At Hawaii Naturopathic Retreat Center, Intravenous (IV) Therapy is administered frequently for a wide variety of conditions. We use IV therapy to boost the immune system, support detoxification, treat chronic illness such as asthma, heart disease, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, Parkinson’s disease and manage withdrawal symptoms in addiction from drugs or alcohol. We also use IV therapy for malnutrition due to cancer progression and eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia. We use high dose vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), glutathione (GSH) and artemisinin infusions as part of a comprehensive cancer treatment.
Nutrients can be delivered intravenously in two different ways, through a push or a drip. A push is used for 50 ccs or less and an IV drip is used for larger quantities up to 1000ml of fluid. Nutrients are suspended in solutions such as saline, distilled water or a lactated ringer.
The length of treatment varies. For chronic diseases the treatment is pursued until full recovery, two or three times per week. For addiction treatment, the IVs are administered daily for the first two weeks of the detoxification process.
Intravenous nutrient therapy is a way to deliver therapeutic (high) doses of vitamins, minerals and amino acids in higher concentrations and without the gastro-intestinal side effects of oral administration. IV infusions consist of single nutrients or a combination of nutrients that has shown to be useful in the treatment of specific conditions.
The Myers’ cocktail, named by Dr. Gaby in honor of its creator, is composed of a balanced combination of vitamins and minerals. The Myers’ cocktail consists of magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C. It has been shown to be effective against acute asthma attacks, migraines, fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia, acute muscle spasm, upper respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, cardiovascular disease, and many other disorders.
The immune support drip consists of nutrients such as Vitamin C, selenium and zinc. It helps the body fight infections.
A combination of amino acids, vitamins and minerals indicated in the treatment of eating disorders or cancer.
All 22 Amino acids can be used individually or as a complex in the treatment of anxiety disorders or drug withdrawal from opiates and benzodiazepines. Amino acids such as Phenylalanine and tryptophan are neurotransmitter precursors that may be depleted and the amino acids tryptophan; glycine and taurine have a calming effect. Amino acid infusions have been shown to ease withdrawal symptoms and facilitate the weaning off process.
Glutathione is a major antioxidant of the body. It is found essentially in the liver where its function is to remove drugs, carcinogens and heavy metals. Glutathione is depleted in many conditions featuring high toxicity levels. The administration of IV glutathione has shown dramatic results with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, brain cancer and fatty liver from alcoholism or hepatitis C.
Glutathione also shows benefits for multiple sclerosis, stroke, depression, stamina and performance enhancement, asthma, hepatitis, fatty liver and cirrhosis and all types of cancer. Glutathione is administered by itself as a push, following an ALA infusion, immune support drip or on alternate days with high doses of Vitamin C in the treatment of cancer.
An important component of cell membranes, phosphatidylcholine contains choline, a precursor to acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter in our brain and muscular system. Infusions of phosphatidylcholine have shown to improve memory, help regenerate the liver in fatty liver disease and cirrhosis due to hepatitis C and alcoholism. We also use phosphatidylcholine infusions in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
ALA is an excellent antioxidant and heavy metal chelator. ALA helps to regenerate glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E. Therapeutic doses of ALA restores the liver and can reverse liver damage due to hepatitis C. ALA improves insulin sensitivity and is used to treat Type 2 diabetes. ALA and low dose naltrexone are used for cancer treatment, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic Lupus Erytematosus (SLE). Dr. Berkson developed a triple anti-oxidant therapy to reverse chronic liver damage due to cancer: His experience shows that ALA, silymarin (milk thistle compound) and selenium are effective in reversing metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is used as an antioxidant in doses less than 30 grams and as a pro-oxidant in high doses ranging from 30 grams to 100 grams. Vitamin C is used in a large variety of blends along with B vitamins and other compounds for wound healing, infections and immune support or drug withdrawal. It is used on its own in doses ranging from 50 to 100 grams in the treatment of cancer.
Oxidative intravenous therapies include: high dose vitamin C, hydrogen peroxide and artemisinin.
We are familiar with the more popular free radical quenching antioxidant therapies. Oxidative therapy is the opposite. Oxidative therapies increase free radicals such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and use cancer cells’ deficiencies in antioxidant enzymes such as catalase to promote cancer cell death. Oxidative therapies are used to kill cancer cells.
Vitamin C and hydrogen peroxide work in the same way. Once in the cell, vitamin C transforms into hydrogen peroxide, which is toxic, the cells in particular cancer cells. To be efficacious vitamin C must attain therapeutic levels in the blood, requiring a speedy delivery. High dose vitamin C should be administered separately from glutathione.
Prior to starting treatment with high dose vitamin C intravenously, patients are screened for for G6PD levels. Normal range is essential and required to insure beneficial effects of the therapy. Patients receive 25 grams to 100 grams of vitamin C per infusion to attain therapeutic doses, which have proven to kill cancer cells (High doses vitamin C in Alternative Cancer Treatment). At Hawaii Naturopathic Retreat Center we source vitamin C for infusion that has been compounded from non-corn sources like casaba melon.
Cancer cells sequester high levels of iron. Artemisinin has a high affinity for iron and is attracted to cancer cells. Upon entering the cancer cells it reacts with the iron to form reactive oxygen species that kill the cell. Healthy cells are spared.
Chelation is the irreversible chemical binding of a metal ion to a ring structure. Chlorophyll is a chelate of magnesium and hemoglobin is a chelate of iron. In the same way, EDTA chelates heavy metals by irreversibly binding to them and mobilizing them from their tissue stores.
We use different chelating agents and different routes of administration depending on the toxic metal we want to chelate.
Chelation is indicated in the following conditions: obesity, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Chelation has been proven to prevent heart attacks and strokes by 23%, reduce heart surgery by 19%, and death by 7% (Source: TACT, trial to assess chelation therapy, JAMA. 2013; 309(12): 1241-1250. doi: 10.1001/jama.2013.2107).
Research shows the efficacy of EDTA chelation in the treatment of coronary artery disease. EDTA successfully reduces atherosclerotic plaque accumulated in the coronary arteries and removes lead and other toxic minerals from the body tissues. Lead in particular, has been shown to contribute to heart disease. EDTA chelation therapy involves repeated administration of EDTA. Prior to starting the therapy, a provocative test is conducted to assess the body toxic burden. We use either a urine DMSA challenge test or an EDTA mobilization test.
Doctors Data – Urine Toxic Metals test assessment info, Sample Test Result Report
Hot Topics – Townsend Newsletter – The Use of Provocation Testing for Toxic Element Burden
Lead exposure inhibits nitric oxide formation. Nitric oxide plays a key role in the health of arteries. Nitric oxide functions to dilate blood vessels, reduce platelet stickiness, prevent plaque formation and reduce LDL cholesterol.
While patients are being infused at our facility they are able to watch educational films or quietly relax in comfortable lounge chairs, read or do some personal work.
EDTA binds readily to iron and can be used effectively to chelate iron in iron overload hemochromatosis or other conditions with excess iron.
The treatment guidelines have been defined by ACAM. ACAM has practiced and trained physicians for over 30 years in the treatment of heart disease with EDTA chelation therapy.
The treatment consists of approximately 30 sessions, each 3 hours long. EDTA chelates beneficial minerals as well as toxic minerals. Therefore, magnesium, potassium and B vitamins are added to the solution to replace the loss in those minerals and vitamins.
The following chart has been composed by Doctors Data Lab
| ELEMENT | SOURCES | SYMPTOMS | CHELATORS |
| Aluminum(Al) | Beverage cans; pots and pans; foil; metal alloys; water treatment; furnace linings; antacids; antiperspirant; astringents; buffered aspirin; food additives; injectables; dialysis; cosmetics; colloidal mineral products |
Pulmonary Disease; Osteomalacia; Neurotoxicity; Suspected cause of Alzheimer’s Disease |
1. EDTA |
| Antimony(Sb) | Smelters; coal-fired plants; refuse incinerators; tobacco smoke; antihelmithic/antiprotozoal agents; Automobile batteries; solder; sheet metal; pipes; bearings; castings; ammunition; cable sheathing; pewter; semiconductors; aluminum; gallium; infrared detectors; thermoelectric devices; Trioxide: flame retardants; plastics; textiles; rubber, adhesives; paper; pigments; paint; ceramics; pesticides; fireworks |
Topical/Respiratory Irritant; Dizziness; HA; Insomnia; Anosmia; HTN; Spontaneous Abortion; Menstrual Disturbances; ECG Abnormalities |
1. DMPS/ DMSA 2. EDTA |
| Arsenic(As) | Lime manufacturing; automobile batteries; asphalt; asphalt felts and coatings; lead and copper refining (smelters); wood preservative; pesticides(primarily cotton) ; insecticides; herbicides; algicides; growth stimulants for plants and animals; lead oxide; glass; Keratosis; electronics; semiconductors; PVC’s; metallurgy; pigments; electroplating; well water; seafood and shellfish; smog; rodenticides; fungicides |
Respiratory/GI Irritant; Lyphocytopenia; Anemia; Birth Defects; Anxiety; Carcinogenic (skin, lung…); Cardiac Arrhythmias; Neurotoxicity; Depression; Garlic Breath; HA; Hyperpigmentation of Skin; Keratosis; Neuralgia/ Neuropathy; PVC’s; Spontanous Abortion; Nephritis |
1. DMPS 2. DMSA |
| Bromine(Br) | Kelp/seaweed, nuts, citrus flavored soft drinks; water purification; pesticides; fumigants; photographic film; dyes; leaded fuel additive; brominated flame retardants: Carpet, upholstery, electronics, mattresses; bromocriptine (hyperprolactinemia), OTC Antitussives |
GI Inflammation; Asthma; Thyroid Dysfunction; Goiter; HA; Nephritis; Hypotension; Pharyngitis |
|
| Cadmium(Cd) | Asphalt; asphalt felts and coatings; lime manufacturing; batteries; metal plating; pigments; plastics; paints; metal soldering and welding; ; electroplating; semiconductors; metallurgy; photography; printing; textiles; food-shellfish, liver and kidney meat; cigarette smoke; fertilizer; drinking water; fungicides; rubber; photoconductors |
Respiratory/GI Irritant; Nephrotoxicity; Anemia; Behavioral Changes; Cancer (lung, prostate…); Emphysema; HA HTN; Osteomalacia; Autoimmune Disorders; Immunosuppression; Neurotoxicity; Birth Defects; Infertility |
1. EDTA 2. DMPS (may dissociate at kidney if urine not alkalized) |
| Flourine(F) | Toothpaste; fluoridated drinking water; infant formula; processed cereals; non-organic grape juices;wine; beer; soda; tea (higher in decaf); glass etching;refrigerants; cockroach insecticide fluoridated salt; non-stick coatingsRx: Anesthetics: (Enflurane, Isoflurane & Sevoflurane);fluconazole; fluoroquinolone antibiotics, and linezolid antibiotics,Prozac/fluoxetine, efavirenz, fluorouracil, flurbiprofen,fenfluramine, cerivastatin, paxil, fluvoxamine, astemizole (allergy),cisapride, fluvastatin, fluocinonide & fluocinolone (topical corticosteroids); fluticasone & flunisolide; fluocinolone acetonide(intravitreal implant); fludarabine (antiviral); fludrocortisone;antimalarial drugs |
Hypocalcemia; Ligament Calcification (ribs,pelvis); Osteomalacia; Arrhythmias; HA; Neuropathy; Vertigo; Anemia; Freon/ Respiratory Irritant; Male Reproductive Toxin |
|
| Lead(Pb) | Lead crystal; pesticides; batteries; sheet lead; solder; pipes; roofing materials; caulking; buckles; petroleum refining; radiation protection; pigments; paints; plastics; ceramics; electrical devices; ballast; tv glass; brass; bronze; gasoline; ammunition; mining; electrical wire insulation; drinking water; fertilizer; candle wicks |
GI Symptoms; Colic; Anemia; Neurotoxicity; Neuropathy; Hepatotoxicity, P-450 Enzyme Inh; ECG Abnormalities; Infertility; Gingival Lead Lines; Ototoxicity; Growth Retardation; Developmental Delay; Psychomotor impairment; Fatigue; Anxiety; HA; Immunotoxicity; Cancer |
1. EDTA/ DMSA 2. DMPS |
| Mercury (Hg) | Thermometers; batteries; fish; Pigments; bactericides; antiseptic creams; skin lightening creams; fireworks; dental amalgams; pesticides; asphalt; agricultural chemical; photography; taxidermy; electrical equipment; electroplating; felt making; textiles; interior paint before 1990; hemorrhoidal preparations; hospital wastes; waste incineration; paper industry; explosives; fungicides |
Fatigue; Neurotoxicity; Emotional Disturbances; Neuropathy; Altered Libido; Birth Defects; Spontaneous Abortion; Excessive Salivation; Tremors; Irritability; Menstrual Disorders; Autoimmune Disease; Nephritis | 1. DMPS/DMSA |
| Nickel(Ni) | Jewelry; coins; stainless-steel; ceramics; pigments; cast iron; batteries; electroplating; metal alloys; electrical circuits; dyes; pesticides; lime manufacturing, asphalt; tobacco smoke; volcanoes; power plants; waste incinerators; diesel exhaust; cocoa; hydrogenated oils |
Dermatitis; Respiratory Irritation Cancer; Emphysema; Colic; Excessive Salivation; Fatigue; HA; Muscle Pain; Vertigo; Hepato/ Nephrotoxicity; Male Infertility |
1. EDTA 2. DMPS |
| Tin(Sn) | Antihelminthic drugs, bactericides; brass; bronze; coated wire; colored glass; dental materials; dyes; electronics; fabrics; fencing; fingernail polish; flooring; food canning; fungicide; glass; leather; mining; nuclear reactors; paints; paper; perfumes; pesticides; pewter; pharmaceuticals; pipes; polyurethane foams; rodent repellants; ropes; silicone; silverware; soaps; soft plastics; soldering material; wood preservative; food additives; toothpaste (past); plastics; paints; flame retardants; cosmetics; bleaching agents; rodenticides |
Topical/Respiratory/GI Irritant; Pneumoconiosis; Neurotoxicity; Immunosuppression; Photophobia; HA; Impaired Memory; Hepato/ Nephrotoxicity; Behavioral Changes; Vertigo; Anemia; Birth Defects |
1. DMPS/ DMSA 2. EDTA |
| Tungsten(W) | Light bulbs; carbide tools; ammunition; fishing sinkers; golf clubs; ceramic pigments; textile dyes/waterproofing/flame retardants |
Topical/Respiratory Irritant, Pneumoconiosis; Lung Cancer; Antagonism of Molybdenum |
1. DMPS/ DMSA |
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