It is that time of year again when we have runny noses, sore throats, coughs, and feel downright miserable. Cold and flu season is in full swing. Even if you sleep well, eat healthy, and exercise, it can still feel impossible to avoid getting sick.
When those early warning signs hit – fatigue, scratchy throat, sniffles – you would do anything to stop getting sick. However, is turning to trendy immunity IV drips the answer? Let us look at the evidence.
What Exactly Are Immunity IV Drips?
IV drips are solutions of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients given directly into the blood through an intravenous line. They allow faster absorption at higher concentrations compared to popping supplements orally.
Immunity blends aim to give your immune system a supercharged boost.
Typical ingredients include:
- Vitamin C
- B complex vitamins
- Glutathione
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Magnesium
Supporters claim IV nutrient therapy can boost immunity. It can also promote wellness and help you recover faster if you get sick. However, do these claims check out scientifically?
How Do Immunity IV Drips Work?
Here is the basic process:
First, a saline IV line is started, usually in your hand or arm. The nutrient solution flows through the tubing into your vein. Your circulatory system then quickly delivers the ingredients throughout your body.
IV therapy shoots nutrients into your bloodstream, unlike supplements, which go through your digestive system. This allows for quick absorption and leads to more nutrients in your cells and tissues.
The star ingredients for immune support are vitamin C and glutathione. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help counter inflammation and infection. Glutathione also has antioxidant effects and is needed for immune cell activities.
Direct delivery is likely to optimize these levels faster, as they cannot be achieved orally. However, is the immune boost really that dramatic?
Evaluating the Benefits of Immunity IV Therapy
Proponents make some impressive claims about the benefits of immune-focused IV drips, including:
- Preventing colds and flu
- Shortening illness duration
- Increasing energy and vitality
- Slowing aging
- Reducing stress
- Improving focus
However, what does science actually say about how well they work?
Most evidence supports vitamin C for the immune system. Doctors have studied high-dose IV vitamin C for infections. They studied it for conditions like cancer and sepsis.
Research shows it can lower inflammation and prolong the duration of respiratory infections. Patients hospitalized with severe infections also fared better with IV vitamin C therapy.
However, the benefits for generally healthy people are less clear. Most data comes from observational studies or anecdotal reports. Well-designed trials, specifically on immune boost IV drips, are still limited.
Still, many functional medicine and integrative health practitioners support IV nutrient therapy based on the clinical results they see. Patients often describe feeling rejuvenated and resisting illness better after treatments.
More research is still needed on optimal formulas, frequencies, and long-term impacts, but the existing evidence seems promising for immunity IV therapy.
Who Might Benefit from an Immunity IV?
IV nutrient drips are generally considered safe for most people when appropriately administered.
You may gain the most benefits from immune-focused IV therapy if you have:
- Frequent colds, flu, or infections
- Gut issues interfering with nutrient absorption
- Chronic fatigue or adrenal issues
- Autoimmune disorders
- Recently traveled or been under high stress
- Poor diet and lifestyle habits
- You want to stay healthy during the cold season
Your practitioner can customize your IV formula. They base it on your unique health needs and bloodwork.
What About the Risks of IV Therapy?
IV therapy done correctly by a qualified professional is well-tolerated by most people. However, there are some risks, like:
- Bruising, pain, or blood clots from the IV catheter
- Infection from improperly sterilized equipment
- Inflammation or phlebitis from the IV fluids
- Allergic reaction to any ingredients
That’s why it’s critical to have your IV drip in a proper medical setting, such as a doctor’s office or clinic. By law, only some healthcare pros can start an IV and oversee it.
How Much Do Immune IV Drips Cost?
The price depends on factors like location and your chosen blend. On average, it would be about $100 per person, which is quite cheap, given the benefits.
Conclusion on Immunity IV Drips
There is a good reason for giving your body an infusion of immune-lifting nutrients. You do this through IV therapy. Moreover, current evidence is promising for benefits like:
- Increased energy and vitality
- Faster recovery from illnesses
- Improved focus and work performance
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved immune response
However, we still need much more rigorous research to confirm the effectiveness and the best protocols. For now, IV nutrient therapy seems safe when done correctly. It has perks and is fine for most people.
Immunity IV drips are not a magic bullet against all illnesses. Nevertheless, they offer an excellent way to boost your defenses in the cold season. Just be sure to see an experienced practitioner and keep your expectations realistic.
