IV therapy, also called intravenous therapy, is a common medical treatment. You can almost always see it in any occupied hospital room. But it is not just for severe medical problems; it is also helpful cosmetically and for day-to-day health.

It is not a treatment good for specific problems. It is effective for a myriad of concerns, medical or cosmetic. Let’s look at what IV therapy is and when it is helpful.

What is IV Therapy?

At its core, IV therapy is a process of delivering nutrients and other substances directly into the bloodstream. It is commonly used in cases where the body requires nutrients it can use immediately. Unlike orally delivered vitamins or nutrients, it allows the body to receive and absorb nutrients instantly.

The practice has existed for centuries. It is the means of several medical treatments such as stem cell transplant or administering anesthesia, morphine, antibiotics, or any other vital fluids. IV therapy is basically injecting large amounts of nutrients into the body.

Though the media might make it seem that IV therapy is the new fad of the medical or cosmetic world, that is not true. It just so happens that experts have found further use for it.

In the past, IV therapy is reserved for patients who need nutrients or essential bodily fluids instantly (or patients who can’t take medications orally). But today, even healthy people can use IV therapy to boost their health.

What’s in the Bag?

There are many possible contents of an IV bag, depending on the therapy you need. But here are the most common contents of an IV bag:

Saline is the base ingredient of any IV bag. It is a mixture of water and sodium chloride (salt) and is the carrier of the other nutrients you need. It also helps hydrate the body.

Dextrose is a type of sugar that’s actually healthy for the human body. Dextrose is put in an IV bag to help regulate low blood sugar. Also, the body can use sugar for energy.

Lactated Ringer’s is another carrier of other nutrients in an IV bag. It is commonly used in surgery to keep the patient hydrated. The solution contains water, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium lactate.

Vitamin B complex contains vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-9, and B-12 – all of which are important for various bodily functions.

Vitamin C is an excellent addition to your IV therapy if you feel like getting sick. Of all the vitamins, vitamin C is the primary contributor to the immune system.

Antibiotics help fight infections. Your IV bag may contain antibiotics if you need them ASAP.

Other possible contents of an IV bag include magnesium, calcium, or antioxidants.

Benefits 

There are two principal benefits you can gain from IV therapy.

Instant Absorption of Nutrients

The first benefit is your body gets the nutrients instantly. The therapy bypasses the digestive system and takes the nutrients straight into your bloodstream for distribution throughout the body.

Through oral medications or supplements, the body will only absorb the nutrients near the end of the digestive process. That process has many steps – ingestion, propulsion, mechanical or physical digestion, chemical digestion, absorption, and defecation. But through IV therapy, the body gets the nutrients as soon as the fluid is injected into the bloodstream.

Higher Absorption Rate of Nutrients

Aside from how fast the body absorbs nutrients from IV therapy, there’s also the matter of how much nutrients it absorbs. IV therapy has a much higher absorption rate than oral medications. In oral medicines, the body has a nutrient absorption rate of 20% to 50%; in IV therapy, those numbers soar to 90% to 100%.

When is it Helpful?

There are many instances where it is helpful. As already covered above, it is vital in crises – when patients urgently need nutrients or can’t take medications orally. But aside from that, it is helpful for daily boosts of nutrients.

Here are other situations when it is helpful.

Weight Loss

Certain supplements can aid in weight loss. Carnitine, lipotropic compounds, or alpha-lipoic acid can aid in metabolizing or burning fat into energy.

Hangover Relief

A significant result of alcohol consumption is dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Thankfully, IV therapy can quickly correct those wrongs in your system. Saline alone can deliver the water you need plus the electrolytes in the form of sodium chloride.

IV therapy helps in hydrating the body and delivers nutrients that fight the symptoms of a hangover. Say goodbye to headaches, fatigue, thirst, nausea, stomach pain, muscle aches, or brain fog.

Easing Anxiety 

Here’s something unique about this therapy – it can help ease anxiety and promote calmness. By adding magnesium sulfate into your IV bag, you can begin to feel at ease. Magnesium sulfate is an electrolyte that lowers blood pressure, among other things.

There’s more; the electrolyte can also help you get a good night’s sleep, relax your muscles, and strengthen your immune system.

Cleanse Your Body of Toxins and Free Radicals 

As already mentioned above, antioxidants are potential additives in your IV bag. Antioxidants are known for battling toxins and free radicals which harm your cells and DNA. Common antioxidants you can add to your therapy bag are vitamin C, alpha-lipoic acid, or vitamin C.

Other Uses for IV Therapy

This list of scenarios where this therapy is helpful is not exhaustive. There are tons of applications for the treatment. Here are other helpful uses of IV therapy.

• Treating nutrient deficiencies
• Increasing energy levels
• Increase blood circulation
• Improving heart health
• Alleviation of pregnancy symptoms
• Cold and flu relief
• Athletic performance recovery
• Combating immunity deficiency
• Fighting infections
• Blood transfusion

Want to Try IV Therapy?

There is no limit to how IV therapy can help you. The treatment delivers nutrients right into your bloodstream when you need them. It is more than just a supplement because of how quickly you see the results.

So, look no further than IV therapy whenever you feel like you need a boost that’s effective instantaneously. Biorestoration Medical & Aesthetics want to help you feel and look better. Reach out to us for the most effective IV treatment you can get.