The word detox is overused. Here is what these IVs actually do and do not do.
Detox is one of the most overused words in wellness. Most of the time, the body's own detox systems, the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, and skin, do the work without any help. So what is a detox IV actually doing.
What it can do. A well-formulated detox IV delivers nutrients that support liver phase one and phase two detoxification pathways. Glutathione, the body's master antioxidant, often the centrepiece. Alpha-lipoic acid, another antioxidant that works synergistically. B-complex, particularly methylated forms, which support liver metabolic pathways. Vitamin C for general antioxidant load. Trace minerals.
When clients see meaningful benefit. After a high-toxin exposure period, heavy alcohol intake during a holiday or wedding season, exposure to environmental toxicants, recovery from a course of medications that loaded the liver. After acute viral or bacterial illness where oxidative stress was high. During a sustained training programme where the body's antioxidant systems are under load.
What it does not do. It does not flush mystery toxins from the body that the liver and kidneys somehow missed. It does not undo a chronic poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, or sleep deprivation. It does not replace medical care for liver or kidney disease, those need diagnosis and treatment, not wellness IVs.
A typical detox protocol at Ivory is a single session or a short course of three sessions across two weeks during a period of higher demand. Maintenance is irregular and goal-driven rather than a fixed schedule.
We screen for kidney function before the protocol because glutathione and the other antioxidant agents are processed through normal renal pathways. We ask about medications, particularly any that affect liver enzymes. Pregnant or breastfeeding clients usually do not run this protocol.
The honest framing. The detox IV is part of a recovery and antioxidant support toolkit. It is meaningful when used at the right moments and oversold when used habitually. We help clients calibrate which they are doing.