Why IV Therapy Is Good for You: A Better Way to Hydrate
We all know how crucial it is to stay active, eat balanced meals, and drink plenty of water — both for longevity and overall quality of life. But keeping up with a wellness routine isn’t always easy. How do you know you’re getting the right amount of vitamin C? Are you really supposed to drink eight glasses of water a day?
Even the most conscientious of us can still experience chronic fatigue, migraines, and more serious ailments. IV therapy is designed to simplify your wellness regimen by strategically delivering the hydration and nutrients you need to feel your best.
A Brief History of IV Therapy
IV nutrient therapy was pioneered by the late John Myers, MD, who used a formula comprised of saline, vitamins, and minerals to alleviate a number of medical conditions. Building on the work of Dr. Myers, Alan R. Gaby, MD, subsequently coined the term “Myers’ Cocktail” to refer to the combinations of nutrients he administered. Dr. Gaby helped patients with medical concerns as diverse as congestive heart failure and hyperthyroidism.¹
Since Dr. Gaby’s findings were published in 2002, IV therapy has only grown in popularity. Celebrities like Madonna, Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, Jane Fonda, and Rihanna tout the treatment’s ability to boost energy levels and combat other ailments. The list of promised benefits goes on.
So Does IV Therapy Really Work?
Yes. There’s a reason why doctors and nurses have been prescribing IV treatments for over a century: they’re a quick and effective way to deliver hydration and nutrients. IV drips help with:
- Hydration
- Quick vitamin and mineral delivery
- Remedy for nutritional deficiencies
- Support for certain illnesses
Let’s look at these in more detail.
Unparalleled Hydration
IV infusion is undoubtedly the fastest way to nourish your body with life-giving hydration. Why? Because IV drips work by mainlining fluids directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the stomach and conveying hydration where you need it most. It might take an entire day of diligent water consumption to reach the same levels of hydration you could get through less than an hour of IV infusion. Bottom line: IV therapy is a faster and more efficient way to hydrate.
Superior Vitamin and Mineral Delivery System
While oral supplements are a common and adequate means of hitting most vitamin and mineral recommended dietary allowances, it takes longer for the body to metabolize nutrients this way. And once the body does process the vitamins, only around 30% are absorbed. With IV therapy, the body absorbs 100% of those essential vitamins and minerals at a faster rate. Additionally, we can work with your healthcare provider to personalize your dosages, creating a unique formula targeted to your needs. You can’t get that from a pill bottle.
IV Therapy for Vitamin Deficiency
While it is possible to get all the nutrients you require through a balanced diet, planning nutritious meals that meet all of your dietary needs takes time. Many Americans embody the “well fed, but undernourished” phenomenon.
A 2017 study found that nearly one-third of the U.S. population is at risk for at least one vitamin deficiency or anemia. Roughly 95 percent of adults have inadequate vitamin D levels, 61 percent of adults don’t get enough magnesium, and about 32 percent receive insufficient amounts of folate.⁶
IV therapy is a safe and effective way to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need, without stressing over daily meal plans and supplement dosages. If you’re not sure about your vitamin and mineral levels, a nutritionist can help you understand your unique needs.
Remedies for Specific Illnesses
Not only is IV therapy a fantastic way to ensure sufficient nutrient intake, but it has also been proven effective in combating specific illnesses. The results of a 2009 pilot study of fibromyalgia patients, for example, showed improvements among patients who received the Myers’ infusion, including the alleviation of discomfort and mood irregularities, and improved quality of life⁷. While vitamin C is not a cure for viral infections, some studies have shown that high levels of intravenously administered vitamin C may strengthen the immune system.⁸
Which Vitamins and Minerals Can You Get from a Drip?
IV therapy can efficiently deliver a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Here are a few of the nutritional powerhouses you can get through an IV.
Vitamin C
Considered an essential vitamin and a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, a fibrous protein found in connective tissue. When you think of collagen, you probably think of its ability to keep skin looking young and fresh. But did you know that collagen forms the fabric of the nervous, immune, skeletal, and cardiovascular systems?² Since vitamin C is water-soluble, it can be ingested through food or supplements — or better yet, through an IV.
B Vitamins
B Vitamins help your body release energy from carbohydrates and fat, break down amino acids, and transport oxygen throughout the body.³ Vitamin B12 supports the production of red blood cells, thereby preventing anemia — which is especially useful if you’re on a plant-based diet. Vitamin B6 supports healthy brain function, and B9 plays a vital role in mood management. Collectively, B vitamins support metabolic and cardiovascular function, as well as skin and hair health. Best of all, B vitamins are water-soluble and rapidly absorbed via IV infusion.
Magnesium
It’s almost easier to list what this mineral doesn’t do. Magnesium assists more than 300 enzymes necessary for vital chemical reactions, including protein synthesis, bone strengthening, and the regulation of blood sugar, blood pressure and muscle and nerve functions. If you suffer from migraines or depression, increasing magnesium could improve your symptoms. Additionally, studies have shown an association between magnesium deficiency and cardiovascular disease.⁴
Zinc
Your body needs only small amounts of the trace mineral zinc to create DNA, grow cells, build proteins, heal damaged tissue, and support a healthy immune system.⁵ When injected into the bloodstream via an IV, you’ll receive a rapid dose of bioavailable zinc. Studies have shown zinc to effectively mitigate the common cold if taken during the onset of symptoms.
More Than Just a Hangover Cure
The benefits of IV therapy extend far beyond the ability to alleviate your morning headache. It can prevent dehydration, nourish your body with the nutrients you need to feel your best, and even be used as part of a holistic treatment plan for a variety of illnesses.
Make sure you choose a reputable IV therapy provider like Bounce Hydration that uses only FDA-approved vitamins and boosters delivered by qualified healthcare professionals. Since any IV infusion poses a very slight risk of infection, selecting the right provider will allow you to embark on your IV therapy journey with confidence.
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