I’m sitting at my desk when an email arrives to confirm my appointment scheduled one week out at Liquivida Lounge in Fort Lauderdale. Panic sets in, but I’ve been mentally preparing for this since first hearing the words “nutrient IV therapy.”
When the day arrives, my confidence is heightened after a chat with chief marketing officer Emmanuel Trenche. He reassures me that my IV therapy should feel like a “spa experience.” I take his word for it. Mostly, I’m curious to see just how well it works.
The What
Nutrient or vitamin IV therapy is a modern approach to getting vitamins, minerals and amino acids into the bloodstream. Since people only absorb about 30 percent of an oral vitamin due to the breakdown in the digestive system, IV therapy allows for immediate intake into the body. And after a 30-to 45-minute session, the vitamins help to enhance one’s energy and prevent future health conditions caused by stress, dehydration and malnutrition.
Choose from drip options off the “cocktail menu,” where specific needs are matched with an appropriate amount of nutrients. Options include Natural Defense, which gives the immune system a boost; Rise and Shine, which aids in remedying a hangover in less than an hour; and Glutathione (the body’s naturally produced antioxidant), which helps brighten skin. If you’re unsure of where to start, Liquivida Lounge also offers a micro-nutrient test to determine where you are deficient in order to customize a drip specific to your needs.
The Procedure
After sitting down in the main lobby where cool blue walls calm any nerves, I am led into a room where IV therapist Gary Juidiciani waits. All Liquivida Lounges have specially trained staff to administer needles. I choose the Natural Defense “cocktail,” which is packed with vitamin C, zinc, B-complex, vitamin B-12 and a few other ingredients. I start to tense but relax as Juidiciani takes my blood pressure. Soon enough, he wraps a strap around my right arm and asks me to squeeze a stress ball a few times.
After a quick poke from the needle, I am set. It’s odd being hooked up to an IV and walking alongside it when you aren’t sick, but I continue on to the VIP room, complete with a massage chair, TV, calming music and beverages. The IV drips through my veins for about 45 minutes. There’s a cooling sensation, but overall, it’s painless.
The Cost
A single visit can cost $95 to $200 depending on the size of the pouch and the ingredients. It is recommended to get an IV drip monthly, or every other month, for maximum results, although every person’s lifestyle differs, so it’s best to speak to the IV therapy physician.
The Results
In the days leading up to my appointment, I had been dealing with an annoying cold. After the treatment, I noticed that my sore throat no longer felt as scratchy in the afternoon. I also didn’t have my usual midday crash.
Trenche says IV therapy is for people who are already healthy and looking to further improve their health. In fact, Liquivida Lounge President Samael Tejada believes IV therapy will be more than just a health trend—in the near future, it will become a lifestyle.
After receiving a bandage with a cute red and blue bow, I walked out the door smiling, and surprisingly thinking that I just might do this again.
Find your closest IV therapy location
Balance Health and Wellness Centers; 3401 PGA Blvd., Ste. 420, Palm Beach Gardens; 888.510.2294; balancehealthcenters.com
Hydration Rejuvenation; 790 Juno Ocean Walk, Juno Beach; 888.220.3747; hydrationrejuvenation.com
IV2YOU; 150 E. Palmetto Park Road, Ste. 800, Boca Raton; 561.349.7889; iv2you.com
Recharge I.V.; Mobile IV hydration servicing Broward, Palm Beach and Martin County; rechargeiv.co
Ahner Medical Center; 705 NW Federal Highway, Stuart; 772.692.9200; charlesahnermedical.com
RevitalIV; 6390 W. Indiantown Road, Ste. 28, Jupiter; 561.406.2202; revitalivfl.com
Liquivida Lounge; 3349 NE 33rd St., Fort Lauderdale; Additional locations in Coconut Creek, Boca Raton and Pompano Beach / 954.909.4998 / liquividalounge.com
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