A few years ago after having my second child, I found myself exhausted, overwhelmed and tired nearly every day. While being a new mom is hard work, I knew that sleep deprivation and the little time I had for myself were factors I couldn’t change. As time went on, I was able to focus on nutrition and eating well however I knew something else was missing. As a naturopath, I knew the benefits of IV therapy and wanted to see for myself what the results would be. After contacting a dear colleague who suggested I come in weekly IV sessions for about a month and a half, I noticed improvement in my energy and focus. He had prescribed what is called a Myer’s cocktail which infuses vitamin C, B vitamins and other nutrients to help improve energy. As I saw improvement, I knew that more women could benefit from IV therapy.
IV therapy is gaining more recognition for the treatment of many health conditions. As we deal with increasing levels of stress, vegetables grown in nutrient-depleted soil, overuse of medications, environmental pollutants, IV therapy can be a method to support metabolic process, detoxification and optimize health.
What is IV Therapy?
IV therapy is the infusion of nutrients and antioxidants delivered directly into the bloodstream. The process allows for higher nutrient levels to be delivered to the cells, since the procedure bypasses the digestive system. Our cells use these nutrients to increase energy production as well as for repair and healing throughout the body. IV therapy can provide therapeutic benefits beyond what can be achieved by oral supplementation.
Who Can Benefit from IV therapy?
Many conditions can benefit from IV therapy including:
– Adrenal fatigue
– Burnout and chronic stress
– Chronic Fatigue
– Detoxification
– Fibromyalgia
– Headaches/Migraines
– Poor Immune Function
– Athletic recovery
– Rehydration and Recovery
– Poor Immune Function
– Acute or chronic infections
– Crohns/colitis/malabsorption
– PMS & Hormone imbalances
– Anxiety and depression
– Weight loss & metabolism
– Integrative Cancer Support
– Allergies
What’s in the IV?
The most common type of IV is called a Myer’s cocktail which contains vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium and calcium. After taking a thorough intake and reviewing blood work, the infusion is customized based on the individual’s needs by adding other nutrients such as NAC or glutathione for example.
What is the difference between taking vitamins orally vs IV?
Vitamin supplements that are taken orally are absorbed into the body in the small intestine and absorption can depend on the person’s state of chronic disease of gut inflammation for example. With IV therapy, the nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream achieving 100% absorption.
Is IV therapy painful?
The initial insertion of the needle may be slightly painful however this pain dissipates quite quickly. For the duration of the IV therapy session, typically there is no pain. Occasionally patients may feel soreness after the treatment which subsides within a few minutes to hours.
Is IV Therapy safe?
Generally, IV therapy is well tolerated by most patients. After taking a thorough history, a recommendation will be made as to how often to have an IV. The recommendation can change depending on how you feel and the improvement of your symptoms.