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Jumping Off the Plane

What are are the Components of Our IV Therapy in Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, & Collin County

Definitions and information about our therapy

coenzymes, peptides, Vitamins & Trace Minerals: Explore The specific Benefits Each Component Offers Our Body

Vitamin B-Complex

  • B vitamins are essential micronutrients that must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot produce them.

  • B vitamins are important for maintaining good health and preventing deficiencies, which can lead to various health problems

  • There are eight water-soluble B vitamins: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). 

  • B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning they are readily dissolvable in the blood, and excess is excreted in the urine, making it difficult to overdose on them

  • Examples of fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are stored in the body's fat tissue and can accumulate to potentially toxic levels if consumed in excess.

  • B vitamins play a role in various metabolic processes, including carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism

  • The active forms of B vitamins are needed for them to function properly in the body, including thiamine pyrophosphate (B1), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), and flavin mononucleotide (FMN) (B2), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) (B3), coenzyme A (CoA) (B5), pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) (B6), biotin (B7), and methylcobalamin (B12)

  • B3 (niacin) is important for the production of NAD and NADP, which are used in the production of energy in the form of ATP.

  • B6 (pyridoxine) in the form of PLP plays a role in amino acid metabolism and the synthesis of neurotransmitters.

  • B vitamins can be found in a variety of foods, including meats, dairy products, vegetables, and grains, and are also available in supplement form.

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Vitamin B1, also known as Thiamine, is important for maintaining healthy energy levels, supporting the immune system, and maintaining the health of the nervous system. It may also help prevent certain medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

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Vitamin B2, or Riboflavin, is an antioxidant that helps support healthy blood cells and metabolism.

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Vitamin B3, or Niacin, is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous and digestive systems and is necessary for energy production and metabolism of fatty acids. It may also be important for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails.

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Vitamin B5, or Pantothenic acid, plays a role in the development of the central nervous system and is involved in energy production. It is also involved in the production of amino acids, blood cells, and other important organic compounds.

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Vitamin B6, or Pyridoxine, is important for synthesizing neurotransmitters and maintaining good mental health. It also plays a role in immune function, metabolism of 

 

Vitamin B7, or Biotin, plays a key role in maintaining the operations of various organs in the body such as the eyes, kidneys, and even in pregnancy, besides its major function of uplifting skin, hair, and nail healthy amino acids, and preventing anemia. It is also often used as a treatment for nausea in pregnancy.

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Vitamin B-9, or Folate, is important in red blood cell formation and for healthy cell growth and function. The nutrient is crucial during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine.

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Vitamin B12, or Cobalamin, is naturally found in animal foods. It can also be added to foods or supplements. Vitamin B12 is needed to form red blood cells, DNA, RNA, energy, and tissues. It is also a key player in the function and development of brain and nerve cell

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Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid, is an important nutrient that has many benefits for the body. It is an antioxidant, which means it helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C is also needed to form and maintain healthy cartilage, teeth, skin, bones, and other tissues in the body. It is especially important for helping to repair tissues that have been damaged. In addition, vitamin C is involved in fighting infections and reducing inflammation.

  • Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for human health.

  • It is found in citrus fruits, fresh vegetables, and Amla (gooseberries), and the daily requirement is 100 milligrams per day.

  • Humans and other primates cannot synthesize ascorbic acid due to a deficiency of a specific enzyme.

  • Vitamin C is necessary for wound healing, plays a role in iron absorption, and acts as a prophylactic agent against scurvy.

  • Ascorbic acid is not the same thing as vitamin C.

  • Natural vitamin C is more expensive to produce but is worth it for optimal health.

  • Synthetic ascorbic acid can deplete the body of other important nutrients and lacks the full complex

  • Natural vitamin C is better absorbed and utilized by the body.

  • Vitamin C is a complex of nutrients, enzymes, coenzymes, antioxidants, and trace minerals.

  • Some companies add natural ingredients to ascorbic acid and call it natural vitamin C.

  • The proportions of these natural ingredients are often not the same as they are in nature.

  • It is important to get a balanced complex of nutrients, not just isolated ascorbic acid.

  • James Lind is known for his work on the substitution of vitamin C in the English Navy, and Linus Pauling first advocated for the consumption of high doses of ascorbic acid to prevent and treat the common cold.

  • Scurvy is a condition characterized by bruising, swollen gums, and poor wound healing, and is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C.

 

Vitamin D or Cholecalciferol, vitamin D3, vitamin D2, calcidiol, and calcitriol is a fat-soluble vitamin that is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight and can also be found in certain foods such as fatty fish and fortified milk. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in certain foods and produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight

  • There are several forms of vitamin D: vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), calcidiol, and calcitriol

  • Vitamin D3 is made by the body in response to UVB radiation from sunlight and is found in fatty fish, fortified milk, and some other fortified foods

  • Vitamin D2 is found in plants and is also available in supplement form

  • Calcidiol is the storage form of vitamin D in the body and is converted to calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, in the kidney and other tissues

  • Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption and bone health, but may also have other potential health benefits

  • Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone disorders, but toxicity from high levels of vitamin D is rare and usually only occurs with long-term, high-dose supplement use

  • Vitamin D is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight, but factors such as location, season, clothing, and sunscreen use can affect the amount of UVB radiation that reaches the skin. 

  • Vitamin D deficiency can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and nosebleeds.

  • People who live further from the equator, have darker skin, or are older may have reduced vitamin D production. 

  • Additionally, older people and those with reduced sun exposure may not get enough vitamin D in their diet, leading to potential deficiencies. 

  • The best way to ensure adequate vitamin D intake is through a varied diet and safe sun exposure.

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Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that is important for protecting cells and helping to detoxify harmful chemicals in the body. It can be found in certain foods and is also produced by the body, but its levels can become depleted due to various factors such as aging, stress, infections, unhealthy diet, pollution, and certain medications.

  • Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant produced by the body and found in certain foods,  helps repair damaged cells, and is referred to as the master antioxidant

  • Glutathione is a substance that helps repair cell damage by repairing telomeres, which are caps at the end of chromosomes. When telomeres are damaged, DNA can unravel, which can have negative effects on the body.

  • Glutathione levels can become depleted over time due to aging, stress, infections, unhealthy diet, pollution, and certain medications

  • Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals and oxidants increase in the body, leading to an unhealthy imbalance

  • Production of glutathione decreases with age and can be reduced by 50% by age 65

  • Glutathione can help repair cell damage caused by Lyme disease and chemotherapy, and can also repair telomeres at the end of chromosomes

  • Maintaining healthy levels of glutathione can be difficult through supplementation alone and is mostly produced by the body

  • Glutathione may be beneficial for people who are exposed to pollution, radiation, or mold, or those with certain diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, or chronic inflammatory conditions

  • Glutathione helps prevent damage to cells, has anti-aging properties, helps detoxify harmful chemicals, and helps combat oxidative stress and cell damage

  • Cruciferous vegetables and supplements can help increase glutathione levels in the body

  • It is important to consider the potential interactions of glutathione supplements with medications and to speak with a healthcare professional before starting use.

  • A healthy diet and regular exercise can help increase the production of glutathione and reduce oxidative stress

  • Reducing oxidants in the diet and using exercise to maintain high levels of glutathione can have a positive impact on processes that contribute to aging and chronic disease

  • Eliminating sugar, grains, and processed foods from the diet and engaging in aerobic and weight training can help increase the production of glutathione


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Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports many important functions in the body, such as catalyzing enzyme reactions, coagulating blood, and improving nerve transmission. It helps with muscle and nerve function, energy production, and even sleep quality. While low levels of magnesium may not cause significant noticeable symptoms, chronically low levels can increase the risk of conditions like hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. To support a healthy body, it's important to maintain adequate levels of magnesium.

  • Magnesium is an essential element for the body and is involved in over 300 enzyme reactions

  • Magnesium acts as a cofactor in glycolysis and other enzymatic processes as well as functioning as an electrolyte and cofactor in the body, and plays a role in fluid balance and nerve function.

  • It supports muscle & nerve function, energy production, and is important for proper blood coagulation

  • Chronic low levels of magnesium can increase the risk of hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis

  • Approximately 70% of the US population is deficient in magnesium

  • Low levels of magnesium can lead to a state of constant stimulation and increase the risk of conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes

  • Magnesium is often found in water, foods like legumes, nuts, and dairy, and can also be taken in supplement form

  • The bioavailability of magnesium in food is low, estimated at 20-30%

  • When ingested, magnesium is usually in a salt form, which breaks down into its ionized form in water and can be biologically active in the body.

  • Magnesium is an essential dietary mineral found in green leafy vegetables, legumes, and nuts

  • Magnesium is bound to compounds in plants that make it difficult for the body to absorb

  • Supplementation with magnesium can improve sleep, reduce muscle cramps, and support bone health.

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Calcium is an important nutrient that helps keep your bones, teeth, and bone strength strong. It can be used through IV therapy to prevent diseases like osteoporosis and potentially reduce the risk of hypertension, cancer, and diabetes.

  • Calcium is an essential mineral that is important for healthy bones.

  • Calcium is important for muscles, the nervous system, and cellular communication.

  • Too much calcium can lead to issues such as soft tissue calcium, heel spurs, kidney stones, and tartar on teeth.

  • Not taking enough magnesium with calcium can lead to an accumulation of calcium in the body.

  • Calcium is important for cellular communication, muscle and nerve function, and building bones and teeth.

  • Magnesium is involved in muscle relaxation and nerve transmission, and also helps with blood clotting.

  • Calcium supplements alone have not been shown to be effective in strengthening bones.

  • Vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium and magnesium in the small intestine.

  • It is found in high amounts in dairy products and nuts and seeds.

  • Vitamin D and magnesium are also important for proper bone health.

  • Vitamin K2 deficiency can prevent the proper transportation of calcium into the bones.

  • Vitamin K2 helps transport calcium from the joints and arteries into the bones.

  • Magnesium deficiency can cause arrhythmias and problems with the nervous system.

  • Consuming too much calcium without sufficient magnesium can be harmful to cardiovascular health.

  • Nuts and seeds are good sources of both calcium and magnesium.

  • It is important to get the right balance of calcium and magnesium in the diet.

  • Most people consume enough calcium in their diet, especially if they eat dairy products.

  • An acidified stomach is necessary for the proper absorption of calcium and magnesium.

  • Excessive calcium intake can lead to soft tissue calcium buildup and various health problems.

  • Alkaline stomachs may not be able to properly absorb calcium and magnesium.

 

NAD+, or Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, is a molecule that carries electrons and protons to the mitochondria in order to produce ATP, which is a source of energy in the body. NAD exists in two forms, NAD+ and NADH, and it acts as a carrier to transport these particles throughout the body. NAD+ is a naturally occurring coenzyme found in all living cells that have been shown to have a number of potential therapeutic benefits. It is involved in many important biological processes in the body and is known as an "anti-aging molecule." NAD+ can be supplemented through IV therapy, which is a natural and holistic way to help the body fight against the effects of aging and illness and improve overall wellness. Infusing the body with NAD+ via an IV drip is the most effective way to ensure the body absorbs the highest possible amount of the coenzyme and converts it into energy. NAD+ therapy has been described as helping people feel like a mental fog has been lifted and can also improve cognitive function and protect brain cells against damage.

  • NAD is a carrier molecule that carries electrons and protons.

  • The electrons and protons carried by NAD are used by mitochondria to produce ATP, a source of energy in the body.

  • NAD exists in two forms: NAD+ and NADH.

  • NAD+ is involved in the process of glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, which produce NADH.

  • Hydrogen atoms are stripped of their electrons and protons by NAD+ during glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.

  • NADH is produced during glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.

  • The electrons carried by NADH are used in the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation to produce ATP.

  • NAD+ is converted to NADH and back again in a cycle called the NAD+/NADH redox pair.

  • The NAD+/NADH redox pair is important for the production of ATP in the body.

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Zinc is a trace mineral that is important for enzyme function, immune system health, taste and smell, insulin production, fertility, reproductive health, skin health, and regulating blood sugar levels. It can be obtained through the diet by consuming meat, seafood, and beans and the recommended daily intake is 8-11 mg for adult women and 11-14 mg for adult men.

  • Zinc is an important trace mineral that is essential for many enzymatic functions in the body.

  • It helps to regulate pH levels in the blood, stomach, and urine.

  • Zinc deficiency can cause allergies and histamines, leading to congestion in the sinuses or lungs.

  • Zinc can also help to reduce recovery time during a viral illness.

  • It is important for growth in children and can improve hair, nail, and skin health.

  • Zinc can also treat acne and prevent diarrhea.

  • A deficiency in zinc can make a person more prone to bacterial or viral infections.

  • Zinc glycinate may be the most effective form of zinc for absorption.

  • Good sources of zinc include meat, seafood, and beans.

  • Zinc is a trace mineral that plays a role in enzyme function and cell growth

  • Zinc is important for maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails

  • Zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss and other issues

  • Zinc is involved in the immune system and can help reduce the severity of colds and other illnesses

  • Zinc is important for taste and smell

  • Zinc is involved in insulin production and can help regulate blood sugar levels

  • Zinc is important for fertility and reproductive health in men and women

  • Zinc can help with acne and other skin issues

  • Good dietary sources of zinc include meat, seafood, and beans

  • The recommended daily intake of zinc is 8-11 mg for adult women and 11-14 mg for adult men.

 

Supplements:

Dietary supplements can contain a variety of ingredients including vitamins, minerals, herbs or botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and more. Some common types of supplements are multivitamins, individual vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, which are taken to ensure sufficient intake of essential nutrients and to promote or maintain good health.

 

Vitamins: 

Vitamins are essential nutrients that are necessary for normal cell function, growth, and development. There are 13 essential vitamins and they are required in very small amounts to facilitate essential body functions such as the processing of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. 

  • Vitamins are essential nutrients needed by the body in small amounts to allow it to grow, develop, and function normally.

  • There are 13 vitamins needed by the body, which come in two types: water-soluble and lipid-soluble.

  • There are two types of vitamins: water-soluble and lipid-soluble

  • Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and are found in watery portions of fruits, vegetables, and grains

  • Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and need to be regularly replenished through the diet.

  • Water-soluble vitamins include all the B vitamins and vitamin C.

  • Lipid-soluble (fat-soluble) vitamins need fat to dissolve and are stored in fat cells when excess is present in the diet; they are transported in the blood using special carrier proteins

  • The fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins D, E, and K.

  • Lipid-soluble vitamins can be stored in fat in the body and can lead to toxicity if ingested in excess, while water-soluble vitamins are easily dissolved in the blood, and excess is excreted through urine, making it difficult to overdose on them.

  • Vitamins are essential nutrients that the body needs in small amounts for proper growth, development, and function

  • Deficiency in certain vitamins can lead to various diseases or conditions, such as anemia, mental confusion, scurvy, xerophthalmia, and rickets/osteomalacia.

  • Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for vision

  • Vitamin B is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a role in energy production and red blood cell production

  • Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in tissue growth and repair and helps to protect the body from infections

  • Vitamin B is a water-soluble vitamin with 8 types, found in various sources. It plays a role in energy production and red blood cell production. Deficiency in vitamin B can lead to various diseases depending on the type of deficiency.

  • B4, B8, B11, and B10 were removed from the list of B vitamins because they are not able to be synthesized by the body and do not fit the definition of a B vitamin, which is a substance that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet.

  • B1 is also known as thiamine, B2 is riboflavin, B3 is niacin, B5 is pantothenic acid, B6 is pyridoxine, B7 is also known as biotin, B9 is also known as folate, B12 is also known as cobalamin

  • Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes bone growth and strength and helps to regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus

 

Minerals:

mineral supplements contain a combination of various minerals that are important for maintaining good health. Major minerals, which are used and stored in large quantities in the body, include calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and sulfur. Trace minerals, which are also essential for health, are needed in smaller quantities.

  • Most people in the United States are likely to be mineral deficient.

  • The major minerals, which are used and stored in large quantities in the body, are calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and sulfur.

  • It can take up to three weeks for minerals to be absorbed through the metallothionein pathway.

  • It is important to know that the food industry fortifies a lot of foods with vitamins but does not fortify with minerals because our soil is depleted of minerals due to fertilizer only containing nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. 

  • If we focus on high-nutrient foods like vitamins, amino acids, and proteins but neglect minerals, we may have problems with success and individuals not following the rules of biochemistry.

  • Mineral deficiencies can cause problems with the body's biochemistry.

  • Minerals are necessary for enzymes to function properly in the body.

  • A person can assess if they have a mineral deficiency by evaluating their diet and their response to essential nutrients.

  • Some minerals, like iron, should be taken with caution due to the risk of overdose.

  • Calcium and magnesium are important minerals for bone health.

  • Zinc is necessary for a healthy immune system.

  • Vanadium and chromium are trace minerals that can be beneficial in low doses.

  • Boron is important for bone health and cognitive function.

 

Trace Minerals: 

The best source of trace minerals is a varied and balanced diet that includes a wide range of whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. These foods provide a variety of essential nutrients, including trace minerals, in their natural forms, which are often more easily absorbed and utilized by the body compared to supplements. In addition, it is important to drink plenty of water and consume fluids that contain electrolytes, as these can help to replenish trace minerals that are lost through sweat and other bodily processes.

  • Trace minerals are part of the periodic table of elements

  • Trace minerals (Mirco Minerals) are also important to our health, but we don't need large amounts and include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.

  • Plant-based minerals are about 10,000 times smaller than inorganic minerals and are absorbed more easily by the body.

  • Microgram amounts are needed and our bodies are composed of .02% of our bodies

  • Trace minerals are essential to building cells and the body, including DNA and mitochondria

  • From 1950 to 1999, trace minerals in soil were deficient by 79%

  • Farmers are not replenishing minerals in the soil, leading to deficiencies in plants therefore soil is becoming more and more depleted of minerals that lead to deficiencies in many people.

  • Plant-based minerals are absorbed much better by the body than metallic minerals or rocks

  • Plant-based minerals are around 10,000 times smaller than metallic minerals

  • It can be difficult to find sources of trace minerals

  • Trace Minerals can increase energy, improve sleep, help improve cardiovascular health and immune system function and enable better digestion after consuming trace minerals

  • It is important to choose a high-quality source of trace minerals and take them in small amounts.

  • Some act as antioxidants, protecting the body from long-term damage and are responsible for supporting the blood system, and are necessary for the healthy growth of certain hormones.

  • The best source of trace minerals is from plant-based sources, which are easier for the body to absorb.

  • Trace mineral deficiencies can accelerate the breakdown of mitochondria, the energy factories in cells.

  • Trace minerals are essential for the proper functioning of enzymes and the synthesis of vitamins.

  • A deficiency in just one trace mineral can cause a variety of health problems.

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Cofactors:

A cofactor is a non-protein chemical that helps with biological chemical reactions. It can be an inorganic ion, an organic compound, or another chemical that has properties that aren't typically found in amino acids. It helps enzymes catalyze reactions, and can be found naturally in the body or consumed in food.

  • Cofactors can be considered "helper molecules" that assist in biochemical transformations

  • A cofactor is a non-protein chemical that helps with a biological chemical reaction

  • Cofactors may be metal ions, organic compounds, or other chemicals that have helpful properties not usually found in amino acids

  • Some cofactors can be made inside the body, such as ATP, while others must be consumed in food

  • Cofactors can be divided into inorganic ions and complex organic molecules called coenzymes

 

Coenzyme:

Coenzymes are organic molecules that bind to the active sites of enzymes to assist in catalyzing reactions. Vitamins, or derivatives of vitamins, can act as coenzymes by enhancing the action of enzymes, which are proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions. Coenzymes are small molecules that cannot catalyze reactions on their own, but they can help enzymes do so when they bind with protein molecules to form the active enzyme. Water-soluble vitamins such as B1, B2, and B6 can serve as coenzymes.

  • Coenzymes are organic molecules that act as carriers, such as NADH and CoA.

  • Co-factors are directly involved in enzyme catalytic mechanisms, such as magnesium ions in DNA polymerase.

  • Some enzymes require multiple co-factors or co-enzymes to function properly.

  • Co-factors and co-enzymes can be divided into two types: inorganic ions and complex organic molecules called co-enzymes.

  • Co-enzymes are mostly derived from vitamins and other organic essential nutrients.

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Peptides:

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can have various functions in the body, such as acting as hormones or serving as precursors to proteins. They may be more easily absorbed by the body than larger proteins due to their smaller size. Examples of peptides include oxytocin, glutathione, melittin, insulin, and glucagon.

  • Peptides are short-chain amino acid signals that can assist in natural immunity.

  • They are produced inside the body from DNA and RNA.

  • Peptides can be used as a natural alternative to traditional medications.

  • They can be injected and begin to work within 20 minutes to 2 hours.

  • They can increase cell-mediated immunity and natural killer cells.

  • Thymus and alpha and thymus and beta peptides are specifically helpful for viral immunity.

  • They can also be effective against bacteria and other types of pathogens.

  • Peptides are safe, effective, and relatively natural.

  • They are available for patients at the practice and can be prescribed by a physician.

  • The practice can consult with a physician to determine if peptides are the right fit for a patient.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael Lickteig, along with his wife Melissa, built Liberty IV Infusion Therapy to serve the North Texas community. Both Michael and Melissa are paramedics and have experience working as flight paramedics, as well as in emergency rooms and mobile flight transport. Michael currently works as a Flight Paramedic at Medical City Healthcare and holds an MBA from the University of North Texas. The Lickteig family has strong ties to the military and has established partnerships with retired veterans. They thrive in mission-critical and high-stress situations and are equipped to handle medical protocol in high-risk situations. Their goal is to make their care available and affordable to veterans, professional athletes, and the general public in North Texas.

Michael Lickteig NRP , LP, FP-C, MBA

 

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