IV vitamin therapy has gained popularity over the past few years as a wellness regimen for many people including celebrities. The therapy promises to improve many health issues including skin problems, boosting the immune system, and even curing a hangover. It does this through an infusion of various minerals and vitamins. Yet, skeptics still question the legitimacy of the treatment, including health results and safety. This article expounds on this treatment method, including what’s happening in the body, and the risks involved. If you’re looking for a Los Angeles IV therapy treatment, contact Wellness At Century City for the most comprehensive treatment.
What Happens to The Body?
IV therapy infusions typically take about twenty minutes to an hour and can be done by a licensed medical professional in any medical office. During the IV drip, the body receives a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals as compared to when you swallow it. Vitamins and minerals that are taken orally get broken down in the digestive system, and those that make it will not all be reabsorbed. Additional factors such as age, metabolism, genetics, and health status also affect the rate of absorption in the stomach. However, if the infusion is through an IV, the absorption rate is much higher, because the nutrients go directly to the bloodstream. Higher intake of nutrients means better health and the ability to fight illness.
Which Health Concerns Will Be Addressed?
IV vitamin therapy is applicable to a wide variety of health concerns. Generally, people who don’t eat well, or who have problems that interfere with their ability to absorb nutrients are ideal candidates for the treatment. Some of the conditions suitable for IV therapy include asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraines, muscle spasms, sinus, and respiratory tract infections. Many people use IV therapy to correct dehydration after extreme sports exercises, boosting the immune system, increasing energy levels or after alcohol intake. Vitamins used are soluble, thus once the body has what it needs, it will excrete the excess vitamins as urine.
What Are The Risks?
There is always a risk of infection with IV vitamin therapy. This is because when the IV tube is inserted, it clears a direct path to your bloodstream, bypassing the skin, which is your body’s natural defense mechanisms against germs. However unlikely the risk of infection is, ensure it’s a licensed physician who performs the therapy so that they can manage this risk and ensure the vitamin infusion is healthy and successful.
It’s also possible to receive too many nutrients with IV therapy. Getting too much of a good thing, in this case, excess minerals or vitamins can adversely affect your health. For example, people suffering from kidney problems should not expel certain minerals and electrolytes from the body too quickly as this can be harmful. Additionally, too much potassium added to the bloodstream very quickly can lead to a potential heart attack. IV therapy can also cause fluid overload, which is dangerous for people with blood pressure or certain heart conditions. Generally, you should avoid having excessive amounts of minerals and vitamins in the body as this can be hard on the organs.
Other risks associated with IV therapy infusion include inflammation, which is painful, vein irritation and blood clot formation. In addition to that, if air embolisms are introduced into the bloodstream, it can cause a stroke.