what do you think is the biggest misconception about IV Drips/ Naturopathic Medicine?
I would say that the public, unless they have worked with an ND, is not aware of our training and our skill set of all that we have to offer. We have a great knowledge of nutraceuticals, botanicals, Chinese medicine, and human pathophysiology and are able to treat and support complex conditions such as metabolic disorders, chronic pain and fatigue… and all naturally!
Who and why might someone benefit from IV drips?
Those are who are looking for a boost to feel their best. Most of my patients that come for IV drips want to support their immunity, feel energized, recovery and perform for athletic events, support PMS, and prevent cancer. If digestion is compromised with inflammation and disease, then by infusing nutrients directly into the blood stream we can bypass the gut to improve vitamin absorption.
Why might someone not feel any benefits from IV drips?
Just because you can not “feel” the benefits, does not mean that you are not gaining from the drip. The subjective experience of feeling great energy is not always the tellers of health and benefit. Most patients do not know their vitamin D is low unless they test their levels. The same goes for blood pressure. Many people do not “feel” their pressure is high but they are walking around with elevated pressure. IVs can help to lower blood pressure, improve detoxification pathways, elevate vitamin levels, however those cellular and physiological benefits are not always “felt”.
Who might not be able to get a vitamin drip?
Certain drips such as a high dose vitamin C infusions require your body to have appropriate enzymes and capabilities to eliminate the IV. We do appropriate blood testing prior to these high dosed vitamin drips to see if patients are candidates for high dose vitamins drips to ensure patient safety. Those with compromised kidney function, liver function and very needle shy may not be a candidate for IV therapy.
What concoctions are available for people and what are each of them good for?
- Vitamin C drip – Restores energy and iron absorption
- After-party – Helps liver detoxification and hydration to support mental clarity and to get you through your hangover
- The Energizer – to support adrenal fatigue and boost energy
- The Nutrient Cocktail* – helps to replenish nutrients to the system
- PMS Cure – for mood and hormonal support
- Myers Cocktail – immune and energizing formulation
- The Pro* – The performance cocktail for athletes to prepare for events and post game recovery
- Cancer Support* – for supreme immune support
- Calm – for mood support such as anxiety, insomnia and depression
- Immune Defense* – to help ward off and fight infections; perfect for the cold and flu, chronic infections and viruses
- Gluta drip – Glutathione* – the Ultimate Antioxidant – used for skin and antiaging, as well as heavy metal detoxification, liver support and autoimmune conditions
Custom IV vitamin drips* – Not sure what you need? Talk with Dr. Mary Choi to create a formulation that is perfect for your evolving health
* may require blood work prior to receiving a IV drip
Can people work with you to create their own personal vitamin cocktails?
Yes – we do talk with each of our patients to understand their health goals and needs. We can cater the IV drips to meet the goals and needs of each client.
How come the drips aren’t more readily available?
Our regulations for Naturopaths to be able to drip patients have changed over the years. The current regulating process is quite rigorous and expensive which makes receiving the licensing and access to having licensed IV facility is not accessible to all practitioners.
What inspired you to get into naturopathic medicine?
I have spent most of my youth with my nose in science books learning about the intricacies of the human body, traveling the globe and living through my own health journey with thyroid cancer. I wanted to understand more about how to actively participate in my own wellness. So, I became a Naturopathic Doctor.
What are some of the most common complaints you hear from your patients, as it pertains to their overall wellness?
My patients have a variety of concerns ranging from digestive health issues, fatigue, insomnia, hormonal issues such as hot flashes and heavy periods and difficulty losing weight.
What do you do for your own personal self-care?
I do my best for have “balance” in my life. This is a struggle of push-and-pull of motherhood being a business owner and naturopath. I love yoga, running, and HIIT training. I have my own team of mental and emotional support such as my chiropractors, RMTs, osteopath, counsellor, friends, and family. I also drip myself regularly, eat whole foods, take my vitamins, go to bed early, and take a day off when I am feeling burned out.
Can you treat both internal and external health? For example, people who have issues with digestion as well as skin?
The body is not made up of separate parts. It is one harmonious system. Skin issues can be related to gut health. For example, gluten sensitives can cause rashes and boils on the skin at the same times as it damages the gut.
As a mom, what do you teach your kids about health and wellness?
We love talking about poop and food at our house. They understand what a health poop should look like and they know to look for it. We chat about protein, fats and carbohydrates, and the importance of eating vegetables and whole foods, limiting sugar to “sometimes”, and staying hydrated. My husband and I are very active and our children see us running, heading to yoga and rolling out tight muscles at home. We are their models and normalize movement as something we do.
Also, I am teaching them to understand how their body is communicating to them and how to listen to that voice. I want them to learn resilience and understand that failure is a normal part of growth. We work on validating, listening and gratitude in our home. Health to us is a physical, emotional and spiritual pursuit.
Can naturopathic medicine help those with stress and anxiety?
Yes.
Do you recommend Multi-Vitamins for woman? Or do we need more individualized vitamins?
Each person is unique. Their genetics, their nutrition, their sleep, their love life, their lifestyle, their wants and desires. I do not believe that one-size fits all. I think that vitamin support needs to match what a person is looking for and what kind of life they are looking to live. Are they a vegan training for a marathon? Are they a meat eater with a new born at home? Are they eating low carb and doing HIIT training 6 days a week? The supports will look different for all of these individual, even if they all suffer from anxiety. The same diagnoses does not equal the same treatment. I treat the person, not the disease.
How to do you approach sleep issues and regimes?
Sleep is a complex issue to address. I evaluate the patients’ whole picture and assess potential nutrient deficiency such as iron, B12, thyroid dysfunctions that may be contributors to sleep disruptions. Hormones such as progesterone and cortisol/stress can also be factors. Blood sugar imbalances, chronic pain, sleep apnea can all be additional contributors of poor sleep.
When it comes to IV drips, how often might you recommend people get them?
The frequency of the iv drips will depend on each patient. Some patients come weekly, some come every two weeks, some come monthly, some come as needed.
