Intravenous Nutritional Therapy

You probably have heard of intravenous (IV) nutritional therapies, as they have become very popular over the past few years. Many clinics in the greater Phoenix area are now offering IV therapies to meet the public demand, and they are now offered in some spas and gyms. But why all the hype and demand for these therapies—what are they and how do they work?

 

IV nutrition therapy is “nutrition in a bag” given intravenously into the blood stream. A needle or catheter is inserted into the vein, and medical tubing connects to a bag of IV fluid. IV therapy is typically administrated by a registered nurse or doctor; however, a doctor should authorize its use.

 

When it comes to IV therapy there are options. The most popular are Hydration, Myers’ Cocktail, Vitamin C and NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). They all have different health benefits, so it is important to gain a basic understanding to point you in the right direction. A diagnosis provided by a doctor will ensure you are receiving the right IV with the correct amount of ingredients for your individual needs. The decision of what therapy to get will depend on many factors, such as your age, current medical condition and medical history.

 

 

Hydration IV Therapy given in hospitals consists of saline solution, which is a combination of sterile water and sodium chloride (salt), and in some cases, sugar, which is not healthy. However, in clinics, spas and gyms, it’s common to add electrolytes; these could include magnesium, potassium, B vitamins, sulfate, and calcium for hydration.

 

Myers’ Cocktail IV Therapy is popular to do before an athletic event or just to re-energize. It is also known as the hangover cure. The late John Myers, M.D., designed the formula for conditions such as fatigue, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, upper respiratory infections, seasonal allergies and more. Today, there are many different formulas, but typically they include vitamin C, vitamin B complex, calcium and magnesium. However, other ingredients can be added based on individual medical needs, such as potassium; vitamins B5, B6 and B12; glutathione; and zinc.

 

Vitamin C IV Therapy is known to boost the immune system and improve overall wellness. It can increase one’s energy and reduce stress. High-dose vitamin C is also available in clinics. It is typically for more serious conditions, and the dose given depends upon the person’s body and what it can absorb. This should be determined by a doctor.

 

NAD IV Therapy is known to improve brain function and has anti-aging properties. It can also help improve mental clarity and sleep quality, reduce depression, lower stress levels, and boost energy. NAD is often used with addiction recovery to drastically reduce withdrawal symptoms in persons detoxing from drugs or alcohol. NAD is an amino acid that plays a critical role in the cellular mitochondrial function. NAD is a naturally occurring coenzyme found in every cell, giving the body the energy it needs to survive. NAD levels decrease with age, and this can potentially damage DNA.

 

NAD can be very expensive depending upon the amount used and what other ingredients are added. NAD amounts vary but typically can be anywhere from 250 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams. It is possible to add electrolytes, vitamin B complex, vitamin B12, vitamin C, magnesium, glutathione and zinc, but again, this should be determined on a case-by-case basis.

 

Who would benefit from nutritional IV therapy? Just about everyone. We live in a stressful and toxic world, and our foods have become deficient in vital minerals and nutrients. Nutritional IVs can improve overall health, performance and chronic health situations.

 

Nutritional IVs are very safe and generally have no side effects. Occasionally, one may experience some discomfort, bruising, itching or redness at the site of injection that could last a few minutes or a few days. The benefits of IV nutritional therapy are significantly greater than any side effect.

 

 

 

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