Dr. Runnels provides many boosters to help strengthen your immune system. Nutritional support is key among these boosters along with growth factors from PRP.

There are many factors that affect immune system functions, and one of those is nutrition. There is a significant correlation between the immune system and nutrition, furthermore, malnutrition shouldn’t be considered as energy and protein deficiency alone. Due to these reasons, the main aim of nourishment is not merely to gain energy and protein, but to enhance resistance against ailments with some specific nutriment and to turn the inflammatory response in someone’s best interests. The nutrients which show beneficial effects on the immune system are called immune nutrients and nourishment on these nutriments is called an immune diet.

We have available several vitamin and mineral boosters which can be administered via a shot in our office.  We also offer an intravenous vitamin infusion, commonly referred to as a Meyer’s Cocktail, which enhances the immune system, reduces fatigue, helps with seasonal allergies, and reduces symptoms of fibromyalgia and asthma.

The Meyer’s Cocktail works by increasing the blood concentration of several essential vitamins and minerals beyond that which can be achieved when supplementing orally. For example, Vitamin C given intravenously has been found to reach blood concentrations more than 50 times greater than what can be achieved when given orally.

The idea is that many illnesses and conditions are associated with digestive disturbances such as bloating, indigestion, and food sensitivities and that people with such conditions may not absorb many of the nutrients needed to return to good health. Also, many diseases and inflammation cause the body to use nutrients at a faster rate, or to require higher amounts for proper healing.

When nutrients are given intravenously, digestion is bypassed. The levels in the bloodstream are temporarily increased so that the nutrients are “coaxed” into the cells, and frequently into the mitochondria where they are active. This temporary boost frequently “kick-starts” the cells, so that energy is produced more efficiently in them.

Some patients feel an energy boost lasting days or weeks. In the case of fibromyalgia, decreased pain can be observed. In other chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, because of the “leaky” nature of the gut, the infusion helps get necessary nutrients into the cells. Chronic asthma and other lung diseases, congestive heart failure, and chronic allergic problems may respond with more energy and fewer symptoms. Patients who get sick often with infections may find an improved immune response, with less susceptibility to viral illnesses.

A small catheter is inserted into a vein, and the infusion is given very slowly over 20-30 minutes. Side effects are remarkably rare and almost always limited to local irritation of the vein. The most common sensations are heat and flushing (a magnesium effect), and the taste of vitamins soon after the infusion begins. The cocktail is usually given 1-2 times per week, and beneficial effects are usually felt by the fourth visit. Many patients with chronic conditions choose to continue the infusions every 1-4 weeks or when they feel their energy slipping.