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The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

Does IV Therapy Work?

Once thought to be a luxury only available to Hollywood’s biggest stars, IV therapy has become more widely available to the masses and is now a popular way to get a quick dose of essential vitamins and nutrients. You’ll probably feel the benefits immediately! But if you haven’t received IV therapy before, you might be wondering, “What kind of pseudo-science is this?”

 

But IV therapy is not pseudo-science at all. It’s just a safe, convenient way to give your body a boost. While its popularity continues to rise, most people are wondering, “Does IV therapy work?”

 

What Is IV Therapy?

IV therapy works by safely delivering vitamins, medications, and/or electrolytes directly to the bloodstream. In doing so, the vitamins are able to bypass the digestive system, which means that 100% of the nutrients are readily available for the body to absorb and use immediately.


When supplements are taken orally, they must first go through the digestive system where they are metabolized and stripped of their potency. Oral supplementation is particularly ineffective in those who have poor gut health, hormonal imbalances, or other absorption issues. Imagine losing half of every supplement you take. Yikes! 

 

IV therapy helps the body absorb supplements more effectively by delivering 100% of the nutrients directly to the bloodstream.

 

Does IV Therapy Work?

Yes! Our bodies rely on the vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes that we consume to keep all systems functioning optimally. In an ideal world, our diets would provide us with all the nutrients we need, but unfortunately, thanks to modern farming practices and the standard American diet, our foods are depleted of many of the key nutrients we need.

 

Most Americans also suffer from some level of gut permeability that affects our ability to properly absorb nutrients from the foods we eat. This compounds our vitamin deficiencies. Not only are we not eating enough vitamins, but we also can’t absorb the ones we do eat. This is a recipe for disaster.

 

Thankfully, IV therapy works to rejuvenate your body.

 

During an IV therapy treatment, you will be connected to an intravenous drip that contains a saline solution, electrolytes, and vitamins that will be administered directly into the bloodstream. While everyone can benefit from the hydration that the saline solution provides, to find out if IV therapy works, it is important to select the most appropriate nutrients for your unique needs. 

 

Here are a few vitamins and nutrients you can receive through IV therapy.

 

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 supports the production of red blood cells, sleep and mood regulation, nervous system performance, and brain, heart, and eye function. Insufficient B12 levels can lead to fatigue, a deficiency of red blood cells, and nerve issues.

 

Vegetarians, vegans, and those suffering from gastrointestinal issues such as Crohn’s disease are at a higher risk of having B12 deficiency. Infusing vitamin B12 through IV therapy gives the body a much-needed boost and provides a range of health benefits including:

 

  • Breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and alcohol
  • Promoting healthy hair, skin, and nails
  • Protecting against free radicals
  • Supporting cardiovascular health

 

Vitamin C

We all know that vitamin C contributes to good health, but what you may not know is that it is essential for collagen production, which is one of the building blocks of our bodies. Collagen also keeps us looking younger. 

 

Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant and is commonly administered intravenously to cancer patients to help kill cancer cells. Vitamin C IV therapy works to provide an energy boost, reverse the effects of aging, and can help the body fight off all sorts of bacteria and viruses that lead to illness.

 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine” vitamin, as it is produced in response to the body’s exposure to sunlight. Only a few foods contain vitamin D, such as eggs, red meat, and oily fish, but they do not contain enough to supply us with sufficient levels of the vitamin. If you don’t spend much time outdoors, chances are you have a vitamin D deficiency. This is detrimental because we need vitamin D to help us regulate calcium and phosphate levels for healthy muscles, bones, and teeth.

Since our modern lifestyles require us to spend most of our time indoors, most of us are deficient in vitamin D to some extent. Does IV therapy work when it comes to vitamin D? Yes! Luckily, a dose of vitamin D through IV therapy can give your body the boost it needs without sacrificing efficacy by consuming supplements orally.

 

IV Cocktail

For those dealing with numerous vitamin deficiencies or a specific set of symptoms, a customized IV cocktail can be created to address your unique needs. The most popular IV therapy cocktail, called the Myers Cocktail, was pioneered by John Myers to include essential vitamins such as magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C. These nutrients provide the body with the resources it needs to ward off ailments such as allergies, asthma attacks, fatigue, migraines, sinusitis, depression, anxiety, muscle spasms, and fibromyalgia.

 

When it comes to asking, “Does IV therapy work?” it is important to understand that these treatments work best when the treatment is selected based on your body’s specific needs. If you aren’t deficient in vitamin D, an intravenous vitamin D treatment may not have much of an effect on you. If, however, you are lacking in B vitamins, getting a megadose through IV therapy will provide the immediate and powerful energy boost you’ve been searching for. Talk to your doctor at Five Journeys to determine the right cocktail for you.

 

Hydration Therapy

From headaches and nausea to dizziness, dehydration can have all sorts of unpleasant effects. Whether we are at work or exercising, dehydration deters us from performing to the best of our abilities. Dehydration can result from a range of factors, such as overexertion, stomach bugs, jet lag, or inadequate water consumption. Most of us don’t have the time, mental capacity, or desire to drink a gallon of water every day, but hydration is such an essential part of overall health. 

 

IV hydration works for dehydration, too! It’s a quick, easy, effective way to boost hydration, replenish electrolytes, and help you feel stronger and healthier both physically and mentally.

IV therapy can benefit just about everyone in one way or another. To find out how IV therapy can benefit you, and which nutrients would best address your needs, contact the team at 5 Journeys today!

The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is comprehensive testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, helping clinicians accurately diagnose and treat these complex infections. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood, Urine, or Ticks

COST

may have a $200 copay

INSURANCE

Covered by most insurance.

The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Galleri® is a multi-cancer early detection test, a blood test that screens for many of the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic,1,2,3 including those with no recommended screening tests today. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home or in lab.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$999

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This DNA test analyzes a person’s genetic markers to provide insights into their health and wellness price. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Swab

COST

$299

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is a key tool for assessing the impact of long-term exposure to environmental chemicals. By quantitatively measuring 14 select metabolites, this test helps determine an individual’s toxic burden, offering essential data to guide targeted nutritional and detoxification interventions for improved health outcomes. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$129

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

The Hormone and Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile (HuMapTM) provides a comprehensive overview of steroid hormones, their metabolites, and the efficiency of the enzymes that metabolize these hormones. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$199

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a dried urine test for comprehensive hormones to help providers solve complex patient cases. DUTCH is a group of validated tests that provide a complete evaluation of sex and adrenal hormones, including metabolites. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$300

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive stool test that relies on quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$399

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive test that uses blood and urine to evaluate over 125 biomarkers. It provides recommendations for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive support. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood and Urine

COST

$179 – $439

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

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The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$310

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$150 – $329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective
The Power of IV Therapy: From Our Doctor’s Perspective

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted