Paola Nielsen-Lensgraf
The type of IV therapy that involves the injection of vitamins and minerals, also known as vitamin boosters, administers high-dose micronutrients directly into the bloodstream, including vitamins B, vitamin C, magnesium, and calcium. The human body requires a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and other nutrients to function properly. When a person is dehydrated, fatigued, sick, or malnourished, their body may not receive sufficient amounts of these nutrients or be unable to absorb them efficiently through the digestive system. Therefore, they enter a vicious cycle of further deterioration to the point where they may need consistent medical treatment. Since IV therapy delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, where the body can quickly and efficiently absorb them, it can prevent such negative health consequences or promptly rectify them.
The mechanisms behind the benefits of IV therapy are primarily related to the way nutrients are administered directly into the bloodstream. More specifically, when nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream, they very quickly and efficiently reach the body’s cells and tissues that suffer. Moreover, the fact that IV therapy bypasses the digestive system allows for much more rapid absorption of these nutrients, hence a much faster onset of action and bioavailability.
Two very important biological systems through which IV therapy exerts its benefits are the immune and the nervous systems. In particular, IV therapy can support the immune system by delivering nutrients vital for immune system function, such as vitamin C and zinc. Some of them are potent antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, while others promote immune cell development. Overall, IV therapy may support immune function optimization and reduce the risk of illness and infection. Regarding the nervous system, IV therapy can provide the nutrients necessary for proper nerve function and repair. For example, B vitamins, such as thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), and pyridoxine (B6), are essential for optimal nerve function and are all delivered through IV therapy. An optimal nervous system function equals optimal cognitive function, reduced symptoms of fatigue and stress, as well as better mental and overall health.
Although the benefits of IV therapy can vary depending on the specific treatment administered, it can generally provide a quick and effective way to deliver essential nutrients to the body as well as replenish bodily fluids. As mentioned above, IV therapy delivers fluid directly into the bloodstream, allowing rapid absorption and distribution throughout the body. As a result, the body is quickly and effectively hydrated or rehydrated, restoring its fluid balance. This can be particularly important for individuals who cannot drink fluids due to illness, surgery, or other factors, as well as for athletes who consistently under-consume fluids to the point their performance is compromised. Besides hydration and rehydration, IV therapy can also provide enhanced nourishment, improving the absorption of nutrients in individuals with a compromised digestive system and malnutrition, as well as athletes with high energy and nutrient needs who fail to cover them efficiently through regular nutrition.
Thanks to the immune and nervous system support provided through IV therapy, significant benefits also include improved overall health with reduced risk of chronic diseases and infections, as well as improved cognitive function and mental health with decreased symptoms of brain fog and mental fatigue. Especially busy professionals and athletes who may experience high-stress levels and chronic fatigue can benefit from the quick energy boost IV therapy provides. All these benefits eventually support an enhanced recovery capacity both mentally and physiologically, which is especially crucial for athletes with highly-demanding consecutive training sessions. Lastly, IV therapy has also become increasingly popular among individuals seeking to relieve hangover symptoms since alcohol dehydrates the body and may substitute for proper food and its essential nutrients.
In conclusion, IV therapy delivers fluids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream, quickly and efficiently delivering essential nutrients to the body. The mechanisms behind the benefits of IV therapy include rapid delivery, improved absorption, immune system support, and nervous system support. The most important benefits of IV therapy are hydration and rehydration, enhanced nourishment, improved overall health and cognitive function, as well as enhanced recovery capacity. It is important to note that IV therapy should always be administered with appropriate caution under the guidance of a healthcare professional to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits. It should also not be used as a substitute for proper nutrition.
Scientific sources:
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Carr AC, Cook J. Intravenous vitamin C for cancer therapy—identifying the current gaps in our knowledge. Front Physiol. 2018;9:1182.
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