Electrolyte Replenishment
Rebalancing The Body Through Infusions
When undergoing chemotherapy or other treatments, strengthening the body is important. At HOAF, our infusions are aimed at helping you feel replenished and more energized during your cancer treatment. One of the infusion therapies we offer is electrolyte replenishment—think of this as like Gatorade for your body but without the excess sugar!
What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals such as sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, phosphate and bicarbonate that the body relies on to function properly. We receive them from food and water. When dissolved in water, they have positive or negative energy that is naturally occurring. Because water is so prevalent in the body, nearly every cell has some amount of electrolytes. They have many important functions, including causing the muscles to contract, keeping the body hydrated, controlling the function of your nervous system and helping the organs communicate. When they are unbalanced, these important functions can break down and cause serious implications and uncomfortable symptoms.
Reasons For Electrolyte Infusions
People tend to associate the loss of electrolytes with sweating or excessive exercise. Most people get all the electrolytes they need from their meals, especially those that are balanced and nutritious. However, cancer treatments and their side effects such as diarrhea or nausea can also contribute to low electrolyte levels. Symptoms of an imbalance include:
Benefits Of Electrolyte Replenishment
When the body lacks these essential minerals, drinking a sports drink is simply not enough to replenish it. That’s because these drinks contain high amounts of sugar and not enough electrolytes to make a real difference. Even eating a healthy diet may not be enough for those with imbalances due to chronic conditions or undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments that may contribute to an imbalance of these minerals. Infusions, however, contain a concentrated amount of electrolytes, which will help with:
Getting Your Infusion
We strive to make infusion therapy at HOAF a relaxing and supportive experience. Our team will determine the appropriate amount of electrolytes for you based on your weight, needs and other factors. We will then place a needle into your arm or hand, attaching it to an IV line, which will be attached to a bag containing the fluids. From there, you’ll receive your infusion in a calm and comfortable environment, with periodic check-ins from our caring team members. If the weather is nice, you can even receive the infusion from the scenic view of our porch!
Infusion Aftercare
Specific instructions will vary depending on your health condition, and you will receive aftercare guidelines from our team. We recommend staying hydrated, monitoring possible side effects, such as pain, rash or allergic reaction, checking the infusion site for swelling, and reporting any problems to our team. However, infusions are generally considered safe, and most patients should be able to return to their daily lives afterwards. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions!
Request Your Electrolyte Infusion Appointment
Infusions are a completely safe and effective way to get the nutrients you need. They can help replenish the body during your hematological treatments and reduce or relieve bothersome side effects and symptoms. To request your appointment in Fredericksburg and Stafford, VA, call (540) 371-0079 or use our online form.
HOAF Means Hope
Where Healing Begins, Strength Prevails
At HOAF, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care for cancer and blood disorders to the Fredericksburg, Stafford, and surrounding communities. Our practice integrates advanced treatments with a personalized approach, delivering the highest quality care. As an independent practice, we focus on individualized attention, ensuring each patient receives compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs. Our cutting-edge facility, equipped with an on-site pharmacy, offers convenience and a seamless treatment experience.
