The Essentials of IV nutrition: What you Need to Know

Intravenous (IV) therapy, or IV infusion, is a way to give a person Vitamins, Nutrients and hydrating fluids directly into a vein. It requires using a needle or catheter (tube) that is inserted into the vein. IV therapy can be used to treat many different conditions & ailments as well as make it part of a wellness routine. 

Staying hydrated and getting the right nutrition are two of the most important things we can do for our health. However, many factors can get in the way of this basic care. Athletes who push themselves to the limit physically may find that staying hydrated is difficult. Several illnesses can get in the way of proper vitamin absorption. For example, autoimmune disorders and GI diseases. 

Everyday life can even be a barrier to proper hydration and nutrition for many people. Our bodies undergo an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants resulting in oxidative stress. This can have lasting effects in the body. Some symptoms our bodies are experiencing oxidative stress include: (1)

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Lack of concentration, “brain fog”
• Memory loss
• Muscles and/or joint pain
• Premature signs of aging: wrinkles and gray hair
• Problems with eyesight
• Weakened immune system

Most often, Americans are not getting proper nutrients from their diet. Typically diets that include processed foods, are high in fat and carbohydrates (sugar) will increase oxidative stress in the body. 

Toxins in the environment, lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol use, over exertion and even emotional stress can have negative effects in our body.

Some conditions that are negatively affected or even caused by oxidative stress include: 

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Atherosclerosis
• Asthma
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Chronic heart failure
• Chronic inflammation
• Diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Male infertility
• Parkinson’s disease
• Stroke

Maintaining the right balance between free radicals and antioxidants can help you prevent or manage some of these conditions. (1)

How Does IV Nutrition Work?

IV nutrition is infused directly into the bloodstream.  This avoids inconsistent absorption by the GI system.  You get almost 100% of the Vitamins and Nutrients from the IV infusion. 

You will be placed in a comfortable semi-upright lounger where a certified Nurse or Nurse Practitioner will insert the IV into your arm.  

The Nutrients are mixed just before this and once the IV is in your arm, the drip will begin. It takes approximately 30-45 minutes and should be comfortable.  Sometimes a cold sensation is felt once the fluid is infusing into the arm, but this should not hurt. 

Once complete, the IV tube (or catheter) is removed and a gauze is placed with tape to provide pressure at the insertion site.  

Rarely, you may have bruising at the site of the IV insertion. This is not harmful and will go away on its own. We apply a pressure dressing to decrease the chance of bruising once the IV is removed.  If you take a blood thinner, this may need to remain in place for longer and bruising is more common. We recommend applying ice to the area and you may also use Arnica gel on the skin where there may be bruising.

How Do I Know What I Need?

IV Nutrition is not for those who have Heart Failure or kidney disease. A Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner consults all our patients to determine eligibility for IV Nutrition.

We do a thorough history and evaluate your symptoms. All our IV infusions are personalized. We want to provide the best combination of Nutrients to meet your needs! 

Some of the Feedback Our Patients Have Provided.

Some Potential Benefits of IV Nutritional Therapy:

• Boosts energy
• Detoxifies the body
• Enhances the immune system
• Helps prevent illness
• Decreases artery plaque
• Combats chronic fatigue
• Improves hangovers

How Do I Book My Infusion?

Resources:

1. Compagine-Cohen, A “What Is Oxidative Stress and How Is It Affecting You?” Well.org; 2024.