We aren’t talking about an adult beverage! We’re talking about the latest wellness trend that boasts huge benefits. The Myers’ Cocktail, the very first Vitamin IV therapy that was developed by Dr. John Myers in the 1970s.
Why IV Therapy?
It isn’t enough to eat well. Almost 95% of us are vitamin D deficient and do not typically get our daily vitamins through diet or even supplements. A vitamin that’s taken orally breaks down in the stomach and digestive tract and there is a limit as to how much we actually absorb (50 percent). If, however, the vitamin is given through an IV, the absorption rate is much higher (90 percent).
IV drips supply a much higher dose than supplements or food alone. They can be customized to your body’s needs, and take only about 20 to 30 minutes to administer. Higher levels of the vitamins and minerals in your bloodstream, lead to a higher uptake into cells, which theoretically will use the nutrients to maintain health and fight illness.
IV supplements are rapidly becoming an answer to the fast-paced culture of individuals looking for the most efficient fix. The treatment has a long list of A-list celebrities from Rihanna to Adele to back it up. Being stuck with a needle has become a popular wellness regime.
The Pros Of IV infusions:
1. They are the most bioavailable way to get nutrients.
Absorption of oral supplements and food takes place in the gut through a properly functioning digestive system that releases them into the bloodstream. If you have leaky gut syndrome or other stomach or digestive problems, an IV drip can be the most efficient way to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream directly bypassing the gut. Not only is this the most efficient way for those with gastric issues to receive nutrients, but it is also extremely effective in certain situations in which a rapid dose of nutrients is needed. Vitamins used in the IVs are water-soluble, so once your body uses what’s needed, it will excrete the excess through your kidneys into your urine. Commonly seen ingredients in an IV vitamin drip are vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, and calcium. IV vitamin drips may also contain amino acids (the building blocks of protein) and antioxidants, such as glutathione.
2. Indications for use.
Vitamin infusions are being used for a wide variety of health concerns. Conditions that have responded positively to the Myers’ cocktail treatment include asthma, migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, pain, allergies, sinus and respiratory tract infections. If you have an essential event in your future but wake up feeling less than great, you can add a higher dose of a supplement like vitamin C to increase your immunity to prevent illness. Many people are also using IV vitamin therapy for quick rehydration after an intense sporting event, such as running a marathon, to cure a hangover, or for improved skin clarity.
5. It is anti-aging.
Glutathione added to an IV drip can keep skin looking radiant and young. Glutathione acts as an antioxidant in the body to fight off free radicals that add to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Due to greater bioavailability, the effects of glutathione are more powerful when added to a drip than taken orally.
What are the risks?
- There’s a risk of infection with IV vitamin therapy. Any time you have an IV inserted, it creates a direct path into your bloodstream and bypasses your body’s first defense mechanism against bacteria: your skin. It’s essential to consult with a licensed medical professional who will perform the therapy to manage this risk and ensure you have a healthy vitamin infusion. It is also important to note that while all of the nutrients contained in a drip are healthy, they can become detrimental if given at a higher than necessary dosage.
- People with kidney disease cannot remove certain electrolytes and minerals from the body very quickly. Adding too much potassium too fast could potentially lead to a heart attack. People with particular heart or blood pressure conditions can also be at risk of fluid overload from the infusion. Therefore, it is prudent to get infusions at a medical office and have recommended tests performed (if necessary) before your treatment. The cost varies and these treatments are usually not covered by insurance. They typically run about $150–$300 per treatment.
If IV therapy sounds like it may be something you can benefit from, give us a call. Truong Rehabilitation is experienced and trained to administer this therapy safely and accurately.
