Are IV drips the worst-kept celebrity secret? Until recently an IV drip was something you’d only get if you were sick. However, in recent years people who are reasonably healthy have been choosing to get them. But why has this treatment garnered so much attention recently? What has made it skyrocket in popularity to become the latest health trend?
The practice of having an IV drip is not new – when you’re in hospital you might be given an IV in order to rehydrate you and replenish your body with nutrients. However, in recent years this has evolved outside of the hospital setting and it’s not only sick people having IV drips. Celebs were the first to adopt IV vitamin therapy as a way of maintaining their health whilst they fulfilled gruelling work schedules. And from there it has blown up!
But, why do celebs get IV drips? Well, it’s easy to see the appeal. Lovers of IV drips claim more energy, better hangover recovery, better immunity, lower inflammation in the body, healthier hair and glowing skin, fewer illnesses, faster recovery after a workout, and anti-ageing benefits. Sounds amazing, right?
How does IV therapy work?
An IV drip is another way of getting the nutrients the body needs. Rather than eating them in our food, the vitamins enter the body via a cannula, directly into your bloodstream. This means that all the goodness from the drip can be used by the body, instead of having to go through the gut, where many nutrients are lost. Health issues can also inhibit absorption of the nutrients, meaning that a much smaller amount is actually absorbed.
Who is IV vitamin therapy for?
There are generally two kinds of people who opt for vitamin drips: Those who are feeling well and want to avoid falling sick; Those who perhaps don’t feel well and have ailments.
It will come as no surprise when we say that the majority of us have demanding schedules and lifestyles. And all that action really does take it out of us – quite literally. By that, we simply mean that when the body is under stress, it uses up its vitamins and nutrients faster than we can replace them via food alone. It is for this reason that many people will opt to have a vitamin drip – even if they feel well.
For those who do not feel well, it could be related to a vitamin deficiency. Our bodies need a good supply of vitamins to function properly – even our cells! Now, it’s no secret that our diets are filled with convenience foods (which can lead to inflammation) and these foods just don’t have enough of the nutrients we need. Over time, we can become deficient in certain vitamins. It is also worth noting that underlying illnesses (for example: coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis) can also lead to issues with absorption and eventually result in a deficiency.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone has a vitamin deficiency, and not every ailment is linked to a lack of vitamins. That being said, the symptoms associated with vitamin deficiency are varied and may surprise you.
Symptoms of a vitamin deficiency
Symptoms will vary between individuals but the most common ones include:
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Joint aches and pains
- Brain fog
- Gut issues (gas, bloating, burping)
- Psoriasis
- Feeling low
- Muscle weakness
If you have any of these symptoms it’s important to visit your GP or healthcare professional who will be able to run blood tests and ascertain if you have a vitamin deficiency. If this is the case, they may suggest changing your diet and/or taking oral supplements to help alleviate symptoms. IV drips are another option that can restore vitamins and nutrients to optimum levels faster, and more conveniently to help alleviate symptoms.
Most popular IV drips
Some of the most popular IV drips include:
Myers cocktail: This is the drip that kicked off the trend for IV therapy. The Myers cocktail is hailed as the vitamin drip that is ideal for optimal health. It has a combination of vitamin C, B vitamins and magnesium.
Vitamin C: It’s essential to eat enough vitamin C each day as it doesn’t stay in our bodies for long. This essential nutrient is key for a well-functioning body. It supports the immune system, and fights free radicals from the likes of smoking, the sun, and other environmental toxins. It’s important for your bones, cartilage and blood vessels, and even your muscles. If you’re struggling to consume enough vitamin C-rich foods, this might be beneficial.
NAD+: The popularity of this drip has blown up in the last year as there has been a huge interest in improving longevity – how long we live for. Touted as anti-ageing because of its ability to repair damaged cells and DNA (which is the underlying cause of ageing), NAD+ IV therapy can help you to live a healthier life for longer. Studies into the effectiveness of NAD+ for anti-ageing are promising!
People who have had IV vitamin drips rave about how good they feel and the benefits they experience, from better energy to fewer illnesses.
The importance of choosing a reputable clinic
If you decide to have an IV drip, we recommend choosing a doctor-led clinic with a good reputation. Although the risk of allergies and complications with an IV drip is very low, any medical procedure does carry risk. By opting for a doctor-led clinic you can feel confident that they are well equipped to handle any issues that may arise. They can also help you with any underlying health concerns.
