IV therapy has a long and clinically proven track record for conditions such as depression, fatigue, asthma, seasonal allergies, acute infection and high blood pressure. And because it does such an effective job of delivering nutrients to cells, we also use it when we need to promote tissue healing—after surgeries and traumas for example, or to support cellular rejuvenation (more commonly known as ‘anti-aging’).
Intravenous (IV) therapy is the administration of nutrients directly in to the blood stream. IV therapy may be a fast-growing attraction for A-list celebrities… but trends aside, naturopathic doctors (NDs) have been recommending it for its amazing health benefits for years.
IV therapy, in other words, can make you look and feel a heck of a lot better. It's like a makeover from the inside out.
Why IV? Why not just take nutrients orally?
Firstly, each person’s ability to efficiently absorb nutrients via their digestive system varies, leading to unknown amounts actually reaching internal cells. However, we can guarantee a known dose of a substance getting in the body by infusing it directly in to a vein. Secondly, we can administer higher, more therapeutic doses which, if taken orally, would likely not be absorbed (ie. 1200mg Magnesium taken by mouth would not be absorbed, resulting in diarrhea).
Increasing age and various illnesses can reduce our cells’ ability to transport nutrients from outside to inside the membrane. Sometimes, age alone can influence nutritional status (eg. your ability to absorb vitamin B12 from dietary sources). IV therapy, in these instances, is a valuable way to ‘kick-start’ cellular healing by flooding the tissues with a high concentration of nutrients; forcing them in to the cell so that the cell can begin to function in a healthy manner again.
Not all NDs in Ontario are licensed to perform IV therapy. However, those who are licensed have done specialized training in the therapy, participate in continuing education annually, and do practical reviews of CPR and emergency procedures on a regular basis. Every formula prepared for patients is done so with consideration for blood concentration (osmolarity), allergies, medications, health concerns, etc.
A few of the key ingredients in a Cellular Rejuvenation formula include glutathione (a potent cellular anti-oxidant that naturally reduces as we age), vitamin C (anti-oxidant, supports tissue integrity), and magnesium (required by >300 functions in your body!).
Explore intravenous therapy this season, for a total cellular makeover.