With flu season starting and Covid-19 prevailing, what is a Myers IV or Push and should you consider one?
The late John Myers, MD, was the first to use a mixture of normal saline with vitamins and minerals used in IVs or pushes to treat conditions such as fatigue, fibromyalgia, and seasonal illness. IVs are placed into a vein in the arm and dripped in over 30 to 90 minutes depending on the concentration of the nutrients.
A push consists of a smaller amount of nutrients but is faster and takes around 10 minutes to finish. This is great for a quick treatment to help prevent illness if one is feeling something coming on. Healthcare providers tailor similar solutions to treat different conditions.
THE COMPONENTS OF THE MYERS IV
• Vitamins: Vitamin C, B-Complex vitamins, Vitamin B12
• Calcium: Calcium aids bone formation and strength. It also can help control irregular heartbeats.
• Magnesium: Generally stored in bones, muscles, and soft tissues. It has been found to reduce fatigue, migraines, muscle spasms and may even help those at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Zinc: Zinc has been proven to help regulate the immune system. Zinc is not naturally created in the body. Deficiency of zinc can lead to subsequent health issues.
• Saline Solution: All ingredients for the Myers’ cocktail are combined in an IV bag or syringe and usually consist of normal saline.
As a push or added to the end of an IV, Glutathione is added to the treatment. Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that naturally occurs in the body. Glutathione aids the immune system and improves the liver’s detoxification pathways.
WHO NEEDS A MYERS’ COCKTAIL?
When asked who should consider a Myers’ cocktail infusion, there is no single answer. Because of the high dose of antioxidants, nutrients, and other immune-boosting factors, individuals who have weakened immune systems or diseases that negatively impact immune resilience may benefit from receiving a Myers’ cocktail IV treatment.
Studies have found the Myers’ cocktail may be benefit patients who:
• Suffer from low energy
• Perform athletic exercises
• Suffer from chronic fatigue
• Require intravenous hydration
• Seek relief from hangover or withdrawal symptoms
• Suffer from depression or anxiety
According to Myers’ cocktail studies and reviews, since the cocktails are made of vitamins and minerals, they tend to be well tolerated by many patients. Since treatment is administered intravenously versus passing the digestive system, higher concentrations of the vitamins are more easily absorbed and thus bioavailable to the body.
HOW OFTEN ARE TREATMENTS ADMINISTERED?
It is up to the healthcare practitioner and the patient to decide a treatment schedule that will be most beneficial for the patient.
In some cases, optimal results may come with one IV per week over three weeks. If the patient is severely fatigued or has persistent migraines, two treatments per week may better serve these needs. Some patients may benefit from occasional treatments every three to four months to support immune function.
SAFETY INFORMATION AND POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
A Myers’ cocktail may have relatively mild side effects. These typically are the same as with any IV:
• Discomfort at infusion site
• Lightheadedness
• Vasovagal reaction (fainting)
A common effect from intravenous doses of magnesium is a warming or flushing sensation. It can be felt on the skin in the chest area, pelvic area, or face. It is not usually something that is unpleasant for the patient. Calcium has also been known to have similar effects in some cases. Overall, if administered at a proper rate and the patient has eaten some food, these IVs are well tolerated.
If you have questions or want more information about the Myers’ cocktail, please call our office today. Mesa Naturopathic can be reached at (480) 306-8111.