Intravenous Therapies
Chronically ill individuals often have digestive weaknesses and have been nutritionally depleted by stress, poor diet, pollution, illness or medical treatments. IV nutritional therapies provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that go directly into your bloodstream and into your cells and can rapidly reverse nutritional deficiencies.
Explore the IV Therapies we offer below:
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Mineral infusions are helpful for rapidly replenishing depleted levels of essential elements such as magnesium, selenium, zinc, and iron, based on individual patient needs. The standard multi-mineral protocol is similar to the multi-nutrient protocol but provides a higher concentration of minerals, smaller amount of Vitamin C, and no amino acids. Specific mineral infusions may also be utilized for different situations. For example, iron infusions can provide a way to reverse iron-deficiency anemia without causing constipation and intestinal dysbiosis (bacterial imbalances), problems associated with oral iron supplementation. Magnesium-rich infusions are also a helpful way to quickly build up mineral levels prior to chelation therapy and can have a number of cardiovascular and neuromuscular benefits as well.
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Sodium EDTA: Millions of chelation treatments have been given since the 1950’s primarily to treat cardiovascular disease such as coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and carotid artery disease. Whether used as a preventive or considered the “last chance” therapy for patients who have exhausted their options from the conventional cardiology approaches, many patients have seen dramatic improvements in their quality of life as a result of undergoing a series of chelation infusions.
We also offer Calcium EDTA and DMPS if excessive levels of heavy metals are found through testing. Chelation therapy (both oral and intravenous) in tandem with mineral-antioxidant support can be very effective in reversing this situation; subsequent testing can then be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Often within 6 to 12 months, patients will be free of heavy metals, and many of their chronic symptoms will have resolved in the interim. Our clinical experience suggests that the health-stealing effects of heavy metals are perhaps the biggest blind spot of conventional medicine.
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Intravenous vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) was originally proposed by two-time Nobel Prize winning chemist Linus Pauling as a way to treat viral infections and cancers. Research indicates that IV vitamin C (but not oral vitamin C), when administered at the proper dose, has the potential to selectively kill tumor cells in a manner similar to many conventional chemotherapy drugs, as reported in the 6 April 2004 Annals of Internal Medicine.
The vitamin C generates hydrogen peroxide, which kills the cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Clinical trial data suggest that IV vitamin C can work well when given in tandem with conventional chemotherapy, and can also be effective in cases that have not responded previously to chemotherapy. Our IV vitamin C protocol includes specific cofactors or nutrients and metabolites that further enhance the effectiveness of the therapy. The exact plan will depend on the diagnosis and whether or not you are undergoing conventional treatments. IV vitamin C may also be very effective against chronic viral and bacterial infections such as those associated with Lyme disease.
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The primary purpose of IV mega-nutrient infusions is to bolster nutritional reserves and cellular vitality. Individuals who have become nutritionally depleted and/or experienced a stressful medical event typically experience a marked improvement in physical health, mood and energy levels after receiving one or more of these infusions. Our multi-nutrient formulas are designed to provide a comprehensive array of nutrients. These formulas can also be tailored to address specific needs, such as boosting nutrients needed for athletic performance or for specific disease conditions, or that have become depleted for one reason or anotheR. This IV includes an array of amino acids, minerals, and B-complex vitamins that are added to 500cc sterile water and infused over three hours.
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Iron deficiency anemia is a condition in which the body lacks iron and therefore cannot produce enough hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen. This can lead to fatigue and shortness of breath. Although this situation can usually be remedied with oral iron, it is sometimes necessary to use either intravenous iron or an intramuscular injection. For example, if someone has intestinal yeast overgrowth or dysbiosis, they may be unable to absorb iron no matter how much they take orally.
The preservative-free iron can be given intravenously, and generally 3-4 infusions are sufficient for reversing a deficiency situation. In order to guard against a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), a small test dose is always administered prior to the main infusion. If you do not react to the test dose, you should be fine to receive the full infusion. Depending on the degree of your iron deficit and how often you receive your infusion (a once-monthly infusion is typical), it can take several months for your body iron stores to return to an optimal level.
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Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps with the body’s natural detoxification mechanisms for environmental stresses, air pollutants, heavy metals, and other toxins. As an antioxidant, glutathione neutralizes free radicals and peroxides, preventing them from damaging cells and tissues. Glutathione also keeps other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, working at full efficiency.
Studies have shown that glutathione concentrations can protect against the development of insulin resistance, which strongly suggests a link between increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and compromised metabolism in diabetic complications.
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Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant made by every cell in the body where it helps turn glucose into energy. Antioxidants attack “free radicals,” waste products created when the body turns food into energy. Free radicals cause harmful chemical reactions that can damage cells, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. They also damage organs and tissues.
Other antioxidants work only in water (such as vitamin C) or fatty tissues (such as vitamin E). But alpha-lipoic acid is both fat and water soluble. That means it can work throughout the body. Antioxidants in the body are used up as they attack free radicals. But evidence suggests alpha-lipoic acid may help regenerate these other antioxidants and make them active again.
Because of its ability to recycle antioxidants and lower glucose in cancer cells, essentially starving those cells of nutrients, it has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of cancer. Sties have shown that ALA can trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death) in lung, liver, and colon cancer as well as leukemic cells. Preliminary clinical research suggests the potential for therapeutic efficacy against advanced-stage cancers when used in conjunction with high dose intravenous vitamin C.
Several studies suggest alpha-lipoic acid helps lower blood sugar levels. Its ability to kill free radicals may help people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, who have pain, burning, itching, tingling, and numbness in arms and legs from nerve damage. Researchers believe Alpha-lipoic acid helps improve insulin sensitivity.
Alpha-lipoic acid has been used for years to treat peripheral neuropathy in Germany. However, most of the studies that have found it helps have used intravenous (IV) alpha-lipoic acid. It’s not clear whether taking alpha-lipoic acid by mouth will help. Most studies of oral alpha-lipoic acid have been small and poorly designed. One study did find that taking alpha-lipoic acid for diabetic neuropathy reduced symptoms compared to placebo.
Taking alpha-lipoic acid may help another diabetes-related condition called autonomic neuropathy, which affects the nerves to internal organs. One study of 73 people with cardiac autonomic neuropathy, which affects the heart, found that subjects reported fewer signs of the condition when taking 800 mg of alpha-lipoic acid orally compared to placebo. Because alpha-lipoic acid can pass easily into the brain, it may help protect the brain and nerve tissue. Researchers are investigating it as a potential treatment for stroke and other brain problems involving free radical damage, such as dementia. So far, there’s no evidence to say whether or not it works. Preliminary studies suggest alpha-lipoic acid may help treat glaucoma. But there is not enough evidence to say for sure whether it works. In one study on aging skin, a cream with 5% lipoic acid helped reduce fine lines from sun damage. Studies show ALA binds with toxic metals, such as mercury, arsenic, iron, and other metals that act as free radicals. Preliminary studies also suggest that ALA may play a role in managing other conditions including erectile dysfunction and cancer.
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Many of our patients that have chronic infections are subsequently found to have an underlying immune deficiency which may have been present their entire lives or could have been brought on from fighting a chronic infection. These immune deficient individuals are more likely to have chronic inflammatory conditions and are vulnerable to degenerative diseases. A therapy in use since the 1980s, IVIG has been used conventionally for the treatment of primary immune deficiencies, to raise platelet levels and to treat certain types of neuropathies and inflammatory degenerative conditions, such as polymyositis. With proper proof of need, insurance can pay for this therapy and it has been considered a breakthrough therapy for many chronically ill patients.
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For some patients with chronic, persistent infections that are not responding to oral antibiotics or herbal therapies, it is necessary to use intravenous antibiotics to provide a deeper tissue penetration and to cross the blood brain barrier. These may be provided in the office or at home through a PICC line.
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The Phospholipid Exchange is a technique to replenish cell membranes and extract fat soluble toxins. These fat-soluble toxins will then become dissolved in bile in the liver, and then excreted through the gall bladder into the intestines. The use of fibers and other binders complete this process, attaching to these fat-soluble toxins in the gut so they will be eliminated in the stool and not reabsorbed.
The intravenous “Lipid Detox” protocol is the most direct and most effective way to carry out this process, using IV glutathione, IV phosphatidyl choline along with a high potency form of folic acid (Leucovorin), N-acetyl cysteine (a glutathione precursor) and a small amount of Vitamin C. Patients will typically observe notable responses to this treatment within two infusions, most commonly observing greatly improved memory and clarity of thinking.
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Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) is a universal cellular electron transporter, coenzyme, and signaling molecule that is present in all cells of the body and is essential for cell function and viability. Its most significant role biologically is the generation of cellular energy through ATP production. NAD+ levels are highest in newborns and steadily decline with age being about half the level of young adults by age 50. Reduced levels of NAD+ are associated with increased DNA damage, age-related conditions/diseases and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Age-related decline in mitochondrial health and function is prominent in theories of aging, the severity correlating with NAD+ levels. Inflammation and oxidative stress caused by aging reduce NAD+ biosynthesis. In recent years, low NAD+ levels have been linked to a number of age-related conditions and illnesses associated with increased oxidative/free radical damage including: diabetes heart disease, vascular dysfunction, ischemic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease and vision loss. NAD replacement therapy promotes mitochondrial health and homeostasis, genome stability, neuroprotection, healthy aging, and longevity. NAD replacement has been used for prevention, alleviation, or treatment of acute and chronic conditions including:
• Addiction recovery
• Pain Reduction
• Improving cognitive function
• Boosting energy
• Improving athletic performance
• Helping with weight management
• Reversing signs of aging
• Delay or prevent the onset of certain diseases
• Treatment of Long Haul Covid and other post-infectious chronic inflammatory conditions -
Our bodies consist of around 60% water, about two-thirds being stored in our cells. The rest is in our blood vessels and between the cells and carries charged minerals which are known as electrolytes. Water and electrolytes play many roles:
• Transmission of electrical signals between cells
• Carrying out the actions of muscles
• Lubrication of joints
• Regulation of internal body temperature
• Transportation of protein and carbohydrates
• Elimination of waste through urine and feces
• Acts as a shock absorber for your brain and spinal cordSaline (sodium chloride and water) and Lactated Ringer’s are two IV fluids commonly used in healthcare settings to deliver fluids directly into the bloodstream to treat dehydration and other medical conditions. Saline is a volume expander and is used if one is dehydrated or has a low blood pressure, helping to normalize vascular function. Lactated Ringer’s includes electrolytes such as potassium and calcium as well as sodium lactated and plays a greater role in replenishing these minerals inside and in between our cells. The type of fluid recommended is based on specific medical conditions.