Intravenous therapy
Intravenous (IV) therapy is a form of treatment that has a long history of use by medical doctors and naturopathic doctors both locally and internationally. It involves the administration of natural vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and other natural medications directly into the bloodstream, often through a vein located near the elbow, on the forearm, or on the back of the hand.
This form of therapy can be useful in a variety of chronic debilitating conditions; especially conditions where the digestive functions are compromised. If a patient is very weak and debilitated, IV therapy bypasses the digestive system, requiring no effort on the part of the body for absorption.
Nutritional deficiencies due to irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s, or Ulcerative colitis, can be treated this way.
By bypassing the digestive system, it is also possible to achieve blood concentrations of nutrients far greater than what can be done with oral administration. By supplying the body with an abundance of supportive nutrients, which is also known as Orthomolecular Medicine, the natural healing mechanisms are able to function more effectively, leading to enhanced recovery from chronic conditions. IV treatments are used to decrease the intensity and duration of an illness.
IV therapy can be used to support a variety of chronic illnesses, such as:
- Nutritional Deficiency due to IBS, Crohn’s, Colitis etc.
- Low Immunity
- Cancer
- Chronic Fatigue, Post-viral Fatigue, Fibromyalgia
- Shingles
- Influenza (Flu)
- Migraine Headaches
- Arrhythmia
- Hypertension
- Heavy Metal Toxicity
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Hives
- Liver disease
- Athletic Recovery and better performance
Nutrients commonly used in IV treatments:
- Vitamins: vitamin C and B vitamins
- Minerals: calcium, magnesium, zinc, sodium, selenium, potassium, chromium, boron etc.
- Amino acids
- Antioxidants: vitamin C, glutathione, alpha lipoic acid
- Hydrochloric acid
- Hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
How to Get Started:
If you are a new patient, and you are interested in IV therapy, then you need to first book for a Pre-IV consultation. It is best to bring copies of any recent blood work. If you are seeking cancer treatment, then all recent tests and imaging studies will be required. There needs to be an evaluation of any pre-existing medical conditions, including allergies, previous diagnoses, prescription medications, as well as current supplements you may be taking.
During our initial consultation, we will discuss your reasons for needing IV therapy. A physical exam, and a urine dipstick will also be performed in order to evaluate for proper kidney function. Depending on the nature of your condition and the proposed treatment, we may need to do some additional screening blood work. IV therapy is extremely safe when properly applied, but it is best to know the condition of your body for optimum safety, as well as the best treatment for a correct diagnosis.
Some examples of IV treatments:
This is a therapy frequently used in the support of patients affected by cancer and infections. At very high doses, Vitamin C actually has a selective oxidative/destructive effect on some cancer cell lines in vitro, and is compatible with MOST conventional treatments. Vitamin C also supports immune function via interferon and interleukin, which is why it is useful for overcoming infections. Vitamin C can help with increased production of hydrogen peroxide (pro-oxidant). It is anti-angiogenesis (stop the blood supply that feeds cancer), and anti-inflammatory.
Glutathione is much more readily absorbed intravenously then by the oral route, and can be a very useful agent in the support of patients affected with neuro-degenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia, kidney disease, lung disease, atherosclerosis, chronic fatigue, liver disease, as well as detoxification.
This IV formula, with a base mixture involving vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, and various B vitamins, was pioneered by Baltimore physician Dr. John Myers, MD, who treated a variety of medical conditions for more than 25 years before his death in 1984. Clinical results have been observed for such conditions as fibromyalgia, migraines, adrenal fatigue, depression, cardiovascular disease, upper respiratory infections, seasonal allergies, asthma, restless leg syndrome, narcotic drug-withdrawal, as well as reduced recovery time from athletic endeavors.
This IV formula includes magnesium chloride, Vitamin B12, hydrochloric acid. Dexpanthenol (Vitamin B5), B complex 100 without thiamine, Vitamin C, Sodium bicarbonate, Calcium gluconate, Zinc chloride, Selenium hydrochloride, and Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride). This is a blend of anti-microbial and immune-supportive substances. It is useful for bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections, as well as for chronic fatigue syndrome, common cold and influenza, adrenal fatigue, fibromyalgia, chronic infections, and autoimmunity. It is helpful for any disease or medical condition where immune system support and modulation is therapeutic.