The benefit of IV Vitamin Drip Therapy

At the DripBar we are commonly asked the question: ‘Why is IV drip therapy more effective than oral supplementation of vitamins?’

First let’s talk about micronutrients and their important role in our bodies. Micronutrients include both vitamins and minerals and are vital in enabling our cells to function at their optimal level. Micronutrients are the essential and fundamental building blocks or substrates required for the 1000’s of processes required for the healthy functioning of our cells, tissues and organs.

Below we will discuss some of the causes of micronutrient depletion as well as how to attain sufficiency naturally through diet. How IV drip therapy is effective in restoring depleted levels is also outlined. Lifestyle modification, in conjunction with an IV drip therapy program, can help you reach an optimal state of health, vitality and energy.

How and why do micronutrients become depleted

• Digestive and absorption issues, for example inflammation of the gut or leaky gut
• Underlying illness such as, hypertension, diabetes, auto-immune conditions, high cholesterol etc
• Chronic medication can alter the composition and diversity of gut microbes, in particular those that affect gastric pH (antacids), destroy bacteria (antibiotics), or alter motility (laxatives).
• Lack of sleep puts increased stress on our bodies. This leads to an immune and stress response, which can cause a host of inflammatory conditions that deplete micronutrients
• Excessive exercise puts an increased demand on the body for micronutrients such as zinc, glutathione etc
• Smoking causes increases toxicity levels which deplete micronutrients
• Alcohol dehydrates the body and depletes it of essential vitamins and minerals
• Unmanaged stress increases the release of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol that deplete micronutrients
• A western diet lacks phytonutrient (micronutrient) diversity (eating from the rainbow), resulting in depleted levels
• Leaky gut and an imbalance of the gut microbiome (healthy gut bacteria)
• Ageing

Whatever the reason for the micronutrient depletion, IV drip therapy is a powerful, safe and effective intervention in quickly raising blood levels of micronutrients. Unlike oral vitamins, which are dependant on the health of the digestive tract for effective absorption, IV drip therapy bypasses the gut, infusing directly into the bloodstream, enabling the micronutrients in the drip cocktail to be transported quickly to our cells for use. It is reported that only about 40-50% of the dosage of oral vitamins may be absorbed, while with IV vitamin drip therapy, 100% of the infused micronutrients are made available to the cells.

IV drip therapy allows for direct use of micronutrients by the cells, leaving you feeling boosted, hydrated, energetic and with a spring in your step.

How do we attain micronutrient sufficiency naturally?

The BEST way to attain micronutrients is through your diet. Micronutrients delivered to our cells from plant based whole foods have what we call bio availability. This means they are in the most natural form and can be used most effectively by the body.

Sadly, because the Standard South African Diet (SAD) contains high levels of processed GMO and inflammatory foods, and most often lacks sufficient diversity of food groups, micronutrient deficiencies that affect us at a cellular level are all too common. Many foods today also contain harmful chemicals that increase toxicity and prevent micronutrients from being absorbed through the gut or digestive tract.

The body has an amazing capacity to compensate and so these micronutrient deficiencies may only result in illness or disease when they are well advanced. Eating from the rainbow or phytonutrient diversity means eating the full spectrum of deep coloured fruit, veggies, legumes, nuts and seeds everyday to ensure that we maintain adequate levels of all micronutrients at all times. The benefits of this: Vital vibrant health and energy!

Phytonutrients also have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits in the body.

Blog post written by Chantal Du Chenne, Gut Health advocate and Functional Medicine Health and Lifestyle Coach. Co-authored with Raeesa Hussain (Clinical Associate)

BIO: Chantal is a B.Sc.Hons Allied Health with an international diploma in Nutrition and Sports Nutrition. Chantal is a passionate Gut Health advocate & Functional Medicine Health & Lifestyle Coach, specialising in the improvement and management of the chronic diseases of lifestyle, the illnesses and diseases associated with dietary excess and their relationship to leaky gut and dysbiosis (imbalance) of the gut microbiome. These conditions include IBS, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, overweight, obesity, acne, eczema, depression, anxiety, auto-immune, hormone imbalance, cancer, cognitive decline etc.

Over her 25 year career, Chantal has held various positions within the health and wellness industry – including 10 years as the Executive Head of Vodacom’s corporate wellness & mobile health programs. Chantal is the owner/ founder of the DripBar which offers vitamin and mineral drip therapy in improving micronutrient deficiencies. She is also the founder/owner of a Kombucha brewery which produces the brand of organic green tea ‘booch’ called theFarmacy.

Chantal is a competitive cyclist, a plant strong vegan and mom to two grown up girls.

To book a health coaching session: info@thedripbar.co.za or chantal@healthtrac.global

This blog post contains information that is not designed to take the place of,
substitute, or replace any form and method of professional or medical advice
and treatment or medicine. All content is the author’s opinion and is not
intended to diagnose and remedy. The facts and figures contained in this
document are presented solely for informational and educational purposes
only.