Intravenous (IV) therapy is a medical treatment that involves administering fluids, medications, and/ or nutrients directly into a patient's bloodstream through a vein. IV therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to know which kind of IV you might need.
The great thing is, if you work with a qualified IV nutrient therapy medical professional, then they’ll know how to determine what IV treatments you need. You do not need to figure it out. It’s their job to strategize that for you. Yay! You can just relax and kick back and get your IV nutrient therapy.
That being said, I know you are probably curious to know what’s going on in more detail. So here’s some background on how I, as an IV nutrient specialist who took my first training in this specialty a whopping 20 years ago ;), assess what you need in your IV bag.
Just a few factors that determine which kind of IV you might need:
Medical condition: The type of IV you might need depends on your symptoms or medical condition. Different conditions require different fluids, nutrients, and medications, and your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate IV therapy based on your specific needs.
Dehydration: If you're dehydrated, you may need an IV with extra fluids such as saline to help replenish your body's water levels. So if you’re dehydrated, I’ll probably run a larger bag and maybe even two bags if it's severe enough.
Nutrient deficiencies: If you're deficient in certain vitamins or nutrients (as determined by blood or urine testing or as suspected based on your symptoms), your healthcare provider may recommend an IV with certain nutrients such as vitamin B12, magnesium, etc.
Electrolyte imbalances: If you have an electrolyte imbalance (as determined by blood testing or as suspected based on symptoms), an IV with electrolyte fluids such as extra calcium, magnesium, or potassium may be necessary.
Chronic illness: If you have a chronic illness, your healthcare provider may recommend ongoing IV therapy to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
If you have heart, liver or kidney problems, your IV formula and speed at which it’s administered should definitely be adjusted to make it safe given these issues.
Optimal Wellness: It’s generally safe to do some IV nutrient therapy even if you’re healthy and just looking for some optimal wellness. In this case, the formula can be customized based on this health goal.
How to determine which kind of IV you might need:
Consult with a qualified healthcare provider: The best way to determine which kind of IV you might need is to consult with a qualified healthcare provider. They can evaluate your medical condition and recommend the appropriate IV therapy. Remember - not all healthcare providers are qualified to give advice about IV Nutrient Therapy. If you missed my previous 2 blogs on this, I recommend you go back and read those for more info.
Discuss your symptoms: When you meet with your qualified healthcare provider, be sure to discuss your symptoms and any concerns you may have. This can help your healthcare provider determine the most effective IV nutrient therapy for your needs.
Provide a detailed medical history: Your healthcare provider will need to know about your medical history to determine the appropriate IV therapy. Be sure to provide a detailed medical history, including any medications and supplements you're taking, allergies you have, and any current or past medical problems.
Get lab tests done: It’s important to, in the least, have some routine bloodwork done before doing a series of IV nutrient therapies. This is for your safety. If there are any abnormal markers on your bloodwork, this may inform your healthcare provider’s decision-making on how to proceed with IV therapies for you. Next, your healthcare provider may recommend some more advanced lab testing, i.e. nutrient level testing, to further determine the best IV nutrient formulas for you.
In Summary
IV therapy is a versatile treatment option that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient. The type of IV you might need depends on several factors, including your medical condition, dehydration levels, nutrient deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances, chronic illness, and overall health goals. The best way to determine which kind of IV you might need is to consult with an IV therapy qualified healthcare provider. By discussing your symptoms, providing a detailed medical history, completing appropriate lab testing, and following your healthcare provider's recommendations, you can ensure that you receive safe IV nutrient therapies that are appropriate for your needs.
If you're unsure about which kind of IV nutrient therapy is right for you, or if you have any questions or concerns about IV nutrient therapy, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider or contact us at Zuma Wellness. We are proud of the high quality IV nutrient therapy we offer. Don't delay - contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
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.
__
And please stay tuned for Part 4 of our IV Nutrition Therapy blog post series: IV Therapy: Potential Side Effects of IV Nutrient Therapy, What to Watch Out for, and When to Alert a Medical Professional
Looking for Part 2? Here it is in case you missed it: "IV Therapy: How to Ensure You're Working with a Qualified Medical Professional for Safe and Effective Treatment".
