Summer Hydration & IV Therapy
As temperatures rise and summer activities ramp up, proper hydration becomes more than a wellness tip—it’s essential for optimal health. From increased sweat loss to higher physical exertion, the body’s demand for water, electrolytes, and nutrients intensifies. In functional medicine, we take a proactive approach to hydration, combining lifestyle strategies with supportive therapies like intravenous (IV) hydration for deeper cellular support.
Why Summer Dehydration Happens Faster
The summer heat accelerates fluid loss through sweat and respiration. Add in activities like hiking, traveling, or beach time, and your hydration needs can double. Dehydration can lead to:
Headaches and fatigue
Dizziness and muscle cramps
Constipation and dry skin
Increased risk of heat stroke
Beyond water, the body also loses electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium—vital for nerve function, muscle balance, and heart rhythm.
Functional Medicine’s View on Hydration
From a functional lens, hydration isn't just about drinking more water—it’s about cellular absorption, electrolyte balance, and nutrient synergy. We look at underlying factors that impair hydration such as:
Adrenal dysfunction (affecting aldosterone levels and sodium retention)
Gut health imbalances (impacting electrolyte absorption)
Chronic inflammation or toxin load
Medications or excessive caffeine use
Supporting hydration from the inside out involves not just fluids, but minerals, antioxidants, and mitochondrial support.
IV Hydration: A Targeted Wellness Tool
IV therapy delivers hydration and nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion and allowing for rapid and efficient cellular uptake. In summer, this can be especially helpful for:
Athletes or weekend warriors
Frequent flyers or travelers
People recovering from heat exposure or illness
Those with gut issues impairing absorption
Common IV blends used in functional medicine include:
Hydration formulas with saline, B vitamins, and electrolytes
Myers’ Cocktail for energy and recovery
Antioxidant drips with glutathione or vitamin C to support cellular repair
Adrenal support IVs for those with fatigue and burnout
Hydration Tips for a Healthy Summer
In addition to IV therapy, here are some practical strategies:
Start your day with mineralized water – Add a pinch of sea salt or trace mineral drops
Hydrate before you're thirsty – Thirst is a late sign of dehydration
Eat hydrating foods – Watermelon, cucumber, citrus, leafy greens
Avoid diuretics – Reduce excess caffeine and alcohol
Support your adrenals – Herbs like licorice and rhodiola, plus rest
When to Consider IV Support
If you experience chronic fatigue, frequent headaches, travel often, or simply want a boost in energy and resilience during summer, IV hydration can be a safe and supportive option. Be sure to work with a trained functional medicine provider to personalize your formula based on labs, lifestyle, and specific needs.
Hydration is foundational—but in functional medicine, we elevate it to a strategic part of your summer wellness plan. By combining smart daily habits with occasional IV therapy, you can stay energized, resilient, and glowing all season long.