If you feel like your wellness routine might be missing something, it may be time to try out IV therapy. IV therapy is a convenient wellness practice that can be added to just about anyone’s routine. Keep reading for a full breakdown of what IV therapy is and all of the different ways it can benefit you.
What is IV therapy?
IV therapy is often associated with being in the hospital, but it is a delivery method for fluids into the body even if you aren’t dealing with an illness or recovering from an injury. It can be effective in improving general wellness and addressing minor ongoing health concerns. IV therapy can be a valuable tool for a wide variety of health conditions, not only those that would require a hospital visit.
IV solutions are packaged in sealed bags that are connected to long, thin tubes. At the end of the tube is a needle, which is inserted into a vein. The bag is suspended above a patient’s head to allow the fluids to flow through the tube into the bloodstream. Other ingredients, such as vitamins, medications, or other treatments can be injected into the bag to infuse them with the IV solution.
What are IV solutions and how to know which one you need?
The fluids used to deliver nutrients and medications during IV therapy are designed to ensure your body is properly hydrated. Hydration is vital to proper body function, and IV therapy can be helpful for those who struggle to consume enough water to maintain hydration levels.
The importance of electrolytes
In addition to having enough water, the body must maintain enough electrolytes. These minerals in the body have an electric charge and are essential to a number of vital body functions, such as:
- Proper brain and nerve function
- Balancing water levels in the body
- Proper heart and muscle function
- Balancing pH levels in the body
- Moving nutrients into cells
- Transferring waste out of cells
Understanding the tonicity of IV solutions
The volume behavior of cells in a solution (such as IV fluids) is called ‘tonicity’. Each cell has two parts – intracellular, referring to the inside of the cell, and extracellular, referring to the area outside the cell. Both parts contain fluids, which may be traded back and forth to reach their ideal state in a process known as osmosis.
The ideal state of tonicity for cells in a solution is the isotonic state, which means the intracellular and extracellular parts have the same concentration of fluids and solutes which can flow into and out of the cell at the same time.
There are three ways to classify IV fluids:
Isotonic IV solutions have the same concentration of solutes (electrolytes) as blood plasma. These solutions are frequently used to increase fluid volume to treat blood loss, dehydration, and during surgery.
Examples of common isotonic IV solutions include:
- 5% Dextrose in 0.225% saline (D5W1/4NS)
- Lactated Ringers
- 5% Dextrose in water (D5W). This may also be used as a hypotonic solution in certain scenarios.
- 0.9% Saline
Hypotonic IV solutions have less solutes than blood plasma. This means cells need to be rehydrated and some swelling may result. These solutions are used to address issues like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemia.
Examples of common hypotonic IV solutions include:
- 0.225% Saline (1/4 NS)
- 0.33% Saline (1/3 NS)
- 0.45% Saline (1/2 NS)
Hypertonic IV solutions have more solutes than blood plasma. These solutions move fluids out of the cell and may result in cell shrinkage. Hypertonic solutions are used carefully, usually in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to address fluid overload and its rapidly developing side effects, which is called pulmonary edema.
Examples of hypertonic IV solutions include:
- 10% Dextrose in Water (D10W)
- 5% Dextrose in Lactated Ringers
- 5% Dextrose in 0.9% Saline
- 5% Dextrose in 0.45% Saline
- 5% Saline
- 3% Saline
How do you know which IV solution you need?
There are three different types of dehydration which are broken down based on the electrolyte to fluid ratio. The most abundant electrolyte in the body is sodium (salt).
- Isotonic dehydration: This type of dehydration happens when you lose fluids and electrolytes in equal amounts. Diarrhea is the most common cause of isotonic dehydration.
- Hypotonic dehydration: This means your body has lost more electrolytes than fluids. Certain people lose higher amounts of electrolytes when they sweat, which can lead to hypotonic dehydration.
- Hypertonic dehydration: Also called hypernatremic dehydration, this means your body has lost more fluids than electrolytes. This type of dehydration typically requires medical attention. Children have a higher risk of developing hypertonic dehydration.
Typically, most common types of dehydration are treated with isotonic fluids. Only a licensed and trained medical provider can properly assess your health and determine the appropriate IV fluids for you.
Why Get IV treatment?
IV therapy is a simple way to deliver vital nutrients directly to the bloodstream. IV solutions contain various vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes that help replenish your body and offer all types of support. When you take vitamins and other supplements by mouth, they have to pass through your digestive tract. This can prevent your body from fully absorbing the beneficial properties of the supplements you take. When you utilize IV therapy to receive nutrients, the IV solutions go directly to your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive tract altogether.
What are the side effects of IV therapy?
IV therapy is a fairly safe treatment; however, there are risks such as:
- Vein damage
- Air embolism
- Infection at the site of injection
These side effects are largely mitigated when treatment is administered by a licensed and trained healthcare provider following hygiene and safety protocols. The other side effects of IV therapy vary depending on the other ingredients in the treatment.
What other ingredients are in IV therapy treatments?
IV therapy treatments can have a variety of ingredients depending on what health concerns you are trying to address. Vitamin IV therapy helps fuel the body with necessary nutrients and can help relieve health concerns related to vitamin deficiency. Typically, vitamin IV therapy involves a vitamin blend of formulas designed to address certain symptoms. However, you can also get certain vitamins individually, or as add-ons to existing formulas.
There are also other treatments that can be delivered via IV therapy. Some treatments can replenish and supplement naturally-occurring body chemicals needed for proper body function. Levels of these chemicals can decline as we age or due to injury or illness, resulting in uncomfortable or painful symptoms.
Regenerative treatments can help promote tissue repair and growth, improving recovery from surgery or physical injury while promoting brain health. Ketamine IV therapy can help address mental health conditions like treatment-resistant depression.
Some examples of different vitamin blends and IV therapy treatments include:
Anti-aging
If you’re hoping to gain anti-aging benefits from your IV therapy, there are several excellent options for you. Many individuals suffer from dehydration and decreased energy levels as they age. The Hydration IV, which is composed of IV fluids and electrolytes, can help boost energy levels. You can also opt for an Energy Boost IV, which helps with replenishment and recovery.
NAD
NAD is an amino acid responsible for cell regeneration and plays a vital role in the body. Many people are depleted in NAD, and as we age, our NAD levels drop. A NAD infusion can help with anti-aging, improving mental clarity, improved metabolic function, immune support, and so much more.
General wellness
If you’re simply looking to boost your overall wellness, IV therapy is a great place to turn. The All-Inclusive IV is a great place to start for boosting health, or you can try the Immune Boosting IV to help your body fight off illness.
All-inclusive
The All-Inclusive IV infusion improves health by offering vitamin replenishment, boosting energy, and benefitting the immune system. This vitamin infusion also includes hydration to help your body recover.
Myers
The Myer’s Cocktail IV solution can help combat jet lag, improve sleep, support immunity, and even improve digestion. This vitamin and mineral blend has been shown to support those who suffer from migraines, fatigue, allergies, and more.
Hydration
Many people suffer from chronic dehydration. IV fluids are by far the most effective way to replenish your body when suffering from dehydration. IV hydration can replace fluids and electrolytes after your body has lost fluid from exercise, sickness, and excessive heat.
Energy boost
If you’re having difficulty keeping up with your day-to-day, you may want to try out the energy boost IV solution. This IV solution combines vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and fluids to regulate mood, improve energy levels, and replenish the body. Often, those who suffer from fatigue are simply depleted of essential nutrients. Rather than reaching for another cup of coffee, replacing your missing nutrients is a more practical approach.
Illness and recovery
There are a couple of different IV solution options that help with illness and recovery. Depending on the specific illness you’re dealing with, your ideal choice may vary. The Recovery IV can help with muscle recovery and hydration, or you can opt for the Super Immune Boost IV to help prevent illness from occurring in the first place.
Recovery IV
The Recovery IV solution is ideal for anyone who is recovering from a strenuous workout or illness. This IV solution supports muscle recovery, replenishes lost vitamins, and can boost energy. This IV is helpful for sick individuals who are hoping for a speedy recovery, but it can also benefit those who are not sick.
Hangover
The only downside to a fun night out with friends is the feeling you have the morning after. Luckily, with the Hangover IV solution, you can recover more quickly than ever. This infusion offers headache relief, nausea treatment, hydration, and it helps flush out toxins.
Stomach Flu
The Stomach Flu IV infusion offers nausea relief, hydration soothes the stomach and can help your body quickly recover from illness. Illnesses such as the stomach flu often lead to dehydration and fatigue. This IV solution helps replenish the body while also helping ease the symptoms of the illness.
Immune Boost
A strong immune system goes a long way these days. The Immune Boost IV treatment offers your body a boost of vitamins and antioxidants that help boost your overall health to help the body fight off sicknesses.
Enhance Your Appearance
IV therapy is an effective way to improve your appearance in several ways. Many IV infusions (such as the Beauty IV) can help boost collagen levels, enhancing the appearance of hair, skin, and nails. Adding additional IV hydration can also help you feel and look replenished.
Beauty
They say true beauty starts from within. Overall health will shine through with healthy hair, skin, and nails. The Beauty IV solution is intended to boost collagen production, brighten skin, improve metabolism, and even boost energy.
Weight loss
Weight loss is a common concern in our society these days. Try out the Weight Loss IV infusion if you want to boost your metabolism, improve energy levels, detox the body, and even burn additional fat. IV therapy may be all that your weight loss routine is missing.
In-Home IV Treatments With Drip Hydration
Drip Hydration offers mobile IV treatments in the comfort of your home. Once you book your appointment, a certified nurse will come to your desired location and administer the treatment, which usually takes less than an hour. During this time, you can do anything you’d like, such as relax under a warm blanket or watch TV. Drip Hydration will also go to hotels, worksites, or other locations upon request.
You can either browse our treatment options and decide which is best for you or speak to a representative who can help you choose what you need based on your health goals. To schedule your appointment or learn more, contact us today!
