Any fan of Grey’s Anatomy, House or ER knows that intravenous iv hydration therapy scottsdale is nothing new. In medicine, IVs are used to quickly administer medications, replace lost fluids or deliver blood.
However, a fairly new phenomenon is the IV bar, salon or spa at the nearest mall that claims it can cure (or even prevent) hangovers. Or maybe you’ve heard about hydration or vitamin therapy from a celebrity you follow on social media.
There are many reasons why you may be wondering what all the fuss is about, and you may even be thinking about trying this new health trend.
Offering a variety of vitamin and nutrient cocktails, these drip and IV therapy rooms claim to :
treat hangovers
improve the complexion
help with weight loss
relieve chronic pain
Detoxify your body
Improve your performance and recovery
Improve your concentration
Boost your immunity
Boost your libido
Indeed, there is a tincture for just about everything.
But with prices ranging from $100 to several thousand dollars, it’s natural to wonder if the drips at the store are worth it.
Do intravenous hydration therapy and intravenous vitamin therapy really work?
The idea behind intravenous iv hydration therapy scottsdale is that intravenous administration of specially formulated cocktails of nutrients, vitamins, electrolytes, antioxidants and sometimes even medications can help replenish, repair and cleanse the body more quickly than, say, drinking water, eating a healthy diet or taking medications by mouth.
“While it is true that an IV can speed up the rate at which drugs enter the bloodstream, it is unlikely that IV companies can actually achieve their intended goals, whether it is treating hangovers, boosting the immune system, improving concentration, etc.,” says Joshua Septimus, M.D., associate professor of clinical medicine and medical director of Houston Methodist Primary Care Group Same Day Clinics.
Dr. Septimus stresses that these infusions are not FDA-approved, which means there are no confirmed clinical trials confirming that intravenous hydration and/or intravenous vitamin therapy are actually beneficial for you.
So, IV hydration can’t cure a hangover and IV vitamin therapy can’t stop my illness?
The IV therapy companies themselves stress that their infusions are for people who are already healthy.
“If you are healthy, do you need to iv hydration therapy scottsdale, receive vitamins and other nutrients intravenously? The answer is a resounding no,” says Dr. Septimus.
When it comes to staying healthy, Dr. Septimus recommends focusing on what’s easy and inexpensive, two things anyone can do.
“The best way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation. If you accidentally overdo it, know that your body has its own powerful detoxification system that doesn’t need extra help, it just needs time,” says Dr. Septimus. “And while vitamin C helps the immune system, the vast majority of people get all the vitamin C they need from their diet. There is no evidence that intravenous administration of a packet full of vitamin C helps prevent illness. In fact, recent studies in which patients with COVID-19 were treated with vitamin C also showed no benefit.”
So, no, IV hydration is not a miracle hangover cure, and IV vitamin C infusion is unlikely to prevent your illness.
If you try one of these infusions and it makes you feel better – like your hangover is diminishing – be aware that you may just be experiencing a placebo effect.
“The mind is a powerful thing, and the placebo effect can certainly help you feel better, even if nothing in the body changes. It may not be worth the high price or risks associated with these infusions,” adds Dr. Septimus.
