Are you considering getting a vitamin IV therapy? If so, there are a few things you need to do beforehand. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the important things you need to know and do before your first appointment, especially if you are getting a vitamin IV therapy. Moreover, there are also things you need to pay attention to after treatment. By following these tips, you can ensure that your experience is as positive as possible!
Vitamin IV therapy is a treatment where vitamins and minerals are delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein. The vitamins and minerals are usually mixed with a saline solution, where the purpose is to deliver fluids and nutrients quickly, and can also be used to treat a variety of conditions, including dehydration, fatigue, and migraines. With the popularity of IV clinics popping up everywhere, it's no wonder people are curious about this type of therapy. Younger generations use it for preventative measures to boost immunity or energy levels, and others, for hangover relief.
Before you book your appointment, there are a few things you should know:
Do your research
First, make sure to do your research and find a reputable clinic. There are many fly-by-night operations that might not use sterile equipment such as the catheter or needle used in insertion, or they do not have the properly mixed solutions. When this happens, you are putting yourself at risk of developing infection. Signs may include redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site. More concerning symptoms are fever and chills, a visit to your doctor or nearest hospital is warranted.
Consult with a doctor
Third, those with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease should also consult with their physician before getting IV therapy. This is because these conditions can be exacerbated by dehydration, and since IV therapy involves fluid replacement, it’s best to get the go-ahead from your primary health care physician. Be sure to give your doctor all the necessary information about your current health condition. This includes any allergies or sensitivities you have as well as any medications you are taking. When a medicine interacts with an IV vitamin, it can cause serious side effects.
Pregnancy Precaution
Second, patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not allowed to get intravenous treatment. While there is no evidence that IV therapy is harmful to fetuses, it is always best to err on the side of caution. So, if you suspect you may be pregnant, let your doctor know before scheduling an appointment.
Lab Tests
A good, competent IV therapy provider will also require some blood tests to be performed. The reason? Because it is important to know what you are getting yourself into. There are different types of IV therapy, so you need to make sure you are getting the right one for your needs. Tests may include a complete blood count, kidney and liver function tests, and a review of your medical history.
Hydration
Before your IV drip, it is important that you drink water to hydrate yourself. Drink at least eight glasses of water in the day leading up to your therapy session. The veins in your hand or arms will become more palpable, and make it easier for the nurse to find a good spot to insert the needle. It will also help prevent bruising. During your therapy, you may feel a slight pinching sensation when the needle is inserted into your vein. You may also feel a tingling, cool sensation as the fluids enters your body. These are normal reactions and should subside within a few minutes. Additionally, after your IV drip, you should also drink plenty of fluids. This will help to flush the vitamins and minerals out of your system.
Snack/Eat
You will also be advised to take a snack before your IV infusion session because some vitamins and minerals can cause a drop in blood sugar levels. Eating foods that are high in carbohydrates will help to raise your blood sugar levels back to normal. It is important to follow these instructions, as a sudden drop in blood sugar levels can lead to nausea, dizziness or fainting. A good clinic will provide you with snacks if you have not had one.
Get Active
Before putting an IV drip into a person's veins, active movement typically increases blood flow to the muscles, which is what we want. To help the process along, we often have our patients do some simple exercises, like walking around the office for a few times or stretching. Parking a few blocks away from the clinic is also a great way to get the blood flowing before your appointment.
Relax
Are you experiencing stress or anxiety about your upcoming intravenous therapy? Some of the ways you can alleviate this feeling is to practice deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation. It is also important to keep in mind that the staff performing your IV therapy are professionals that have years of experience. If you get an IV therapy in Toronto, look for a wellness center where their health team is composed of a doctor or md, nurses, and other practitioners who take part in your care.
Now that we've discussed the to-dos before your therapy, the after-care is just as important as well. It is also important to avoid caffeinated beverages as they can cause dehydration. Warmth, stiffness, weakness, and numbness at the insertion site are all normal after the procedure and should go away within a few hours. If you experience otherwise, contact your doctor immediately.
After the procedure, you are advised to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours. You may also experience some fatigue and achiness, so it is important to take it easy and get plenty of rest as this will help your body to recover and heal.
Intravenous therapy can help improve your health in many ways and it is important to be prepared before and after your treatment. Following these simple tips will help ensure that you have a positive experience with IV vitamin therapy. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider.
Numerous studies and research about IV therapy's benefits have been conducted, and while there is still more to learn, the general consensus is that IV therapy can be a helpful tool in improving one's overall health. Your nutrition will improve, your skin will glow, your hair will be shinier and your nails will grow stronger - these are just some of the many benefits that you can experience.
If you're considering IV therapy, be sure to do your research and consult with a qualified medical professional to see if it is the right decision for you. We hope this blog will help you get a more positive experience especially if this is your first time getting an IV therapy. Now that you know all of this, it's time to enjoy your IV therapy!