IV Therapy

Since the 1950s, Americans have tapped into intravenous (IV) drips to hydrate and replenish vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids. The liquid bypasses the digestive system, allowing the nutrients to flood your body and nourish itself at the cellular level for maximum absorption. IV vitamin drips can be used both proactively to maintain optimum wellness and to treat acute illnesses. The fluid itself is usually sterile water or normal saline plus applicable additives (e.g. medicines, vitamins, nutrients). A thorough health history and lab work is conducted in advance to guide the treatment. IV therapy is available to most adults (18 and over) who do not have serious kidney, liver or heart problems. Most patients absorb the IV drip within 1-2 hours, which should always be administered by a fully licensed and accredited registered nurse or doctor. This procedure is usually painless with minimal (if any) side effects, as would be possible with any IV drip.

IV treatments may be administered weekly or monthly. Typical ingredients found in IV drips may include:

• Balanced electrolyte fluid – To rehydrate the body.

• Multivitamins/minerals, extra vitamin C, selenium, zinc and glutathione – To strengthen the immune system, shorten the duration of an acute illness, promote healing tissue and wounds or as a preventative measure.

• Vitamins, minerals, carnitine and methionine inositol choline – Boosts metabolism, suppresses appetite, helps process stored fat and encourages the building of lean muscle.

• Multivitamins/minerals, biotin, Coq10 and glutathione – Provides overall antioxidant support, as well as skin-bolstering benefits including plumping, smoothing and brightening.

• Pure oxygen – Increases metabolism (100% during infusion), mental alertness, visual acuity, killer “T” and “B” cells, the immune system and provides a 24- hour feeling of relaxation.

The Benefits of B12

According to the United States’ National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (NIH), vitamin B12 deficiency affects between 1.5% and 15% of Americans. Many older adults who do not have enough hydrochloric acid in their stomach have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 naturally present in food. Others who often do not absorb enough B12 include people with pernicious anemia, those who have had gastrointestinal or weight loss surgery, sufferers of digestive disorders and vegetarians/vegans.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include: tiredness, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss and megaloblastic anemia. The NIH also cites nerve problems, problems with balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory and soreness of the mouth or tongue. Vitamin B12 deficiency can damage the nervous system even in people who don’t have anemia, so it is important to treat a deficiency as soon as possible. A review of B12 levels provides valuable data to define a B12 supplementation regimen.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy treats the hormonal deficiency associated with aging. For those in the stage of perimenopause, a complete physical including a thyroid check, blood sugar test and vitamin D3 test are recommended. These tests can rule out non-hormonal factors that are causing perimenopausal symptoms. A hormone check can accompany or follow the thyroid check. The hormone check will measure estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and lutenizing hormone (LH). The FSH and LH help control the menstrual cycle and the production of eggs. The results will fall into a range, but may still need to be treated especially if symptoms worsen. Based on test results, a customized Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy program can be created specifically to address symptoms to maximize benefits and relief.