Did you know that less than ten percent of adults eat enough fruits and vegetables? Approximately 90% of Americans also consume too much sodium, leading to an increased risk for obesity and other chronic illnesses.
A healthy diet plays a crucial role in your immune system and general wellness. Have you wondered what is IV infusion?
IV infusion has skyrocketed into the spotlight as more celebrities are promoting its benefits. But is it all hype, or is there something to be said for IV nutrient infusions?
Luckily, we have you covered. In our complete guide, we will go over all your questions about what's an IV infusion and talk about the current studies and what they show. Keep reading on and learn more about how to find an IV infusion clinic near you!
Common Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
Most westernized diets are high in processed foods and red meats while incorporating lower amounts of fruits and vegetables. In the United States, here are the four most prevalent vitamin deficiencies:
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
Other common nutritional and mineral deficiencies include iron, iodine, magnesium, and calcium. While some may resort to daily vitamins, there is still a chance that you aren't getting the proper nutrients. When illnesses strike, this can plummet your immune system even more.
Even if you take a multi-vitamin, it doesn't necessarily entail that your body will absorb it. There is a myriad of factors that affect absorption, like what type of multi-vitamin you take, when you take it, your age and gender, and more.
Signs of Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies affect your body's homeostasis and can lead to dehydration, enzyme imbalances, digestive problems, and an impaired immune system. In severe cases, nutrient deficiencies could lead to diseases like osteoporosis. Some of the causes of osteoporosis are calcium and vitamin D deficiencies.
Let's break down a few of the most common signs of a nutrient deficiency:
- Numbness or neuropathy
- Fatigue
- Mood shifts
- Constipation
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Cold hands or feet
- Diarrhea
- Appetite loss
Looking at the list above, vitamin D plays a critical role in bone health and cancer prevention. Long-term deficiencies may even lead to autoimmune disorders.
B vitamins are essential for energy levels, neurological function, and metabolism. Supplementing your diet or using IV infusions with B vitamins can boost cellular metabolism and improve overall health.
Folate is another common deficiency in America characterized by fatigue and diarrhea. Technically, it falls under the B vitamin classification and is essential for women who plan on getting pregnant. Without adequate folate, it poses a risk for several fetus birth defects.
What Is IV Infusion?
What is IV therapy, and when is it beneficial for you? IV therapy, also known as intravenous therapy, is a nutritional infusion approach to improve overall health and wellness. The benefit is an optimal nutritional intake, hydration, and toxin elimination.
IV therapy helps boost immune system health, energy, healing, and mental clarity. Some patients even use it for athletics or sporting events. In an inpatient hospital setting, IV infusions are primarily used for medication delivery.
These medications can be anything from prescription pain killers to antibiotics. And if you are wondering if your blood can deliver nutrients successfully to your body by bypassing the stomach, you can look at TPN as an example.
TPN (total parenteral nutrition) is a nutrient delivery system that delivers straight into your bloodstream versus the gastrointestinal system. It is a specialized formula that patients can remain on long-term if needed.
Typical IV infusions in outpatient clinics or home settings are designed more along the lines of administering:
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Water and sodium chloride
- Antioxidants
One of its main uses is for hangover relief. Although, it is an excellent option for improving your immune system health or general wellness.
How Does IV Infusion Therapy Work?
Most IV infusion treatments are completed in an outpatient office. You will schedule an appointment and have a consultation before the simple procedure. The consultation might entail bloodwork to check for vitamins or minerals you may have deficiencies in.
Next, you will have to endure arguably the worse part: needle sticking. Unfortunately, it is part of the process and allows nutrition to flow seamlessly into your bloodstream.
Don't worry - the process is simple and quick, and you shouldn't feel more than a pinprick. Lastly, you can sit back and relax throughout the entire infusion. Depending on the amount and type of IV infusion you and your clinician choose will determine how long it may take.
In some instances, infusions may be a simple push-through and won't require you to wait very long. It is entirely dependent on what your physician deems safe and appropriate based on symptoms and health.
Is IV Infusion Safe?
The highest risk with IV infusion is improper needle-sticking. If you don't go through a qualified provider, you risk infection at the needle injection site. These risks are very low and mitigated by a qualified provider.
If you have certain medical conditions, you may want to talk to your doctor first before trying IV infusions. These are not meant to cure or heal illnesses and diseases. Rather, they can supplement other treatments.
Be aware of false claims and only opt for IV infusions through reputable clinics. Otherwise, IV Infusion is completely safe and ideal for patients who have difficulty getting enough nutrients orally. Additionally, patients with digestive disorders or poor immune health could benefit.
It is also a quick and easy treatment if you have a cold or flu, rather than dosing up with multiple vitamin C supplements.
IV Infusion in Maryland
IV infusion in Mt. Airy, Maryland, and Elkridge, Maryland, gives you close access to IV nutrition that can boost your health and wellness. At Infusion Care, we offer four types of IV therapy:
- H2Whoa
- Hydro Drip
- Myer's Cocktail
- Awaken
Now that you know more about what is IV infusion therapy let's dive into the benefits of opting for IV treatments in Maryland.
Benefits of IV Therapy in Maryland
These treatment options are excellent for dehydration symptoms often seen from hangovers. It can soothe headaches and nausea. H2Whoa, Hydro Drip, Myer's Cocktail, and Awaken include a unique blend of vitamins and minerals that can help your body rehydrate and recover quickly.
Who Administers IV Therapy?
At Infusion Care, we have two board-certified physicians who can help you with your first IV therapy appointment. They have over 40 years of combined experience and vast knowledge regarding nutrition, health, and wellness.
During a consultation, you can discuss your symptoms, concerns, and any current medical issues. Your physician will offer more extensive education on the benefits of IV therapy and which treatment type is right for you.
Is IV Infusion Covered by Insurance?
Typically, insurance only covers procedures or drug administration that is medically necessary. Most times, IV infusion is a supplemental therapy that is not covered. It is similar to purchasing oral vitamins and supplements through the store.
What Do the Studies Show?
Vitamins are critical to optimal health and show significant ties to managing inflammation and reducing oxidative stress. Experts find that water-soluble vitamins leave the body more quickly than fat-soluble vitamins. They pose fewer risks for toxicity, but you may find yourself depleted of them sooner.
On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamins are regularly stored, posing greater risks for toxicity. In studies that looked at patients with moderate to severe COVID-19, they found that vitamin C IV infusion helped reduce:
- Inflammatory markers
- FiO2 requirements
The researchers noted that infusion therapy could be a valuable tool in helping patients manage COVID-19 symptoms. Currently, there are clinical trials in the United States expanding on current research. An ongoing trial is looking at vitamin infusion for the following dietary supplements:
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Antioxidants
- Amino acids
- Minerals
Clinical trials like this one can help shed more light on the benefits of IV infusions and more specific patient population parameters and guidelines.
Find an IV Infusion Clinic Near You
IV infusion in Elkridge, Maryland, and Mt. Airy specialize in delivering quality nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Now that you know more about what is IV infusion, you can start a consultation with one of our skilled providers today.
IV infusions can make a big difference in how you feel and boost your immune system to help fight off viruses and illnesses. Are you ready to get started?
Visit IV Infusion Care today and schedule an appointment!