IV (intravenous) therapy administers fluids and nutrients directly into the bloodstream, where they can be immediately absorbed and used by the body. IV therapy isn’t anything new in medicine, and it’s certainly not the latest “fad.” In fact, the practice dates back to the 1600s, when doctors first tried injecting medications into patients’ veins and even performed transfusions.
There were incremental advances over the centuries, but by World War I, IV therapy had moved into the mainstream by offering lifesaving treatment for injured soldiers. It wasn’t until the 1960s, though, when John Myers developed his vitamin and mineral “cocktail,” that the therapy truly started to reach its potential.
At Prestige Physicians, Dr. Kira Fenton and Dr. Cristina Savu understand how critical good nutrition is for the body, and how vitamin and mineral deficiencies can compromise your health. They also know that popping a pill just won’t cut it in terms of beneficial effects, which is why they offer IV therapy at their office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Here’s what you need to know about the process.
Why intravenous?
By using an intravenous delivery system, we can give you a very large dose of needed vitamins and minerals directly into your bloodstream. This is advantageous because it bypasses the digestive system and goes directly to your organs. When a vitamin/mineral/medication first has to go through the digestive system — as all oral medications do — it’s partly broken down before it reaches the organs, and only 20-50% is absorbed. With an IV, you get a 90-100% absorption rate.
IV therapy can also help more effectively with hydration, a critical process given that an adult human is about 60% water. Combine fluids with vitamins and minerals, and you’ve got a boost for when you’re dehydrated, overexerted, or suffering from a cold or the flu. There are other applications too: balancing hormones, improving immunity, and providing for other nutritional needs.
The types of therapies
Probably the best-known therapy is the one Dr. Myers injected in patients with a wide range of conditions back in the 1960s. It was so popular that, following Myers’ death in 1984, author Allan Gaby was contacted by many of Myers’ patients who wanted to continue their injections. The exact formulation of Myers’ cocktail has been lost, but we do know the basic ingredients, and variations are still being used to treat immune problems and boost energy levels.
Other common infusions include:
- Hydration IV Drip: benefits patients with fluid loss due to vomiting diarrhea, or even a hangover
- NAD+ Anti-Aging IV Therapy: contains nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an essential enzyme present in all human cells that repairs damage and reverses the effects of oxidation
- Detoxification Booster IV Infusion: combines essential fluids, vitamins, and minerals that lower your toxic load, toxins stored in fat cells that make it harder to lose weight
- Immunity Booster IV: includes powerful antioxidants, such as glutathione, cysteine, and arginine, protecting you from influenza and other viruses
Some common benefits from these infusions, which depend on the specific cocktail, include:
- Stronger immunity
- Enhanced mood
- Increased injury recovery time
- Improved concentration and mental focus
- Balanced blood sugar
- Improved sleep patterns
- Reduced instances of migraines
- Boosted fertility and hormonal balance
- Improved complexion
- Reduced signs of aging
- More energy
You’re likely to notice the full effect of the cocktail 12-24 hours after the infusion, though some people notice effects immediately. The effects last for 8 days to 3 weeks, depending on the condition being treated and the cocktail given.
If you’re feeling rundown or just have a case of the blahs and don’t know why, you may benefit from IV therapy. To learn more, call our office at 954-771-0611 or schedule an appointment with us online today.