IV Vitamin Therapy promises to soothe a variety of conditions, including dull skin, hangovers, and general sickness. The treatment has become very popular over the years and is loved by several celebrities.
In this article, we’ll cover the most common questions surrounding IV Therapy so you can consider whether it’s right for you.
What Is IV Therapy Used For?
IV Therapy (short for intravenous therapy), is the process of transporting hydration and nutrients straight into the bloodstream. The body can then absorb these substances instantly to support several functions.
The process involves using an IV drip, like the ones reserved for hospital patients. A mixture of nutrients held in saline is passed into the bloodstream through the drip.
IV Therapy is the quickest way to deliver nutrients into the body.
Instead of being digested and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, the nutrients go straight into the organs for a 90-100% successful absorption rate.
Humans get the majority of their nutrients from food, but the absorption rate is much less, around 20-50%.
Intravenous therapy isn’t just some new fad, it’s been done for decades. The practice was reserved for hospital patients that were deficient in nutrients, dehydrated, or couldn’t take oral medication.
Now, anyone who wants to improve their energy levels and wellbeing can try IV Therapy.
IV Drip For Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when you lose fluids faster than you consume them. Without enough water, the body cannot perform certain functions properly. Dehydration symptoms are thirstiness, dizziness, dark urine, and a dry mouth.
An IV dehydration treatment is designed to rehydrate the body. It delivers fluids, electrolytes, and salts into the body orally or through an intravenous needle.
It’s important to resupply these substances, as extreme dehydration can cause the organs to stop functioning. If dehydration isn’t resolved, the affected person may not be physically able to drink water.
In this case, IV fluids can conveniently replace important electrolytes without drinking liters of water.
IV Dehydration treatments are done in hospitals, emergency care centers, and IV drip bars. Trained medical professionals will oversee dehydration treatments at hospitals or care centers.
Drip bars are places where you can pay to get this sort of treatment. People pay for IV dehydration treatments to resolve hangovers, jet lag, and dull skin or hair.
However, doctors say that these treatments aren’t needed. Dehydration from the previous conditions can be resolved by drinking water or consuming electrolytes.
IV For Immune Boost
An IV drip can deliver immune-boosting vitamins and minerals into your bloodstream. These drips are designed with different levels of these substances.
You may find various combinations designed to improve tiredness, boost energy levels, or improve your immune system.
You can find oral supplements that claim to do the same, but the body doesn’t absorb these as well as when delivered through an IV drip.
Vitamins In Immunity Boosting IV Drip
These are the most common substances seen in immune-boosting IV Drips:
Vitamin C
This vitamin is an antioxidant that removes free radicals from the body, preventing cell damage in the process. Vitamin C also helps to keep your bones and muscles strong, supporting the immune and circulatory systems simultaneously.
B Complex Vitamins
The B complex is made up of eight B vitamins. These support many important bodily functions, like converting food into energy, supporting the cardiovascular system, and assisting the immune system.
Glutathione
This powerful antioxidant helps the body detox, assists the immune system, and destroys damaging free radicals.
IV Therapy Pros & Cons
Pros
There are many advantages to IV therapy including:
- Direct absorption of nutrients increases the amount of nutrient-rich cells.
- Faster rate of cell healing.
- Improves immune system to prevent sickness.
- Boosts energy levels.
- Prevents vitamin deficiencies.
- Can help relieve conditions like pain, allergies, and aging.
Cons
- Though there are little cons to IV Therapy, we’ll cover these in more detail.
Small Infection Risk
Any puncture to the skin has a risk of becoming infected. IV therapy, papercuts, or invasive surgery all expose the body to potential pathogens.
However, this risk occurs more when the person delivering your IV isn’t qualified. Most places employ medical professionals which reduces the risk of infection to almost none.
Trauma To Injection Site
If the patient’s veins are hard to find, it may take a few tries to find them. Bruising, inflammation, and redness can occur around the area, even if you find the vein on the first attempt.
This is no reason to be alarmed, as inflammation is a sign that your immune system is working properly. In most cases, any bruising or redness should go away after a few days.
Pain
As you’re puncturing the skin with a needle, you may feel a small prick as it goes into your skin. Some people don’t even feel the prick, but if you’re scared of needles, you may find it hurts more. If you’re worried about the pain, some clinics may offer a numbing spray that can reduce the sensation.
What Is A Myers Cocktail?
The Myers cocktail was originally made by John Myers MD, a doctor practicing in Baltimore.
He aided patients by injecting them with a mix of vitamins and important nutrients. The main elements included magnesium, calcium, Vitamin C, and B Complex Vitamins.
The Myers Cocktail has now been developed into an IV drip for IV therapy. A trained practitioner will insert a needle into the vein, then start the Myers Cocktail drip.
The solution will reach the entire bloodstream in 20-30 minutes.
Myers Cocktail IV Side Effects
These are rare, but if you’re considering taking a Myers cocktail, it’s important to know what the potential side effects are. Some of these include muscle soreness, low blood pressure, fainting, and a warm sensation.
You should also be wary if you’re on prescription medication. The vitamins or minerals within the cocktail could react with your medication and cause life-threatening issues.
As with any IV drip, there’s a risk of infection, irritation, and allergic reactions. Vitamins can also be dangerous when taken in large amounts.
These side effects mean that any intravenous therapy must be carried out in a medical environment or a hospital. The drip must also be delivered by a licensed medical professional, as the risk increases if the practitioner isn’t qualified.
Myers Cocktail IV Benefits
The Myers Cocktail drip has benefits that outweigh the potential risks. These include:
- Stronger immune system
- Better clarity and focus
- Increased energy
- Slows down aging
- Improved mood
- Improved metabolism
- Potential weight loss
All of these potential benefits sound amazing, but if you’re considering trying IV therapy for yourself, do your research beforehand. Make sure that your practitioner is a qualified medical professional.
Check that the clinic is sanitary, and look at prior reviews to see what the setting is like. If anything seems off, cancel your appointment. It’s better to be safe than sorry!