The Lesser Known Applications of Intravenous Therapy

8 Dec 2019

In my practice, I administer I.V. therapy to a great number of my patients, primarily those seeking adjunctive cancer care and those with low energy.  However, there are a number of lesser known applications of I.V. therapy that are equally as effective and interesting.

The Mood Balancing bag –

This nutrient bag supports anxiety and/or depression. This type of IV bag is used alongside other therapies such as lifestyle changes, supplementation and counseling.  The nutrients in this bag have a significant calming effect that can last for days; giving a great reprieve to those who are struggling with mental health.

Glycine and Taurine – the two main components added to the already existing adrenal and energy supportive nutrients.

Glycine – acts as both a stimulant and inhibitory agent in the brain, but primarily it has an anxiolytic effect.  Glycine can also boost serotonin production, which is the hormone associated with an overall sense of wellbeing.

Taurine – anti-depressive effect and anti-manic effect, for those who are bipolar or those who experience severe mood swings.  These effects, again, can last for days.

The Pre-surgery bag –

Anyone going into major surgery can greatly benefit from this nutrient bag- whether it be a hysterectomy, knee/joint surgery or abdominal surgery. This I.V. bag preps the body with vitamin C for collagen production and zinc for tissue repair.  The bag also contains a mix of other vitamins and nutrients to prepare the body for the extra work that it will have to do to heal and recover from the surgery.

The Immune Boosting bag –

This bag contains higher doses of selenium, zinc and contains a large amount of vitamin C.  Vitamin C increases white blood cells’ ability to fight off infection.  These white blood cells use vitamin C to produce hydrogen peroxide which is then used to kill bacteria and viruses.

Selenium is required for optimization of neutrophils, macrophages, Natural Killer cells, T – lymphocytes and other vital immune system processes.

Zinc enhances the immune system’s ability to fight off bacteria and viruses and is a vital immune system regulator.

The Adrenal bag–

This bag has a great hormone balancing effect.  It contains a large amount of vitamin C and a vitamin B complex with added B5 and B12 for energy.  In addition, this bag includes a Glutathione push.

This bag is mainly used for energy but we find that when we support that HPA (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal) axis, it supports the whole hormonal pathway (the adrenals, the thyroid, the pituitary and the hypothalamus) and overall hormone balance.

The Glutathione push (slow push from a syringe into the IV port) is added because Glutathione is a strong antioxidant and liver detoxifier.  The liver is responsible for clearing out any excess hormones, like estrogen, and it greatly supports hormone balance in the body.

This bag also contains 10 grams of vitamin C which has a significant anti-inflammatory effect in the body.  This is strongly indicated in conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease and menstrual pain.

These are a few of the lesser known applications of IV therapy.  If you are interested in learning more about IV therapy, please feel free to book a complimentary meet and greet with me!  We will sit down together and decide if IV therapy may be beneficial for you.

In health,

Dr. Aleksandra Gasinksi, ND