Intravenous Vitamin Therapy: Everything You Need to Know and Why You Should Be Doing It
What Is Intravenous Vitamin Therapy?
Intravenous Vitamin Therapy (IVT) is an efficient way to deliver the nutrients your cells need directly into your bloodstream. The vitamin-rich cocktails contain a myriad of necessary nutrients to encourage an improvement in health, reduce fatigue, and power the immune system against chronic illnesses. IVT is among the most effective ways to penetrate the cells in for quick revitalization in higher quantities than oral doses can provide.
Who can IVT benefit?
Some of the many common problems that IV Vitamin therapy can address include:
- Chronic Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Resistant Infections
- Immune Deficiency
- Stress
- Sleep Disorders
- Fibromyalgia Mental Awareness
- Sports Proficiency and Stamina
- Atherosclerosis
- Anti-Aging
HOW LONG HAS IVT BEEN USED?
IVT has a long history of providing relief for a variety of illnesses, both chronic and acute. IVT was founded back in the 1930s and after tentative experiments, Dr. Fred R. Klenner developed a megadose of intravenous vitamin C treatments in the 1940s. William Kaufman published articles that verified the idea of IVT with his treatment of arthritis with frequent megadoses of niacinamide (also known as Vitamin B3, which is shown to improve cholesterol and lower cardiovascular risks in higher doses. More on that below). Research and publication of studies continued throughout the 1950s and 60s, with individualized megavitamins and nutrients being studied. Results of niacin improving cholesterol was confirmed in 1986.
Not only has vitamin therapy existed for many years, but it has gained traction as a trusted complementary and integrated medical practice. Following the work of Dr. Klenner, Dr. John Myers from Baltimore, MD further developed and popularized the use of IVT as a medical practice for overall treatment of various medical conditions. Since the 1980s, IVT has helped people with chronic problems such as fatigue, depression, fibromyalgia, chest pain and more. These treatments can go for upwards of 25 years with continued positive results.
Dr. Myers developed the “Myers’ Cocktail”, which was a cocktail of a specific set of vitamins necessary to health and vitality. According to a study done by Dr. Alan Gaby, a doctor who took over the patients of Dr. Myers in 1984 and furthered the work of Dr. Myers,
“Over an 11-year period, approximately 15,000 injections were administered in an outpatient setting to an estimated 800-1,000 different patients. Conditions that frequently responded included asthma attacks, acute migraines, fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia, acute muscle spasm, upper respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, and seasonal allergic rhinitis.”
That work eventually spread much further and now is used by even healthy people for the well-being benefits that can last weeks or even months.
WHAT VITAMINS ARE IN THE MYERS’ COCKTAIL?
The Myers’ Cocktail Contains These Rich Nutrients:
- 5 milliliters (mL) magnesium
- 3 mL calcium gluconate
- 1 mL vitamin B12
- 1 mL vitamin B6.
- 1 mL vitamin B5.
- 1 mL B-complex (thiamine, riboflavin, niacinamide) vitamins.
- 5 mL vitamin C
These vitamins are all vital and naturally occur in our bodies. Sometimes our bodies lack the essential quantities of these nutrients, especially those who are immunocompromised or have various chronic illnesses. In the same study done by Alan Gaby, M.D, this phenomenon is better detailed. He explains how cells are maintained
“…by an active-transport system that continually pumps magnesium ions into cells against the concentration gradient. In certain disease states, the capacity of membrane pumps to maintain normal concentration gradients may be Compromised..”
In this case, it’s important that those with chronic illnesses be given higher doses of these vitamins to maintain vital cell functioning.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THESE VITAMINS?
Each of the vitamins in the Myers’ Cocktail are specifically chosen for those with acute and chronic illnesses that are unable to absorb these nutrients in large quantities via oral consumption.
Magnesium:Magnesium is crucial for energy production, glycolysis, and RNA and DNA synthesis. It also contributes to the structural development of bone.
Calcium:Our bodies use calcium in our teeth and bones, and adequate quantities are
required to maintain bone and teeth strength. It is needed especially in elders as well as those who are immunocompromised as osteoporosis occurs in those who have deficiencies of these vitamins.
Vitamin B12:Vitamin B12 is necessary for circulatory and nervous system function. Increased levels of B12 assist in reducing depression, fatigue, stress and creating healthy hair, skin and nails.
Vitamin B6:“B vitamins help support adrenal function, help calm and maintain a healthy nervous system, and are necessary for key metabolic processes” according to Dr. Andrew Weil, integrative medicine guru.
Vitamin B5: Vitamin B5, also called Pantothenic Acid, is a highly effective treatment for various body maladies, and has been widely used for “treating dietary deficiencies, acne, alcoholism, allergies, baldness, asthma, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism…” and much, much more.
B-Complex: Niacin, Riboflavin, and Thiamin are all treatments that benefit cholesterol and cardiovascular health.
Vitamin C: We all know vitamin C is available in great quantities in oranges, but our sources of vitamin C never provide us orally with what an IV can provide. Megadoses of vitamin C have been shown in lab studies to slow the growth and spread of various cancer cells.
All of these vitamins are essential to life, yet many of us cannot receive all we need through our food intake alone. Our digestive system doesn’t absorb all of the necessary nutrients when we consume oral vitamins daily. Getting IVT every week or every few weeks benefits the entire body with improved vitality and health.
Revitalize your body using one of our three forms of IVT available:
Calm
The Myers’ Cocktail calms symptoms associated with acute asthma attacks and reduces migraines. It has also been known to improve fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia, acute muscle spasms, colds, chronic sinusitis, seasonal allergies, chronic depression/anxiety and other disorders. The vitamins are given by a slow IV push or slow infusion to achieve concentrations of nutrients that are not obtainable with oral administration.
Revitalize
This treatment can consist of glutathione, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), or both. Glutathione is one of the body’s most powerful antioxidant and detoxifying substances, especially for the brain and liver. Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant and dramatically improves the detoxification and rebuilding process in the body. Alpha lipoic acid is another antioxidant that has been shown in medical studies to reverse nerve damage and treat liver problems, including hepatitis.
Detox
A high dose nutrient combination including amino acids, B vitamins, and Magnesium, the Detox IV is particularly helpful for those patients recovering from drug abuse, medications or heavy alcohol use. The heavy use of alcohol or drugs can deplete the body of vital nutrients and amino acids, leading to serious side effects and symptoms. The Detox IV aids in the recovery process and reduces symptoms of withdrawal.
Learn More About IV Nutrient Therapy
What are the benefits of taking in nutrients through an IV rather than orally? Who should be treated in this manner? And what sorts of conditions and illnesses can IV nutrient therapy help? Watch this video to learn more and to see a live demonstration!
Sources
https://thehealingclinic.org/integrative-primary-care/intravenous-vitamin-therapy/
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-niacin
http://www.drbazzan.com/services/intravenous-therapy/iv-history/
http://www.everydayhealth.com/fibromyalgia/myers-cocktail-for-fibromyalgia-does-it-work.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium_(pharmaceutical_preparation)
http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/vitamin-c-pdq
http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/7/5/389.pdf
http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/health-benefits-of-vitamin/2015/04/07/id/387945/