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Intravenous Myers Cocktail

The idea of receiving vitamins intravenously may seem strange and somewhat extreme. Are not IVs just for really sick people in the hospital? IV therapy can have significant health benefits for all of us. Let us answer some of your questions. What is a Myers? Why do I need it? What is it good for? What are the dangers?

What is an IV Myers?

This treatment is a modification of an IV vitamin and mineral formula used by the late John Myers, MD. He was a physician from Baltimore, Maryland and a pioneer in the use of IV vitamins and minerals. As part of the overall treatment of various medical problems this modified IV consists of vitamins and minerals in differing proportions depending on the patient’s condition.

Why do I need it?

You may be fighting a cold or flu bug, stressed, run down or fatigued. The treatment can also be administered prior to an upcoming stressful situation to help you cope more easily. If you have been fighting a cold all season or your energy is low, these symptoms are signs that the body is not balanced. It is a reflection that the body is not healthy.

Our body is powered by trillions of cells which are fueled by nutrients in our food. During times of ill health, the cells need nutrients to get the job done. More importantly, we need to get the nutrients into the cells where they can be  efficiently used. If nutrients remain outside the cells, the kidneys and liver will filter them out. Nutrients gain entry into the cells in two ways. First, by absorption, where nutrients slip through the cell wall (membrane). Secondly, by actively being transported across the cell wall (membrane).  This requires energy. When cells are sick, they are not able to perform their functions correctly, such as actively transporting the nutrients into the cell. This problem is bypassed by forcing the nutrients into the cell through absorption. When given in high concentration, intravenous nutrients enter the cell by sheer force of numbers.

Could I just take it orally?

There is nothing wrong with taking supplements orally. However during times of ill health, the body needs more nutrients and the absorption of these nutrients may be compromised. When taking supplements orally, we are limited by a few factors, as nutrients in the supplements need to get from the stomach and into the bloodstream. Appropriate digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid must be present in order to break down the supplement. As we get older, the natural production of hydrochloric acid and enzymes is reduced. From the stomach, the supplement travels to the small and large intestines where absorption occurs and it enters the bloodstream, then the cells. By the time the nutrient has finally reached the bloodstream, approximately 70% has been lost in transit. Another factor that needs to be considered is that the body has a saturation point. This means anything above and beyond a certain point the body will not be able to absorb. A good example is with vitamin C. The average individual will be able to take approximately 1000 mg with no ill effects. However, if one increases oral vitamin C consumption to 5000-30,000 mg, the body’s saturation point will be met and the rest will be expelled through a bowel movement, possibly diarrhea. However, intravenous and intramuscular administration produces an immediate and significant increase in concentration because it is delivered right into the bloodstream bypassing the stomach and allowing us to increase the amount of nutrients significantly. We administer approximately 2,500-5,000mg of vitamin C. Other ingredients that support body function and the immune system included in the IV are magnesium, B1, B5, B complex, B12, B6, calcium and various minerals.

Who will benefit?

Meyers cocktails have been administered to treat acute asthma, migraines, fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, colds and flu’s, upper respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis and seasonal allergies. One of the major nutrients included is vitamin C. Vitamin C is crucial for the immune system, which is made up of white blood cells. The levels of vitamin C in the blood achieved by the IV will enhance the activity of the white blood cells or, in essence, enhance and stimulate the immune system. The immune system utilizes the vitamin C to fight viral and bacterial infections (E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, etc). It can aid in preventing diabetes and its complications, asthma and other allergy related conditions. It enables the body to better deal with environmental pollution and toxic chemicals and inhibits the formation of cancer-causing compounds in the body. All of these benefits can be achieved just from vitamin C, not including the many benefits of the other nutrients and in sixty minutes!

What are the dangers?

Since we are administering these nutrients intravenously there are some precautions that must be taken into consideration. First and foremost, patients must eat before receiving an IV. The concentration of vitamins and minerals in the IV will reduce blood sugar levels. If the patient has not eaten adequately they may find themselves dizzy and light headed and may even pass out. Also, due to the concentration of the vitamins and minerals in the IV, the patient may feel a dull ache above the IV site.

How long does it take?

Barring any of the above instances, the whole procedure takes sixty minutes. When first administered, a slower rate is given. The number of treatments needed is dependent upon the patient’s condition. If the patient has a severe cold or flu, one or more successive therapy sessions will be needed to attain optimal health. Some patients utilize this therapy for prevention and will get a treatment on a monthly basis or more frequently if necessary.