Intravenous (IV) therapy refers to a broad range of disease-treating and wellness-supporting processes. The term can be applied to any procedure that involves administering fluids directly into a patient’s veins.
Some people assume IV therapy is only appropriate for treating serious conditions and chronic diseases in hospitals, but that’s not the case. IV therapy can help treat all kinds of issues, even in otherwise healthy people, and it can be performed anywhere as long as a licensed nurse is available to administer the IV. These days, there are even mobile iv services that can administer treatments in the comfort of patients’ homes.
Interested in learning more about IV therapy? The best place to start is with an overview of what it can help treat. This article will cover everything from hospital settings to health and wellness applications at home, so let’s get started.
IV Therapy for Dehydration
One of the most common uses for IV therapy in hospitals, clinics, and IV spas is to manage dehydration. Whether people are dehydrated as a result of insufficient fluid intake, dealing with symptoms of colds, flu, or chronic illnesses, or just going a little overboard with alcohol consumption on a night out on the town, IV therapy can help.
In most instances, administering a saline solution that rehydrates people at a cellular level is all it takes to get rid of unpleasant symptoms of dehydration, including:
Thirst
Dry mouth
Headaches
Muscle cramps
Dry skin
Insufficient urination
Feelings of dizziness
Raid heartbeat
Lack of energy
Confusion
Some people are at a higher risk of developing problems with dehydration than others. Chronic conditions like diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and other medical issues can make it hard to stay hydrated. So can working outside or simply living an active lifestyle when it’s very hot or humid. The good news is that the type of fluids administered during IV therapy can be tailored to each person’s specific needs.
Uses for IV Vitamin Therapy
IV vitamin therapy can be prescribed by physicians to help with the management of certain disorders. In some instances, it can also be incorporated safely and effectively into normal, healthy people’s wellness routines.
Some types of IV vitamin therapy involve administering a cocktail of different essential vitamins and minerals. Others are more targeted. Targeted uses of IV vitamin therapy in medical settings include administering vitamin C to cancer patients, magnesium sulfate for acute asthma, and selenium for acute respiratory distress syndrome.
The types of IV vitamin therapy offered by IV spas and wellness clinics usually include a mix of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients designed to target specific sets of symptoms. Vitamin B12, for example, can help to boost energy in those who are ordinarily deficient. Calcium, magnesium, and zinc can fortify bones, nails, and hair. The best way to determine what IV vitamin therapy mix will be most effective is to speak with a licensed nurse who has plenty of experience in the field.
IV Therapy for Colds and Flus
Colds, flu, and stomach bugs can all take a serious toll on even otherwise healthy people. Part of the reason they can be so problematic is that it’s common for acute illnesses to leave people both dehydrated and nutrient-deficient. Stomach bugs are particularly bad since they can impact a person’s ability to absorb nutrients naturally through food.
IV therapy is a perfect option for helping people recover from colds, flu, and stomach bugs. Instead of having to digest food, vitamins, and supplements, people who choose IV therapy can have them introduced directly into their veins. This places far less strain on the stomach and helps to ensure that all of those beneficial substances make it into the bloodstream, even if a person’s digestion is compromised by illness.
Reducing Age-Related Illnesses and Issues
There’s no way to avoid aging. However, researchers are increasingly finding that there are ways to reduce its negative impact on both physical health and appearance and IV therapy can play an important role in the process.
NAD+ therapy is one excellent example. NAD+ is short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and it’s an enzyme that plays a central role in energy metabolism and cellular functioning. While it’s produced naturally by the body in large quantities when people are young, NAD+ production drops off with age. Researchers believe that this may be one of the factors behind age-related diseases.
Although the exact mechanisms behind NAD+ therapy are still under investigation, the results speak for themselves. The same can be said of antioxidant IV therapy, which can help people look and feel more rejuvenated by countering the negative effects of oxidative stress. All of these treatments are popular among people in the anti-aging community, and they are backed by science.
IV Therapy for Athletes
Athletes put their bodies through more stress than ordinary people. They also need to be able to perform reliably at higher levels and recover quickly from each training session or competition. IV therapy can help everyone from amateur fitness enthusiasts to professional athletes achieve those lofty goals.
IV therapy for athletes often includes rehydration and vitamin mixes. Depending on the application, it can also include things like steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, which are most effective when administered intravenously. Some mixes also contain energy-boosting substances like taurine and muscle-building amino acids like lysine.
Is IV Therapy Worth the Money?
In some contexts, there’s no alternative to IV therapy. The fluids administered in hospitals for severe dehydration, for example, can’t be avoided. The same is true of medications that must be given intravenously. However, this does not address the growing trend that has been springing up across the country in recent years of going to IV spas or requesting home IV therapy as a part of a comprehensive wellness routine.
For those who have a choice regarding the use of IV therapy, it’s important to consider the benefits as well as the costs. IV therapy can help athletes achieve their fitness goals, aging patients avoid unnecessary health complications, and anyone feel better faster after a cold, flu, stomach bug, or bout of excessive drinking. For those who can afford it, IV therapy is worth the money.