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What is IV nutrition?

Feeling Blah? IV nutrition might be right for you.

Intravenous (IV) nutrition has a wide variety of uses from hangover and hydration, to illness and athletic recovery and more.

IV nutrition is a method of feeding vitamins, minerals, and other natural substances directly into the bloodstream. Bypassing the digestive system is the main advantage of IV nutrition. When substances are given orally, they must be processed through the stomach and the intestines. Many substances may be rendered inactive in the digestive tract or may not be well absorbed due to poor intestinal function. By directly administering nutrients through the blood, higher than normal blood levels can be achieved. These increased levels can provide an immediate therapeutic response by correcting deficiencies that may arise from a disease state or by kick-starting those cells which are performing below par.

How does IV nutrient therapy work?

IV administration of nutrients can achieve blood concentrations not obtainable with oral  or even intramuscular (IM) administration. For example, taking a high dose of Vitamin C orally could cause diarrhea or GI irritation. An IV of Vitamin C will not cause GI issues and can raise the blood levels high enough to exert effects similar to pharmaceutical drugs such as antivirals, anti-histamines, or smooth muscle relaxants. Similarly, a typical magnesium infusion IV uses 2 gm of magnesium or more– taken orally this amount of magnesium would cause diarrhea and would never be properly absorbed to increase the body’s magnesium stores.

IV nutrient therapy is effective at correcting nutrient deficits inside cells, where they are needed.  In certain disease states, the capacity of nutrients to get in and stay inside the cells may be diminished.  IV treatments helps get those nutrients inside the cell. The general effect of intravenous therapies, like the Myers cocktail, is an improvement in the energy capacity and function of cells. If your cells can function at their best, it’s more likely you can recover from a health condition.

Each nutrient has important powers in our body. They are essential for metabolic reactions, energy production, muscle relaxation, collagen synthesis, cellular function and repair, detoxification anti-histamine effect, support adrenal function and so much more. Magnesium alone is involved in over 200 metabolic pathways and is a mineral many people are deficient in.

What are the benefits?

IV nutrition therapy has many benefits including:

Who benefits?

Busy mom’s and professionals, athletes and weekend warriors, partiers, people with specific acute or chronic medical conditions, or people who have any of the following conditions or needs. Some of the biggest reasons we recommend and administer wellness IVs is because a person is run down, fatigued, under moderate to severe stress or is at the beginning of an illness such as flu or cold.

What conditions can IV therapy help?

Scientific research has demonstrated that a variety of conditions can benefit from the use of IV nutrition.

How long will it be before I notice results?

Depending on the therapy you may feel results immediately or the benefits may be additive, getting better over time. Results could last from days to months. Often the infusions will reduce the severity or length of a cold or flu.Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia usually improve with weekly or twice monthly injections.  In some cases, the improvements are after the first IV, others after 3-4 treatments. Some patients become progressively healthier and eventually stop treatment.  Other patients maintain periodic injections to help them function better and restore more energy. In some cases, continued IV therapy may be necessary because a person’s disease state is too advanced to be reversible, therefore ongoing IV nutritional support is recommended.

Is IV nutrient therapy safe?

IV nutrient therapy is generally very safe and poses minimal if any negative side effects. If given too fast, an IV may lower blood pressure causing warmth or dizziness. Although rare, allergic reaction can happen to those with allergies to some of the preservatives in the nutrient vials. Some patients may experience burning at the localized IV site.  As with any injectable treatment, there is always a risk of infection or phlebitis, although it is also very rare. You should always seek IV treatment from a properly licensed medical professional who can legally obtain and administer medication and who also has advanced training in dealing with medical emergencies.

How much does IV nutrition cost?

The cost of IV nutrient therapy varies depending on the IV and boosters chosen as well as the market price for compounded and commercial formulas. Your provider will share pricing during consultation. To give you a rough estimate plan on $150-$250 per infusion. IM injections have set pricing depending on injection and discount packages may be available.

Myer’s Cocktail

Our Myer’s “Cocktail” is the most common I.V. we deliver because of its wide range of therapeutic uses. The cocktail is named after John Myers, a physician from Baltimore, Maryland.  He treated patients with IV nutrient therapy for over 25 years. Since then, thousands of patients nationwide have received this cocktail with great benefits. The Myer’s Cocktail is an intravenous vitamin-and-mineral formula. Our cocktail consists of magnesium, calcium, multiple B vitamins, and vitamin C. 

Boosters and IM injections

Many boosters can be added on to individualize the treatment. Our favorite booster is Glutathione. The scientific basis of intravenous glutathione therapy is well established, and clinical studies have demonstrated excellent results across a variety of conditions, including serious chronic diseases. It is a potent antioxidant and quenches dangerous free radicals. It is important for normal function of the immune system, cellular repair, detoxification, liver support, neurological support for diseases such as MS or Parkinson’s, and support during chemotherapy. 

We also offer a variety of Intramuscular (IM) injections to support your health and weight loss needs including B12 and B complex, Vitamin D, and Lipotropic (MIC) injections. If you are a biohacker and are interested in a specific nutrient or therapy (that is safe and researched), let us know and we can try to get it for you.

IV therapies must be prescribed, and an initial assessment must be performed before you can begin getting therapy. Many of our therapies are compounded fresh and cannot be saved for more than a few days. Once you have become an established patient you may schedule IV or IM therapy at any time.

If you have more questions or would like to be evaluated to determine if you are a good candidate for IV Nutrient Therapy, don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule an appointment.

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