50% of adults say their top wellness priority is achieving more control over their personal health. One way to do just that is to start harnessing the benefits of IV therapy.
IV therapy has been around for over a century. A doctor invented IV therapy as a way to deliver vital micronutrients to sick patients. Today, hospitals also use this treatment for severe dehydration.
Yet, people have only started discovering the incredible wellness benefits of this treatment recently. Anyone can benefit from IV therapy. And that’s why we’re bringing you this guide.
Want to know why so many adults are booking IV infusion therapy in 2021? Then keep reading for everything you need to know about this popular treatment.
What Is IV Therapy?
In a medical setting, doctors often administer medications to the body via IV drip therapy. But the kind of IV therapy we’re talking about is different because it’s for everyone, not just patients.
IV therapy can be a replacement for vitamin supplementation. That’s because this procedure infuses your veins with healthful vitamins and minerals like calcium, Vitamin B, and magnesium.
But by now, you may be wondering: why get an IV drip instead of taking your daily multi-vitamin? IV drips deliver vitamins and nutrients directly to your bloodstream, while oral vitamin tablets must pass through the liver first.
Why does that matter? When you take a substance orally, it undergoes first-pass metabolism, usually in the liver. During first-pass metabolism, the substance gets broken down.
Breaking down substances in first-pass metabolism significantly reduces the concentration of the substance’s active ingredients. That means there’s less of the substance available when it reaches your bloodstream. And less substance in your bloodstream means less robust effects.
Administering substances via IV, on the other hand, bypasses first-pass metabolism. Delivering vitamins and nutrients directly into your bloodstream means you’ll get the full benefits of the vitamins and minerals.
Who Can Benefit from IV Therapy?
As we’ve mentioned, anyone can benefit from IV therapy. Dehydrated from a hangover or a hard workout? IV therapy can help.
Want to improve your skin, boost your immune system, or lose weight? IV therapy can help you meet all of these goals, too.
IV therapy is especially beneficial for people suffering from conditions like asthma, chronic fatigue, and allergies. Individuals who have conditions compromising their ability to absorb dietary nutrients are also ideal candidates.
How Does IV Nutritional Therapy Work?
You can get home IV therapy or go to an IV therapy clinic. A certified healthcare professional should always administer IV therapy, whether you’re at home or in a clinic.
During your appointment, your healthcare professional will have you sit somewhere comfortable. He or she will apply disinfectant to the injection site. Then, your healthcare professional will insert the IV needle.
The needle hooks up to an IV bag containing vitamin-rich saline solution. This fluid will slowly drip from the bag, through the needle, and straight into your bloodstream.
The average IV therapy appointment takes 45 minutes. This is just an average, so your appointment could be shorter or longer. The good news is that you can watch TV and use your phone during IV therapy.
The Uses of IV Vitamin Therapy
There’s an IV therapy solution for every complaint. And that’s because healthcare professionals can include just about any vitamin or mineral in your IV drip.
Here are the most common types of minerals and vitamins used in IV infusions and how they could benefit your health.
Weight Loss
IV therapy may improve weight loss when used alongside a nutritious diet and consistent exercise plan. This is because the vitamins and minerals in IV drips are essential for a healthy body.
For example, vitamin B complex and vitamin C play important roles in metabolism. And increasing your metabolism (i.e., how fast your body converts food into energy) is associated with weight loss.
Energy
Many people report feeling energized after IV therapy. This could be due to dextrose, a type of healthy sugar often included in IV solutions. The body can easily convert dextrose to energy.
Illness Recovery
Doctors use IV therapy to combat illnesses in hospital settings. But if you’re just dealing with a severe cold, going to a medical spa for IV therapy is cheaper and far more convenient. It can cost over $1000 for an IV at the ER.
If you’re feeling under the weather, make sure to ask for vitamin C in your drip. This nutrient supports a healthy immune system. The saline solution in IV fluid will also hydrate you, which can help speed up illness recovery.
Healthy Skin
Glutathione is a popular additive used in drip therapy. This antioxidant is capable of fighting free radicals. Among other benefits, reducing free radicals can encourage healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
Pain
Inflammation is part of the immune response. It’s also associated with the feeling of pain. Since IV therapy can boost immunity, it should be no wonder people also get this treatment for pain.
Vitamin B complex, vitamin C, and magnesium are excellent nutrients for alleviating pain. Also, consider adding calcium and vitamin D to your IV bag. These nutrients strengthen bones and reduce muscle pain.
Brain Function
NAD+ is a newer nutrient used in IV therapy. NAD IV therapy has a whole host of uses, including boosting brain function. That’s because NAD+ plays a role in neural metabolism (i.e., producing energy for brain cells to use).
Hydration
IV therapy is often called IV hydration therapy for a reason. IV solutions typically contain saline — a mixture of water and sodium chloride. And saline can restore your body’s electrolytes and alleviate dehydration.
This quality makes IV drips excellent therapies for hangovers. Athletes and gym enthusiasts also turn to IV hydration therapy after competitions and intense workouts.
Looking for IV Therapy Near Me?
IV therapy is a holistic solution for all your biggest wellness concerns. Whether you want to feel hydrated after a rough weekend or support your weight loss regimen, this treatment has you covered.
Ready to get IV therapy in Tempe, Arizona? Book your first session with the Desert Wellness Center today!