A new therapy to help you stay healthily hydrated.

You may have noticed as you peruse the aisles that reusable water bottles keep getting bigger and bigger. Perhaps a friend or co-worker has turned to you while you’re in the midst of a medical problem and said, “Why don’t you try drinking more water?” Staying hydrated to stay healthy isn’t a new discovery, but it’s one that’s become increasingly recognized.

For countless years, healthy hydration has been touted as a cure for things like low energy levels, decreased brain performance, and many other ailments (hydration can even effect aging). Recently, however, the big water bottles are taking a backseat to a new hydration method called intravenous (IV) hydration therapy. This medical therapy consists of the intra-muscular administration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and other essential micronutrients. These mixtures, often referred to as infusions, are tailored to each individual based on their body’s needs and determined during pre-infusion labs and examinations.

When it comes to the effectiveness of IV hydration therapy vs. drinking a gallon of water a day, the sentiment remains that both are beneficial.

“We always recommend drinking fluids and eating wholesome meals rich in macro- and micronutrients. However, there are times when drinking fluids may not be enough,” says Dara Osoego, owner and co-founder of Innovative Medical Clinic here in Jefferson City.

While IV therapy clinics seem to be popping up allover the country, IV hydration/vitamin infusion has been around for decades. In fact, the most well-known IV hydration, the Myers’ cocktail, was introduced in the 1960s by Dr. John Myers, though it’s only recently gained popularity.

“A person may consider IV hydration/vitamin infusion therapy if they are experiencing any deficiency of a particular vitamin or mineral.”

DARA OSOEGO

Are you a fit for IV Hydration or Vitamin Infusion Therapy?

“A person may consider IV hydration/vitamin infusion therapy if they are experiencing any deficiency of a particular vitamin or mineral. Sometimes, people do not know they have these deficiencies and have been evaluated by health care professionals multiple times without discovering the reason for their symptoms (i.e., chronic fatigue, brain fog, lack of energy, etc.),” Dara says.

This treatment can also be helpful when preparing for peak cold and flu season. If you’re looking for a solution to your chronic pain or simply want to prepare your body for the multitude of sicknesses the winter weather brings into your home, IV hydration is a straightforward treatment option worth considering.

The process of getting an IV infusion treament

“During the initial visit, a provider completes a thorough history and physical exam to determine eligibility and safety of the treatments, followed by pre-infusion labs which are used to determine eligibility. Patients who have kidney disease, heart failure, or liver disease may not be eligible for these infusions because they are not safe for these patients. Once a patient is determined eligible to receive one of the infusions, an appointment is made. On the day of the appointment, an IV line is inserted, and the infusion is given over 1-3 hours depending on the type of infusion being administered. Patients are monitored using a monitoring machine that checks blood pressure, oxygen saturation, 3-lead ECG, pulse, and respirations.

After the treatment, patients just have to sit back and wait for the magic to happen. Like with any treatment, there’s always the possibility that it won’t be the end-all-be-all cure for your symptoms, but Dara and her team have seen many success stories as a result of this therapy.

“We have a patient who suffered from bad migraines that are intractable and have been constant for several years. Her neurologist recommended magnesium sulfate infusions. She received 2 grams of magnesium sulfate while being monitored every 15 minutes. After about 30 minutes of infusion, the migraine was immediately resolved. She has been migraine-free for weeks now with just one treatment.”

This new style of therapy and treatment is still growing

The medical world is always evolving, and while there may never be one quick fix for all aches and pains, IV hydration therapy has grown in popularity for a reason. It can be an alternative answer to a multitude of chronic maladies, which is one of the reasons Dara chose to include this as a service at Innovative Medical Clinic.

“I really wanted to be able to help as many people as I can to improve their overall health and wellness.”