One of the modalities of treatment in many Naturopathic clinics is IV (Intravenous) therapy.
There are many health benefits that can be derived from IV therapy compared to other forms of delivery such as oral ingestion or topical/transdermal delivery systems.
What is IV Therapy? (1)
IV therapy is a therapy that delivers liquid substances directly into a vein. The intravenous route of administration can be used for injections (with a syringe at higher pressures) or infusions (typically using only the pressure supplied by gravity). Intravenous infusions are commonly referred to as drips. The intravenous route is the fastest way to deliver medications and fluid replacement throughout the body, because the circulation carries them. Intravenous therapy may be used for fluid replacement (such as correcting dehydration), to correct electrolyte imbalances, to deliver medications, and for blood transfusions.
Why Not Just Consume Compounds Orally? (2)
Many individuals may have compromised digestion which may include low stomach acidity (hypochlorhydria) which may drastically limit the amount of nutrients digested and absorbed by orally ingested compounds: whether they are capsules, pills, liquids, food compounds etc.
In addition, to treat a specific health condition(s) a patient may require a “therapeutic dosage” of a compound which is a significantly larger amount than would typically be ingested orally and which may not only not be able to be absorbed but would cause GI distress long before the therapeutic dosage is achieved. Examples of this would include magnesium and Vitamin C (for example sometimes the therapeutic dosage of Vitamin C delivered by IV may be 30 or 40 grams whereas the limit of bowel tolerance with oral ingestion is typically 2 – 6 grams, depending on the person).
Also many individuals do not like to swallow a large number of supplements.
In addition this delivery route bypasses the whole digestive process delivering nutrients directly to different areas of the body via the bloodstream.
Dr. John Myers, MD: Myers’ Cocktail
Much of the pioneer work utilizing IV delivery for vitamins and minerals was developed years ago by a medical doctor: John Myers. Dr. Myers developed a mix of vitamins and minerals which has become a standard of IV therapy delivery of vitamins and minerals which is referred to as the “Myers’ Cocktail” which many clinics offer to this day. Individuals find it can be of benefit for many health issues including immune system stress, stress in general, mood, fatigue etc.
What Are Some of the Benefits and Conditions Which May be Helped by IV Therapy?
- Guaranteed vitamin absorption. Some medications and medical issues can interrupt the body’s ability to properly absorb the nutrients it needs to function correctly
- Immune system enhancement
- Boost energy levels
- Mood/brain issues
- Hormonal issues
- Headaches
- Depression and anxiety
- Pain conditions – including fibromyalgia
- Antioxidant therapy
- Instant rehydration
- Fast treatment times
- Customized treatments
- Reduced reliance on pills
- Ideal preventive therapy
- Immediate results
- Great choice for athletes
- Fights the effects of environmental toxins
- To help remove deposits from the blood vessels which can cause cardiovascular issues
Another consideration with regards to the benefits of IV therapy is the fact that a majority of individuals have extensive deficiencies of vitamins and minerals in their systems and as well most individuals are chronically dehydrated. Both of these issues can be targeted with IV therapy.
Cold and Flu Season
IV therapy can also be especially beneficial during the cold and flu season as a preventative as well as a treatment if an individual is dealing with an active cold or flu infection in that it can help to shorten the duration as well as the severity of the infection.
IV therapy can provide a valuable option for optimizing health and to help to improve existing health conditions. Your Naturopathic Doctor can give you more information on how IV therapy may be of benefit to you personally.
References
(1) Wikipedia: Intravenous Therapy (2018, September 8) Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intravenous_therapy
(2) Admin: Lifestyle Physicians, (2018, March 29) Retrieved from http://www.lifestylephysicians.com/blog/10-benefits-of-iv-therapy