We’re all for exploring new ways to boost our energy levels, especially if they also benefit our skin. So we couldn’t say no to an IV vitamin infusion!
We’ll admit we’re guilty of chasing the glow as much as the next woman. So when we heard about Re:VitaLife Intravenous Vitamin Therapy Clinic – the first of its kind in Upper Highway – with infusions which do wonders for the skin, we jumped at the chance to meet with Dr Colleen Goodman, who advocates holistic and preventative medicine and care. Our Get It journo, Bronwyn Forbes-Hardinge reveals all.
Arriving at your first appointment, you’ll need to complete a history and medical questionnaire as well as a consent form. With Dr Colleen’s help, we decided the Energy Boost IV was best for me – with its high dose of vitamins and electrolytes, as well as an added bonus of magnesium to help me sleep better.
There is a range of IV treatments – for mood and brain, for anti-ageing, for gut health, weight loss and detox. There’s a Myer’s cocktail that’s useful in fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndromes, and the NAD+ or ‘The Fountain of Youth’ which is a super molecule infusion that reverses cell aging and is also used in recovery from addictions. The most popular treatments currently are the immune boost and energy boost infusions. No wonder. Everyone could do with a little more energy and the immune boost is great for keeping you healthy and also improving post-Covid symptoms!
I was taken through to a delightful little room with comfy reclining armchairs, and where bottled water and a muffin awaited me. A small cannula (the drip needle) was administered into a vein in my arm, which was not really painful or uncomfortable. If the doc is not available, IV sessions are overseen and administered by qualified healthcare professionals. In between explaining how things worked and what I could expect (a little tingling and a cold sensation initially as the liquid entered my vein and a metallic taste in my mouth (the muffin helped with this), we spoke about life and kids and health and the reason Dr Colleen was doing this.
Having worked in the Emergency Department and as a GP, her desire to help people get the most out of their health and wellness, by providing the body with all it needs (vitamins rather than chemicals), took centre stage. She says IV nutrition is more effective than anything taken orally, because while less than 30 per cent of nutrients taken orally are absorbed into our bodies, 100 per cent of IV nutrients are immediately available to your cells.
“In today’s lifestyle, so many of us lack not only nutrients like vitamins and minerals, but also anti-oxidants and amino acids,” she says. Dr Colleen has formulated infusions, for a variety of needs that she believes will help get people back to functioning at their best in these difficult times!
Some of the benefits of IV infusions
- 100 per cent bioavailability of the nutrients, which rapidly replenishes deficient nutrients
- Increases your energy levels
- Helps curb anxiety
- Helps rid your body of toxins and free radicals
- Assists with weight loss
- Rejuvenates and brightens skin, hair and nails
- Improves athletic performance and recovery
- Fast rehydration
- Boosts the immune system, preventing illness
- Improves overall wellness
The effects
There are not usually any negative ones and when it comes to the positive effects, some people feel an immediate effect, but most will feel the effects within 24 to 48 hours, says Dr Colleen. My appointment was scheduled at 2pm with a long weekend to follow which was by no means relaxing with lots of kids, lots of beach walks and lots of cooking. But in spite of my caffeine-free diet, I felt far more alert and energetic than I usually do after a long and busy day. The following day I had better focus and was more productive than usual, and my energy levels were stronger and lasted a lot longer. I also slept far better. Well … I actually slept!
The duration of the effect varies from person to person. If it is your first infusion the effects may be short lived, as the levels of the nutrients may drop again quite quickly. A weekly treatment over four weeks is recommended to build up blood levels, followed by a monthly boost for maximum benefit. One-off infusions are also beneficial especially for sports recovery and rehydration, which usually give more immediate results.
Just about everyone can benefit from vitamin and mineral IVs, which are considered safe. However, infusions are not administered to pregnant women or people with severe chronic conditions such as kidney failure and some cancers.
All the deets
The first consult and infusion takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Follow-up or regular infusions, take around 30 to 45 minutes. The infusions range from R250 to R1 950. You’ll find them at Hillcrest Surgical Unit in Meyrickton Park, Gillitts.
You can follow Dr Colleen on Facebook and Instagram: @ReVitaLifeSA or visit www.revitalife.co.za
Photo credits: Chanel Bergsma Photography
