Last year, due to stressful events in my personal life, I suffered a severe episode of adrenal fatigue. Extreme fatigue even after a full night’s sleep, muscle weakness, brain fog – all the good stuff. I found myself unable to recover on my own and so I began a course of IV nutritional therapy.
After an admission like that, I imagine you may have a few questions for me. What is IV nutritional therapy? How does it work? What are the benefits? Is it “one size fits all?” How long does it take to feel the effects? Did the therapy help me recover? Read on to learn more about my experience with IV nutritional therapy: the ups, the downs, and a few tricks I learned along the way to make it go more smoothly.
IV Nutritional Therapy
IV nutritional therapy is widely used by alternative and complementary medicine practitioners as a way to address and treat the symptoms of various conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, late stage adrenal fatigue, fibromyalgia, chronic sinusitis, asthma, immune disorders, and many others. It is also used to relieve symptoms of migraines and perform heavy metals detoxification.
How Does it Work?
Intravenous injections deliver a high dose of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. Yes, we are supposed to get our nutrients from the food we eat, but in some cases, especially when nutrient malabsorption is present, food is not enough and we need a high concentration of micronutrients in order to give a boost of energy to our cells and help the healing process. IV nutritional therapy provides that boost.
What is the Benefit?
The benefit is increased nutrient absorption. Your body will receive and absorb a much higher concentration than you would with an oral dose. This is a definite advantage for patients suffering from an autoimmune disease because they often deal with nutrient malabsorption and depleted levels of vitamins and minerals.
One Size Fits All?
When it comes to IV therapy, the Myers cocktail usually comes to mind. A baseline infusion, the Myers cocktail contains magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C and is generally prescribed to boost energy and support a lagging immune system, but there are, in fact, many other types of nutritional IVs available. If you are working with a functional medicine practitioner, which I strongly recommend, your doctor might decide to modify the basic Myers formula to fit your particular needs. This is called a modified Myers.
My Experience:
Working closely with my doctor, I received a modified Myers cocktail, specifically adapted to my needs, followed by a glutathione (a powerful antioxidant enzyme) injection (picture, far right). My cocktail of macronutrients was mixed right before each injection to ensure maximum freshness. Each treatment lasted 30-40 minutes and was administered in a dimly lit, quiet room. I found it best to lay down and relax during the treatment. You can even ask for a blanket to keep you warm!
Full disclosure: I didn’t feel great immediately after my first few injections. There was no sudden and spectacular boost of energy or mental clarity. Actually, it was rather the opposite. My first few injections were followed by a “crash” lasting about two days during which time I experienced increased fatigue and an irresistible urge to sleep.
Concerned I was having an allergic reaction to the injections, I talked to my doctor. Why was I feeling worse when the injections were supposed to make me feel better? He told me that my reaction wasn’t unusual and was actually a normal consequence of the detoxification process. Keep in mind that I was in a state of true exhaustion and my autoimmune disease was likely flaring due to stress. Further, I am known for being super sensitive to supplements and such. To make things easier for me and to alleviate the effects of the detox, my doctor reduced the concentration of the macronutrients I was receiving.
With the support and reassurance of my doctor, I decided to continue the injections and see what would happen. I also made sure to schedule my IVs on Fridays in order to have the weekend to recover.
Turns out, my doctor was right! I started feeling better and better after each treatment. I was experiencing increased energy throughout the day and more mental clarity. At first, the effects lasted for a few days, then, slowly, my energy began staying up between each weekly injection. I realize now that nutritional therapy isn’t supposed to be a quick fix, but rather a slow process of rebuilding your health and energy at a deep cellular level. That takes time! But the effects are long lasting. When I get a nutritional IV now, I feel increased energy that lasts for days.
I also need to mention the fact that, thanks to these micronutrient injections, I haven’t been sick at all this winter when people are falling ill left and right. The injections strengthened my immune system against viral infections.
How I Benefited from Nutritional Therapy:
- energy boost
- increased mental clarity
- reduced inflammation
- strengthened immune system
Where to Get IV Nutritional Therapy?
Many alternative medicine practitioners offer nutritional therapy. You can also get injections at IV bars, which are private clinic/spa/wellness centers offering “one size fits all” IV bundles. My advice? Work with a doctor who knows you and is aware of any and all of your pre-existing conditions. Your doctor should also run a full panel blood work prior to starting any nutritional treatment.
Troubleshooting:
- Veins Small and Uncooperative? Hydrate well several days before the treatment. You can also try exercising directly before the treatment, sitting in a sauna before the treatment, and/or asking the phlebotomist to apply a hot water bottle to the insertion area.
- Injection Stinging? When the IV is inserted into the crook of my elbow, where the veins are bigger and blood flow is strong, I don’t feel anything. When the IV is inserted closer to my hand, on my wrist or directly on my hand where the veins are smaller, the injection can sting a bit. Ask the phlebotomist to reduce the speed of the drip. Also, gently massaging your arm will help soothe the sting.
- Painful Glutathione Injection? Yes, glutathione can sting when injected too fast. Ask the phlebotomist to go very slowly or to dilute the glutathione in saline solution.
My Advice:
If you are embarking on a nutritional therapy regimen, I would urge you to be patient and give it some time. Many people report feeling the beneficial effects only after 4-5 sessions. For me, it took much longer. Keep in mind that we all start in a different place so your experience will be reflective of where your body is at the time you start. Also, make sure you are working with a knowledgeable team you trust. This is particularly important if you are dealing with an autoimmune disease or chronic illness.
Overall, I found IV nutritional therapy to be very helpful. Keep in mind that there are no overnight fixes, but if you are patient, you may find that IV nutritional therapy is a wonderful addition to your healing journey. Do your research, find a practitioner you trust, and good luck! Improved energy is within your reach!
Thank you for sharing this. I think as women when you get to 50 your bodies tend to fail you and drag you down with all the physical and hormonal changes. Also the stress of life. I have been reading about programs and foods to help boost me back up. This was very informative. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you for your feedback Diane 🙂 Sophie
Thank you for posting this. I’m currently researching iv therapy because my doctor would like me to start it. This was very helpful.
I am so glad this was helpful Jennifer 🙂 Wishing you the best of luck for your treatment. – Sophie
I had had my first series of Myers cocktail early december last year.
I too experienced extreme tiredness but after my 3rd one my energy had increased, my sinus infections had
disappeared and I have felt great all summer. (I live in New Zealand)
I have Histamine intolerance. This summer was the first in over 7 years that I felt well. No runny nose, no sneezing, no coughing, no itching etc. I could eat a lot more food. (probably went a little crazy as am having to watch what I eat again as a little candida has reappeared) But hay I was excited.
I will keep having them as I feel the need. Myers Cocktail is great alongside a careful diet etc.. I too am working with an Integrative Doctor.
Thank you for your feedback Claire. Interesting to note that you also experienced the crash, even though for a short period of time! So glad you are feeling better now 🙂 – Sophie
Where in NZ are you and which doctor please? I live in (Christchurch).
I live in Tauranga and go to Hamilton to Dr Steve Jo.
Sophie Van Tiggelen, thank you for your blog post.Really thank you! Awesome.
Hi- Today is a first for me. I really don’t take part in social media, just find it too stressful and not that satisfying. However, I have been drawn to your sight because of it’s gentle and common sense approach to healing. I’m finding though as I work with the AIP for the 2nd or maybe 3rd time- one of the things I have been missing is support. So here goes…
I have not been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease yet, but have a family history of RA and other autoimmune diseases. Personally, I have struggled with several severe episodes of adrenal fatigue, nondiabetic hypoglycemia and other health issues which have led me to adopt this lifestyle.
I have been on the AIP (also incorporating some GAPS principles- which coincide for about 5 weeks now. The first 3-4 weeks were pretty rough. Now I feel my mood stabilizing, migraines gone, my joint pain is gone, less brain fog and I’m having better quality sleep.
The main issue I am having with this right now is tending to the hypoglycemia and being able to make it through the day and night without having to eat so frequently. I read another post you had about what a plate should look like as far as 1/3 above earth veggies, 1/3 root veggies, 1/3 protein and then some fat – that was helpful. I can see that my body has made the transition to obtaining energy from fat now and not carbs, but I am still eating every three hours or I get hypoglycemic symptoms. During the night I can only make it about 5-6 hours before I have to eat again.
I’m very frustrated about this which creates stress and then the whole cycle. I remember when I was on GAPS before my blood sugars stabilized and I only had to eat a few times a day. I’m trying to identify contributing factors: just moved, building a house, broke my arm and had surgery about 5 weeks ago, lots of other stressors,
My plate typically consists of something like I mentioned above, maybe some pork, sweet potato, 2 c spinach and some coconut oil – changing up the veggies, meats, and fats.
I guess I’m not sure where I’m going wrong here and if anyone else has had this issue. Idk if it’s because I’m growing new bone that I need more calories or what. Just really frustrating and I’m at my wits’ end trying to figure it out as it’s hard to be tied to the kitchen table every three hours. I would appreciate any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions you have. Thanks!
Hi Melody – I understand your frustration. It seems that you have been through a lot of stressful events recently and that is possibly affecting your appetite. I would strongly suggest that you seek counsel from an AIP nutritionist knowledgeable in digestive issues. Here is a list of AIP certified coaches you could reach out to on The Paleo Mom website. I hope this helps! – Sophie
Thank you for sharing! I felt as though I was reading my story. Complete exhaustion, autoimmune hashimoto’s thyroiditis with an added side of parasites! I could barely get out of bed. I’ve had my 4th IV now and am starting to feel a little more energy in-between visits. I go weekly and am pathetically thin, so will likely be doing the for a while. I am so very thankful for this therapy!
Looking forward to perusing your site 🙂
It’s cool that IV therapy is able to bypass the digestive system, so you can quickly absorb the nutrients and recover quickly. I’ve been feel extremely fatigued and having problems eating, so I think I may want to try this out. Where can I learn even more about IV therapy.
Hello Taylor,
To learn more, I would ask your doctor. If they don’t provide this kind of service, they might know of someone who does. Also, Google IV therapy in your area. I hope this helps! – Sophie
I start my 2 iv therpy. I have no immune system and asthma and copd. Always so tired but from my 1 it took several days amd i feel so much better and more energy. I go once a week for them and i know they are going to be wonderful for me. I cant believe how much bettet i feel and energy i have. I love them for me. Im under weight but eatting more. I really think this was jist for me. Thank you for sharing your story with us
Hi Sophie, Thank you so much for this. I have been struggling with a severe onset of Hasimoto’s after giving birth. I’ve been working with a functional medicine doctor here in NY, and they just prescribed 5 treatments of IV for me. I had the first one yesterday and had no idea expensive they were!! I’m trying to do more research to see if I can continue on with it, because at $500+ a treatment, that’s quite a sting for my wallet, but I suppose anything to feel more energy…. I was a no yesterday, but reading this, I am going to reconsider the expense of treatment. Thank you for sharing your story.
Hello Margaret,
$500 for one session is very expensive! Each treatment around here in Colorado is around $120.00. – Maybe try to see if you can get the treatment at a lower cost? – Sophie
I have had two treatments so far and been sick the whole time . I am fatigued, lightheaded, and generally feel bad . I started this treatment because of anxiety issues and pray this helps . I was told that it is a good thing when you feel bad with this treatment as it is detoxing my body . It is going to be tough but I plan on sticking with it .
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I sure do appreciate it! You do do feel worse before feeling better, I want to do do the infusion, right now I am drinking a internal. Inflammat9 and lung tea, mixed by an herbalist, Wow!
I had my second Myer’s today and after a couple of hours have severe body pain. I’m so glad I found this post! Thank you!
I, too, am glad I found this blog, I had my 2nd treatment yesterday and am aching all over. The first one made me feel happy and very hungry which was great as my appetite and had gone down. I have had adrenal fatigue for a while, but was unable to get someone treat me. Finally got back to my ND who recommended Myers IVs once a week, but during my second visit yesterday the results she saw she’s getting me to go in once a week.
Incidentally, in Calgary, Alberta these cost around $140-150.
Sorry that should ready every two weeks!
I’ve had undiagnosed Lyme disease for 30 years! It’s now so bad it has almost destroyed my spine (Lyme Arthritis). I live in Canada and we have a terrible medical system here, so I’ve had to resort to seeing a Naturopath for treatment. I’ve been having the IV “cocktails” for months now and they have literally saved my life. After my last blood tests, it showed I had no immune system left because my body had been fighting the Lyme for so long. The only option I had was to see the Naturopath because my family doctor would do nothing for me. I can’t even get treatment for my Lyme disease in the city I live in. They will treat me for one month only, but no longer. I need more than a years treatment, with three months of IV antibiotic treatment. So, if it wasn’t for my IV cocktails that provide me with nourishment, I’m sure I wouldn’t be here right now!!
Dear Liz, I also had Lyme for over 30 years without a diagnosis. I finally presurred a doctor into a DNA test thru Igenix and we found that I was positive for Lyme in my cerebral spinal fluid. I think that I have has recurrent Lyme’s Meningitis over the years. Four years ago I came down with worse brain fog than usual, and began falling a couple of times each month. Then I began to have difficulty finding words and had ever increasing aphasia and personality change. We began looking for assisted living.
We traveled to Colorado and went way UP above Denver. All of my symptoms became worse, and I became incontinent of urine. I could barely get out of bed. Going downhill helped incredibly, and by the time I was back at sea level my symptoms were only mild. My new doctor (internal med) guessed that I had NPH and my MRI showed big expanded ventriales pushing on my brain. Apparently the normal ways that my brain should drain a pint of fluid daily were somehow blocked with the debris of dead spirochetes.
I traveled to Johns Hopkins and had a shunt installed in my head that drains into my abdomen. My life is completely changed, I do not fall, I can talk again, I can even ride a bike. I can’t know what underlying damage Lyme did to you for all those years, but this is what it did to me. Best of luck in your quest for health, Kathy B.
Good morning. I know that this is a very old thread but I am reaching out for help. I suffer from Chronic Migraine and the Myers Cocktail was recommended. I had my first one one Friday (cost $140) and am suffering from extreme fatigue and sporadic anxiety symptoms. As I read above most people get worse before they get better.. What is your thought on this as I am deciding if I should go for a 2nd treatment and if so how long should I wait.
Thank you so much
Hello Margo,
As you have probably read in this post, I also have suffered from extreme fatigue after each IV at the beginning. For this reason, I scheduled them on a Friday so I could have the weekend to recover. It will get better, but you’ve got to be patient. I hope this helps! – Sophie
Thank you so much for your quick response and encouragement. I overthink and worry about everything. Today is day 4 and yes, I need to be patient but it’s hard because I read so many reviews of people that say they feel great right after the treatment, Many say it is a remedy for a hangover or jet lag. LOL, I know that I cannot believe all I read on the Web. I appreciate your honesty!
Again, thank for taking the time to answer my post so quickly. I am going to continue (on a Friday) and see where it takes me.
Hi Sophie,
How many IV treatments of Myer’s cocktails did you need to start feeling like your old self again continuously?What were your treatment schedules like, can you please advise?
Hello Victor,
It was well over 15 treatments when I started to get over the huge fatigue I was feeling. I was getting them on a weekly basis. – Sophie
Get tested get checked for mold through Great Plains. It’s a urine test. My migraines and sickness were all from mold and babasiosis.
Thank you very much for your quick response.. I am a person that overthinks and worries about everything. I read so many posts whereas individuals claim to have gotten instant results. I also seen it advertised in my community as a “cure” for hangovers and jet lag but also heard them talk about our experiences.
. Right now I am feeling very badly however I will “tough it out” for 3 – 5 sessions and see where it takes me.
Margo
How are you Margo?
I have adrenal fatigue and anxiety too. How frequent are your IVs and have they been helping?
Thank you so much for this blog. I don’t have anxiety but extreme, debilitating fatigue. I think from taking a huge dose of omeprazole twice a day for months, which blocks the absorption of many vitamins. It made me feel better to see you don’t always feel better right away after the IV. I am on my second one and I literally slept the better part of the last two days. I am finally perking up. And will keep up these infusions.
I have seronegative Hashimotos and POTs, MCAS. I tried functional medicine to
stabilize my Hashi. Got close to in rangevlabs, but still subclinical. How long did
it take you to get labs in range, like TSH, T4? I have no measurable antibodies.
It took me a year to put my Hashimoto’s into remission. – Sophie
Thanks for your thorough and and caring report Sophie, very helpful. I heard of the Myers cocktail from a friend who was taking it to address a range of issues, but was particularly surprised that his dentist remarked on how dramatically his gums had impròved after prior visits.
I live in Canada and have had an entirely different experience of the poster above, who felt the medical system countrywide is terrible. I have my complaints about the relational abilities/culture of some medical professionals–the apparent inability to introduce themselves exchange names and act like hosts before getting down to work. But the care I have accessed and seen delivered to my medically challenged elderly parents has been astounding. Costing nothing. I would say that the system is terribly overburdened by people suffering from serious illnesses that are being shown to be largely dietary in origin. An illuminating perspective on this crisis (though by an Aussie, told with a good dose of humour) is the documentary F**, Sick and Nearly Dead.
Your point about poor absorption is so important Sophie. Naturopath Jon Matsen brought that point home to me: that the diet “on paper” or even on the plate, no matter how great, is one thing; the condition of our digestive equipment another.
Matsen has drawn (flexibly) on the food combining principles of the Natural Hygiene school. Those guidelines have been very helpful for me in making the most of my digestìve system, keeping it bright and lively. I am aware of critiques about that system, but I feel it is a very mindful approach to eating and nutrition that makes room for greater awareness of the felt digestive experience of gìven foods and combinations. I mention it as a resource, kind of experiential digestion 101.
Thanks Sophie for hosting this informative forum!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I went online to search why I was so sleepy after the infusion. I thought it was weird, but now I know its normal.
I have had two Myer’s cocktail, plus glutethione IVs now. I feel so awful for days after this treatment! I’m thankful for your post, but I am so scared to continue because I can’t handle feeling this sick on top of my typical fatigue, anxiety, and depression. My doctor had very thorough blood work done before administering any IV treatment. So she knows what supplements I need and don’t need. She says feeling sick after the IVs is not normal The nurse that administers my IV says it’s unusual to feel sick after the IVs too. I don’t know what to do! Searching the internet for answers keeps giving me mixed reviews.
Just to let you know you’re not alone. I have chronic Lyme and do Myers cocktail and glutathione I feel terrible for days after. I am slowly starting to feel a bit better than when I first started had about 5 so far. This post has helped me along with my Lyme doc who said it’s normal to feel terrible after Myers due to detox.
Thank you for sharing your experience Sophie. I was recommended myers cocktail treatment for acute asthma attacks and I was pretty nervous about it until I read your article. I hope it goes well for me too
I’m using Myers Cocktail from PharmaLife Laboratories. The vitamins come directly prepared in a sterile bottle ready only to extract the contents with a sterile syringe. I preferred the intramuscular use of the famous Myers Cocktail.
I decided to add some high dose Vitamin C in the syringe to have long lasting positive effects.
Now I can administer this healing vitamin cocktail on my own and thus avoid the exaggerated costs of clinics.
Best regards
My doctor said it helped her complexion and that was my main interest in asking about the cocktail although the vitamins sound very healthy.
I have no health concerns and take no medications. So- what will it do for my face? I have age spots etc. from the sun and a slender face but want to avoid fillers and Botox.
Lisa