IV Therapy in St. Albert
IV therapy delivers fluids, vitamins, and minerals directly into your bloodstream. At our clinic, it's never a one-size-fits-all drip. Our Naturopathic Doctors assess your health history and current care first, then decide whether IV therapy fits into your individualized plan and, if it does, which formula is right for you.
Provided by our RN, Solange, and overseen by our Naturopathic Doctors, who are regulated by the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta. We have been doing IV therapy safely and effectively for 20+ years at St. Albert Naturopathic Clinic.
About IV Therapy
What IV Therapy Means
IV (intravenous) therapy is a way of giving fluids and nutrients through a small catheter placed in a vein, usually in the arm. Because they enter the bloodstream directly, they don't have to pass through the digestive tract first.
You'll see a few related terms:
- IV infusion: a larger volume of fluid given slowly by drip, typically over 30 to 90 minutes.
- IV injection (or IV push): a smaller volume given directly into the vein over a few minutes.
- Intravenous injections and infusions can contain fluids alone, or fluids combined with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
In a naturopathic setting, IV therapy is a clinical treatment, not a walk-in menu item. Every formula is selected by a naturopathic doctor based on your assessment, health history, and any medications you take.
How IV Therapy Can Help
IV therapy gives your naturopathic doctor another way to provide nutritional and hydration support as part of a broader plan. Depending on your needs, it may be used for the following.
Whether IV therapy makes sense for you, and how often, depends on your individual health picture. That's a decision we make with you after an assessment, not before.
Provide fluids and electrolytes when hydration is a consideration
Deliver vitamins and minerals without relying on digestion and absorption through the gut
Complement other parts of your naturopathic plan, such as nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle guidance
Offer support that can be adjusted over time as your needs change
Types of IV Therapy We Offer
Who IV Therapy May Help
IV therapy may be worth discussing if you:
- Are working with a naturopathic doctor on persistent or complex concerns and want a comprehensive, individualized approach
- Have needs where digestion or absorption of oral supplements is a consideration
- Want hydration or nutrient support as part of a broader plan
- Want naturopathic care that complements the care you already receive from your physician or other healthcare providers
Our naturopathic doctors may include IV therapy in plans for a range of concerns, including stress, fatigue, and sleep, digestive health, and pain.
A note on safety: IV therapy isn't right for everyone. Certain heart and kidney conditions, some medications, pregnancy, and other health factors can affect whether it's appropriate and which formulas are safe. Some IVs, like higher-dose vitamin C, require bloodwork before your first treatment. That's why every IV at our clinic starts with an assessment.
Our Process: Determining If IV Therapy Is Right for You
Our Credentials & Approach
Experience & Staff
Our naturopathic doctors are regulated by the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta and our office has been supporting patients with IV therapy for 20+ years. We have Solange, our dedicated RN, running the IV department safely and effectively for 10+ years.
Philosophy
We see naturopathic care as one part of your broader healthcare team, and we're happy to work alongside the other providers you already trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IV therapy safe?
As with any therapy, the dose, delivery and monitoring of the therapy must be done properly. Therefore, no therapy is without risk. That is why we have a fantastic nurse dedicated to IV therapy. We have had no incidents or injuries in the 20+ years that we have been providing IV therapy.
Does it hurt?
Our office utilizes the smallest possible gauge angiocath in order to provide the IV therapy. While there is a tiny pinch as the needle is inserted, the angiocath allows the needle to be retracted and only the flexible delivery tube is left in the vein.
How is IV therapy different from taking supplements by mouth?
IV therapy allows higher concentrations of specific nutrients to enter the bloodstream and push into the body’s tissues. The digestive system will limit how much of any item can be absorbed and can limit the ability to reach optimal therapeutic dosing. Eg. Vitamin C taken orally will cause diarrhea for most people at 8 to 10 grams. Our cancer support protocols will reach doses of 60 grams to 75 grams with no GI side effects. Impossible reach such doses orally.
Can I get IV therapy if I take prescription medications?
Yes, that would be part of your consultation with your Naturopathic Doctor to assess your medications and your goals of therapy. Only then can IV therapy be properly considered.
Can I book an IV without an assessment?
Not at our clinic and any clinic that cares about their patients
How often will I need IV therapy?
The frequency of treatments would depend on your health goals, the type of IV chosen. Some patients require 1-2 Myer’s cocktails for only two weeks, and stage 4 cancer patients will come for high dose Vitamin C weekly for long term maintenance.
The perfect plan for you
IV therapy works best as part of a plan built around your individual needs. Book an assessment and find out whether it fits your care.