Myer’s cocktail: Sometimes your cells need a boost, too.

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Snail mail vs. E-mail – the difference between getting your vitamins intravenously vs. orally

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For the past several decades many practitioners in the alternative health field have administered IV nutrients to help patients with a variety of conditions. One such formulation has been used again and again, with great success. This preparation is commonly referred to as a Myer’s cocktail. Although the exact formulation and ratios vary slightly, they usually consist of a variety of B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, and at times trace minerals such as selenium. Historically this formula has been used to help treat asthma, chronic fatigue, upper respiratory infections, seasonal allergies, migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic sinusitis, and others. One of the benefits of giving nutrients IV versus orally is that they bypass our digestive system which needs to work to extract vitamins from food and supplements and absorb them via our GI tract. This can be helpful for anyone with poor digestion such as those with leaky gut, celiac disease, or crohn’s disease.

What’s in a Myer’s cocktail?

Let’s discuss some of the individual vitamins and minerals in the formula and how these can help our bodies prepare for cold and flu season.

  1. Magnesium- Magnesium is helpful for many conditions from muscle spasms, to insomnia, to fatigue. Magnesium can help with energy as it is necessary for the formulation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which fuels our cells. It’s also a precursor for the feel good hormone serotonin. In addition, it plays are role in the synthesis of glutathione which is one of the bodies most potent antioxidants and is involved in helping our liver in clearing out toxins.

  2. Calcium- We normally think of calcium as being essential for bone health, which it is, but so are magnesium and other vitamins such as vitamin D. Calcium is the most common mineral in our bodies and assists in the functioning of our nervous and muscular systems and in the secretion of many hormones and enzymes. It is used to treat PMS, muscle cramps, and high blood pressure. Since calcium is needed for so many processes in our body it is often borrowed from our bones to maintain proper levels so it is important to get enough from food and other sources to prevent osteoporosis.

  3. Pyridoxine (B6)- One of the B vitamins in the Myer’s cocktail is pyridoxine or B6. Pyridoxine supports over 100 different enzymatic processes in our bodies. It helps in energy production, stress relief, enhancing mood and is commonly used for low immune function. It helps produce neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine and GABA. It is involved in the synthesis of antibodies which are necessary for immune function. It must be obtained from the diet and supplements because it cannot be produced in the human body.

  4. Dexpanthenol (B5)- vitamin B5 aids in release of energy from foods, is involved in the transport of fatty acids to and from cells and accelerates fatty acid breakdown in the mitochondria.   It supports adrenal glands and alleviates stress, and is used to treat fatigue. 

  5. B12- Hydroxycobalamin (B12)-  Commonly used for fatigue and as a treatment for stress and pernicious anemia.

  6. Vitamin C- Vitamin C is needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body.  The body is not able to make vitamin C on its own, and it does not store vitamin C. It is therefore important to get plenty of vitamin C from diet, ideally, or supplementation.  Commonly used to increase resistance to infections and has been shown in some studies to reduce severity and complications from colds and flus. 

  7. B Complex- In addition to containing additional pyridoxine and dexpanthenol, it also contains thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), and niacinamide (B3). Thiamine plays an essential role in carbohydrate metabolism and energy production. Riboflavin is needed to promote healthy growth and tissue repair in addition to helping release energy from carbohydrates. It also activates pyridoxine. Niacinamide helps maintain normal function of skin, nerves, and our digestive system. It also reduces cholesterol and triglycerides.

  8. Selenium- selenium functions as a cofactor for the antioxidant enzymes.  selenium is needed for the proper functioning of neutrophils, macrophages, NK cells andT lymphocytes which all play a huge role in immune functioning.

If you are looking for a way to drench your cells in valuable vitamins and minerals, reduce fatigue, increase energy, and help manage stress this upcoming cold and flu season receiving a Myer’s push would be a great way to do this. Your cells will thank you!

Comments? Questions? Email naturopathic physician Dr. Laura Wollman lauraw@rootwholebody.com or Dr. Alison Schuz alisons@rootwholebody.com. Ready to book an appointment?  Complimentary 15 minute consultations also available. Call Root