IV nutritional therapy has taken the world by storm. Proponents have come up with endless lists of their benefits. But are they really what they are said to be? We will look at the benefits of this approach of supplementation and also explore the shortcomings if they exist. The most important thing to know is that these supplements should be done with a qualified healthcare provider whenever they feel that there is a proper need to do so.
IV nutrients have been used for many years in hospitals for patients that are too sick to eat through the normal route. To stay alive, they have food delivered to them intravenously. In this group of patients, there is really no additional benefit of the intravenous route. In another group of patients, the route is used for nutrient supplementation.
Nutritional therapy is currently used widely as supportive therapy for cancer patients. Cancer patients are usually exposed to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both. These treatments are associated with obliteration of the normal immunity component of the body since the treatments do not differentiate between the normal and abnormal cells. Having proper nutritional supplementation helps in the restoration of the immune system even after undesired destruction takes place.
The therapies are better than oral supplements when it comes to correction of intracellular nutrient deficiency. This is because they are delivered directly to their intended targets and do not have to pass through the digestive tract like the oral supplements. Passage through the digestive tract reduces the bioavailability and hence the effectiveness. Persons that have low hydrochloric acid production are particularly at an increased advantage.
There are numerous nutrients that can be administered through the intravenous route. Calcium supplements are among the most commonly administered. This mineral is of great importance both structurally and functionally. Calcium is the main component of bones and teeth and plays a vital role in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. Persons with reduced levels of calcium suffer from conditions such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, irritability, muscle cramps and osteoarthritis.
Magnesium and zinc are also commonly supplemented. These minerals work very much in the same way as calcium. Magnesium is involved in over 300 chemical reactions in the body. The main ones include maintenance of muscle and nervous function and proper functioning of the immune system. Zinc, on the other hand, is required for wound healing, proper immune function and normal pregnancy development. Other minerals that have been successfully supplemented include vitamins E, B1, B2, B6, C and folate.
Getting the treatment is quite easy. There may be a small amount of pain when the vein is punctured but this may be eliminated completely by the use of analgesic medication. One does not usually need to prepare. In most centres, all that is required is to call the day before. On average the whole process lasts between 1 and 2 hours. The nutrients go in at a slow, controlled rate to avoid overwhelming the body.
There are a number of side effects that are associated with IV Nutritional Therapy. For example, some people have been reported to react to the supplements. Most nutrients have preservatives and these may act as allergens in some patients. It is important that you enquire on whether preservatives have been used or not. Newer products without preservatives have now been developed. The other smaller risks that may occur include bleeding, formation of clots and infection.
IV nutrients have been used for many years in hospitals for patients that are too sick to eat through the normal route. To stay alive, they have food delivered to them intravenously. In this group of patients, there is really no additional benefit of the intravenous route. In another group of patients, the route is used for nutrient supplementation.
Nutritional therapy is currently used widely as supportive therapy for cancer patients. Cancer patients are usually exposed to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both. These treatments are associated with obliteration of the normal immunity component of the body since the treatments do not differentiate between the normal and abnormal cells. Having proper nutritional supplementation helps in the restoration of the immune system even after undesired destruction takes place.
The therapies are better than oral supplements when it comes to correction of intracellular nutrient deficiency. This is because they are delivered directly to their intended targets and do not have to pass through the digestive tract like the oral supplements. Passage through the digestive tract reduces the bioavailability and hence the effectiveness. Persons that have low hydrochloric acid production are particularly at an increased advantage.
There are numerous nutrients that can be administered through the intravenous route. Calcium supplements are among the most commonly administered. This mineral is of great importance both structurally and functionally. Calcium is the main component of bones and teeth and plays a vital role in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. Persons with reduced levels of calcium suffer from conditions such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, irritability, muscle cramps and osteoarthritis.
Magnesium and zinc are also commonly supplemented. These minerals work very much in the same way as calcium. Magnesium is involved in over 300 chemical reactions in the body. The main ones include maintenance of muscle and nervous function and proper functioning of the immune system. Zinc, on the other hand, is required for wound healing, proper immune function and normal pregnancy development. Other minerals that have been successfully supplemented include vitamins E, B1, B2, B6, C and folate.
Getting the treatment is quite easy. There may be a small amount of pain when the vein is punctured but this may be eliminated completely by the use of analgesic medication. One does not usually need to prepare. In most centres, all that is required is to call the day before. On average the whole process lasts between 1 and 2 hours. The nutrients go in at a slow, controlled rate to avoid overwhelming the body.
There are a number of side effects that are associated with IV Nutritional Therapy. For example, some people have been reported to react to the supplements. Most nutrients have preservatives and these may act as allergens in some patients. It is important that you enquire on whether preservatives have been used or not. Newer products without preservatives have now been developed. The other smaller risks that may occur include bleeding, formation of clots and infection.
About the Author:
You can visit the website www.middlepathmedicine.com for more helpful information about Important Aspects Of IV Nutritional Therapy
No comments:
Post a Comment