You’ve probably heard the phrase: “Vitamin IVs are just expensive urine.”
It’s catchy. It’s shareable. And like most catchy lines, it’s only partly true.
Let’s break down what’s real, what’s oversimplified, and when IV therapy can actually be useful.
Food First: The Foundation Still Matters Most
For most people, the best way to get nutrients is still the basics:
- whole foods (especially protein + produce)
- hydration
- consistent sleep
- stress management
- movement
No IV can replace that foundation. IV therapy isn’t a magic fix, and it shouldn’t be marketed like one.
If your diet is consistently poor, your sleep is chronically short, and stress is unmanaged, an IV might help you feel better temporarily but it won’t solve the root issue.
So Why Do Some People Feel Better After an IV?
Because real life isn’t always “perfect” and sometimes your needs go up, or your intake/absorption goes down.
IV therapy can be supportive in seasons where your body is under more demand, such as:
1) High stress + low recovery
Stress can affect appetite, digestion, sleep, and recovery. When you’re running on fumes, it’s common to under-eat and under-hydrate without realizing it.
2) Illness or feeling run down
When you’re sick (or coming off being sick), you may be dehydrated, eating less, or needing additional support while you rest and recover.
3) Known deficiencies
If you have symptoms or lab-confirmed nutrient deficiencies, targeted replenishment can be helpful especially alongside a plan to address why the deficiency happened in the first place.
4) Medications that impact nutrients
Some medications may affect appetite, digestion, or nutrient status. In those cases, IV therapy can be part of a supportive strategy (along with food and supplements).
5) GI issues that affect absorption
If your stomach is upset, you’re nauseated, or you struggle with absorption, oral supplements aren’t always the easiest route.
What About the “Expensive Urine” Argument?
Here’s the nuance:
Some nutrients, especially water-soluble vitamins, can be excreted if your body doesn’t need them. That part is true.
But “you pee some out” doesn’t automatically mean “it was pointless.”
It means the body is regulated: it uses what it can, stores what’s appropriate, and excretes excess. That’s normal physiology.
The real question isn’t “Do you excrete vitamins?”
It’s: Was the right formula and dose used for the right person at the right time?
A thoughtful IV plan focuses on:
- targeted nutrients (not everything + the kitchen sink)
- appropriate dosing
- safety screening
- realistic expectations
Our Approach: No Hype, Just Practical Support
We’re not here to sell you a trend. We’re here to help you feel better using tools that make sense.
Our philosophy is simple:
- Food first
- Supplements when appropriate
- IV therapy as a supportive option when stress, illness, deficiencies, or medications create a gap
If IV therapy is not a fit for your goals, we’ll tell you that and help you choose a more practical next step.
Wondering If IV Therapy Makes Sense for You?
If you’re curious, start with a quick self-check:
- Are you under high stress or sleeping poorly?
- Have you been sick, traveling, or dehydrated?
- Are you struggling to eat normally?
- Do you have known deficiencies or take medications that affect appetite/absorption?
If any of those are true, IV therapy may be a helpful supportive tool alongside a plan that supports your health long-term.
Want guidance? Reach out and tell us what you’ve been dealing with lately (stress, fatigue, travel, frequent illness, medications, etc.). We’ll help you decide what’s most appropriate…even if that isn’t an IV.
