Known to treat anything from fatigue, to muscle cramps, to sinus infections, IV therapy is quickly becoming a popular form of medical treatment. In particular, IV therapy is shown to have some pretty amazing benefits for surgery recovery, relieving general pains and speeding up the healing process. When you receive IV therapy, you may be given one of many IV fluids, each which has a different effect on the body. Here, Pearl Recovery Retreat and Wellness discusses some of the different types of IV fluid.

Crystalloids

Crystalloids are some of the most common forms of IV fluid. These solutions are typically used to replace a patient’s fluids and replenish vital nutrients. To replenish nutrients, electrolytes, (such as sodium and chloride) or sugars (such as glucose) are dissolved into the water. Because the electrolytes and sugars dissolve in the water, they can easily pass through your blood cell’s semipermeable membrane which acts similar to a coffee filter – some particles can get through while other cannot.

The effect a crystalloid fluid has on the body varies depending on the nutrient. For example, if the crystalloid fluid contains sodium, it can expand your blood plasma which helps your body heal and repair after surgery or significant blood loss.

Colloids

In IV therapy, colloids are somewhat the opposite of crystalloids. Instead of containing particles that can pass through the semipermeable membrane, colloid fluids contain large proteins that cannot pass into the cells. The longer these proteins remain in your blood vessels, the more your blood expands. Additionally, these proteins can attract water molecules into your bloodstream, which can temporarily combat dehydration.

Myers’ Cocktail

Unlike crystalloids and colloids, a Myers’ Cocktail is not a traditional form of IV therapy, but it can still have some pretty amazing nutritional benefits. Containing various nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, vitamin B, and vitamin C, a Myers’ Cocktail works to increase the vital nutrients in your bloodstream. Although you can get these nutrients from food and drinks, a Myers’ Cocktail bypasses the digestive process and delivers nutrients to the bloodstream directly, allowing you to heal more quickly and effectively.

IV Therapy at Pearl Recovery

At Pearl Recovery Retreat and Wellness, we hope to make your surgery recovery as comfortable and effective as possible. In addition to our quiet, luxurious recovery room and our experienced private duty nursing staff, we offer the latest advances in post-surgery care, including IV therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. To more about our services or schedule your visit, contact Pearl Recovery today.