IV Hydration - Is it Necessary?

Having enough water is essential for good health. But so is replenishing lost electrolytes and nutrients, especially after exercise, illness or travel. IV therapy can deliver those vital substances more effectively than drinking water because it goes directly into the bloodstream. And it can be enriched with supplements and vitamins, making it more than just hydration.

The main reason for IV hydration is to treat severe dehydration caused by vomiting, diarrhea, excess sweating and some chronic illnesses. But it's also popular among healthy people who want to boost their performance and improve their general well-being. Some of these services are marketed as hangover cures, vitamin boosters and even anti-aging treatments IV Hydration.

But are these services really necessary? And how do they work?

For most healthy adults, it is best to get all the vitamins and minerals you need from a well-balanced diet. Adding IV Hydration to that mix can help you achieve your goals more quickly, but it should never replace it. If you are considering IV Therapy, it's a good idea to consult your doctor or a registered nurse.

The basic hydration IV starts with a saline solution or a mixture of important electrolytes (like Ringer's lactate) like sodium, potassium and calcium chloride. The healthcare professional may sanitize the area and then insert a small tube called a cannula into a vein in your arm or hand. The cannula is then connected to the IV tubing that delivers the fluid and nutrients into your body.

Your body will excrete the IV fluids it doesn't need more rapidly if you are well-hydrated to start with. But even if you aren't dehydrated, the length of time that the fluid stays in your system depends on your baseline hydration level and your medical condition.

IV therapy can hydrate the skin, joints and muscles of your body more efficiently than just drinking water alone because it delivers the liquids directly into the bloodstream. When a person drinks water after a workout, the majority of it is absorbed in the throat and tissues along the digestive tract. The rest of the body is largely unhydrated and this is why it can take so long to recover after a workout in Arizona's heat.

The same holds true for illness, such as a cold or the flu. An IV hydration treatment with vitamins C and B can give the immune system a boost and help you fight off the symptoms of the common cold or the flu.

Some of these drip packages include amino acids that function similarly to caffeine. They help boost energy and alertness without the crash associated with sugary sodas and coffee. They also can help people who are trying to lose weight by replacing fat and carbohydrates with the amino acids.