What Is IV Therapy?
IV therapy is the delivery of vitamins and minerals through an intravenous (IV) drip. The cocktail or combination of these nutrients depends on your objective or what your body needs.
The benefit, though, remains the same. By giving them intravenously, your body absorbs the nutrients more effectively. It is better than oral supplementation, which has a low absorption rate of 20%.
Types of IV Therapy:
- Immune System Boost: IV Vitamin C,
- Thyroid Stimulator: IV Selenium
- IV Myers Cocktail – Includes Dexpenthenol (B-Complex), Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Methylcobalamine (B12)
- Mood Enhancer: L-Taurine
- Hang Over Killer/Hydration Station
- Dexpanthenol (B-Complex), Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Methylcobalamine (B12)
- Vitamin D3
What Is Selenium And What Does It Do?
Selenium is a mineral you commonly absorb through nutrients in a healthy diet. It is not present in the body but is a vital trace element for healthy thyroid gland function.
Most soil in the US is naturally selenium-rich, and, as a result, a serious deficiency is not common in the population. However, if you are unable to absorb selenium, it will significantly affect the health of your thyroid. This is why many people with thyroid deficiency choose to take IV Selenium along with their prescribed medicines.
Selenium Deficiency
Common Selenium Deficiencies Causes:
- Crohn’s disease
- Digestive or intestinal absorption issues.
- Kidney Dialysis Patients
- Gastric Bypass Patients
- Living in an area with selenium-deficient soil.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Common Selenium Deficiency Effects:
(Many of these overlap with hypothyroidism.)- Fatigue
- Weight Gain
- Hair Loss and Weak Nails
- Poor Immune System / Becoming sick more frequently.
- Reduced cognitive function / Lack of concentration
- Garlic smelling breathe.
Thyroid Dysfunction
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, in front of the trachea (windpipe). One of its primary functions is to take iodine from the bowel to create hormones that help regulate the body’s metabolism (the process that turns food into energy). These hormones are called triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
When the thyroid does not produce enough of these hormones, many of the body’s functions will slow down. This is known as an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).
Selenium Dysfunction and the Thyroid
Selenium is a trace element that has many vital functions in the human body. The thyroid contains the highest concentration of selenium of all the organs in the body.
Selenium is required by one of the enzymes that activate thyroid hormones.
(converting it from T4 to T3).
Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is the most common medication used to treat hypothyroidism. However, Levothyroxine needs to have one of its four iodine atoms removed so that it can transform into the active thyroid hormone, T3. The enzyme that performs this crucial step is called 5′ deiodinase.
Commonly, many patients receive increasing doses of Levothyroxine due to inadequate levels of selenium, which is required by 5″ deiodinase to perform its function of activating the thyroid hormone.
Are You A Candidate For IV Selenium Therapy?
Individuals who are taking high doses of thyroid medication (Levothyroxine, Synthroid) and continue to have uncontrolled hypothyroidism may benefit from IV selenium therapy. Also, those who have suboptimal levels of T3, TSH, T4, and rT3 are likely to improve with IV Selenium Therapy.
Careful screening for autoimmune thyroid disease is essential.
Those patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (i.e., Hashimoto’s Disease, Graves disease) may be optimal candidates to receive peptides for immune modulation.
Side Effects of IV Selenium
While it is possible to have an adverse or allergic reaction to any IV drug, you are highly unlikely to suffer side effects or toxicity from IV Selenium therapy. The dose is far below the level to cause adverse side effects.
There is a possibility of drug interactions between IV Selenium and other drugs. You should always notify your doctor in advance of receiving treatment if you are taking any medication, or have any existing health issues.
Learn more about IV therapy and its benefits to your body. Book a session online today or call Dr. Guzman at 559-258-0686 today.
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