Does IV Nutrition Therapy Really Work or Is It Just a Fad?
Welcome to our blog post series on Intravenous (IV) Nutrition Therapy. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing educational information about IV Nutrition Therapy.
You’ll gain valuable insights and guidance on the different types of IV nutrition therapy, how to determine which type of treatment is right for you, what to expect during an IV therapy session, possible side effects and how to recognize them, and more.
These posts will help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being, especially regarding IV Nutrition Therapy. So stay tuned for our upcoming posts and feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have.
In this first blog post, we’ll discuss IV Nutrition Therapy, the benefits, and how it works.
The History of IV Nutrition Therapy
When I started doing IV Nutrition Therapy it was not trending. But those practitioners in the know, like me, used it as a naturopathic medical therapy to help treat various health conditions in which replenishing or even flooding the body with certain key vitamins, minerals and other natural remedies could help. The truth is it has been in use for many decades before it became more well known and sought after by the general public for wellness.
Conventionally, IV therapies are most commonly used in hospitals for severely malnourished or dehydrated patients when the need for it is very critical and maybe even an emergency.
In the field of naturopathic medicine, we’ve been using a wider variety of IV therapy substances and formulas for many decades to help our non-hospitalized patients in an out-patient setting with both acute or chronic conditions. We’ve seen that many patients have nutrient deficiencies or needs that IV Nutrition Therapy can help correct safely and more rapidly than supplements can alone.
Over the past 10 or so years, IV Nutrition Therapy certainly has gained immense popularity. With this increasing popularity, I’ve also seen a lot of misunderstanding about what it is, what it does, and how to even do it safely and effectively. I’ve, unfortunately, seen very poorly-administered, “watered down” formulas, and worse yet, dangerous practices in the field, as people scramble to get it done and unqualified practitioners scramble to offer it. The take home message - just make sure you're working with a qualified health professional who knows what they're doing. ;)
What is IV Nutrition Therapy?
IV Nutrition Therapy is a form of nutrient administration that uses intravenous infusion to deliver essential vitamins, minerals, and/ or amino acids, etc. directly into the bloodstream. It is usually done by inserting a needle or catheter into your arm vein and hooking it up to a bag of fluids and nutrients that can then been dripped at an appropriate pace into your bloodstream.
How does IV Nutrition Therapy Work and What is the Procedure Like?
The IV delivery method of nutrients allows high levels of nutrients to directly enter the body, bypassing the digestive system. The nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream and can easily circulate throughout the body to the cells, where they can be more easily absorbed and utilized where they are needed.
The infusion typically takes between 20-60 minutes, but sometimes longer depending on the formula, and patients can rest and relax during the procedure. The nutrients are absorbed quickly so patients can sometimes feel the effects almost immediately. Other times, the effects may be felt more in the days and weeks after the procedure. If patients have more serious health conditions, then a series of IV nutrient infusions may be required in order to effectively help treat their condition and get them feeling better.
What are the Benefits of IV Nutrition Therapy?
IV Nutrition Therapy offers a range of benefits, including supporting:
Immune function - IV therapy can deliver high doses of vitamins and minerals that are essential for the immune system to work and can thereby help the immune system function more optimally.
Energy levels - Certain infusions can also provide key nutrients needed for proper and optimal energy production in the body.
Athletic performance - Certain IV therapy formulas can help to improve endurance, reduce fatigue, and speed up recovery time, again by providing key substances your body needs to function at its' best.
Skin health - Some infusions can also provide the essential nutrients that promote healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Mental clarity - IV therapy can improve cognitive function, focus, and concentration, again by giving the body ample doses of mental support nutrients.
Overall wellness - The fact is, some of the key nutrients used in IV Nutrition Therapy, are required by literally hundreds of body processes, so IV nutrient infusions have the potential to up-level physiological function all throughout the body in so many hundreds of ways.
IV Nutrition Therapy can also be an adjunctive support therapy to assist in the healing of many acute and chronic health conditions not listed above. For more detailed information on that, consider talking to a qualified doctor who is knowledgeable about IV Nutrition Therapy.
IV Nutrition Therapy can and should be customized to the patient’s specific needs. IV therapies can offer a personalized approach to nutrient needs that should be tailored to meet an individual's unique treatment needs.
If done correctly, it’s an overall safe and effective way to support health, adjunctively treat various health problems, and promote overall well-being.
In Summary
IV Nutrition Therapy is a safe and effective way to deliver essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream. The therapy offers a range of benefits, including supporting immune function, energy levels, and enhancing mental clarity. If you are interested in IV Nutrition Therapy, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider, meaning a doctor or nurse with IV nutrition therapy training and experience, to determine if it is right for you.
Our team at Zuma Wellness is here to answer any questions you may have to help you determine if IV Nutrition Therapy is right for you. If you’re interested in taking the first step towards optimal health and energy, please contact us today to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you!
My clinic, Zuma Wellness, has been Malibu’s Original Go-To Spot for IV Vitamin Drips since 2013!
I've been providing my patients with High-Performance Medicine in Malibu for the past 10 years and I'm proud to be Malibu’s Premier IV Vitamin Drip Clinic.
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And please stay tuned for Part 2 of our IV Nutrition Therapy blog post series: IV Therapy: How to Ensure You're Working with a Qualified Medical Professional for Safe and Effective Treatment!
