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Myers’ Cocktail IV: An Effective Immune Booster

April 27, 2020

By: Dr. Sarv Varta Khalsa, NMD

The immune system protects the body against infection and disease. It is a complex and integrated system of cells, tissues, and organs that have specialized roles in defending against foreign substances and pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The immune system also functions to guard against the development of cancer. Sometimes the immune system becomes compromised or weakened, leading to frequent colds and flus, chronic viral infections, auto-immunity, and potentially even cancer. It’s important to support the immune system by eating a nutritious diet, engaging in regular exercise, and getting adequate sleep. However, in addition to this, targeted supplementation of various nutrients can help to boost the immune system to treat or prevent disease.

A vitamin cocktail, known as a Myers’ Cocktail, can be used to improve immune function. The Myers’ cocktail is an intravenous vitamin and mineral infusion that was developed by John Myers, M.D., in the 1970′s. It contains vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, and magnesium in a base of sterile water. By administering the vitamins directly into the bloodstream, it bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and allows for maximal absorption and utilization of the nutrients.

Gleeful woman at lake
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

The Myers’ cocktail is a very effective treatment to boost the immune system. If you have a cold or flu, these IVs can help you to recover much faster or even prevent the onset if others around you are sick. It’s an excellent treatment to consider during the cold and flu season. The Myers’ cocktail IV is very safe and generally well tolerated. For colds and flus, it may be recommended as a single treatment or perhaps a short series to boost the immune system and prevent a recurrence of infection. A more extended series (6-12 weekly IVs) can also be used in treating chronic viral infections such as EBV (Epstein Barr virus), which can become re-activated in people who have a compromised immune system, often leading to chronic fatigue. The frequency of IV treatment varies according to the individual’s needs and is determined by you and your doctor.

A Review of Some of the Key Nutrients Included in the Myers’ Cocktail IV:

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body’s cells against reactive oxygen species that are generated by immune cells to kill pathogens (bacteria and viruses). Primarily through this role, vitamin C affects several components of innate and adaptive immunity. Vitamin C has been shown to stimulate both the production and function of leukocytes (white blood cells). Neutrophils, which attack foreign bacteria and viruses, seem to be the primary cell type stimulated by vitamin C, but lymphocytes and other phagocytes are also affected. Several studies have shown that supplemental vitamin C increases serum levels of antibodies and C1q complement proteins in guinea pigs, which, like humans, cannot synthesize vitamin C and hence depend on dietary vitamin C. 

Vitamin B12

Patients with a vitamin B12 deficiency have been shown to have suppressed natural killer cell activity and decreased numbers of circulating lymphocytes. Research has shown that these immunomodulatory effects were corrected by treating vitamin B12 deficiencies with supplemental B12.

Bottle of vitamins
Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

Vitamin B6

Animal and human studies have demonstrated that vitamin B6 deficiency impairs aspects of adaptive immunity, including both humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Specifically, deficiency in this micronutrient has been shown to affect lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation, and maturation, as well as cytokine and antibody production. Correcting the vitamin B6 deficiency with supplementation restores the affected immune functions.

Vitamin B5

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is the chief precursor to coenzyme A (CoA), a necessary enzymatic co-factor in the body. CoA plays a significant role in the metabolism of fatty acids, cholesterol, amino acids, vitamins A and D, and steroid hormones. A deficiency in pantothenic acid affects the adrenal glands, the immune system, the cardiovascular system, as well as the overall metabolism of lipids. While severe deficiencies are rare, many systems are compromised by insufficient pantothenic acid, including the immune system.

Magnesium

Magnesium (Mg) has been the subject of extensive research because it is one of the most essential micronutrients. It is involved in hundreds of metabolic processes in the body, and particularly, magnesium has a strong relationship with the immune system, in both nonspecific and specific immune response, also known as innate and acquired immune response. Evidence shows that magnesium plays a key role in the immune response, as a co-factor for immunoglobulin synthesis, immune cell adherence, antibody-dependent cytolysis, IgM lymphocyte binding, macrophage response to lymphokines and T helper–B cell adherence.

Calcium

Calcium signals in cells of the immune system participate in the regulation of cell differentiation, gene transcription, and effector functions. 

Scientists studying the cellular processes underlying the body’s response to healing have revealed how a flash of calcium is the very first step in repairing damaged tissue. This flash of calcium signal goes on to activate an enzyme known as DUOX that synthesizes hydrogen peroxide, which, in turn, attracts the first white blood cells to the wound. This white blood cell invasion, which is initiated during our inflammatory responses, is needed to kill off invading microbes and stop the onset of septicemia following tissue damage. These findings indicate that the wound-induced calcium flash represents the earliest identified signal after obtaining a wound and might, therefore, orchestrate the rapid recruitment of immune cells. Calcium is an important messenger through which the kinetics of lymphocyte activation is regulated, and plays an essential role in T lymphocyte homeostasis, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. 

Myers’ cocktail IVs are an effective treatment for boosting the immune system in both acute and chronic conditions. The necessity and frequency of the IVs are individualized and can be determined by your doctor. 

If you’d like to learn more about how Myers’ cocktail IV can help your immune system, call 480-588-6856 to schedule a FREE brief meet and greet with one of our naturopathic doctors.

To Learn How to Boost Your Immune System at Home, We’ve Prepared a Free Natural Immune Support Guide, Which Includes Our at-Home Therapies to Help Your Immune System Heal as Quickly as Possible!

Get Our Free Natural Immune Support Guide!

Filed Under: Blogs, Naturopathic Therapies

Jill Mapstead
Jill Mapstead
2022-03-22
Can’t say enough about Dr. Marianne Marchese! Her commitment to women’s wellness, calm, knowledgeable, non-judgemental guidance and insightful diagnoses / treatment has me turn to her for all my wellness needs. She takes the time to really listen. I feel heard and valued in her care.
Marc Cohn
Marc Cohn
2022-01-08
We had a great first visit with Dr. Turner and we look forward to continuing to work with her. She provides true support and guidance to better health. Alexandra Cohn
Ivana Kalika
Ivana Kalika
2021-12-24
I'm writing my review for Dr. Sarv Varta Khalsa. I met with her a few months ago to receive treatment for a condition I'd been dealing with for an extensive amount of time. She was incredibly kind and took the time to listen to all the details of the symptoms I was experiencing. The office had the prescriptions I needed on-hand so I didn't need to go off-site to find them. All natural remedies, and at comparatively good prices (I don't remember how much exactly, but if they were up-charging, which I doubt, I didn't notice nor would I have minded for the convenience). I'm still symptom-free now after following her recommendations, so I wanted to write a review to express my gratitude. Even though the appointment was pricey, it was worth every single penny to finally be able to live my life feeling normal again. Thank you so much!!
Irene Nicholas
Irene Nicholas
2021-12-15
What's better than a Naturopathic Dr.... Dr. Olivia Watkins!!! I have been working with her for over a year and have learned so much about myself, she is truly a team partner in my journey. She is experienced in ANYTHING you may be experiencing. I consider her my primary physician... you should too!!!
Stephanie Llamas
Stephanie Llamas
2021-11-29
Dr. Watkins is nothing short of incredible. She is kind and personable, while extremely smart and results driven. I have suffered from digestive and hormonal issues my whole life and it wasn't until I met Dr. Watkins that I finally felt heard by a Dr and saw a difference in my health. I can confidently say that my body has never felt this good and we are still working to be even better. If you are ready to feel better and feel heard from your doctor, then run, don't walk to Living Wellness.
D Bach
D Bach
2021-11-10
Dr Olivia Watkins offers a beautiful aura of sincere loving support that I will forever cherish, as she exudes and radiates a beautiful light towards her patients' health care needs. Also, her staff, Joslyn and Ariana are as sweet as they come and have been as helpful as can be to me. One issue I had (and have had a few) was a lack of nutrient absorption and it was Dr Olivia who helped me change that status (thank God!) which I'm already seeing immediate results from and I've had this issue for years which my nails and hair loss were severely revealing! I've also experienced so much stress in the last year and a half, that having Dr Olivia as part of my healing process has made all the difference in my recovery to a more whole being! At this point, I seriously don't know what I'd do without her, as she is now my go-to health advocate and will be to my end days. Dr Olivia is a GodSend! Don't hesitate to call her office. High fives for the brightest healing light you could ever pray for in life! After eight long years, Dr Olivia just recently finished her GM residency and once again, I must congratulate her on such discipline and hard work as it has obviously paid off in spades! Long live Dr Olivia!
Kristin A
Kristin A
2021-09-19
I love Dr. Marchese and so glad I found her last year. She has helped me so much with my health. I have recommended her to several people and they love her too.
Kelly leibrandt
Kelly leibrandt
2021-07-28
Dr. Watkins is life changing! I am so grateful that I was referred to Living Wellness and her specifically. I’ve been dealing with severe stomach issues for 10 years and have gone through the ringer with the test, labs, and over-the-counter medicine suggested by other doctors. Dr. Watkins is so smart, thoughtful, and attentive to every detail so that she can really get down to the bottom of your problems. She feels like a teammate and a very strong coach and a friend all in one. I’m finally on my way to feeling better and I couldn’t have done this without her. If you’re struggling don’t even hesitate to see her or any of the staff at living wellness. I promise you won’t regret it!
Erica Brunkow
Erica Brunkow
2021-03-19
I saw Dr. Warkins several times and was overly impressed her. I was going through cancer treatments and she was compassionate and resourceful. We connected and I felt at such ease with her. She followed up with me multiple times to see how I was doing and feeling. I will continue to see her for any future Gyn needs.
Carey Miller
Carey Miller
2021-03-18
I began to see Dr. Watkins for some general Women's Health issues and she was incredible to work with. She helped my body become more balanced, pain was relieved naturally, and my body was prepared for a healthy pregnancy. She is kind, knowledgable, and very supportive!
Google rating score: 5 of 5, based on 27 reviews

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