As a mobile IV therapy clinic, one of the most common calls we get in Tampa are for hangovers recoveries.
Usually, this happens the day after a bachelor’s party or when the Buccaneers are playing in the city.
This happens so often in fact that we have a hangover detox IV drip – which happens to be one of our most popular.
So the question is, how do hangovers happen and how does IV therapy help?
What Are Hangovers, Anyways?
When you drink alcohol, it’s absorbed into the bloodstream and affects the central nervous system. The aftereffects, known as a hangover, happen due to several physiological changes and reactions in the body. The first big thing to know is that this makes you dehydrated. Dehydration contributes to the classic hangover symptoms like headache, dizziness, and dry mouth. The thing is, the loss of fluids also leads to imbalances in electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, which are crucial for nerve and muscle function. As the liver processes alcohol, it converts it into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that is even more harmful than alcohol itself. The body quickly converts acetaldehyde into acetate, a less harmful substance, through an enzyme called acetaldehyde dehydrogenase and a molecule called glutathione. But with excessive drinking, the body’s supply of glutathione can run out, allowing acetaldehyde to accumulate and cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sweating. Alcohol also disruption contributes to the fatigue and grogginess felt during a hangover. Alcohol can alter the production of other biological regulators, including cytokines, which can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, contributing to feelings of sickness and headache.How Does IV Therapy Help?
Some common responses others recommend for treating a hangover is to drink water, go to a sauna, or eat some fried food.
1- Rehydration
The direct infusion of fluids via IV therapy ensures that hydration occurs at a cellular level, bypassing the slower and sometimes inefficient process of drinking water, which relies on gastrointestinal absorption. This rapid rehydration is crucial because it helps to dilute the remnants of alcohol metabolites, like acetaldehyde, which contribute to hangover symptoms. Proper hydration helps maintain the blood volume and pressure, reducing the risk of headaches and helping to cleanse the body more quickly of toxins associated with alcohol breakdown. This method of hydration helps to stabilize internal systems that may be disrupted by alcohol’s diuretic effect. As fluids are quickly replenished, the body’s physiological systems begin to return to normal functioning faster than they would otherwise, which not only mitigates the direct symptoms of dehydration but also enhances overall recovery, making the individual feel refreshed more swiftly.2- Electrolyte Balance
Restoring electrolyte balance is vital because these minerals support a range of critical physiological processes. For example, potassium helps with nerve function and muscle control, while sodium aids in maintaining cognitive function and fluid balance. Alcohol can severely disrupt these levels, leading to symptoms such as muscle spasms, confusion, and extreme fatigue. IV therapy replenishes these essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, where they are immediately available to the body’s cells. The formulation of IV drips can be adjusted based on individual needs, ensuring that the electrolyte levels are optimized to counteract the imbalances caused by alcohol consumption. This tailored approach helps to rapidly restore normal cellular functions and stabilizes the electrical impulses that drive nerve transmission and muscle contraction, thus addressing both the physical and mental symptoms of a hangover.3- Vitamin Infusion
The inclusion of vitamins like B complex and Vitamin C in IV drips helps counteract the nutrient depletion caused by alcohol. But there’s many more – so many we have a page where you can choose your infusion based on what you’d like the IV drip to be for. B vitamins are essential for converting food into energy, supporting the nervous system, and forming red blood cells. Replenishing these vitamins helps to mitigate the energy dips and assists in repairing and building up the body’s defenses. Vitamin C, on the other hand, strengthens the immune system weakened by alcohol’s suppressive effects and fights off oxidative stress with its antioxidant properties.4- Medication
The administration of targeted medications through IV therapy provides immediate relief from the most uncomfortable hangover symptoms. For example, anti-inflammatory drugs can quickly reduce inflammation throughout the body, thus alleviating headaches and muscle pains, while anti-nausea medications can help calm the stomach, providing relief from vomiting and nausea. This targeted approach allows for a more comfortable recovery process, as symptoms are directly and swiftly managed. The inclusion of specific medications for symptoms like heartburn or acid reflux, commonly exacerbated by alcohol, can also be addressed through IV therapy. By directly administering these medications into the bloodstream, they bypass the gastrointestinal tract, which may be irritated or sensitive after excessive alcohol consumption, providing faster and more effective symptom relief.5. Speed
There’s no quicker way to see the result of a drug than by administering it directly into the bloodstream. The immediacy with which IV therapy works is IV therapy’s best advantage. This means that recovery begins almost instantaneously, with many individuals reporting symptom relief within minutes. This rapid action is particularly advantageous for those needing a swift return to their responsibilities, whether work or personal commitments. It’s also the reason why we’re a mobile IV clinic – meaning we drive out to you. The speed of IV therapy not only provides immediate symptom relief but also contributes to a more efficient recovery process overall. By quickly restoring the body to a more balanced state, it helps prevent the prolongation of unpleasant symptoms and accelerates the return to normal activities, making it a highly effective solution for rapid hangover recovery.Is IV Therapy for Hangovers Worth It?
As a mobile IV company we’re biased – but the answer from our clients seems to be a resounding yes. It’s also one of the reasons why we have over 116 5 star reviews on Google. So if you’re in the Tampa area and want us to drive out to you, give us a call at (813) 945 – 2889 to learn more!
Angela Prchlik
Angela Prchlik is the founder and owner of Oasis IV Therapy based in Tampa, FL. Her mission is to provide the best mobile IV Therapy in the greater Tampa area.
