Prevention is naturally much more effective than trying to correct an existing condition, so it is not surprising that many people with no obvious health problems are requesting integrative complementary alternative medicine (CAM) intravenous (IV) therapies as an excellent form of anti-aging, preventative care.

There are several different forms of IV therapies that are used in integrative CAM to provide effective support for a wide range of conditions. Chelation therapy, vitamin therapies, glutathione therapy and bio-oxidative therapy effectively slow and/or potentially reverse the ravages of stress and time.

IV chelation therapy is often recommended to remove toxic heavy metals such as aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel and radioactive elements from the body, as well as excessive, abnormal amounts of calcium and iron. Many of these toxic materials have been accumulating in the body since childhood, accelerating aging and disease.

During IV chelation therapy, a synthetic amino acid, EDTA, traps and inactivates toxic molecules and removes them through the kidney in the urine. The process replenishes vital minerals such as potassium and magnesium; helps prevent and reverse the formation of vascular plaque (hardening of the arteries); improves immune system function, blood circulation and oxygenation; and promotes anti-aging.

More than 3,000 medical articles have been written documenting the benefits of IV chelation therapy and more than 1 million patients have been successfully treated. A study published in the journal Medical Hypotheses, “EDTA Chelation Therapy in Chronic Degenerative Disease,” by Dr. James P. Carter, showed either marked or good improvement for more than 90 percent of patients with heart and vascular disease.

IV vitamin therapies utilize doses of vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, calcium and trace minerals for a wide variety of medical conditions. For example, vitamin C is a vitally important nutrient in the function of the body and in high doses can be used to enhance and balance immune system function, help fight infection and reduce inflammation. IV chelation and vitamin therapies usually require one to three hours for the infusion treatment.

Glutathione is a naturally occurring protein that protects every cell, tissue and organ from toxic free radicals and disease. It is often referred to as the “master antioxidant”. IV glutathione therapy helps with detoxification, especially in the liver; can play an important role in DNA synthesis and repair; regulates and regenerates immune cells; and provides potential antiviral properties. IV glutathione therapy usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Dr. David Perlmutter, a world-renowned board-certified neurologist, has been using glutathione to help treat a variety of degenerative neurologic conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Although it is not a cure, it has been shown to improve symptoms and possibly slow progression of the illness. Some physicians and researchers also advocate the use of IV glutathione therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, memory loss, dementia, peripheral neuropathy and post-stroke syndrome.

IV bio-oxidative therapy, consisting of medicinal-grade hydrogen peroxide and trace minerals, is used to help support immune function, especially for infections. It has also been used to support improved cellular function in chronic fatigue, immune deficiency syndrome, fibromyalgia and vascular disorders of the heart brain and other organs.

A doctor specializing in integrative CAM can determine if an IV therapy is an appropriate option and can explain how to best prepare for the therapy sessions, including information about diet, medicines, supplements and exercise.

Mitchell A. Fleisher, M.D., D.Ht., practices Integrative CAM in Roseland. For additional information, call 434-361-1896 or visit AlternativeMedCare.com.