Experiencing dizziness, nausea, or discomfort during IV therapy can make the process feel unpleasant for many. These symptoms are often linked to not eating before your session. If you’re in Palm Beach County, you may share a common concern: should you eat before IV therapy, and if so, what is the ideal pre-IV diet?
Eating before the IV session helps stabilize your blood sugar levels, prevent lightheadedness, and is essential for overall comfort during the procedure.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of eating before IV therapy and give you practical guidance on what to eat. Keep on reading.
Is It Okay To Eat Before Taking IV Therapy?
It is generally recommended to eat before undergoing IV therapy. Consuming a light meal or snack provides essential nutrients and hydration, helping your body maintain the energy needed for a comfortable and effective IV session. For this reason, we advise against starting your IV therapy on an empty stomach.
For instance, you don’t need a heavy mean but, something light will be helpful. This way, your body will better absorb the nutrients from the IV therapy when you’re not fasting. Plus, adequate hydration ensures that your veins are easier to access, which results in a smoother IV process.
The complete IV treatment lasts up to 45-60 minutes, so it is good to eat before that to keep yourself comfortable and avoid lightheadedness.
Why Is Eating Before IV Therapy Essential?
You need some preparation before you go to the IV therapy. This ensures your body is stabilized and avoids side effects during or after the session.
Help stabilize blood sugar levels
Eating before IV helps keep your blood sugar level stable. IV therapy can sometimes cause your body to use energy very quickly, which may lead to a sudden drop in sugar levels. Food helps prevent this sudden drop and supports steady energy levels during the session.
Reduces the risk of dizziness
Dizziness is a common complaint that IV therapy recipients face. It occurs due to a change in the blood sugar or dehydration during the process. So, it is essential to eat at least something and drink sufficient water to keep yourself alert and avoid dizziness.
Enhances overall comfort
A light meal helps make the IV session comfortable. When your stomach isn’t empty, you’re less likely to feel queasy or tired. You will have a pleasant experience that will help you enjoy the benefits of your specific IV treatment.
Prevents nausea
We often see patients feel nauseous if their stomachs are empty during IV therapy. Consuming easy-to-digest foods ensures your body handles the nutrients more effectively and maximizes the absorption of vitamins and minerals from the IV therapy.
Supports the immune system
Food provides the nutrients your body needs and keeps it strong. A healthy immune system is essential to fighting off ailments and infections. It is even great to ensure quick recovery after the completion of IV.
Dietary Recommendations to Take Before IV Therapy
WEL Palm Beach has listed some simple dietary tips to follow before your IV therapy appointment:
Eat A Light Meal Or Snack
It’d be better to take a light meal or snack before your session. For instance, a small sandwich, yogurt, or fruit works well. Some additional effective food suggestions include:
| Food Suggestions | Health Benefits |
| Whole-grain toast with avocado | Provides fiber and healthy fats to keep you energized. |
| Banana with peanut butter | Ensures a good balance of carbs and protein and stabilizes blood sugar levels. |
| Nuts or trail mix | Helpful for a quick energy boost. |
| Oatmeal with berries | Helps keep you full without feeling sluggish. |
| Boiled eggs | It is a protein-rich snack that provides lasting energy and is quickly digestible for the stomach. |
Hydrate Well
Drink plenty of water before your session, which is even more essential in the humid weather of Palm Beach County. It is best to have 2 large glasses of water (24 oz.). Hydration helps make your veins easier to access and ensures you feel good during the therapy.
Relax And Breathe
Take a few minutes and get relaxed before your session. Breathe deeply and calmly. It is recommended to IV users to reduce the stress or nervousness they might feel.
Check With Your Provider
If you’re unsure what to eat or drink, it’s good if you can ask your healthcare provider. They will give you specific advice based on the type of therapy you’ll be receiving. It ensures you are completely prepared for a comfortable experience.
How Soon Before the Appointment Should I Eat?
You should eat at least 1-2 hours before your IV therapy appointment. This way, your body will get enough time to digest the food and absorb the nutrients. If you eat too close before the session, you might feel a little sluggish or bloated.
However, it’s not just about when you eat but also what you eat. You have to choose foods that are easy to digest and light on your stomach.
Foods to Avoid Before Taking IV Therapy
It’s essential to avoid certain foods before your IV therapy session. Here, we have listed a few things to skip:
Heavy meals
Avoid heavy and large meals before your session. Foods like burgers or pasta can make you feel overly full. These meals are harder to digest and could make the therapy stressful.
Spicy and acidic foods
Avoid spicy and acidic foods like hot peppers or citrus fruits as they can upset your stomach. There will be a higher chance you will feel discomfort and heartburn during IV therapy.
Caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate you, which results in feeling dizzy during the IV. So, we recommend avoiding such drinks and sticking to simple plain water.
Sugary drinks
Sugary drinks like soda or energy drinks can cause a spike in your blood sugar. You may feel tired or lightheaded during the therapy. You can take herbal teas for hydration as with water.
In Closing
Having a snack before IV therapy is like giving your body a quick energy boost. It helps you stay stable, and you won’t feel dizzy or nauseous during the treatment. Plus, you’ll feel strong and healthy, supporting your immune system.
If you are looking for a reliable IV provider in Palm Beach County, contact us today. Our mobile IV team will give you personalized advice on preparing for your IV therapy session!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t feel hungry before my IV therapy?
Even if you’re not hungry, you can take a light snack. It helps your body to prevent potential dizziness or fatigue during the treatment.
Can I eat a full meal before IV therapy?
A full meal is not needed but can be helpful only if it’s light and easy to digest. You must avoid heavy or too much oily or fried foods that might make you feel sluggish.
Can I drink fruit juice before my IV therapy session?
Yes, fruit juice can be a good option if it’s low in sugar. Just make sure it’s not too acidic to avoid stomach discomfort.
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