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Combif AR (Medinova Switzerland) probiotic
Just over two months ago I had a serious case of food poisoning and diarrhea whilst traveling in Cambodia, and found myself seeking emergency medical treatment at a small and poorly resourced medical clinic in Sihanoukville. Dehydration and an imbalance of bodily fluids resulted in excruciatingly painful muscle cramps and a near-death experience which I will never forget. My treatment included intravenous medications including a saline drip and a broad-spectrum antibiotic. The clinic staff used drinking-water bottles filled with boiling water to warm my dangerously cold body, and I still have a scar on one foot where the boiling water blistered my skin (I could feel this happening at the time but considered it to be the least of my problems).
The acute food poisoning and diarrhea disappeared within less than 24 hours of treatment, but since then I have experienced irregular bowel movements characterized by two or three days of constipation, bloating, excess and malodorous gas, followed by one or two visits to the toilet with diarrhea-like symptoms. Although I feel part of the blame is my consumption of unhealthy Thai food (my symptoms almost disappeared during a visit to the UK) whilst staying in Thailand I must eat the local food.
Yesterday I visited a local Thai pharmacy and described my symptoms. I was impressed the pharmacist suggested antibiotics as the cause and not treatment of my problem – quite unlike many Thai doctors who will prescribe antibiotics for just about any ailment including viral infections. He suggested taking a food supplement or probiotic containing good bacteria to aid digestion. Within hours of taking the first capsule I felt much better, and now on the third capsule my symptoms have disappeared. I have just one capsule left which I will take later today.
The food supplement (sold as a blister pack with two capsules) is labeled as follows:
Combif AR (คอมบิฟ เออาร์)
More than 4 billion active B. longum for intestinal health
* Gastric acid resistance
* High content
* Healthy life
Each capsule contains:
* Bifidobacterium longum BB536 (53%) 165 mg
* Milk protein (23%) 72 mg
The supplement appears to be manufactured in Thailand on behalf of Medinova Switzerland (บริษัท เมดิโนวา จำกัด สวิสเซอร์แลนด์).
IMPORTANT: Please note that I do not have any medical training and do not endorse use of this product. I have no connection with Medinova Switzerland and cannot advise on the suitability of any medical treatment.
Comments
Combif AR - Probiotics As An Aid To Good Health Care
I'll keep this short [as nothing seems to get past my poor aircard]. I have been using probiotics now for many years as I do believe they enhance my overall health [which is generally poor]; particularly after a course of anti-biotics.
I have been hospitalised a number of times here in Thailand. The staff are really good [even though a Public Hospital in Isaan on most occassions with the exception of admittance to the Bangkok Samui Hospital Koh Samui 5 years ago - staff also excellent].
Once again with the exception of the Bangkok Samui Hospital, no 'medical person' [including pharmiscists] had ANY idea about probiotics!!?? Amazing. I ordered Combif AR through fascino pharmacy Tesco Lotus Ubon at 30 for 480 bahts. I see they are also advertised on-line here in Thailand.
I warn any farang [phonetic - foreigner] to consider using these every now and then with or without stomache upsets. They 're-foliate' intestinal and rectal [friendly] regrowth. This particular brand is very popular in Japan [as claimed by the manufacturer].
Finally, I would also take the precaution here to let you know that I AM NOT A MEDICAL PRACTIONER and that you take these [comments]at your own risk BUT I use the Combif AR capsules 3 times a year as a matter of routine. Cheers and chokdee [Thai for good luck].
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