You may have seen an IV used in a healthcare setting for people who are not well or need quick hydration. But, did you know that an IV can work for you even if you are well and taking good care of yourself?
Intravenous (IVs) infusions provide high concentrations of micronutrients (vitamins & minerals) directly into your body's circulation via a vein. I formulate combinations of vitamins and minerals in saline under sterile conditions. The fluid and micronutrients are administered in my office through a small flexible catheter in the arm over a period of 20 minutes to several hours. Patients rest comfortably in an armchair overlooking the ocean while getting their infusions. Many people enjoy taking the time to meditate or read or chat with fellow patients during this time.
Why would I need it?
Sometimes, we cannot get enough nutrition from food or supplements alone. This can be due to problems with the gastrointestinal system and nutrient absorption or because a person has a higher need. For example, the tissue repair and healing that occur following a surgical procedure requires increased levels of nutrients such as vitamin C. People with leaky gut, celiac disease, pernicious anemia, chronic fatigue, cancer, and other chronic conditions often need to get nutrition through intravenous or intramuscular sources, at least until their body has healed enough to absorb nutrition properly again.
How does it work?
A basic repletion protocol involves once per week infusions for a month, and then another infusion 2 weeks later. This approach works extremely well to jumpstart a recovery or optimize function. Most people notice improvements in how they feel right away, but the benefits may diminish over the first week. Each subsequent infusion lasts a little longer. We wait 2 weeks for the 5th infusion so patients have a chance to observe how well their results are maintaining. After that, many people return for monthly infusions, or before and after travel, or if they fall off their home self-care programs.
There are also more intensive infusion protocols. For example, IV Vitamin C may be given a few times per week as part of an integrative oncology program for cancer. This protocol is well-supported by research, which as nicely summarized last year in this review: Curr Oncol. 2018 April;25(2):139-148
Some of the other IV formulations I have developed over the years include immune support, metabolism & blood sugar balancing, methylation support, mitochondrial repair, weight loss support, sports recovery, cognitive improvement, and anti-aging. My formulations are evidence-based, time-tested, and more potent than what someone might get if they walk into an IV boutique off the street. I’m particularly excited about the results of my formulations that include NAD. I see dramatic improvements using this for patients in need of neuroregenerative support, to reverse cognitive decline, and for tissue regeneration/anti-aging. More about those next time!