Actor and businesswoman Gwyneth Paltrow once declared “I love an IV!”, calling herself an “early adopter” of intravenous infusion during a podcast. Both she and the show’s host were hooked up to drips during an interview in which they discussed bone broth, skipping meals and infrared saunas
More recently, Arjun Kapoor was seen wrapped in a blanket, smiling, with an IV drip attached to his arm. For those who might be concerned, the IV drip is not related to any medical emergency. Instead, it is part of 'hydration therapy,' a trend that is becoming increasingly popular among celebrities.
Celebrities Embrace IV Therapy
Arjun Kapoor is not the only celebrity to embrace this trend. In May 2022, Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber faced backlash after they aired an 'IV drip party' on an episode of The Kardashians. The episode showed them enjoying a day in Miami with IV drips, which Kendall described as "a really fun day."
Madonna is another celebrity who has shared her experience with IV therapy. In 2019, she posted a video from a rehabilitation session where she was receiving the treatment, surrounded by Tibetan bowls and soothing music.
Closer home, actors Soha Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor have also posted about their therapies on social media.
Chrissy Teigen, the model and wife of musician John Legend, also posted about her experience with IV drips back in 2015. She uploaded a picture of herself in a cosy robe, fully glammed up, with an IV drip in her arm, captioned "Hello, body, meet vitamins."
For the average person, the sight of an IV drip might be associated with hospitals and illness rather than relaxation and rejuvenation. However, celebrity culture has been pushing the boundaries of what is considered a good time, incorporating IV therapy into their self-care routines. This trend raises interesting questions about the evolving nature of self-care, making it seem more recreational than ever before.
Understanding IV Hydration Therapy: Uses and Benefits
IV hydration therapy is used to quickly replenish lost fluids when someone can't rehydrate adequately by drinking liquids or through the intestines due to a medical condition. Dr. O'Sullivan, an emergency medicine specialist in Portland, Oregon for Forbes, explained that IV fluid is a water-based solution with added electrolytes, designed to mimic the body's natural fluids.
Where Can You Get IV Hydration Therapy
Hydration therapy isn't just available in hospitals or intensive care units. There are centres, often called "hydration bars" or "drip bars," where people can receive this treatment without a prescription. However, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before undergoing IV hydration therapy due to potential risks and interactions with medications.
Benefits of IV Hydration Therapy
IV hydration therapy is particularly useful for treating severe dehydration, which can result from conditions like fever, excessive sweating or urination, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It is also beneficial for individuals with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or certain kidney conditions who are at a higher risk for dehydration. Rehydrating with IV fluids helps restore the body's electrolyte balance. Common IV treatments include a simple saline solution of water and sodium chloride and sometimes solutions with sugar like glucose or dextrose.
Dr. O’Sullivan highlighted that the main goal of IV hydration is to restore the body's optimal fluid levels, which can be disrupted by underlying medical conditions. While IV hydration can effectively address severe dehydration, oral hydration is generally preferred when possible.
Special Considerations for Athletes
There is one notable exception to the preference for oral hydration: athletes who train or compete in hot and humid conditions. If they have back-to-back sessions with little recovery time, they may need to rehydrate quickly. Combining oral hydration with IV fluids and oral glycerol (a substance that attracts moisture and supports fluid retention) can help restore fluid levels more quickly.
Limited Benefits for the Well-Hydrated
Dr. O’Sullivan cautioned that for individuals who are already adequately hydrated, the benefits of IV hydration are minimal. It's important to evaluate the necessity and potential risks of IV therapy on a case-by-case basis.
Views expressed by the author are their own
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