Herts &amp; Beds

While you might think IV drips are just for the rich and famous (we&#8217;ve all seen those pics of celebs hooked up after a bender!) or another passing health trend, they are increasingly being used for general wellbeing, as a way of administering vital vitamins, nutrients and antibiotics, to target a wide range of issues. Plus they&#8217;re now available on a High Street near you, administered by qualified medical pros. Still got questions? We enlisted Dr Joshua Berkowitz, Founder and Medical Director of the newly opened <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/iv-boost-berkhamsted/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IVBOOST</a> at The Wellness Hub in Berkhamsted to answer them. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Dr-Josh-Berkowitz-IVBOOST_Fotor-1000x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-75092" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Dr-Josh-Berkowitz-IVBOOST_Fotor-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Dr-Josh-Berkowitz-IVBOOST_Fotor-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Dr-Josh-Berkowitz-IVBOOST_Fotor-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Dr-Josh-Berkowitz-IVBOOST_Fotor-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Dr-Josh-Berkowitz-IVBOOST_Fotor-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Dr-Josh-Berkowitz-IVBOOST_Fotor-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Dr-Josh-Berkowitz-IVBOOST_Fotor.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



We&#8217;ve heard about IV drips and vitamin drips in magazines, but what exactly are they? 



Intravenous (or IV) Vitamin Therapy has been practiced for many years to support the conventional medical treatment of a wide range of health conditions. It is commonly associated with ‘emergency’ treatment because it works so quickly and effectively.&nbsp;It works by infusing vitamins, minerals and antibiotics quickly and directly into the bloodstream, delivering these valuable nutrients and disease-fighting medications directly to the cells to help refresh and revitalise the body and restore good health.



Hydration and nutrition delivered by IV is 100% absorbed by the body and nothing is lost through the digestive system and large doses that cannot be tolerated orally are taken up by the body intravenously. As IV treatment works quickly, it can hit infections and illnesses harder and faster than if taking pills or liquids.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/Enjoying-an-IV-Drip-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="two women on drips IV Boost" class="wp-image-74505" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/Enjoying-an-IV-Drip-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/Enjoying-an-IV-Drip-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/Enjoying-an-IV-Drip-2-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/Enjoying-an-IV-Drip-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



OK, that sounds pretty medical, so why might I want to think about getting one?



IV drips are part and parcel of complete medical practice. Remember, they started out – and remain in use – as life-saving treatments, often being the first intervention given by a paramedic after an accident or sudden onset of illness.&nbsp;They are very effective in tackling bacterial and viral infectious diseases and chronic illnesses, and administering medication through an IV drip can help with conditions as diverse as Alzheimer’s, dementia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, chest infections, ‘flu and arthritis. 



But, IV infusions are also excellent for improving and maintaining general wellness, too. Typically, people will come to us for any number of reasons: to increase energy, strengthen their immune system, rehydrate the body after illness, treat anaemia, improve their sleep, tackle inflammation or toxic overload and even slow the body&#8217;s ageing process. And if you have a health problem – from food poisoning to Parkinson’s disease &#8211; a skilled medical practitioner can create a therapeutic drip to help you.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Preparing-the-IV-drip-IVBOOST-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-75095" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Preparing-the-IV-drip-IVBOOST-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Preparing-the-IV-drip-IVBOOST-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Preparing-the-IV-drip-IVBOOST-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Preparing-the-IV-drip-IVBOOST.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Do they really work or are they just another health fad?



They absolutely do work and, as with any medication or wellness intervention, the more you need IV therapy, the more obvious benefit you’ll feel.&nbsp;People who are generally well will feel better, but those more in need report the biggest impact, as the IV drip replenishes vital vitamins, minerals, nutrients and fluid that their body is lacking. We are always completely honest with our patients and we won’t give an IV drip if we don’t think it will bring a benefit.



So what actually happens when you have an IV drip? 



First, you will have a consultation with a medical expert to establish exactly what your needs are so we can prepare a bespoke IV drip for your precise requirements.&nbsp;The drip bag is then prepared with the appropriate fluid and carefully combined nutrients and set up on a drip stand. Our trained nurses – who have honed their skills over years of nursing in A&amp;E hospital departments – then insert the needle into one arm and attach the tube.&nbsp; 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IV-BOOST-drip-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-75094" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IV-BOOST-drip-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IV-BOOST-drip-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IV-BOOST-drip-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IV-BOOST-drip.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



They will carefully monitor the rate at which the drip comes through to ensure it feels comfortable and will check your vital signs regularly. Most people read a magazine, watch something on their iPad or even doze off. What you can’t do is rush it! It takes as long as it takes… anything from 20 minutes to several hours.&nbsp; Once the drip bag is empty, the tube is disconnected, the canula carefully removed, and you’re all done. Many patients report feeling refreshed and rejuvenated within hours of an IVBOOST treatment, with the benefits lasting for several days.



Hmm, I’m not a big fan of needles though&#8230;



Very few people are truly comfortable with needles. Our nurses are fully trained to put people at ease and will talk patients through the whole process as they progress. IV therapy shouldn’t be uncomfortable with the exception of a small scratch as the needle goes in and perhaps a little sensitivity. Sometimes people report a little ‘heaviness’ in the arm but, other than that, you’d hardly know the needle is there.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="786" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IV-Boost-Nurse-patient-1_Fotor-1000x786.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-75096" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IV-Boost-Nurse-patient-1_Fotor-1000x786.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IV-Boost-Nurse-patient-1_Fotor-800x629.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IV-Boost-Nurse-patient-1_Fotor-668x525.jpg 668w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IV-Boost-Nurse-patient-1_Fotor.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



And what about the damage to my wallet? 



It can cost anything from £180 to £345 depending on the size and complexity of the infusion that you require &#8211; more specialist therapies will be more. You may need several drips a week if you&#8217;re particularly run down or preparing for an operation for example. Otherwise, once a week to once a month is sufficient for maintaining wellbeing.



And do you offer any other treatments?



IVBOOST also offers Vitamin Shots (Vitamin B Complex, B12, vitamin D and Biotin) which are injected into the muscles and take just a few minutes to deliver as there is no fluid or drip bag. We also offer Ozone Therapy which is where ozone – the highly active and reactive form of oxygen – is introduced to your own blood to stimulate the release of oxygen into your body’s tissues.&nbsp;This can increase energy and improve metabolism, stimulate your immune system, fight infection, reduce inflammation and improve circulation, help detox your body and protect against degenerative and autoimmune diseases.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/IV-Boost-@-The-Wellness-Hub-product-display-1000x667.jpg" alt="IV Boost bottles on shelf" class="wp-image-74507" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/IV-Boost-@-The-Wellness-Hub-product-display-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/IV-Boost-@-The-Wellness-Hub-product-display-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/IV-Boost-@-The-Wellness-Hub-product-display-787x525.jpg 787w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/IV-Boost-@-The-Wellness-Hub-product-display.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Any other words of advice?



Although IV drips are becoming more commonplace, the treatment is invasive and must be performed by skilled professionals with expert medical credentials. Don’t go anywhere where they don’t provide a full medical consultation first. Also, while you may have thought ahead about what you’d like, it’s essential you trust your IV therapist to ‘prescribe’ the best treatment, in the same way you would trust your GP. Choose a clinic that uses quality medication in a safe environment and ensure they are experienced and equipped to manage any emergencies. That way, you can rest assured you’re in safe hands from start to finish.



Interested in finding out more or booking in for a treatment? Visit <a href="https://the-wellness-hub.co.uk/iv-boost/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IVBOOST @ The Wellness Hub</a> in Berkhamsted.

Q&A: What you need to know about IV drips

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