Whether you’re just starting to feel the signs of cold and flu season or have been run down for the past few months, boosting your immunity with IV therapies might be just what you need to feel better faster.
There are several types of IV therapies that can help improve your immune system and keep you from getting sick, including vitamin and mineral infusions, antioxidants, IV saline hydration, and more. Find out more about them below.
Zinc Injection
If you’re an athlete or under a lot of stress, your immune system could use some TLC. A solution containing 500 milligrams (mg) of zinc will significantly decrease stress and improve mood. It also helps with colds by boosting your levels of disease-fighting white blood cells.
Don’t take it more than twice per week, though, as that can cause more harm than good in some cases. Zinc is available in oral form at lower doses. This would be ideal for maintenance when you’re not feeling poorly.
Vitamin C Infusion
Vitamin C is a natural cold remedy that has been around for years, and many believe it can help reduce your risk of catching colds and flu. Since vitamin C is water-soluble, it helps maintain healthy tissues throughout your body. It is also an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals in your body. This may prevent cell damage from environmental toxins.
A vitamin C infusion is a relatively simple procedure. You’ll receive a dose intravenously, and most patients describe feeling rejuvenated after their treatment. The best part about receiving vitamin C intravenously is that you don’t have to deal with any nasty side effects or a crash later.
Hydration Therapy
After a long day, you might feel like nothing can stop your flu-like symptoms. But there is something that can help. Hydration therapy. When dehydrated, every system in your body works less efficiently—including your immune system.
While you may have heard about IV therapies and their benefits, likely, you don’t know how they help and how effective they can be at boosting your immune system and alleviating flu symptoms. Hydration therapy helps to rehydrate the body. Plus, they put back any nutrients lost due to dehydration, helping the body recover quicker.
Iron Infusion
An iron infusion is administered to patients with low blood iron levels and/or anemia. Iron is a mineral that plays a key role in making red blood cells. Women are at greater risk for deficiency than men due to menstrual cycles and pregnancy.
Infusions can be as simple as replacing iron-saturated fluids or involve transfusing whole blood or specific components within it. Your doctor may recommend eating more meat or taking dietary supplements for mild deficiency.
If you have a moderate-to-severe deficiency, your doctor will likely recommend an infusion before allowing you to increase your iron intake through diet alone. If your body doesn’t absorb enough nutrients from food, which is common among people with liver problems, you may need an infusion.
Vitamin B12 Infusion
A vitamin B12 infusion is an intravenous vitamin B12 shot that boosts immunity and overall health. It can be given either as a single dose or over time. A physician will administer a vitamin B12 shot through a vein in your arm, and you may feel some discomfort or tingling in your arm during or shortly after treatment.
If a vitamin B12 shot makes you feel worse instead of better, alert your doctor immediately, as it could mean that you are suffering from pernicious anemia. To get started with any treatment for improving immunity, schedule an appointment with your local healthcare provider today!
Flavonoid Injection
Flavonoids are extracted from various foods, particularly citrus fruits. They are potent antioxidants that help fight off infections and support a healthy immune system. Research suggests that flavonoid injections may be beneficial in reducing symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections, influenza, colds, allergies and asthma, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), arthritis, some cancers (breast cancer), and cardiovascular disease.
In addition to its antioxidant properties, flavonoids might also stimulate an anti-viral response by activating phagocytic cells (white blood cells). To boost your immunity naturally during cold or flu season—or any time of year—ask your doctor if a Flavonoid injection may be right for you.
