Is IV Therapy For You?

Before we get started, please note that this is not an endorsement of IV Therapy, and it is not meant to replace a doctor’s recommendation. As with all health advice, consult a trusted medical professional for guidance.

Recently, a friend was diagnosed with not one, but two autoimmune conditions, along with having minor surgery. As we were catching up and discussing health practices we follow, we started talking about IV infusions. She encouraged me to talk about it on the Happy Hour Podcast, so let’s do that!

What is IV therapy and why is it helpful?

We’re all familiar with the IVs you get in the hospital that has been used for decades. But did you know that IV therapy offers many benefits outside the hospital? Today, you can get them in a boutique type of setting. You can even get them through a house call. People who get IV therapy say it makes them feel so much better. Typical uses are:

Hangovers
Improve immune system function (especially for colds and flu)
Migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome
Athletic, nutritional, or energy boost
Beauty benefits

What’s inside the IV will vary, depending on what clinic or facility you attend and what benefit you’re seeking. One popular formula, the Myers Cocktail, contains magnesium, vitamin C, calcium, and some B vitamins.

What’s the claimed benefit of IV therapy? A more powerful delivery of highly concentrated vitamins, minerals, and electro lights to the bloodstream. This is more effective than popping pills because the gastrointestinal tract doesn’t fully absorb vitamins and minerals.

“What you put in your body controls how your cells function at the cellular level, and when your cells are working properly, your organs are working properly, and when your organs are working properly and optimally, your overall health improves,” explains Dr. Maurice Beer, an internal medicine physician who co-founded and directs The Hangover Club and NutriDip, two such services in New York City. “In most cases, people just feel better – their energy improves, they sleep better and just feel lighter,” he adds.

What are the drawbacks to IV therapy?

Sound good so far? You should know that IV therapy is not without drawbacks. There’s also limited valid research to back it.

Here are some drawbacks to note.

It can be costly.
It can be less sustainable than making lifestyle changes (for example, drinking in moderation to eliminate hangovers).
Getting too high a dose of vitamins isn’t good (though usually you just piss out what you don’t need, along with all the money you just spent!).
Risk of infection
A poorly delivered or placed IV needle can lead to infiltration (fluid in tissue), hematoma (blood in tissue), or air embolism (air bubble in vein, which can be deadly)
Not for everyone. People with some allergies, on certain medications, and conditions such as congestive heart failure are not good candidates.

It’s essential to choose your clinic wisely! And set realistic expectations. IV therapy should not be a cure-all, rather it should be one of your many tools for your total health and wellness.

Lack of research that conclusively supports the claimed benefits is another widely criticized issue. Most studies, with a few exceptions, show that BOTH the infused patients and the placebo patients show improvement in symptoms (though you’ve got to wonder if the hydration alone helped the placebo patients).

What are real people saying about IV therapy?

What you can’t ignore, though, are real-life examples. This includes me. I have been receiving IV therapy for several years now and can honestly say I experience increased energy, better sleep, and overall just feel better when I get them! When I started IV therapy, I went once a month. Now I go once a quarter.

Thousands across the globe make claims that IV therapy has helped them to feel better. They name things like increased energy, enhanced mood, mental clarity, improved sleep, decreased stress and anxiety, increased immunity, muscle recovery, and better hydration.

And sometimes, for those with digestive issues or restricted diets, IV therapy delivers minerals and vitamins that you can’t get in food.

Should you consider IV therapy? That’s not for me to say. As always, you should check with your medical professional. Depending on your symptoms and prevalent health issues, IV therapy may be something to consider for your whole wellness picture.