by Mitchell A. Fleisher, M.D., D.Ht., D.A.B.F.M., Dc.A.B.C.T.

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 (I.V.) therapies as an excellent form of anti-aging, preventative care.

There are several different forms of I.V. 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.

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 our bodies since childhood, accelerating aging and disease.

During I.V. 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 to prevent and reverse the formation of vascular plaque (hardening of the arteries), helps to improve immune system function, blood circulation and oxygenation, and significantly promotes anti-aging.

There are more than 3,000 articles in the medical literature documenting the benefits of I.V. 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.

I.V. 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 for the function of our body, and in high doses is used to enhance and balance immune system function, and help fight infections and reduce inflammation.

I.V. EDTA chelation therapy and I.V. vitamin therapy usually requires from one to three hours for the infusion treatment. Your Integrative CAM doctor will explain how to best prepare for the therapy sessions, including information about diet, medicines, supplements, exercise, etc.

Glutathione is a naturally occurring, protein antioxidant that protects every cell, tissue and organ from toxic free radicals and disease. It is often referred to as the “master antioxidant.” I.V. 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. I.V. glutathione therapy usually takes about 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 I.V. glutathione therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, memory loss, dementia, peripheral neuropathy and post-stroke syndrome.

I.V. 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 vital organs. It works very well in conjunction with I.V. vitamin C.

It is highly recommended that you discuss with your Integrative CAM doctor if an I.V. therapy is appropriate for you.

Mitchell A. Fleisher, M.D., D,Ht., practices at Homeopathic Family Medicine and Nutritional Therapy in Nellysford, Virginia. Contact him at (434) 361-1896 or info@alternativemedcare.com.