The immune system is a lot like the moat of a castle, a building’s security system, or even the defense on a football team – its job is to guard and protect your body from offensive threats. When we get sick, it means that there are pathogens that have somehow evaded those systems and infiltrated the body. That usually happens when the immune system is weak.
Many often start to do damage control only once they realize their immune system is compromised. They might consume a bunch of citrus fruits, take a ginger shot, or chug a few glasses of water as a quick fix for their immune system, but people are starting to look for more intense and comprehensive support in the form of IV supplements.
Why Should We Take Care of Our Immune System?
Maybe your body is stressed, lacking important nutrients, constantly tired, or overly sedentary, or maybe you’re living with a chronic disease or autoimmune disease, and immunosuppressant medications just aren’t helping. [1] There are plenty of reasons why our immune system might not be functioning at its best, but why do we need to be so mindful of its function?
If we look at it with a physiological lens, there are two main components of the immune system: the innate immune system and the adaptive one. While the innate system provides that general and immediate response, the adaptive one provides a slower yet more targeted response. If the innate system isn’t able to eliminate the germs, the adaptive immune system steps in to help.
The immune system detects foreign bodies as antigens, which attach themselves to receptors on our cells. The body will then attempt to store as much information as it can about that germ and figure out how to beat it at its own game. The immune system will then make antibodies to fight those germs and continue to adapt and learn as those foreign substances morph and change over time. [2]
With a strong immune system, we’re less likely to get sick, enjoy more energy, can effectively adapt to changes in the environment, heal and recover faster, and improve our overall quality of life. Our bodies will be better equipped to quickly eliminate those pesky invaders, while a weak one will provide the opposite effects, making everyday life a lot more difficult.
What is IV Therapy?
IV therapy is no longer limited to being used in urgent care. While it was formerly used to treat injuries and restore blood and fluids, modern-day wellness clinics provide IV therapy as a way to rejuvinate the body, provide an energy boost, combat aging, and boost the immune system.
During treatment, a licensed healthcare provider will insert a catheter into a vein and fluids will drip from the IV bag right into the bloodstream. Rather than the substances having to go through the digestive system, IV therapy makes use of the circulatory system to access the body faster. Although invasive, a healthcare provider monitors treatment throughout the session to make sure the treatment is going as expected.
How IV Therapy Can Boost the Immune System
When it comes to IV therapy for the immune system, people most commonly use it when the individual feels the onset of illness. They might feel classic symptoms of fatigue, muscle weakness, runny nose, or fever and want to use IV supplements as a remedy.
IV bags are typically tailored to provide a host of different vitamins, minerals, fluids, and medications to treat certain conditions or provide specific benefits. For immune system benefits and to treat cold and flu symptoms, you’ll usually see a blend of nutrients like magnesium, B complex vitamins, vitamin C, and zinc.
Let’s take a look at what these common substances do exactly:
- Vitamin C – Delivers benefits to cellular function of both components of the immune system and protects the host tissue from taking too much damage [3]
- Vitamin B complex – Integral to immune cell regulation and plenty of metabolic and regulatory processes in the body [4]
- Glutathione – Reduces oxidative stress and damage [5]
- Zinc – Helps the normal functioning of cells that deal with immunity – those that destroy diseased cells and fight infection, for instance [6]
- Vitamin D – Regulates the innate and adaptive immune response to improve the ability to destroy pathogens, differentiate between them, and regulate inflammation and T cell function [7]
- Magnesium – Required for T cells to function and tackle pathogens [8]
- Lysine – Helps support the immune system, produce antibodies, and help absorb certain minerals like zinc and iron [9]
- Selenium – Boosts white blood cells to better fight illness and injection [10]
Benefits of IV Therapy for Immune Support
Like all aspects of health, it’s always best to take a proactive approach to prevent any health issues before they come up. The good news is, IV therapy can be used as a proactive measure, as well as a way to accelerate recovery after the fact.
During times when the immune system is weakened, IV therapy can:
- Quickly rehydrate the body – IV fluid has historically been a way to quickly rehydrate the body in emergency situations. This fluid includes saline and electrolytes that don’t have to bypass the digestive system and can instantly be delivered to the bloodstream.
- Alleviate symptoms – While IV therapy isn’t a total cure for illness, it can effectively relieve symptoms like weakness, fatigue, and general feelings of unwell.
- Provide immediate immune support – Immune-boosting nutrients mentioned previously can be quickly administered and enacted on the body, equipping the immune system with extra capabilities and defenses.
- Speed up recovery – Illnesses depletes the body of nutrients and energy which are required for complete recovery. IV therapy helps to restore them much quicker than taking medications and substances orally.
- Detoxify the body – As the body processes and purges the body of toxins, IVs can reduce recovery time by aiding the kidneys and liver in these processes.
If the immune system isn’t particularly weakened but you want to prevent any future issues, IV therapy can:
- Provide seasonal protection – Before high-risk times like flu season wreak havoc on the body, going for IV therapy can help fortify the immune system and reduce the chances of getting sick.
- Provide an energy boost – Whether you have a demanding day-to-day life or struggle to maintain your energy levels, IV therapy can fuel your bodily cells and improve them.
- Support certain lifestyles – Those who live with chronic disease or lead active lifestyles can benefit from IV support, as it can address any symptoms and deficiencies that could naturally weaken the immune system.
- Fortify the immune system – Making sure your body is hydrated and has the nutrients it needs to work effectively at all times will proactively prevent illness.
Add IV Therapy to Your Clinic’s Offerings
IV therapy is making waves in the modern healthcare system, reinventing itself as more than an emergency delivery system. Choosing to integrate and offer IV therapy for immune system benefits can attract and maintain your client base by expanding your service range and staying ahead of the growing trend. In addition to providing traditional care, promoting and investing in this type of preventative therapy can demonstrate your commitment to proactive and alternative health management.
Legere Pharmaceuticals is a private label supplement manufacturer that has provided physicians and clinics private label supplements and IV injectables for over 45 years. We provide the MICC injection, other private label weight loss products, and several FDA-approved IV formulations that can bolster any practice.
