Also known as intravenous therapy, IV therapy is the administration of hydration, nutrients, minerals, and medications directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive track immediate cell use.
Intravenous treatment results in a nearly 100% absorption rate, as opposed to 20-50% absorption when vitamins and minerals are ingested orally.
New to IV therapy? Then this guide is for you! You will learn about the various types of IV treatments, how IV therapy works, the uses of IV therapy, and much more. Let’s get started!
Types of IV Drip
There are two primary IV treatment methods for administration: IV push and IV drip. Both offer high direct absorption rates but differ in the duration of treatment and the amount of saline solution fluids injected. IV drip treatments steadily flow into the bloodstream through a plastic catheter inserted into a vein using a needle. An average of 500-1000 ml of fluids is injected per session typically mixed with a variety of vitamins, nutrients, minerals and medications. The average sessions can last between 30 and 45 minutes. An IV push is administered into a vein through a previously inserted plastic catheter. It usually takes around 10-15 minutes. IV pushes are generally utilized for high dose treatments such as Vitamin C or Glutathione. This push method prevents potential diluting of the of the properties.How Does an IV Work?
IV therapy starts with an evaluation of your medical history. The initial assessment allows your preferred IV therapy service provider to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for IV therapy as well and which treatment may be the best option for administration based on the client’s intended health goals or symptoms. A thorough consultation regarding your medical history is required prior to the administration of all IV therapy services. High blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney failure are just a few examples that may prevent you from being a good fit for IV therapy. Following consultation, IV therapy may be made available to you in the comfort of your own home or in a clinical setting like a brick & mortar location. During the process, the administering specialist will explain each step along the way. Prior to the inserting of the needle, the IV specialist will first disinfect the injection site (typically in the arm). Once the preferred vein has been located, a needle will penetrate the skin and be removed once the catheter has been placed. You may a slight pinch as the needle punctures the skin, but that is the worse of it. Once the catheter is in place, the IV specialist will adjust the flow rate of the IV treatment while the infusion pours into the bloodstream. While this process is underway you can enjoy simply sit back and relax until completion. Components of IV Fluid Pending on the client’s condition or health goals, the IV bag may contain a few of these components:- Saline: Saline comprises water and sodium chloride solution. It’s the base ingredient of an IV bag. Saline helps hydrate the body and ensures the efficient delivery of nutrients to the body’s organs.
- Calcium: Your IV therapy may include calcium, a mineral that helps build strong bones and teeth and enhance the heart, muscles, and nerve function.
- Magnesium: It’s the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body and plays a vital role in keeping you healthy. It helps reduce inflammation, prevent insulin resistance, lower blood pressure, and even prevent migraines.
- Vitamin B Complex: It comprises not one but eight different vitamins. They are B-1(Thiamin), B-2(Riboflavin), B-3(Niacin), B-5 (Pantothenic Acid), B-6(Pyridoxine), B-7(Biotin), B-9(Folic Acid) and B-12(Cobalamin). Physicians usually prescribe Vitamin B complex IV to patients who struggle to absorb vitamins naturally. The component aids several bodily functions, including metabolism and nerve function.
- Vitamin C: Another common component of intravenous fluid, vitamin C helps stimulate the production of white blood cells (your immune fighting warriors). It also supports the synthesis of collagen, an essential structural component of blood vessels, bones, ligaments, and skin.
- Antioxidants: Your IV therapy treatment may include several antioxidants. Among them is glutathione, the mother of all antioxidants, which helps fight molecules that damage body cells. Vitamins A, C, and E have antioxidant properties too.