Education

New Year, A Better Me

December 30, 2021 by prestigehealth Leave a Comment

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? You’ve heard of the old adage “New Year New Me.” Why do I need to become a new person? Just stop and think about that for 5 seconds. It’s bullshit- something society sells you in order to make you feel like you are missing something. Some of us tell ourselves that who we are is not good enough. New year resolutions are like biting into a bad apple. They’re unrealistic! Many of us create new resolutions but then what happens when those new year resolutions don’t work out? What does it do to your mental health? Why make resolutions that cause you stress, anxiety, and disappointment? 2020 was such a traumatic year. However, instead of focusing on the predicament of a never ending pandemic, let us focus on restoration and rejuvenation. Let’s focus on our mental health. Let’s focus on being present in the moment, with our children and loved ones.

Why not a “New Year A better Me?” I have had a traumatic year and I have done a lot of reflection into my life with deep thoughts about my dreams, desires, and what I want to achieve. The one thing that is constant is to be a better me. Yes it is a new year, but I am still the same person. What can I do better in order to strengthen my myself emotionally, physically, and spiritually? What about practicing mindfulness, working on self-healing, or implementing activities to have a more proactive lifestyle? What can you do to help yourself get better sleep and mental clarity? What self-care activity will you implement every week in order to have a balanced life? I encourage you to focus on being the better version of the you that currently exists. Furthermore, self-love is the best love. When you open yourself up to all the possibilities that loving yourself entails, the world around you changes. Remove all the pressures and just focus on you. The world is constantly shifting. It’s time to Live again so you can thrive again!

At Prestige Health & Wellness, mental health is who we are! We are dedicated to providing compassionate quality care to improve the health of the community one person at a time.

DISCLAIMER

While we strive to always provide accurate, current, and safe advice in all of our articles and guides, it’s important to stress that they are no substitute for medical advice from a doctor or healthcare provider. You should always consult a practicing professional who can diagnose your specific case. The content we’ve included in this guide is merely meant to be informational and does not constitute medical advice.

Written by Dr. Louisana Louis, DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

10 Myths & Misconceptions on Nutrient IV Therapy Simply Explained

December 22, 2021 by prestigehealth Leave a Comment

There’s no shortage of research reporting the experience and effectiveness of IV nutrient treatment. You’ve probably come across news stories on IV nutrient therapy or reports on celebrities receiving vitamin B12 injections. However, what may grab the attention of readers isn’t always the whole truth and it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction.

First, Let’s Define What is IV (Intravenous) Nutrient Treatment:

Simply put, it’s a safe and effective method of supplying the body with natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids directly through the bloodstream. Nutrient IVs are similar to those found at your local hospital. These natural nutrient infusions are administered using a small IV (intravenous) injection. This method ensures that all nutrients are absorbed at the cellular level to enhance your energy level, improve your overall mood, and help prevent future health conditions caused by stress, poor nutrition, and dehydration. While it is safe and standardized, it is a medicinal practice that is frequently misunderstood and has developed numerous misconceptions and myths.

Here are the facts to 10 common misconceptions and myths you might have heard of about nutrient IV treatment:

Myth #1: Nutrient IV Drips Are Not Safe

FACT: It is as safe as IV’s found at your local hospital, and doctors endorse it.

It’s simply false to think IV nutrient treatment is an experimental or dangerous medicinal practice. On the contrary, it’s a very safe and simple process that uses the same quality ingredients used in hospitals around the world. Like in hospitals, no adverse reactions occur as a result of administering an IV. In some cases, people experience slight cooling of the arm, mineral taste in the mouth, all of which is normal during the IV process.

Myth #2: Vitamin IV Therapy Is Too Painful

FACT: Discomfort levels vary from person to person. Liquivida Lounge uses a smaller needle than what’s used in children’s hospitals.

The entire process is relatively painless for most people. It can be a little painful if you tend to experience discomfort with needle insertion. But overall, IV nutrition therapy is comfortable and is not toxic to the body. In nearly all cases, once the immediate benefit of the treatment is felt, minor discomfort is greatly outweighed by the benefits experienced- both short and long-term.

Myth #3: It Doesn’t Help Reduce Common Cold Symptoms

FACT: It can be your preventive measure against the common cold.

While you can’t always prevent a cold, IV nutrient treatment infused with vitamin C is a powerful and quick way to combat the symptoms. In fact, a comprehensive study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that large doses of vitamin C could reduce the duration of cold symptoms. If you don’t want your cold symptoms to last longer than they have to, IV treatment infused with Vitamin C (and other vitamins) will work wonders when you’re starting to feel sick. Additionally, IV therapies infused with vitamin C can strengthen the immune system over time and reduce the chances of getting sick, as vitamin C empowers various immune functions.

Read more about how nutrient IV therapy can help with cold symptoms in our blog titled: “Boost Your Immune System This Cold Season with IV Nutrient Therapy.”

Myth #4: It is less effective than ingesting the various nutrients

FACT: By the time you start consumption, some foods have lost their nutrients. Additionally, the body can sometimes waste nutrients.

The traditional approach to getting nutrients into the body is by ingesting them in pills or by eating normally, but it’s not as effective as you might think- even if you eat healthy. Your body’s gastrointestinal tract can sometimes fail to absorb the vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream, turning them into waste. Even when your body’s digestive system is working properly, nutrient rich foods inadvertently lose vitamins and minerals when prepared and cooked a certain way. Scientific American reports that cooking vegetables lowers the vitamin levels found in them naturally. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that vitamin C levels in tomatoes declines by 29 percent when cooked for 30 minutes at 190 degrees F.

With IV nutrient infusion treatment; however, nutrients in their purest form are delivered right into the bloodstream, making it the most effective way to reap their benefits completely. Check out the infographic below to understand what happens to food when it passes through the digestive system:

Myth #5: It Takes a While to Feel the Effects

FACT: It can take the body anywhere from 12-48 hours to digest solid foods completely.

IV therapy is an immediate way for you to feel the effects of all the essential nutrients, compared to when ingested. Once the IV is inserted, the vitamin infusion goes directly into the bloodstream. The body then uses the vitamins to perform and facilitate many essential functions, including regulating metabolism, creating red blood cells, and maintaining the immune system. You may feel the physical effects, such as increased energy, right away depending on your nutritional and hydration levels. In some cases, you may even see better skin complexion and improved mood for subsequent days.

Aside from using an IV, an injection is another quick and effective way to get the full effects of vitamins. For instance, many people, especially athletes, often receive B12 injections since it’s another fast way to feel the vitamin’s full benefits. These can include increased energy levels, increased metabolism, and overall improved mood among others.

Myth #6: It Doesn’t Help Improve Quality of Life for People With Chronic Illnesses

FACT: Studies support the benefits of IV infusions with Vitamin C in cancer patients. Living with a chronic illness is never easy. Standard treatments for conditions like cancer often have painful and debilitating side effects. While IV nutrient treatment is not a substitute for these treatments, it is a complementary solution that can help improve the quality of life for people with serious illnesses or even allergies.

The National Cancer Institute reports that breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy who received intravenous (IV) vitamin C had a better quality of life and fewer side effects than those who did not receive it. In addition, fibromyalgia patients report having reduced symptoms due to IV treatment. Fibromyalgia Researcher David Katz, MD says that about four out of every five people with fibromyalgia receiving an IV treatment of vitamin B, vitamin C, and other nutrients helps ease their symptoms, including pain and fatigue. While research on the effects of IV nutrient treatment on managing chronic illness must continue, it is very promising for enhancing quality of life overall.

Myth #7: It is Not Suited for Active, Healthy Lifestyles

FACT: Not only can IV therapy be used for many types of health problems, it can mend sore muscles, boost the immune system, help with post-workout muscle recovery, dehydration, chronic fatigue and much more.

Not all IV nutrient treatments are the same. In fact, there are many types that address specific needs. While some help treat cold symptoms or side effects of chronic illnesses, others can help with more common ailments, such as migraines, exhaustion, stress, and memory loss. Whatever your need may be, IV nutrient treatments can target it by using specific infusions to alleviate your present condition. By undergoing consistent IV therapies, conditions can be lessened or completely eliminated.

Myth #8: It’s Only Needed Once

FACT: No one eats protein once; other nutrients are no different. You should be consistent with your IV nutrient treatments to empower your lifestyle.

Some IV nutrient infusions apply to a one-time use, such as after a night out using a hangover fix. However, IV nutrient treatment as a practice is focused on maintaining optimal levels of nutrients in the body. In order to do that effectively, regular administration of IV infusions must occur. As mentioned before, the body may not always get the proper amount of nutrients needed to perform essential physical and mental functions. IV nutrient treatment is a reliable way to ensure that you’re not missing out on essential nutrients your body craves. You could receive iv infusion therapy every day, but you should tailor it to your body’s demands. Consistent nutrient IV treatments will ensure stable (reliable) results in your overall health.

Myth #9: It Takes Up Too Much Time

FACT: Liquivida Lounge provides a private and soothing ambiance, so you can relax the mind while you replenish the body.

You may think that IV nutrient treatment could take too long, but the session generally lasts for 30 to 45 minutes. While making time in your schedule may be difficult, doing an IV nutrient treatment takes even less time than going to the gym or preparing a meal. It’s a quick, effective, and relaxing practice to add to a healthy lifestyle or health regime.

Myth #10: It’s Too Expensive

FACT: Treating ailments can be more costly than taking preventive measures.

When you hear about celebrities getting IV nutrient therapies and B12 injections, you probably think it’s expensive and high maintenance. On the contrary, IV nutrient therapies and vitamin injections are affordable for most budgets since they are most effective when done regularly. It’s always a good idea to ask for special offers or discounts if you intend to make intravenous infusion treatment a regular part of your lifestyle.

Very often, nutraceutical deficiencies that have been left unchecked for long periods of time are the cause of acute and chronic illnesses. These illnesses have a price, too. Nutrient IV treatment will get your body rebalanced as quickly and efficiently as possible. Although IV nutrient treatments may continue getting attention and making headlines, remember to consider all the facts. Now that you know about the process and benefits of IV nutrient treatments, take advantage of these high-perfoming treatments, and give your body the fuel it needs to function properly.

Celebrity Chef Says You’re Vitamin Deficient and You Don’t Even Know It

December 15, 2021 by prestigehealth Leave a Comment

If you’re vitamin deficient, there’s a good chance you probably have no idea.

That’s what happened to Brazilian Celebrity Chef and South Florida resident Isa Souza. The TV personality who advocates for easy, healthy, and tasty meals on her daytime TV show “Isa Vida y Sabor” realized this after performing a Micronutrients test at Liquivida Lounge – a growing wellness spa for the healthy in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Coconut Creek, FL.

For Chef Isa, becoming vitamin D deficient came as somewhat of a surprise. Like most people, she linked symptoms of chronic fatigue to long hours of work and travel- a common mistake in our work-intensive society.

Turns out, vitamin D does plenty of good, and the body absorbs it pretty well by getting enough sun exposure, for example. But when running low, not having enough vitamin D complicates things. According to the National Institutes of Health, without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Vitamin D sufficiency prevents skeletal disorders such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Together with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults, especially women, from osteoporosis. But it turns out that no matter how healthy people think they are or how much exercise they do, there’s a good chance they’re deficient in something. There are very few foods that actually have therapeutic levels of vitamin D naturally and even fortified foods do not contain enough vitamin D to support the body needs needs. The worst part is that most people don’t know they’re deficient until it affects their energy, overall mood, or get lab work done.

Becoming vitamin D deficient was a tough reality check for Chef Isa, who advocates wellness on her TV shows and at company wellness workshops across the United States. Her first signs were chronic fatigue, lack of stamina and motivation; something we all need to get things done.

This forced Isa to find alternative sources for this much-needed vitamin quickly. Like most people, she began a casual search on Google that led her to nutrient IV therapy, a service that’s becoming mainstream. Also known as vitamin infusion therapy, the treatment is actually an effective solution for delivering important vitamins, minerals, and amino acids direct to the bloodstream. Like other celebrities that rave for this trend, she too, considers this a proactive solution to what deemed to be a big downer for the TV host. Chronic fatigue is no joke. Unlike feeling tired, chronic fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, and doesn’t improve with rest because it can actually be linked with depression.

To gain control, Chef Isa now uses nutrient IV therapy to tackle her vitamin D deficiency as well as other health concerns affecting the general population. For instance, a glutathione intravenous infusion works to detoxify the liver and fortify cells, while slowing down aging. If glutathione is not replenished, it can increase visible signs of aging, affecting the skin’s natural and youthful appearance. Glutathione is a master antioxidant that, with age, continues to deplete making it difficult for the body to produce on its own. When levels run low, it’s possible to expose the body to serious diseases later on in life. “The fact is your body does not absorb all of the nutrients you give it, and when you realize this, you need to take some sort of action,” says Isa.

In addition to nutrient IV therapy, Isa advocates for “superfoods” that have a significant impact on overall health. Considered another effective way to feed the body higher concentrations of certain vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and amino acids. In her search, she found a well-respected and registered nutritionist by name of Manuel Villacorta, M.S. R.D., who also evangelizes on television the power of Peruvian Power Foods.

Nature has its own way of giving the body more of what’s necessary, and it’s really a matter of identifying any gaps as early as possible to take action against chronic fatigue and other diseases. Manuel recommends consuming pichuberry, a small berry that originates from the Andes of Peru. According to his book “Peruvian Power Foods,” pichuberry is also an excellent source of vitamin D with 39% of your daily requirement of vitamin D in a ¾ cup serving.

“Research shows that withanoloides suppresses carcinogens and oxidative stress. It also has a low glycemic index of 25, making it a diabetes and weight loss friendly fruit,” says Manuel.

Above all, it’s important to undergo some basic blood work to gain the power of knowing what could be running low. Unfortunately though, most people put this off or never really take advantage of these kinds of assessments. Dr. Howard Newman, who practices at Liquivida in Coconut Creek, recommends that a Micronutrients test be performed to eliminate any guesswork regarding the symptoms and causes of vitamin deficiency. The test evaluates 35 nutritional components including vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and amino acids within our white blood cells.