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Intravenous infusions are a direct and rapid means delivering substances into the body, specifically, into the blood vessels, which are the highways of the body. This means of entry bypasses the normal gastro-intestinal (G.I.) route and therefore bypasses many of the first-line defense systems that effect potency of substances taken in. The GI tract, the tube from mouth to anus, is considered to be outside of the body. In order for substances to enter the body in this fashion their first interaction is through the mouth. Smell and bad taste themselves can cause a person to reject a harmful substance right off. The stomach provides the next safety net. Its acidic environment does a good job of not only breaking down protein, but also killing bacteria. From there substances must be digested into small enough particles to penetrate the intestinal wall and then finally enter the blood stream. Once in the blood stream via this route they are subject to a “first pass” directly through the liver which detoxifies harmful substances. This is where most drugs lose about 50% of their potency. Finally, substances are free to be trucked throughout the 60,000 miles of blood vessels to be delivered to cells as nutrients for survival.
You can see that without the natural safety checks, substances entering the body need to be seriously scrutinized in order to protect our bodies against harmful reactions. Therefore, all I.V. substances are screened to be completely sterile. All vials have expiration dates on them and seals to ensure safety. The fluids are visually checked for particles and to see if they are murky. They are further checked to ensure their compatibility with blood. The pH (acidity) of the final solution needs to be very close to 7.4. The osmolarity (concentration of substances) needs to be fairly close to 295 mOs/liter. Solutions that fall outside these ranges can damage the blood. Even warming I.V. substances with microwaves can sufficiently alter them as to cause damage to the blood.
The most common use for intravenous therapy is for re-hydration. You may notice that one of the first things that gets done upon entering a hospital or encountering emergency personnel is to have an I.V. placed. This accomplishes two things. It ensures fluid and electrolyte replenishment and it establishes access for future quick infusions as needed.
I.V. therapies are also useful in an outpatient setting. They are quicker acting and more powerful than other forms of intake. One of its many uses is the delivery of vitamins and minerals in order to have immediate access to these raw materials for fighting diseases. There is a “cocktail” that is used often with individuals who get the flu. It consists of Vitamin C, magnesium, B12 and a couple of other substances that stimulate the immune system. Antibiotics are sometimes infused directly into the blood stream in order to deliver concentrations necessary for serious infections. Chemotherapy is often given intravenously for a similar effect. Chelating agents are much more effective and powerful when infused directly into the blood. These agents pull out harmful heavy metals from the body. Certain amino acid combinations can be administered that will provide the necessary mix to control tremors or control Alzheimer’s. An alkaline mixture can rapidly reverse the spiraling decline of someone with diabetic acidosis. DMSO infusions can relieve the constrictions of scleroderma. Intravenous infusion is a way to deliver very high doses of Vitamin C sometimes used to treat diseases like cancer.
I encourage you all to keep your veins healthy and accessible. They could one day help to save your life.
Dr. Michael Miles is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in psychology and pre-med, he completed his studies in medicine at the highly regarded Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Miles offers a holistic, integrative general practice, which focuses on treating chronic and degenerative diseases, digestive disorders and hormonal imbalances, as well as allergies and infections of all kinds. He holds a special interest in chelation therapy used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. He is also very active in cancer research. He prefers non-toxic treatment techniques that include botanical medicine, clinical nutrition and homeopathy, but will offer pharmaceutical remedies when appropriate. You will find Dr. Miles to be compassionate, sincere and a strong advocate for your health. He is opening a new office in Catalina in June of 2014 which will feature hyperbaric oxygen therapy in addition to his normal services. www.catalinaclinic.com
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