What Is IV Therapy? 10 Benefits + What Solutions to Ask For
IV therapy is a universally beneficial therapeutic way for people to treat a variety of conditions and better absorb nutrients the body needs to function optimally. Top IV therapy benefits include boosting energy levels, immune function, and longevity as well as fighting dehydration and more.
Did you know that the average person absorbs only about 12 percent of his or her oral supplements, depending on his or her gut health and other factors? Given this information, this leads us to one natural question: There has to be a better way to get the nutrients you need, right?
Fortunately, there is. With IV therapy, your body absorbs 100 percent of the nutrients you’re given — regardless of your other health factors!
In our pill-focused culture, it can be a little jarring to think of getting an IV. After all, we commonly associate the need for IV therapy with severe dehydration or hospitalization. But the truth of the matter is that IV therapy benefits a variety of health conditions and concerns; we just need to better understand what it is and how it works to truly uncover its potential.
So, let’s take a closer look at IV therapy, including what it is, how it works, what you can expect with it, and the many benefits you may be missing out on — but don’t have to be!
What is IV Therapy?
IV therapy (also known as intravenous therapy, IV infusion therapy, and even IV drip therapy) is a specialized medical treatment that involves inserting a small, thin tube called a catheter into your vein to deliver fluids, medications, and nutrients directly into your bloodstream. Essentially, it is a safe and effective way to quickly replenish and restore your body’s hydration and nutrient levels.
The catheter is connected to a bag containing a solution tailored to meet your specific needs. This solution can include a combination of electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, and medications. The nutrients and/or medications are directly infused into your bloodstream, and it’s this effect that provides immediate benefits to your body.
Here’s why: When you consume food or take oral medications, they have to go through your digestive system before they can be absorbed into your bloodstream — a process that takes time and may result in a loss of potency. But with IV therapy, the nutrients and medications bypass your digestive system, ensuring maximum absorption and effectiveness.
Additionally, IV therapy can be particularly beneficial if you have digestive issues or malabsorption problems because these conditions often make it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients properly, leading to deficiencies and other health complications. But by bypassing the digestive system, IV therapy works quickly and effectively because it provides a direct route for essential nutrients to enter your bloodstream. This ensures that your body receives the necessary nourishment it needs and the full benefits of the solution.
It’s this action that provides the many specific benefits we experience from IV therapy and the main reason so many people who receive this therapy report feeling “immediate results.”
IV therapy offers a wide range of benefits and can be used for various purposes, from boosting energy levels and enhancing athletic performance to managing chronic conditions and promoting overall wellness.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
IV therapy should be administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting. At The Dearing Clinic, the process begins with a thorough assessment of your medical history and current health status to determine the most appropriate solution and dosage. We then discuss your health goals and educate you on the best IV solutions for you and ensure you’re receiving optimal therapeutic doses and solutions.
For example, your assessment may indicate that you require glutathione, but it’s well established that glutathione shouldn’t be mixed in a solution with other ingredients, as it’s a detoxifier and can break down the other ingredients. Accordingly, make sure to ask plenty of questions and expect a full explanation of your treatment and the different IV therapy benefits you can expect from your session.
During your session, you can expect to relax comfortably in a designated treatment area — often a comfortable chair in a calm setting. Your healthcare professional will carefully insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a vein, usually in your arm or hand. The choice of the vein selected will depend on different factors, including your patient’s age, condition, and the type of solution being administered.
Once the catheter is inserted, it will be secured in place using tape or a transparent dressing to ensure proper delivery of the solution. The infusion rate, or the speed at which the solution is delivered, will be carefully monitored and adjusted as needed throughout your session. This is done to prevent complications such as fluid overload or adverse reactions to the medication. The overall duration of your session can vary depending on your specific treatment plan, but it typically lasts between 30 and 90 minutes.
While receiving the IV therapy, you may experience a mild sensation of coolness or warmth as the solution enters your bloodstream. Some patients may also feel a slight pressure or mild discomfort at the insertion site, but this discomfort is usually minimal and passes quickly.
Remember, it’s important to communicate any discomfort or concerns to the healthcare professional overseeing your session, as adjustments can be made to ensure you have the most comfortable experience possible.
As you embark on your first IV therapy session, keep in mind that it can be used for a variety of purposes, including hydration, administration of medications, and nutritional support. It’s a common procedure in many healthcare settings and is generally safe when performed by trained professionals. However, if you have any questions about specific potential risks and side effects, make sure to ask your healthcare provider before undergoing IV therapy.
10 IV Therapy Benefits for Your Health
IV therapy benefits your health in numerous ways, from improving your energy levels to enhancing your skin health. Let’s explore some of the incredible reasons you should consider IV therapy for your top health needs along with the top recommended IV therapies for each health benefit.
1. Boosts energy levels
If you’re feeling fatigued or experiencing low energy levels, IV therapy can be a real game-changer. By delivering a potent blend of vitamins and minerals directly into your bloodstream, IV nutrition therapy provides an instant energy boost. In fact, many people who receive IV infusion therapy for fatigue often report feeling more alert, focused, and revitalized immediately after their session.
Solutions to ask about include: Amino Acid Blend, B Complex, Glutathione, L-Carnitine, Magnesium, Myers’ Cocktail, NAD+, Vitamin C, Zinc
2. Supports immune function
If you’ve ever been sick with a sinus infection or a nasty viral infection, you know how worn down you can feel. And sometimes the recovery process is just as brutal as the illness itself. Getting IV therapy is a great option to give your immune system the boost it needs to help fight the illness and support your recovery. In fact, you’ve likely even heard about the power of a Myers’ Cocktail IV.
But that’s not all: By delivering powerful antioxidants and immune-boosting nutrients directly into your bloodstream, IV therapy can also strengthen your immune system to potentially help prevent certain illnesses, especially during cold and flu season. This can enhance your body’s natural defense mechanisms and improve your overall immune function.
Another IV therapy benefit is that it’s great for helping to relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies, and this is especially true regarding the Myers’ Cocktail. Allergens trigger the release of histamine, which can lead to inflammation, resulting in a variety of symptoms including brain fog, fatigue, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and more. Because IV therapy can reduce that inflammatory response, it’s a highly effective treatment during allergy season by reducing symptoms and supporting the immune system.
Solutions to ask about include: Amino Acid Blend, Glutathione, Mineral Blend, Myers’ Cocktail, Proline, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc
3. Relieves dehydration
If you’ve ever battled a stomach virus or food poisoning, you know how quickly your body can dehydrate. And dehydration can have a significant impact on overall health and well-being.
Fortunately, IV therapy is an effective way to quickly and efficiently restore hydration levels in your body. IV hydration involves the infusion of fluids and electrolytes to provide immediate rehydration and helps maintain optimal hydration status. Many people who use IV hydration therapy report an immediate sense of improved well-being and energy levels, a marked sign that their bodies are rehydrated and on the road to recovery.
Solutions to ask about include: B Complex, Magnesium, Mineral Blend, Myers Cocktail
4. Supports healthy skin
Vitamin C is well-known for its role in promoting healthy skin, largely because it’s a natural building block for collagen (the protein that keeps your skin looking supple and youthful). IV therapy is known to deliver high doses of vitamin C directly into the bloodstream, ensuring maximum absorption and utilization by the skin cells. This can improve your skin elasticity, promote collagen production, and enhance overall skin health and appearance.
Solutions to ask about include: Amino Acid Blend, Biotin, Glutathione, High-Dose Vitamin C, NAD+, Proline
5. Promotes longevity
IV therapy can have anti-aging effects by delivering a combination of potent antioxidants and essential nutrients directly into your bloodstream. Specifically, antioxidant molecules such as such as polyphenols, phytosterols, vitamins, and minerals, have been shown in studies to reduce the risk of age-related syndromes by neutralizing harmful free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting cellular health, ultimately promoting longevity and healthy aging.
Other especially beneficial IV therapy solutions for longevity include nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which reinvigorates your cellular metabolism, and alpha lipoic acid (ALA), which helps turn glucose into energy. Both are found in every cell of your body and known to promote longevity.
Solutions to ask about include: Alpha Lipoic Acid, Glutathione, High-Dose Vitamin C, NAD+
6. Supports healthy weight management
Were you aware that IV therapy benefits include healthy weight management? It’s so effective that we even included it in our CORE Weight Loss Program. So, how does IV therapy support healthy weight management? Here’s a quick snapshot of some of our favorite IV solutions for weight loss support.
Alpha lipoic acid supports liver detoxification by helping your body break down toxins. It also acts as a potent antioxidant by reducing oxidative stress and helping to cool inflammation throughout your body. Meanwhile, glutathione, which is often referred to as the “master antioxidant,” also plays a pivotal role in supporting liver detoxification as well as optimizing fat metabolism. By neutralizing free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting cellular health, these IV solutions can help your body break down fats more efficiently, thereby promoting healthy weight management.
Additionally, lipo-mino is known to help the body lose fat while carnitine helps to transport fatty acids into your cells to be burned for energy. Together, these solutions promote energy production, help boost your metabolism, and counteract insulin resistance to help your body use energy more efficiently.
Solutions to ask about include: Alpha Lipoic Acid, Amino Acid Blend, B Complex, Glutathione, L-Carnitine, Lipo-Mino Mix, NAD+, Vitamin B12
7. Helps treat neuropathy
Neuropathy, a condition caused by nerve damage, can result in experiencing pain, tingling, and numbness. By delivering specific nutrients, such as B vitamins and alpha-lipoic acid, directly to your bloodstream, IV therapy benefits neuropathy symptoms by supporting nerve health. Specifically, alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant known for its potential to help stimulate the nerves and regenerate nerve fibers, both of which are important to help prevent the progression of neuropathy.
Solutions to ask about include: Alpha Lipoic Acid, Amino Acid Blend, B Complex, Magnesium, NAD+, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C
8. Supports brain and nerve health
Your brain and nervous system require a constant supply of nutrients in order to function optimally. These include B vitamins, magnesium, amino acids, and more. Because IV therapy can deliver these essential nutrients in higher dosages that directly benefit your brain and nerves, it’s known to support cognitive function, balanced mood, and overall brain health.
Solutions to ask about include: Alpha Lipoic Acid, Amino Blend, Biotin, B Complex, L-Carnitine, Magnesium, NAC, NAD+, Proline, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B12
9. Helps cool inflammation
It’s been well established that chronic inflammation is linked to various health conditions, including arthritis, autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, obesity, chronic pain, and more. By delivering nutrients with known anti-inflammatory properties, such as antioxidants, directly to your bloodstream, IV therapy can help to cool inflammation.
In fact, research has shown that intravenous administration of high-dose vitamin C on 45 cancer patients significantly reduced certain markers of inflammation in 75 percent of the patients. They also experienced corresponding decreases in their tumor markers. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, the study reaffirms what we know about the power of IV therapy benefits for fighting inflammation.
Solutions to ask about include: Alpha Lipoic Acid, B Complex, Biotin, Glutathione, Magnesium, Myers Cocktail, NAC, Vitamin C, Zinc
10. Aids in relieving stress and anxiety
Did you know that IV therapy can help to provide relief from stress and anxiety? Here’s how: By delivering a combination of nutrients, such as magnesium and vitamin B12, IV therapy can support your body’s natural stress response and promote relaxation by supporting the health of your adrenal glands. This can help you feel calmer, more centered, and better equipped to cope with any daily stressors that come your way.
Solutions to ask about include: Amino Acid Blend, Glutathione, Magnesium, Mineral Blend, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), NAD+, Vitamin B12
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About IV Therapy
If you are considering taking advantage of IV therapy benefits for your health, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in this treatment. Here are some questions to ask to ensure you’re making informed decisions:
1. What specific solution or combination of nutrients would be most beneficial for my needs?
2. What are the potential risks or side effects associated with this IV therapy?
3. How frequently should I receive IV therapy sessions to help meet my specific health goals?
4. Do I have any lifestyle factors or medications that may interact with my IV therapy?
5. How long can I expect to experience the benefits of IV therapy after my session?
6. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that may complement my chosen IV therapy benefits?
7. How soon can I expect to notice improvements in my specific symptoms or overall well-being?
A qualified and educated healthcare provider should be able to quickly and accurately answer these and other questions. If you have any lingering questions, check out our FAQs below or contact us for more specific information.
7 FAQs About IV Therapy
Here are some of the top questions we receive about IV therapy and our answers about this universally beneficial therapy.
1. Does IV therapy work?
Yes, by administering hydration and nutrients directly into your bloodstream and bypassing your digestive system, IV therapy is a well-suited solution for most people
2. Why is The Dearing Clinic the best IV therapy clinic in Nashville?
At The Dearing Clinic we evaluate you as a whole person and consider your medical history, lifestyle, and goals. We deliver personalized care, which means we meet you where you are, both from a health standpoint and financially. Through our focused consultation, we guide you in meeting goals for your treatment by offering optimal dosages while ensuring the cost is within your budget.
If higher doses are what you desire, we are able to provide the highest doses of nutrients that clinical studies recommend. Our protocols are evidenced based and designed to provide optimal outcomes, and our medical providers have many years of experience in the hospital setting, which gives us a great understanding of the need for preventive care.
After completing an IV session, we often hear comments from our patients such as, “I’ve never felt better,” or “My body feels so refreshed, it’s truly amazing.”
3. How much is IV therapy?
Our IV therapy costs begin at $165 for new patients, and we offer additional additive options as well beginning at $40. For our membership plan, IV therapy costs begin as low as $150, which includes the standard solution and up to three additives. We make sure to keep our pricing as competitive and attainable as possible here in the Nashville area. If you have any specific questions about our extensive IV therapy menu and the corresponding costs, contact us via email at [email protected] or via phone at (615) 721-5141 for more information.
4. Is IV therapy safe?
Yes, IV therapy is generally regarded as a safe and effective therapeutic treatment. If you have any specific concerns regarding your personal health situation, ask your practitioner or contact The Dearing Clinic for more information.
5. How long does IV therapy last?
Your session will depend on your specific treatment and health goals, but the average session lasts anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes.
6. I’ve heard of a hangover IV. What is that, and how effective is it?
Alcohol hampers the production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which controls how much water your kidneys reabsorb into your blood after urination. With less ADH, you’ll urinate more frequently and expel excess fluid from your system. Unfortunately, this can quickly lead to dehydration if your alcohol intake is high.
As such, some may find benefit from IV therapy that includes a rehydration solution along with B vitamins, which are often depleted with alcohol intake. Likewise, replenishing B vitamins in your body can help metabolize alcohol. Additionally, glutathione is known to help the liver rid the body of toxins, further supporting post-alcohol recovery.
Finally, note that you shouldn’t drink alcohol after receiving IV therapy in order to help your body properly absorb the nutrients.
7. What else should I know about IV therapy?
While we listed many IV therapy benefits above, this list is by no means exhaustive. At The Dearing Clinic, we believe virtually everyone can benefit from this helpful therapy. For example, did you know that IV therapy benefits include enhancing athletic performance and muscle recovery? It’s also great for helping to prevent injury and aiding in the natural healing process after an injury.
Other conditions that benefit from IV therapy include:
Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis (vitamin C, glutathione, proline, and amino acid treatments are particularly effective in boosting collagen and cooling inflammation).
Autoimmune conditions (high-dose vitamin C and NAD are effective for cooling inflammation and reducing oxidative stress).
Post-concussive syndrome (glutathione supports the reduction of brain swelling).
These are just a few more examples of the many ways IV therapy benefits your health and well-being. You can learn more about our Nashville-based IV therapy services at The Dearing Clinic or scroll down to schedule your appointment and begin taking advantage of the many IV therapy benefits that await you!
