Intravenous drips are a great tool for providing us with the building blocks our bodies need for recovery. You’re probably already familiar with hospital IV drips traditionally containing dissolved salt or dextrose (a form of sugar). Thanks to medical developments, we now have a much broader range of applications for IV drips, and they are available as wellness treatments in the form of IV vitamin therapy. IV vitamin therapy can be used to detoxify the body, manage the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, and even promote liver function!
IV drips may sound intimidating but don’t panic! We break down popular conceptions to offer you peace of mind, addressing what an IV drip actually feels like, whether it is painful, and how it might be beneficial for you.
How does an IV drip make you feel?
So, what does an IV drip feel like? With IV drips, as with most medical treatments, the experience varies widely depending on the patient. As the name suggests, IV drips work by delivering vitamins and minerals directly into a vein, so the nutrients get straight into your bloodstream, bypassing the need for them to be processed in the gut. This means that the effects of IV vitamin therapy can be felt very quickly. Patients often report feeling more energised very soon after IV treatment.
As well as giving us essential vitamins for optimal bodily function, IV drips offer hydration. The negative effects of dehydration on the body are well documented. Given only 53% of people in the UK drink the daily recommended level of water, it’s unsurprising that so many people without underlying conditions suffer headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. These are all symptoms that IV drips can help tackle head on!
Is it painful to get an IV drip put in?
Some patients may find the insertion of the cannula painful at the insertion site, although the majority describe a quick, sharp scratch or slight discomfort. Additionally, you may experience minor bruising or inflammation around the insertion site immediately following the IV treatment. This is considered a normal side effect, lasting only a few days and it shouldn’t be cause for concern. Of course, if you experience more severe pain or other symptoms that feel abnormal, it’s always best to consult your doctor.
Would you benefit from an IV drip?
IV vitamin therapy can be tailored to your individual needs and could make a real difference to your quality of life. You might consider trying an IV drip if you suffer from an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease, or suffer with chronic pain and exhaustion. Whilst having low energy all the time can just feel like a symptom of living a busy life, it could also signify a deeper problem, such as poor gut health.
In addition, those who are exposed to pollution or harmful inhalants regularly might benefit from an IV drip that is designed to help with detoxification. Eating a varied diet is a great way to ensure you are properly nourished, and supports optimal function of bodily processes. However, if you don’t eat a varied diet, you may find your vitamin levels are less than ideal. Brittle hair and poor nail health are also potential indicators of vitamin deficiency.
Hopefully, you now feel more informed about what an IV drip feels like and are more confident about taking your first step towards a healthier life. Often, people don’t trust their bodies telling them something is wrong, simply because they’re too busy or believe that their physical symptoms are just a fact of life. But, it’s always better to seek help before more serious problems arise, and there are plenty of great wellness clinics in the London area that can offer you excellent care and advice.
More and more people worldwide are reaping the rewards of IV treatment for overall wellbeing – why not join them?