IV Therapy: What is it and what can it do for me?

When the average person thinks about IV therapy most times it conjures up thoughts of hospital beds and emergencies. Most people have never had an IV, except for possibly when very sick for dehydration or to administer a medication like antibiotics or morphine. These are obviously very scary situations.
 
There is also another type of intravenous therapy that is gaining momentum in North America. Originally pioneered by Dr. John Myers, MD, a physician from Baltimore, IV nutrient therapy has existed in both the medical and naturopathic realms for many years. Dr. Myers used his formulations over 25 years for chronic conditions such as fatigue and depression. After his death in 1984, the “Myers Cocktail” and other combinations of nutrient IV therapy became more widely known for applications in treatment of asthma, migraines, fatigue (especially chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, colds/ flus, sinusitis and hayfever.
 
Intravenous administration of these nutrients can achieve serum concentrations beyond what is possible with oral or even intramuscular administration. This allows certain nutrients to exert pharmacological effects, which are often dependent on the concentration of the nutrient. For example, the antiviral effects of Vitamin C have been demonstrated at a serum concentration far above what is possible with oral dosage. Also, IV nutrients are better able to affect the intracellular nutrient status as compared to oral supplementation. Clinically, this can greatly improve outcomes much more rapidly than oral supplementation or dietary changes alone.
 
Many people are beginning to seek out IV therapy for health maintenance, mainly to get a more effective way of taking vitamins, but what can it do for the average person?
 
Common benefits of IV therapy include:

• Increased energy
• Improved resilience to stress
• Better mood
• Improved sleep
• Shortened recovery time from activity
• Increased stamina
• Improved immune resistance
• Resistance to toxic stressors such as medications, heavy metals or alcohol

 
Often IV treatments can be customized or your naturopathic doctor can help determine the best combination for your individual situation. Whether you are a stressed out executive or a competitive cross-fitter or maybe you just get sick far too often, IV therapy may give you the boost you need without taking pills every day.
 
Contact Dr. Katie Coombs, ND to get IV therapy as a part of your health care regime in the Calgary area.
 
Westbrook Momentum Health 403-454-1600
Creekside Momentum Health 403-239-6773
Bronze Baxx Mission IV Drip Lounge 403-244-2299