IV Nutrient Therapy - The 411

Let me start by saying, I hate needles. I absolutely hate them! They scare me and totally gross me out. I can’t believe that I willingly get pricked with one on a semi-regular basis for a Vitamin IV.

I heard about these “cocktail IVs” that celebs like Madonna and some of the Real Housewives of ____________ (insert your favorite one) were getting and thought it was nuts! I couldn’t get past the idea of getting pricked with a needle to receive “fluids” on purpose and that it could actually make you feel better. I really didn’t even know what they were putting in their bodies because I couldn’t get past the needle part. Fast forward 10 years and here I am getting these vitamin cocktails.

IV Nutrient Therapy is the infusion of liquid substances directly into the vein. The substances that are used are vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other natural compounds and they can treat a broad spectrum of health conditions. Your doctor can also completely customize each IV to your specific needs. They can be helpful for:

• cold and flu

• allergies and asthma

• athletic performance/enhancement

• fatigue

• gastrointestinal problems (IBS, Chron’s, Colitis)

• post surgery recovery (including bariatric and cosmetic surgery)

• high blood pressure

• fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain

• anxiety and depression

• migraines

Here are some things you need to know:

Nutrients are delivered directly to cells through the bloodstream. Because they go directly into your vein there is no waiting for the nutrients to be absorbed by the intestines and processed by the liver.

Vitamin IVs allow for high doses of the specific vitamin or mineral to be absorbed and used by your body immediately. For example: The amount of Vitamin C that you would receive in an IV couldn’t be taken orally. People are unable to absorb higher doses of vitamin C, and if too much is taken orally it will result in diarrhea)

Vitamin C is a vital nutrient. It is required for making serotonin and all other neurotransmitters, optimal immune system function and is one of the most potent anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. High does of vitamin C have been shown to prevent and treat wound healing, depression, cold and flu, fatigue and allergies.

There aren’t many side effects, though some experience upset stomach or cramping, nausea or diarrhea afterwords. In my own experience, I haven’t had any side effects after any of my IV therapies.

Glutathione is the bodies most potent antioxidant. It’s comprised of three essential amino acids: cysteine, glycine and glutamate. Our bodies naturally produce glutathione, but due to stress, toxicity and bad diet, most people can be deficient in glutathione. Taking glutathione orally is not stable and is poorly absorbed. You can add glutathione to your IV which is directly absorbed into the blood stream and readily used by the cells to fight off oxidative damage, optimize liver function and detoxification.

For me, Vitamin IVs are something that I love and hate at the very same time. I hate that

initial prick into my arm and the very thought that there is a needle sticking out of my vein. But in all reality, I feel so much better afterwards. I get an IV when I am sick to knock out my cold, right before vacation to boost my immune system before I am surrounded by all kinds of people (like a conference, theme park, etc.) or when I need a pick-me-up because I’m stressed out of my mind.

My mom and I get these IVs together sometimes. She laughs at me because I can’t even look at the IV. I have to cover it with a tissue and pretend it’s not there. I also make the doctor cover my mom’s IV as well because I just don’t even want to see that or know that it’s happening.

After the IV is finished, the doctor will remove the IV and place a cotton ball over the "boo boo" and have you apply pressure to it while they wrap it with sticky medical gauze - see photo with the cute red and white 101 Dalmatian shoes.

I really believe in this kind of treatment. I have seen it work wonders on me. I have seen it help my mom as well. It’s something that many people don’t realize is an option. IVs can be a little pricey but this is your health and your body. These IV therapies can help treat so many different conditions and for so many different people.

I highly encourage you to research this, as it has really helped strengthen my immune system. To learn more about IV Therapy, CLICK HERE.