What is the Myers’ Cocktail?
During the 1960ѕ, Dr. John Myers, an internist from Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, determined that our digestive detox and absorption rates caused only a tiny amount of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that we take in our food or pills are absorbed into our bloodstream. Apparently, only about 15% of those nutrients which we consume orally actually find their way into our blood and cells. When you get an intravenous line {“IV”} however, (where they insert a soft, flexible tube inside a vein, often in the hand or arm) those nutrients, fluids, and amino acids can enter your bloodstream directly, giving you a much higher concentration of those items so your cells can absorb and use them immediately.
The vitamins and minerals Dr. Myers used had actually been available in IV form for years. Still, no one had ever considered combining them into an intravenous “cocktail,” so to speak. First, Dr. Myers used the IV cocktails on lab animals, and then later, on himself. Forty years later, hundreds of thousands of Myers’ cocktails are used every year by doctors interested in nutrition.
For many years, Dr. Myers’ cocktail consisted of magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C. He used it to treat a wide range of clinical conditions. He mainly found it effective against acute asthma attacks, migraines, fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia, acute muscle spasm, upper respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, cardiovascular disease, and other disorders.
Many people can be heard on the Internet talking about IV therapy and Vitamin B12 and report that these cocktails can help physical performance and getting rid of the “blues” – a feeling of being tired and generally lethargic. Although the original Myers’ cocktail may work for many ailments, healthcare providers often tailor similar treatments for their patients to meet their specific needs.
Some studies show that vitamin B6 (up to 50 mg per day) and B12 can relieve muscle weakness found in hyperthyroidism. People who suffer from acute muscle spasms, insomnia, or very high levels of stress, could have a magnesium deficiency and can benefit from these intravenous treatments, which will bring their magnesium concentration to a better grade.
Some Myers’ Cocktails can include:
VITAMINS: Vitamin C, B Complex vitamins, and Vitamin B12
CALCIUM: Calcium helps with strength and bone formation. It can also help manage irregular heartbeats.
MAGNESIUM: Magnesium is usually stored in bones, muscles, and soft tissues. It can help to reduce migraines, tiredness and muscle spasms. It may even help people at risk for cardiovascular diseases.
ZINC: Zinc has been found to help control the immune system. Since Zinc is not naturally created in the body, you have to take it or it can lead to numerous health issues.
GLUTATHIONE: Glutathione is a strong antioxidant that naturally occurs in the body. Glutathione helps the immune system and has been shown to help prevent cancer, cystic fibrosis, HIV, and the aging process.
SALINE SOLUTION: All ingredients for the Myers’ cocktail are blended in an IV bag, which also consists of normal saline.
There is no specific answer to who should consider getting a Myers’ cocktail infusion. Some studies have found that the cocktail may help patients who:
- Suffer from low energy
- Are athletic
- Exercise regularly
- Suffer from chronic fatigue
- Require intravenous hydration
- Try to find help for hangovers or withdrawal symptoms
- Suffer from depression or anxiety
Because the cocktails are made of vitamins and minerals, most patients can handle them without side effects. And, since they are administered intravenously versus orally (and therefore going through your digestive system), the higher concentration of vitamins can be easily absorbed and available more quickly to the body.