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It seems the benefits of IV therapy cover everything. Speedier weight loss? Hangover cure? Glowing skin and fewer allergies? Sign us up. As more people turn to their providers for this alternative treatment, it begs the question: is it legit?
Researchers have long studied the effects of IV vitamin therapy on several conditions, offering hope to those who suffer from serious health problems. Here are five benefits of IV therapy.
About 19.4 million American adults had a depressive episode in one year. Although oral antidepressants are a standard treatment for depression, they usually can take weeks or months to work.
If you suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, ketamine infusion therapy may help lessen your symptoms. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have found that a low-dose IV drip of ketamine effectively reduced depression in patients within hours of treatment.
It’s not clear how ketamine infusion therapy works. However, it’s believed that it targets receptors and neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood, thoughts and reasoning.
While it may not be an effective treatment for everyone, many people find that one to three ketamine IV drips successfully reduce their depressive symptoms.
Did your most recent lab work show a vitamin deficiency? If so, you may benefit from IV therapy. This drip is a liquid solution of vitamins and minerals administered into a small vein.
The body only absorbs about 50% of vitamins when taken orally. However, the bloodstream can absorb 90% of intravenous vitamins more rapidly and directly. This makes IV therapy effective in combatting nutrient deficiencies.
For example, you could experience low iron levels if you’ve had significant blood loss, have an iron-deficient diet, take certain medications, have a kidney disorder or are pregnant. Your doctor may recommend an iron infusion if they feel regular iron supplements and iron-containing foods would not effectively increase your nutrient levels.
Some individuals may receive a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) IV drip to treat addiction symptoms. Those who promote NAD therapy claim it can help improve brain function, boost energy levels and repair DNA.
In NAD infusion therapy, an IV is inserted and drips the co-enzyme into the bloodstream, enabling it to work its way past the stomach and directly to the brain.
In addition to enhancing mood and awareness, NAD therapy affects the body in four ways:
Typically, other NAD-boosting practices are introduced to promote a healthier, drug-free lifestyle. For example, yoga and other fitness activities help increase endorphins, while a nutrient-dense diet can build up dopamine levels.
Medical providers have turned to an IV treatment called chelation therapy to help patients with heart disease. Under the guidance and care of an experienced provider, chelation therapy consists of weekly IV treatments that drip ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) into the bloodstream.
Chelation therapy is a standard treatment for mercury and lead poisoning. The EDTA acts as a magnet, binding metals and minerals in the bloodstream. The body then removes them through urination.
Cardiologists believe EDTA can bind to calcium in fatty deposits within the arteries. In the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT), findings were inconclusive on how effective chelation therapy is as a routine heart treatment. However, it offered some protection against future strokes and heart attacks.
How about a cocktail to deal with your fibromyalgia pain? Research has suggested one of the benefits of IV therapy with a mixture of magnesium, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin C — also known as the Myers cocktail — helps relieve some of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
In one study conducted by fibromyalgia researcher David Katz, MD, founding director of the Prevention Research Center at Yale University, trial participants received the Myers cocktail intravenously every week. Results of the study indicated that it helped decrease their pain, fatigue and depression and improved their overall quality of life.
There is still a lot to understand about fibromyalgia. However, patients are usually willing to try IV therapy to help them live with this challenging disease.
Research is ongoing regarding IV therapy, but many people find it is an effective alternative treatment for their ailments and overall well-being. Speaking with a medical provider can offer you greater insight into IV vitamin therapy and whether it’s an option for your wellness regimen.
