Physicians have been distributing medications through intravenous (IV) lines since the early 19th century. One of the most well-known types of IV hydration therapy, the “Myers Cocktail,” was developed by Dr. John Myers in the 1970s.
Despite the wide use of IV medicines in hospital settings, the idea of using IV hydration therapy for general wellness care is a relatively new service. It’s no wonder people still have many questions about it.
Separating the facts from the fiction isn’t always easy. Dispelling some of the most common myths about IV hydration will help you feel confident about choosing this therapy for yourself.
Myth 1: You Get All the Vitamins You Need From Food
In a perfect world, you would consume the healthy variety of foods needed for optimal nutrition every day. That’s just not reality for most people.
Not everyone has the time or energy to prepare home-cooked meals from fresh ingredients three times a day. Work schedules, keeping up with the kids, and other important commitments can get in the way of eating as well as you’d like.
If you skip meals or pick up a quick dinner at the drive-through more often than you’d like to admit, you may not be getting all the vitamins and minerals you need. One study on nutrition in the U.S. found that many Americans needed some type of fortification to get all the recommended micronutrients.
IV hydration therapy is a fast and effective way to get a boost of essential vitamins and minerals when you most need them. Some people choose IV therapy when they’re recovering from illness or when a busy schedule leaves them feeling depleted.
Travel, holidays, and other interruptions to your normal schedule can leave little time for cooking nutritious meals. A Myers Cocktail or High Dose Vitamin C IV can help supplement your nutrient intake during hectic times.
Myth 2: IV Hydration Therapy Is Just for Curing Hangover
A Hangover IV can help decrease or eliminate the symptoms associated with drinking too much alcohol. It encourages the removal of toxins and boosts your electrolytes to help alleviate mild dehydration.
While many people appreciate the benefits of a Hangover IV, there are many more reasons to use IV hydration therapy besides overindulging on alcohol.
The different formulas of IV hydration can offer a variety of benefits, including:
- Improve skin health
- Better energy
- Ease symptoms of jet lag
- Boost immunity
- Treat iron deficiency
- Manage chronic health conditions
With customized IV hydration therapy options like the Modified Myers Cocktail, you can add ingredients based on your current needs.
Myth 3: Getting an IV Is Painful
IV hydration therapy does involve the insertion of a needle, which may cause a slight pinching sensation. IVs should be administered only by licensed clinicians with training and experience in IV medicine.
After the IV needle is inserted, receiving the infusion itself is a painless process. Some clients relax, listen to music, or even take a nap during their treatment.
Myth 4: IV Hydration Is a Waste Because Drinking Water Is the Most Effective Way to Hydrate
Drinking water is essential to maintaining your body’s systems, but water isn’t always enough to address nutrient deficiencies or dehydration, especially after an illness. Water and sports drinks must travel through your entire digestive system, and only a small portion of the nutrients in oral fluids are absorbed before they are eliminated.
IV hydration therapy provides fast and direct rehydration while delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream. It is especially beneficial to anyone who needs fast rehydration.
Myth 5: IV Hydration Therapy Is Unsafe
IV hydration is safe when performed by trained medical professionals. Licensed practitioners follow the highest safety standards at all times. Every treatment can be customized to the client’s specific needs. All clients are carefully monitored during their IV session.
Some mild side effects are possible, but risks are rare, especially when trained medical staff are overseeing your treatments.
Myth 6: IV Hydration Therapy Is Too Expensive
The cost of IV hydration varies among providers. Competitive pricing can make IV therapy accessible to a wide range of people. Some providers may also offer flexible payment plans to fit your budget.
When thinking about the costs of IV hydration, consider the value of preventing illness or recovering days earlier. How much would it cost to miss that important meeting because you were suffering from jet lag or feeling hungover?
Investing in your health and well-being is always a smart move. Ask the staff to explain payment options and help confirm insurance coverage.
Myth 7: You Don’t Need IV Hydration Therapy if You’re Not Sick
With so many health-boosting options to choose from, IV hydration therapy is for everyone.
Athletes use IV vitamin therapy to help them perform their best and to assist with post-event recovery. Busy parents and professionals use this wellness treatment to maintain their energy levels. Bridal parties may opt for hydration treatments to help everyone look and feel their best on the big day.
Some treatments are designed to improve or maintain a youthful look, and some can help prevent illness by strengthening your immune system.
The Benefits of IV Hydration Therapy
Proper hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining your body’s physiological processes. It helps regulate your body temperature and promotes better cognitive function. Hydration can improve your mental clarity and help relieve headaches.
IV hydration therapy also helps maintain or improve skin health and supports organ function. Every tissue in your body relies on proper hydration. The addition of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to IV hydration therapy allows for a wide range of benefits unique to every client.
Ignore the Myths and Enjoy the Facts about IV Hydration Therapy
Researching any wellness treatment before trying it is highly recommended. The more you know about IV hydration therapy, the more you’ll understand how its wide range of applications can help you look and feel better.
For more information about the costs, risks, and benefits of IV therapy, call Nenergy Boost today or book your appointment with our easy online form.