Absorption
When supplements are taken orally, they need to be digested and absorbed before being utilized by cells. IV therapy delivers vitamins and minerals directly into veins bypassing the digestive system. This allows the total amount of nutrients to be available to tissues. This is be beneficial when digestion and absorption are compromised due to health concerns such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac, infections etc. In addition, certain lifestyle factors such as chronic stress or poor diet, can prevent optimal absorption of nutrients.
Time Friendly
Most IV therapy treatments are completed in 30-45 minutes and repeated weekly, bi weekly or monthly depending on your treatment plan. During this time you get to sit, relax and take some time for yourself while getting a boost of vitamins and minerals to keep you going through your busy week.
Doses
The body is always trying to find balance thus the higher doses of vitamins and minerals in IV formulas forces nutrients into cells by means of a high concentration gradient. In addition, certain IV nutrients can be given in much higher doses intravenously than can be provided orally. For example, high doses of Vitamin C taken orally can cause digestive upset and diarrhea but intravenous vitamin C bypasses the digestive system therefore avoiding unwanted digestive side effects. Administering nutrients intravenously can also raise serum concentration levels much higher than can be obtained orally allowing addition health benefits.
Health benefits
A few conditions that may benefit from IV therapy;
Fatigue
Deficiency of certain nutrients, such as magnesium, can cause fatigue. IV nutrient treatments provide magnesium as well as B vitamins and minerals to may help improve energy for general fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome or fatigue associated with chronic infections. Investigating the cause of low energy is important wether it’s anemia, thyroid issues, low vitamin B12 or lifestyle factors IV therapy may help provide missing nutrients to maintain energy.
Immune support
Serum concentrations of vitamin C obtained with IV therapy are higher than can be obtained with oral supplementation. This produces anti viral effects to help support immune function. Zinc can also be added to IV formulas to provide additional immune support and help reduce intensity and duration of cold symptoms.
Seasonal allergies
High dose IV vitamin C can also have anti histamine effects which may help manage allergy symptoms. Starting IV therapy shortly before allergy season and continuing during the change of season (spring or fall) may help reduce unwanted eyes and nose symptoms.
Other health conditions that may benefit from IV Therapy include headaches and migraines, asthma, hypothyroidism, supporting weight loss, low mood, PMS symptoms, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
For more information on Naturopathic IV Therapy or to see if IV therapy is right for you, book an initial assessment with Dr. Melissa, ND