immune system, said an expert at an antibiotics awareness event in Riyadh.

Dr Mona Sanan, nutritional consultant for Al Rabie Saudi Food Company, a leading producer of dairy products and juices in Saudi Arabia, was speaking during a special lecture delivered recently at the King Fahd Medical City (KFMC) in Riyadh on the sidelines of the Antibiotics Awareness Day.

Dr Sanan 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.

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.

“If taken correctly and as per the recommendation of a physician, antibiotics can help your body’s immune system by killing harmful bacteria,” said Dr Sanan.

“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.”

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. – TradeArabia News Service