IV nutritional therapy has taken the world by storm. Proponents have come up with endless lists of their benefits. But are they really what they are said to be? We will look at the benefits of this approach of supplementation and also explore the shortcomings if they exist. The most important thing to know is that these supplements should be done with a qualified healthcare provider whenever they feel that there is a proper need to do so.
IV nutrients are routinely administered in hospitals to patients who have become too sick to eat. This is taken as a survival measure and not because the route is better. In other patients the nutrition is used as a way of supplementing deficient nutrients.
Nutritional therapy has been widely adopted in treatment of cancer. Currently, the main modalities of cancer treatment are chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These two modalities are, unfortunately, non-selective and thus often lead to damage of normal cells. This results in damage of immune cells and lowered ability to fight residual cancer cells and any other diseases that may be contracted later on. Proper nutrition restores the immune function so that proper defence mechanisms can be mounted.
One of the major advantages of IV therapies over oral supplementation is that they are more effective t-in correcting intracellular mineral deficiencies in the body. Since they are delivered directly into the blood stream, the digestive tract is bypassed and any factors that hinder absorption are avoided. This is of particular significance in patients that have low levels of hydrochloric acid.
There are many kinds of nutrients that can be administered intravenously. One of the most important of them perhaps is calcium, a mineral that has both anatomical and physiological roles in living organisms. Calcium is found in abundant amounts in both bones and teeth where it provides structural integrity. It plays a major role in transmission of nerve impulses and in the contraction of muscles. Deficiency of this element leads to serious conditions such as osteomalacia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, muscle cramps and irritability.
Magnesium and zinc have also been successfully supplemented intravenously. These minerals share in some of the functions of calcium. Magnesium in particular is involved in hundreds of biological reactions that include maintenance of the immune system, nervous system and muscle function. Zinc plays an important role in wound healing, immune system integrity and normal pregnancy development among others. Other minerals that are commonly supplemented include vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
Getting the treatment is quite easy. There may be a small amount of pain when the vein is punctured but this may be eliminated completely by the use of analgesic medication. One does not usually need to prepare. In most centres, all that is required is to call the day before. On average the whole process lasts between 1 and 2 hours. The nutrients go in at a slow, controlled rate to avoid overwhelming the body.
There are several side effects that have been associated with the use of IV Nutritional Therapy. Allergic reactions are fairly common. These are associated with the preservatives that are used together with the nutrients. Currently, products that do not require the use of preservatives are being developed. Other risks include infection, clotting and bleeding.
IV nutrients are routinely administered in hospitals to patients who have become too sick to eat. This is taken as a survival measure and not because the route is better. In other patients the nutrition is used as a way of supplementing deficient nutrients.
Nutritional therapy has been widely adopted in treatment of cancer. Currently, the main modalities of cancer treatment are chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These two modalities are, unfortunately, non-selective and thus often lead to damage of normal cells. This results in damage of immune cells and lowered ability to fight residual cancer cells and any other diseases that may be contracted later on. Proper nutrition restores the immune function so that proper defence mechanisms can be mounted.
One of the major advantages of IV therapies over oral supplementation is that they are more effective t-in correcting intracellular mineral deficiencies in the body. Since they are delivered directly into the blood stream, the digestive tract is bypassed and any factors that hinder absorption are avoided. This is of particular significance in patients that have low levels of hydrochloric acid.
There are many kinds of nutrients that can be administered intravenously. One of the most important of them perhaps is calcium, a mineral that has both anatomical and physiological roles in living organisms. Calcium is found in abundant amounts in both bones and teeth where it provides structural integrity. It plays a major role in transmission of nerve impulses and in the contraction of muscles. Deficiency of this element leads to serious conditions such as osteomalacia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, muscle cramps and irritability.
Magnesium and zinc have also been successfully supplemented intravenously. These minerals share in some of the functions of calcium. Magnesium in particular is involved in hundreds of biological reactions that include maintenance of the immune system, nervous system and muscle function. Zinc plays an important role in wound healing, immune system integrity and normal pregnancy development among others. Other minerals that are commonly supplemented include vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
Getting the treatment is quite easy. There may be a small amount of pain when the vein is punctured but this may be eliminated completely by the use of analgesic medication. One does not usually need to prepare. In most centres, all that is required is to call the day before. On average the whole process lasts between 1 and 2 hours. The nutrients go in at a slow, controlled rate to avoid overwhelming the body.
There are several side effects that have been associated with the use of IV Nutritional Therapy. Allergic reactions are fairly common. These are associated with the preservatives that are used together with the nutrients. Currently, products that do not require the use of preservatives are being developed. Other risks include infection, clotting and bleeding.
About the Author:
For the best in IV Nutritional Therapy click the link to www.middlepathmedicine.com. Middle Path Medicine is located in San Luis Obispo County with the only Integrative Wellness Center on the Central Coast, and you can find us online at http://www.middlepathmedicine.com now.
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