Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Explains the Types of IV Fluids Used in IV Fluid Therapy in Toronto

Toronto, Ontario -

Toronto Functional Medicine Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada, has recently published an article that serves as part 2 of its resource on understanding the IV fluid therapy in Toronto that they offer. This particular resource highlights the types of IV fluids in IV therapy in Toronto. Intravenous (IV) fluids may be provided and tailor-fitted to health issues and for cellular functioning.

IV fluid therapy is vital because the human body depends on several mechanisms for maintaining fluid balance. This includes the regulation of the body’s fluid intake and output, including renal and hormonal mechanisms that can help in regulating electrolyte levels and fluid balance. However, this balance can be disrupted by various kinds of reasons, including vomiting, dehydration, disease, injury, and lifestyle choices. In such cases, it is vital to restore fluid balance promptly to avoid complications. IV therapy may be used to restore proper hydration through the insertion of nutritional fluids into the bloodstream.

The primary types of IV fluids used are: normal saline (0.9 percent sodium chloride), half saline (0.45 percent sodium chloride), lactated Ringer’s solution, sterile water, dextrose, and dextrose in water (D5W).

Normal Saline is a sterile solution that is isotonic, which means it has the same concentration of dissolved particles as the body’s cells. It is a crystalloid fluid, which means that it can easily go through the cell membrane. It is typically used in clinical settings for hydration, fluid resuscitation, and for maintaining electrolyte and fluid balance. Normal saline is frequently used for fluid resuscitation due to shock or mild sodium depletion and may be used for dehydration resulting from diarrhea, vomiting, diet, excessive physical activity, or other conditions.

Half Saline is a hypotonic solution that is often used for patients suffering from cellular dehydration, and may be used for water replacement, increasing overall fluid volume, gastric fluid loss, and sodium chloride depletion. Half saline may be used instead of normal saline in a number of situations, such as when the patient is unable to tolerate additional sodium or when there is a possibility of fluid overload. It may be less effective in replenishing sodium chloride deficiencies in contrast to normal saline, but it may still be considered for maintaining daily fluid levels.

Lactated Ringer’s is mostly used for IV drip fluid resuscitation. It has electrolytes and a buffer (lactate), which makes the fluid isotonic and the same as the body’s natural serum and plasma concentration. It is typically used for burn victims, fluid loss in the lower gastrointestinal tract, burn victims, and other health conditions. It contains potassium, which means it should not be used for patients with renal failure or renal complications. It should also not be used for patients with liver disease, because they may be incapable of metabolizing the lactate.

Sterile Water for injection (SWFI) only has water and no electrolytes, vitamins, or minerals. It is not usually used for IV therapy because it may result in hemolysis and other complications. However, SWFI may be used as a solvent or diluent to create a solution with the proper osmolarity for IV administration.

Dextrose is chemically similar to glucose and is typically used as a source of energy when the patient is unable to consume food orally. It may also be added to other IV solutions to boost energy levels, or to regulate blood sugar levels in patients with hypoglycemia. D5W has 5 percent dextrose in water. It is originally isotonic but it is quickly metabolized by cells, resulting in a hypotonic solution. Thus, it is usually used for short-term fluid replacement only.

The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre is a functional medicine clinic located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, that employs the integrative functional medicine approach. It combines methods such as acupuncture, bio-identical hormone replacement, detoxification, allopathic, naturopathic medicine and more. These methods can be used for various health issues, such as: acute health issues, neuropathic pain, postmenopausal health issues, hormone imbalances, tissue repair, athletic recovery, cellular damage, DNA repair, infertility, thyroid issues, chronic fatigue, mineral deficiencies, immune function, adrenal function, skin rejuvenation, and more.

Those who would like to know more about IV fluid therapy in Toronto may read the part 1 article at Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or contact them through the phone at (416) 968-6961, or by email at info@tfm.care. They are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Tuesday and Thursdays; and from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on alternating Saturdays.