by Dr. Alisha Rawji ND
IV therapy stands for Intravenous Therapy. Vitamins and minerals are administered directly into the venous system which allows for 100% absorption into the body via the blood stream, and into the cells via diffusion. The Liver IV, is wonderful for speeding up the cleansing and detoxification processes of the liver, especially if one has been exposed to toxins such as environmental pollutants, or excessive alcohol consumption for example. Especially after wild stampede party or company bbq…
When alcohol breaks down, it forms compounds called aldehydes. Aldehyde build-up in high amounts in the bloodstream can be toxic to the liver, and when it builds up too much, can cause many of the typical hangover symptoms such as: nausea, vomiting, light-headedness, fatigue, weakness, irritability, headaches, muscle and body aches, loss of memory, and loss of consciousness.
Glutathione, is the most abundant antioxidant found in the body. It is very poorly absorbed orally, and therefore it is very commonly added as a liver detoxification agent in an IV therapy protocol. Taurine and Magnesium also have added benefits for not only liver detoxification, but also for brain function and overall health.
When aldehydes build up, glutathione gets depleted. Glutathione is also known as the ‘mother of all antioxidants’ – and it truly is. It is vital in detoxifying (turning over toxic agents into non-toxic forms) in the body, and works within liver cells to do this. Glutathione is absolutely vital, therefore, in liver detoxification by clearing toxic aldehyde buildup in the liver, and is, very important in the prevention of hangovers symptoms. Glutathione is also very well researched in the management of liver disorders and is known to have anti-aging and antioxidant effects. As well, it is very poorly absorbed orally (by mouth); therefore IV therapy (or injections) are the most effective ways to administer glutathione into the body.
Finally, alcohol works as a diuretic, which means one will excrete fluid at a high rate through urination. This causes a large amount of dehydration, due to loss of both water and electrolytes, as well as water-soluble vitamins such as B-vitamins, vitamin c, magnesium, and other trace minerals. This rapid elimination can further exacerbate vitamin and minerals deficiencies; which is why, replenishment via IV therapy can greatly help liver health due to excessive drinking, and can also be helpful for elimination of toxins from the body, in general.
For more information, or to find out how to book in an IV therapy treatment, contact Docere Wellness Centre at [email protected] or call 403-452-6262.