Is IV Therapy Safe?
Over the last few years, IV Therapy has gained popularity thanks to a long list of top celebrities touting its benefits and turning it into a sought after wellness regimen.
You might be wondering if IV Therapy is right for you — can it help you on your wellness journey?
What Exactly is IV Therapy?
Essentially, IV (intravenous)Therapy is a vitamin drip. First created in the 1970s by Dr. John Myers (which led to the coining and creation of what is now known as the Myers’ Cocktail), the drip introduces a higher concentration of vitamins to the patient’s system than they usually would get through eating or drinking.
The absorption of vitamins through eating is limited to around 50 percent. However, IV Therapy allows a patient’s body to absorb approximately 90 percent of the vitamins the body needs.
The patient receives the IV Therapy through a needle and tube system connected to a large bag of saline with the vitamin mixture infused into it. Typically a doctor would help you choose the IV that is best for you and create the prescription or infusion itself to be administered by a nurse or qualified practitioner.
There is no limit to which vitamins can be infused into a patient’s body via the IV therapy. However, it is best to discuss with your practitioner to make the most of any infusion. Vitamin drips can contain many ingredients, but the most common are:
- Vitamin B12
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Vitamin C
The vitamin combination may also contain amino acids, which are the building blocks for protein and antioxidants. It is all about which ones are natural to the patient’s body and measured against the patient’s current levels to get a beneficial therapeutic dose.
What Are The Three Types of IV Fluids?
The IV solution a patient receives will all depend on their specific needs. In this list, we will attempt to break down each type, the differences and how they help.
Type #1. Isotonic IV Fluids
Isotonic fluid is the make-up of the majority of IV fluids. Being the most similar to blood, it is used when needing to recover from various medical issues, such as dehydration. The isotonic fluid will replace the fluids you have lost with something similar to blood while keeping a healthy balance in your blood cells.
Type #2. Hypotonic IV Fluids
A night on the town drinking sugary beverages can often lead to a sour stomach and painful headache in the morning. Your body is feeling the effects of your blood sugar being too high and trying to process more than it is used to getting through your regular daily eating habits.
A hypotonic solution can be used to help rehydrate the blood cells to help get you back on your feet faster for the day ahead.
Type #3. Hypertonic IV Fluids
Hypertonic Solutions are often used to help people who cannot get proper nutrition. A hypertonic IV fluid can help you get the nutrients you are missing by being unable to stomach anything and keep you hydrated, so you remain healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions About IV Therapy
1. What Are the Benefits of IV Therapy?
IV therapy promotes health and wellness. It infuses the vitamins, minerals, and fluids to promote healthy skin, support a healthy immune system, and rehydrate. The correct balance of vitamins and minerals can also give you a boost in your level of energy.
2. What IV Therapy Treatments are Available?
There are a variety of IV Treatments available. Here at Bennesair Health, we have a variety of treatments to help combat the after-effects of partying way too hard, getting a little pick me up after a draining work out at the gym, or even to help with the cold you can’t seem to shake no matter how much you rest and drink fluids.
3. How Long Does IV Therapy Take?
By dripping at a controlled rate, the IV therapy can take 45 minutes to an hour. It is all dependent on what the purpose of your therapy is. Some may be slightly longer if the treatment calls for it.
4. How Quickly Do You Feel the Benefits of IV Therapy?
This is very dependent on why you are receiving IV therapy. Sometimes you will feel the effects almost immediately, while other times it will take a little more time to feel better. The effects of IV therapy can last for up to a few days, depending on several factors.
What Kind of Patients Benefit From IV Therapy?
Celebrities have used this type of treatment to help recover from extreme exercise routines and hangovers for a long time. However, there are a variety of other medical comorbidities that can benefit from having IV Therapy. People who can have benefits from IV Therapy have:
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Crohn’s Disease
- Celiac Disease
- Asthma
- Anemia
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraines
- Allergies
- Pain
- Muscle Spasms
- Hyperthyroidism
- Angina
- Sinus and Respiratory Tract Infections
These are people who usually cannot absorb nutrients properly or eat enough food. They typically benefit the most with IV Therapy.
However, there is absolutely a benefit for those who are feeling rundown. IV Therapy has benefits for those who need a boost to immunity, stress relief, rebalance of hormones, ridding the body of toxins, or even healthier skin.
What are the Risks of IV Therapy?
There is always the question of “What are the risks?” It is a valid concern when going into any kind of procedure, no matter how minimal. This is why individuals interested in IV Therapy need to research a reputable doctor and a center with a history of providing the infusions and monitoring them properly.
Risk #1. An Incomplete Medical History
An individual who seeks out IV Therapy will also need to disclose their medical history with the doctor who will be providing the IV Therapy. This includes a past medical history and a list of medications currently being taken, including anything over the counter.
You and a licensed medical professional can look over your history and determine if IV Therapy is safe for you.
Risk #2. Vitamin Overload
There is a risk of having “too much of a good thing” when one gets an IV vitamin drip. While a healthy individual will excrete the excess out through their urine, some individuals with certain pre-existing conditions may not process the vitamins and experience excess vitamin concentration.
Risk #3. Fluid Overload
People with heart or blood pressure problems can hold onto fluid, and may cause issues with their heart and lungs. Electrolyte imbalance can also occur for individuals with these pre-existing conditions.
Risk #4. Injection Site Complications
Finally, it is important to note that, as with any IV procedure, it is possible to experience irritation, inflammation, or infection at the injection site. It is important to use a certified center and a qualified practitioner.
Wrapping Up
Always consult a physician before beginning any IV therapy regimen to address any concerns or preexisting conditions. A licensed physician who offers IV therapies will address any questions you have and address pre-existing conditions that may heighten the risk of complications. That said, IV infusion therapy boasts remarkably low incidents of unwanted side effects and therefore it is possible for almost anyone to experience the benefits it has to offer firsthand.
Start Your Wellness Journey
Intravenous (IV) Vitamin Infusion Therapy can be used to treat multiple acute injuries or nutritional deficiencies. At Benessair Health, we offer intravenous treatments for vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are delivered directly into the bloodstream. Whether you are interested in infusion therapy for your fitness goals, general wellness, or to fight off that nasty hangover, start your wellness journey with Benessair Health today! Contact us to learn more about all the wellness options available to you at Benessair Health.