Once upon a time, people cringed at the idea of being placed on an IV drip in a hospital setting. Nowadays, IV therapy is a popular service at boutique and mobile medical clinics. These IV infusions differ from the IV treatments patients receive in the hospital.

IV clinics generally offer elective services that target different objectives, depending on the client’s preferences. Common uses for IV therapy include:

• Treating cold and flu
• Alleviating nausea
• Rehydrating
• Remedying hangover symptoms
• Treating headaches
• Boosting energy when fatigued
• Supplementing diet deficiencies

Common Ingredients in IV Bags

From boosting energy to resolving hangover symptoms, everyday people choose IV infusions to improve their sense of well-being. The following are some of the most popular ingredients in IV drips available at infusion clinics.

Vitamin B-12

B-12 is the most common ingredient in infusion bags. The body utilizes B-12 to convert food to energy. Weight management, digestive health, and brain and nerve function are among the areas Vitamin B-12 supports. Clients can choose to have B-12 alone or as part of a complex of other B vitamins.

Vitamin C

Most people associate the treatment and prevention of colds and flu with Vitamin C. However, this nutrient serves other important functions. The body uses Vitamin C to create blood vessels, muscle, cartilage, and collagen. Vitamin C also prevents illness and supports the healing process. Zinc complements Vitamin C and is also available in IV infusions.

Glutathione

A critical antioxidant, Glutathione helps prevent cell damage. The nutrient helps remove toxins from the body by binding to them. Studies also suggest glutathione slows the speed of aging. Glutathione also recycles antioxidant vitamins C and E in the body to further prevent oxidative stress.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are foundational building blocks that form chains to make up the majority of the proteins in the body. The three main categories of amino acids are essential, nonessential, and conditional. The body requires a balance of essential and nonessential amino acids for optimal health.

Magnesium

More than 300 body processes, including the nerves, heart, immune system, blood, energy production, and protein synthesis, require magnesium. It is even believed that magnesium can alleviate the symptoms of depression by boosting serotonin. Most Americans do not receive enough magnesium through dietary means. Some symptoms of low magnesium include craps, mood swings, and migraines.

Saline

Saline IVs primarily serve to rehydrate the body and deliver electrolytes. Dehydration can cause pain in the joints and mental confusion. An IV infusion can reduce these symptoms. Saline can also be used as an effective mechanism for delivering medicine, vitamins, and other infusions. Isotonic saline solutions have similar characteristics to blood plasma, therefore, they can help balance fluid inside and outside of the body’s cells.

NAD+

A coenzyme that converts food to energy, the body produces NAD+ from birth, but production may decrease as people age. NAD+ is believed to slow the signs of aging, improve brain function, and maintain the body’s circadian rhythm. Adding NAD+ to IV infusions can help people who are struggling with addiction. The infusions can detoxify the body and curb cravings.

Vitamin D

Sunlight helps the body produce Vitamin D. During seasons when sunlight is indirect, a Vitamin D infusion can replenish the body’s supply. Vitamin D supports mood health, the cardiovascular system, and digestive health.

Taurine

Another energy booster, Taurine is an antioxidant as well as an amino acid. Taurine deficiency increases the risk of neurological disorders and degenerative eye conditions. Athletes use taurine to reduce lactic acid, rebalance electrolytes, and support muscle health. IV infusions can improve health in a variety of ways. They can supplement deficient nutrients and deliver vitamins and amino acids faster than taking them orally. Discuss your health condition with a healthcare provider to help you decide which infusion is best for you. Contact us to learn more about the IV drips we offer or to schedule an appointment. Call us today at 205-352-9141.