If you have been experiencing a lack of energy, increased fatigue, or an increase in physical aches, pains, and headaches, it may be a sign that you could benefit from a boost in your vitamin and nutrient intake. While it is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle in order to obtain the necessary vitamins and nutrients, sometimes these measures may not be sufficient. In such cases, IV vitamin therapy may be a helpful option.
However, with so many different options available, it can be difficult to determine which type of IV vitamin therapy is best for you. It is important to do your research and consult with a qualified healthcare provider in order to make an informed decision about which IV vitamin therapy is most appropriate for your specific needs.
What You Should Know About IV Vitamin Therapy
IV vitamin therapy has been around for decades, first investigated and tried by a Baltimore-area physician, John Myers, M.D., in the late 1950s. As with all doctors, Myers saw patients experiencing symptoms of many conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, headaches, and many others, inspiring him to seek the most effective remedies possible. After trial and error, he settled upon a liquid combination of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients which could be dispensed through an intravenous (IV) drip method. Soon, Myers’ concoction became known as the Myers Cocktail and has been in demand ever since.
For someone who chooses IV vitamin therapy, the process involves inserting a needle into a vein (typically in the arm or hand) that connects to a rubber line and an IV fluid bag (mounted to a pole on wheels). The bag holds the liquid vitamin mixture, which then is either dispensed into the vein by gravity or pumped mechanically. In either case, the benefit is clear: The IV vitamin therapy goes directly into the person’s bloodstream, thereby bypassing the digestive process, getting absorbed more quickly, and making needed supplements available for near-instantaneous use.
How You Choose Depends On Your Need
Choosing the right kind of IV vitamin therapy depends on your needs. If you have a persistent ear and throat ache, you may decide to visit an ear-nose-throat specialist. Selecting an appropriate IV vitamin therapy follows the same logic: It depends on your condition and symptoms.
What follows is a list of vitamins and nutrients which can be made available during IV vitamin therapy and why you might consider choosing each one.
Vitamin C
We need vitamin C, an ascorbic acid, to make blood vessels, cartilage, and collagen in bones, and muscle. It also helps our bodies heal from injury or illness. As a vital antioxidant, vitamin C protects us from free radicals. These molecules are made when the body digests food or gets exposed to nicotine smoke and different kinds of radiation (solar, X-rays, or other sources). Free radicals may influence the progression of heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses.
IV vitamin therapy rich in vitamin C might be a good choice if you:
- Use nicotine products or have second-hand smoke exposure
- Have cancer or certain gastrointestinal conditions
- Don’t regularly eat fruits and vegetables
Folate – Vitamin B-9 (folic acid)
If you’re a female of childbearing age, getting more vitamin B-9 could help reduce the chance of certain neural tube defects (congenital disabilities). Folate helps make DNA and RNA and is critical in protein metabolism. It also is helpful in breaking down certain amino acids, which may be harmful to the body if present in higher-than-normal amounts. Vitamin B-9 is also required to make healthy red blood cells and is critical during pregnancy and fetal development. Getting a boost of this vitamin may be ideal for someone with mild breathing problems, as healthy red blood cells deliver carbon dioxide to the lungs to be exhaled, and transport oxygen to tissues throughout the body.
Vitamin B-12
If you’re fatigued or lethargic all the time, you may be experiencing a mild case of megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes people tired and weak and is characterized by large red blood cells. It’s critical in making red blood cells and keeping them healthy. The older you get, the more vitamin B-12 you need.
Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine)
If you’re concerned about keeping your nervous and immune systems healthy, you may want to choose an IV vitamin therapy rich in vitamin B-6. It promotes healthy red blood cells, the proper flow of oxygen throughout your body, and may lessen the effects of certain autoimmune disorders. Vitamin B-6 is also needed for heart health, and may reduce uncomfortable symptoms linked to morning sickness, premenstrual syndrome, and certain kinds of anemia.
IV vitamin therapy isn’t for everyone. Symptoms from certain conditions, like chronic fatigue and headaches, may also be treated with ketamine therapy. Talk with your healthcare provider about risks and benefits.
Final Thoughts
IV vitamin therapy can be a useful option for those who have been experiencing a lack of energy, increased fatigue, or an increase in physical aches, pains, and headaches. It allows for the direct delivery of a range of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive process and making the supplements available for near-instantaneous use.
There are many different types of IV vitamin therapy available, and it is important to do your research and consult with a qualified healthcare provider in order to determine the best option for your specific needs. Factors to consider when choosing an IV vitamin therapy may include your overall health, any underlying medical conditions, and the specific symptoms you are experiencing. Contact us today to learn more!