If you consider yourself an athlete or enjoy training hard, you might be curious about the best way to replenish the electrolytes lost during periods of high intensity. Our bodies need electrolytes and use them during normal activity, but when we're more active – such as during a workout – we deplete them at a faster rate and often need to replenish them with sports drinks, electrolyte powders, or…IV therapy. That's right, sodium is an electrolyte, and it helps regulate the amount of water that's in and around your cells. At Onus IV, we use saline (which contains sodium) to help infuse your cells with amino acids & vitamins for pre & post workout occasions! However, when should you use electrolyte powders, and when should you try IV therapy? We’ve broken down the moments you might consider using these options for your active life below!
Which Should You Choose?
Electrolyte Powder
Great for mild to moderate dehydration, mixing electrolyte powders into water and drinking them orally provides an infusion of new electrolytes that can benefit your body after active periods. It's fast, and can often give your body the boost it needs to recover. However, many electrolyte powders contain A LOT of sugar, which is useful for helping to absorb electrolytes, however if you’re trying to avoid excessive sugar intake, you may want to check the label before making them part of your regular fitness routine. Too much sugar can actually worsen symptoms of dehydration, so it’s important to be mindful of your intake.
IV Therapy
Intravenous (IV) therapy might not be the first solution that comes to mind, but it has gained immense popularity in recent years among professional athletes and sports teams, including the NFL (75% of NFL teams use iV therapy to prevent cramping)*. IV drip services must be performed by a trained professional who can ensure it is administered correctly. IV therapy works faster than electrolyte powders as the solution doesn't need to be digested – in fact, it bypasses the digestive system entirely and instead delivers nutrients and electrolytes directly into the cells. In addition, a liter of saline can help alleviate symptoms of dehydration much faster than an electrolyte powder can.
*Source: PubMed:Seventy-five percent of National Football League teams use pregame hyperhydration with intravenous fluid
Is IV Therapy Safe?
When administered by a trained medical professional, IV therapy is just as safe at a hydration bar as it is in a hospital setting. Hydration bars are a relatively new concept, but the process is the same and every bit of care is taken to ensure that your experience is enjoyable. At Onus iV, all our staff are ER-Certified with a minimum of 2 years experience. We use a proprietary tether configuration (aptly named The B.O.S.S. System™) that enables us to regulate the flow of fluids based on how you're sitting so that each visit is smooth and coordinated.
What Does It Feel Like?
It feels like an hour of blissful relaxation and then….ahhhh. You won't actually feel much during the treatment, though there is the necessary, erm…poke…to get things going. You'll feel the effects once your treatment is complete, and then you're free to enjoy the day feeling elated, hydrated, and motivated.
Enjoy Comfortable IV Therapy at Onus IV
At OnusIV, our ER-trained nurses provide a comfortable and relaxing experience for those seeking quick results without the excess sugars contained in electrolyte powders. Whether you're working out hard, managing altitude sickness, or simply drank a few too many wobbly pops last night, Onus iV has specialized treatments that will help you take back your day and feel alive. Book your appointment now and get back to living #yourbestdays 😉