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Emily Laurence

Updated: 04/24/2023

Wiped out by the most wonderful time of the year? Look no further than this nutrient-rich treatment.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… but it’s also (one of) the most draining.

When you’re not rushing to meet end-of-the-year goals at work, you’re likely consumed with holiday shopping and party prep. Then, there’s the seemingly endless amount of socialization and baked goods. Pile on all the traveling to and from relatives' homes or, if you’re lucky, a vacation spot and you can start to feel really run down.

One way to avoid developing any post-celebrations burnout and sickness, be it due to a trip away or plain ol’ exhaustion, is to schedule an IV therapy session after all of your activities. These infusions are full of nutrients that support the immune system, enhance skin health, alleviate brain fog and more.

Not yet convinced? Keep reading to find out why IV infusion therapy can save your system from being sapped out from the holiday season.

IV Infusion Therapy 101

First, a quick refresher: intravenous (IV) infusion therapy is a technique that administers fluids and nutrients (and, in some instances, medications) directly into your veins. The goal is “to get nutrients quickly without having to go through the digestive system,” Chief Medical Officer of THE WELL Frank Lipman, MD, previously explained.

By delivering a blast of beneficial ingredients straight into your bloodstream, IV infusions allow these bad boys to get to work faster than they’d otherwise be able to. The result? A better-feeling you in a quick amount of time (and just a few sessions).

Benefits of IV Vitamin Therapy Post-Holidays

Not all IV therapy drips are the same (or, TBH, created equal). At THE WELL New York, for example, we offer a variety of options aimed at supporting various needs, but all are designed to boost the immune system and energy, explains AnneMarie Dolgetta, RN, BSN, medical office manager and IV therapist at THE WELL New York. Depending on your drip of choice, you can expect to reap the following rewards.

Strengthens Your Immune System

There are many reasons your body’s defenses are more likely to take a hit this time of the year, says Sarah Giordano, RN, BSN, IV therapist at THE WELL New York. Not only do you tend to spend time indoors with people (and their germs) but you’re also sure to experience some amount, if not a lot, of stress. Whether you have to deal with tricky family dynamics or travel with kiddos, stressors are bound to come up and, in turn, activate your fight-or-flight response, says Giordano. This can cause a cascade of hormones, including cortisol, which can alter immune responses, according to the Mayo Clinic.

On top of this, Dolgetta points out that this time of year (and especially when you’re traveling) can put a wrench in your normal, nutrient-rich diet. And while there’s no reason to skip your favorite cookies, keep in mind that more alcohol and sugar as well as less fiber can throw off your gut and, in turn, your immune system, she explains.

RELATED: How to Cut Back On the “Big 3” — Sugar, Caffeine and Alcohol

But that’s where IV infusion therapy can come in. If boosting your body’s defenses is front of mind for you, Giordano recommends an IV infusion with a “Myers’ cocktail.” Named after IV therapy pioneer John Myers, MD, this mixture includes vitamin C, zinc, B vitamins, calcium and magnesium.

When it comes to fending off a cold or lessening the severity of a sickness, vitamin C and zinc are especially key to include in an IV drip. Both support immune health, says Giordano, adding that they’re also prone to becoming depleted during stressful times. In fact, vitamin C has been shown to actually decrease cortisol levels in the body, which can be especially helpful after an intense holiday season. Specifically, vitamin C works by helping your immune cells get rid of potentially harmful germs and protects the body by neutralizing free radicals (i.e. harmful molecules that can damage cells), Lauren Burkowski, MS, health coach at THE WELL New York, previously told our publication.

Improves Sleep

Traveled to a different time zone for festivities (or just some R&R) and experiencing jet lag? Go for an IV infusion with glycine, an amino acid the body uses to create proteins and helps regulate circadian rhythm, per Giordano. “Sleep improves so much after an IV infusion with glycine,” she says. “I have clients who wear wearable tech, and they’re tracker will show that they’re in ‘recovery mode’ right after getting a drip.”

Drips with magnesium can also help address any holiday season-induced sleep struggles. The nutrient works by activating the parasympathetic nervous system to promote relaxation — key for a good night’s sleep, Giordano points out. And better zzz’s don’t just occur in a bubble: They can help relieve stress, enhance mental performance and support the immune system, among other perks, according to the Sleep Foundation.

Boosts Energy

Cocktails containing vitamin B complex (aka a mixture of all eight B vitamins) can be a surefire way to experience a much-needed pick-me-up. That’s because “B vitamins contribute to cellular function in a multitude of ways, which results in optimal energy, detoxification and more,” says Dolgetta. Take vitamin B12, for example: While more research is needed on its impact on energy levels in humans without a deficiency, B12 is believed to reduce your chance of fatigue thanks to its role in energy metabolism.

Revives Skin

As if winter’s cold, dry weather didn’t wreak enough havoc on your skin, the holiday season sure can do the trick. There’s the dehydrating nature of flying, the increased consumption of sugar, gluten and alcohol, the high stress levels, the change in usual routines (think: exercise, sleep), the list goes on. The good news? Your skin is resilient and can bounce back — that is with a little help, such as that from an IV infusion. IV therapy is especially effective at replenishing electrolytes and hydrating the body from head to toe, including any parched skin.

RELATED: How to Winterize Your Skincare Routine

Giordano recommends looking for drips that contain collagen, a protein that’s one of the main building blocks of skin. Plus, science has shown that it can aid with hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Infusions with zinc (e.g. the Myers’ cocktail) can also nourish your skin at a cellular level thanks to the nutrient’s ability to promote collagen production, she explains.

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