None of us are strangers to stress. We’ve all experienced it in one way or another. Whether it is familial, financial, work-related, or even environmental (commuting stress, polluted air, or too much information), everyday stress is a common complaint for many of us. But chronic stress can be more severe and can affect both physical and mental health. What many of us don’t know is that IV nutritional support is one wellness option some people explore alongside physician-directed stress management. First, let us dive into some science to discuss the chemistry behind this all too frustrating bodily reaction.
Most simply, stress is your body’s way of responding to any sort of threat or demand. More scientifically, stress is your body’s way of responding to a state of threatened homeostasis (equilibrium) within the body. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system work together to respond to outside stressors that challenge our body and our mind. This is, of course, a very wordy way to explain that a whole lot of our body is affected by stress.
Luckily, our bodies are equipped with an internal security system. During the “fight or flight” reaction, a release of neurotransmitters occurs. Norepinephrine and epinephrine, along with glucocorticoids including — and most importantly for this discussion — cortisol, are released in response to these perceived outside threats or demands.
Cortisol is a glucocorticoid steroid hormone that follows a normal circadian release in the body. This means that over every 24 hours a certain amount of this hormone is released to help maintain homeostasis. From regulating blood sugar and supporting healthy immune function to playing a role in fertility and overall physical and mental stamina, cortisol is involved in many different functions within the body.
If cortisol levels remain elevated, as they can during chronic stress, insulin resistance can develop and serotonin levels can decrease. When either of these occurs, the body is more likely to gain weight, develop food cravings, and experience difficulty sleeping. Unfortunately, that isn’t everything that happens in the body when cortisol levels are high due to stress.
Many studies have reported that chronic stress can contribute to metabolic imbalances that are associated with a host of health complications:
Chronically high cortisol levels induced by stress may alter the way the body’s stress response functions over time. The associated health complications are no joking matter, and stress management is best addressed with a licensed healthcare provider who can evaluate your individual situation. If you would like to understand your own hormone picture, hormone optimization and micronutrient testing begin with lab work and a physician review.
We all know that proper hydration is essential to, among other things, staying alive. The body is mostly made up of water, and the balance between water and minerals like electrolytes influences how our bodily systems function. Intravenous hydration has long been used to address mild to moderate dehydration in relatively healthy people — for instance, when they are coming down with a cold, experiencing jet lag, or recovering from athletic fatigue. Today, more customized IV blends are formulated around specific wellness goals.
By now, you are probably asking: how does IV hydration fit into this equation? IV nutritional support is not a treatment for stress, and it does not replace care from your physician. What it can offer is fluids along with vitamins and minerals — such as B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium — that the body uses in everyday metabolic processes, delivered directly into the bloodstream. Some patients choose it as one part of a broader routine that also includes a healthy diet, exercise, and sleep.
At RevitalIV in Jupiter, FL, wellness IV plans are often scheduled as a series of about four to five sessions spread over one to two months rather than as a single visit. You can review the blends on our IV treatment menu and talk through what makes sense for you.
While IV hydration is generally considered safe, there are always risks involved with any medical procedure. That is why the number one caveat is to find a physician-run IV hydration center. Intravenous hydration and supplementation should only be administered under the supervision of a board-certified physician; you can meet our medical team before you book.
It is also important to follow a healthy diet alongside any IV plan. While we sometimes reach for an intravenous boost of vitamins and minerals, these same nutrients are available in delicious foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. Healthy sleep habits are essential to managing stress as well — and we all know how soundly we sleep after a good workout. Eating well and staying active support your overall wellness far more than any single treatment can.
RevitalIV is located at 1317 W Indiantown Rd, Suite 100, Jupiter, FL 33458, serving patients from Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Tequesta, Juno Beach, North Palm Beach, and across Palm Beach County. Call (561) 406-2202 or book a consultation.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. Consult a licensed healthcare provider about your individual health situation.
