IV Therapy for Liver Disease: What You Need to Know

The liver is a vital organ involved in hundreds of body functions. It acts as a bodyguard to our blood — filtering toxins and removing old red blood cells. Our livers transform nutrients into usable energy. Without it, our bodies would shut down.

Various liver diseases can impair healthy function. IV therapy is gaining recognition as a supportive treatment for liver disease. By bypassing the digestive system, it ensures rapid absorption of essential substances. 

Medical professionals administer IV therapy to help alleviate symptoms and enhance liver function.

What Is Liver Disease?

Liver disease happens when toxins overwhelm your liver. There are many types of liver conditions, some treatable and some that need lifelong care. 

If you have liver disease, you're not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 4.5 million adults in the United States have liver disease. 

Stages of Liver Disease

Chronic liver disease is a long-term illness that may get worse over time. It progresses through four stages:  

1. Hepatitis: The liver becomes inflamed in response to toxicity. Causes of hepatitis include viral infections, alcohol consumption, medications or medical conditions. Five strains of hepatitis exist, from A to E. The treatment depends on the type of hepatitis.
2. Fibrosis: Long-lasting or repeated hepatitis inflammation can cause scarring. During fibrosis, cell-repairing collagen builds up, stiffening the tissues. The scar tissue impairs blood flow, decreasing the liver's nutrient and oxygen access. Fibrosis reversal is possible if caught early. 
3. Cirrhosis: The liver cannot repair itself when fibrosis damage becomes too significant, and cirrhosis is severe scarring. Treating the underlying cause can slow or stop cirrhosis, but there is no cure. 
4. Liver failure: When the liver loses function, it shuts down. A liver transplant is the only treatment option at this final stage. 

Symptoms of Liver Disease

Liver disease may not show signs in the beginning phases. Symptoms that may indicate early-stage liver disease include:

• Acute hepatitis.
• Fever.
• Stomach ache.
• Nausea or appetite loss.
• Fatigue or feeling generally unwell.

Liver function declines in later-stage liver disease, which can cause:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin).
• Dark urine.
• Difficulty digesting.
• Weight and muscle loss.
• Hepatic encephalopathy (brain impairment caused by toxin buildup in the blood).

IV Therapies for Liver Support

The following IV treatments contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to support liver function:  

Glutathione

Glutathione is a tripeptide antioxidant comprising three amino acids — glutamate, glycerine and cysteine. A glutathione IV for liver health may provide the following benefits:

• Decreases oxidative stress: Glutathione reduces oxidative stress present in many types of liver disease. 
• Promotes detoxification: Glutathione plays a role in the metabolization of toxic substances. It helps to detoxify chemical and natural pollutants.
• Lowers inflammation: Free radicals contribute to inflammation. Since glutathione neutralizes free radicals, it may also lessen inflammation in the body.  
• Reduces fatty liver disease cell damage: Fat buildup in the liver can result in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Antioxidant deficiency causes accelerated cell death. Glutathione promotes enzymes, proteins and bilirubin in the blood to decrease cell damage.  

IV providers add glutathione into treatments with other substances to enhance overall health. 

Myers' Cocktail 

The Myers' Cocktail is a popular IV drip for liver function. It contains a combination of health-supporting ingredients, such as:

• B complex: Five B vitamins collaborate to form one super team. B complex boosts energy and aids cellular function.
• Glutathione: Along with its oxidative-stress-busting properties, glutathione can also help immune function.
• Magnesium: A mineral that enhances circulatory and cardiovascular health. 
• Saline: This solution is sterile saltwater pumped full of electrolytes and replenishing fluids. 
• Vitamin B12: Liver disease can cause fatigue and impair blood function. Vitamin B12 alleviates tiredness and supports the blood and nerves.
• Vitamin C: Studies show vitamin C regulates liver function and may protect against NAFLD.
• Zinc: This infection-fighting enzyme can slow liver fibrosis and help with tissue repair.  

Myers' Cocktail provides plenty of hydration to nourish the liver and flush toxins. 

NAD+

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a crucial coenzyme for cell metabolism. Studies show that NAD+ can enhance liver regeneration and alleviate NAFLD.    

Advantages of NAD+ for liver disease include:

• Minimizes oxidative stress: NAD+ neutralizes free radicals to combat oxidative stress.
• Cell regeneration: Higher NAD+ concentration contributes to the replacement of damaged cells. 
• Promotes brain function: Cell regeneration can assist with neuron health. 
• Alleviates fatigue: NAD+ helps convert food into energy and fight fatigue.
• Aids substance abuse recovery: Alcohol abuse can be a cause of liver disease. Research shows that NAD+ can reduce cravings and withdrawals associated with addiction. 

Other positive effects of NAD+ therapy include improved mood and sleep regulation.

Benefits of IV Therapy for Liver Disease

IV therapy infuses the bloodstream with nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Here's how IV treatment can support liver function:

1. Nutrient Absorption

Liver disease can impair digestive processes. IV therapy bypasses the digestive system to deliver nutrients straight into the bloodstream. This nutrient therapy for liver disease allows the body to absorb vital substances. The liver receives vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

2. Rapid hydration 

The liver needs water to function. In the hepatitis stage of liver disease, doctors recommend drinking fluids to help flush toxins. Hydration can help restore balance in the liver and prevent dehydration.  

IV therapy is quick and efficient. An IV drip contains a saline solution and electrolytes to replenish the body.  

3. Detoxification

An excess of toxins contributes to liver disease. Liver detox IV treatment contains substances to support the elimination of toxins. Oxidative stress is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants that causes cell damage. 

An IV drip for liver function includes antioxidants to neutralize free radicals. Research shows that certain antioxidants can stimulate the liver to generate detoxifying substances. 

The saline solution used in IV therapy promotes hydration, which further aids detoxification.

4. Symptom Management

IV therapy can help to manage symptoms associated with liver disease, such as:

• Hepatitis: Hydration helps to eliminate toxins that cause hepatitis.
• Fatigue: IV drips contain energy-boosting substances to ease tiredness.
• Inflammation: Glutathione and vitamin C can reduce inflammation (more on that later!).
• Pain: IV fluid containing zinc and vitamin C helps with pain management. 
• Weight loss: By delivering nutrients straight into the bloodstream, IVs give your body needed nutrition. 

It's important to note IV therapy can assist in managing the symptoms of liver disease, along with additional medical treatments. 

Support Your Liver With IV Therapy From Mobile IV Nurses

At Mobile IV Nurses, we understand the impact of liver disease on your quality of life. Our IV drips contain essential enzymes, such as glutathione and zinc, to help detoxify and support the liver. 

Medical professionals travel to provide you with high-quality IV therapy at home. We are passionate about enriching patients' health, and our team is here to help you feel your best.

We provide mobile services across Arizona, Florida, Tennesee and Utah. Schedule an appointment online today.