Weight management is a common issue across the globe, and obesity rates continue to rise. For example, 29.2% of Canadian adults were classed as obese in 2021 — a steady increase from 28.2% and 27.7% in 2020 and 2019, respectively.

While weight is a sensitive topic for many of us and not easy to discuss, it’s nevertheless an important aspect of your health. Being heavily overweight or obese can increase an individual’s risk of developing various conditions and diseases. According to the Government of Canada, these include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Coronary heart disease
• Osteoarthritis

Maintaining a healthy weight can help to reduce your risk of developing these problems, but let’s be honest — it’s not easy. Simply eating less and exercising more isn’t a practical solution for everyone, especially for people with mobility limitations or disabilities. However, while it may be difficult, achieving a stable weight for your height and build could help you stay healthier in the long run.

Unfortunately, stubborn pockets of fat may remain and refuse to vanish even with a healthy diet and regular exercise. That can be frustrating if you have made an effort to lose weight. But you can try various treatments to remove stubborn fat and cultivate a smoother, more defined shape.

In this post, we’ll cover three cutting-edge weight-loss methods that can support your weight loss program.

What are MIC Injections?

MIC injections are a simple, effective way to decrease fatty tissue and boost your metabolism. They’re composed of three lipotropic compounds that promote the release of fatty deposits in multiple areas of the body:

• Methionine — An amino acid that helps to break down fatty deposits in the liver, prevent fat buildup in arteries, and reduce cholesterol levels.

• Inositol — A natural sugar that assists in converting fat into beneficial types of energy.

• Choline — A member of the vitamin B family, choline helps to manage cholesterol levels and weight gain.

MIC infusion treatments are performed by licensed health care experts using the latest equipment.

What are the Benefits of MIC Injections?

MIC infusion can be a positive aid to regular exercise and a healthy diet. Clinical study shows that MIC infusion can lead to the following benefits:

• Faster, more efficient fat burning.

• Increased development of lean tissue.

• Improved liver function and reduced cholesterol.

• Improved mood.

The latter potential benefit means that MIC injections can be good for people affected by depression and related conditions. You may also benefit from it if you have liver or cholesterol issues.

The number of MIC infusions required to achieve and maintain results varies, but we may recommend weekly appointments. The immediacy of results, and their duration, can differ from case to case. However, we’ll be able to provide you with a clearer idea during your pre-treatment consultation.

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is an innovative cryolipolysis treatment designed to freeze and remove stubborn fat that simply will not disappear even with a good diet and an active lifestyle. This is the only non-surgical treatment to use controlled cooling for fat reduction, and it can lead to lasting, visible results.

The CoolSculpting technology administers precisely controlled cooling to target specific areas of the body. It focuses on the fat cells beneath the skin but has no effect on the skin itself.

CoolSculpting can be used on the following areas:

• Inner thighs

• Outer thighs

• Underneath the buttocks

• Upper arms

• Sides / flanks (AKA “love handles” or “muffin top”)

• Double chin

• Back

After treatment, the dead fat cells that have been frozen will be naturally eliminated by the body. This can decrease stubborn fat in target areas by up to 25%.

What are the Benefits of CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting offers the following benefits:

• Achieve a more contoured shape by freezing fat cells.

• No need for anaesthesia — This non-surgical treatment involves no needles and minimal to no discomfort.

• No downtime — Reduce stubborn fat without needing to take time away from work.

On average, CoolSculpting treatments take between one and three hours, though your session may be shorter depending on which area(s) you want to treat. You should need at least two treatments to achieve your goal.

As with other treatments at Astra Medicare, you’ll have a consultation with a member of our team to ensure that this is the right option for you.

What is InMode Evolve Body Shaping?

InMode Evolve is a revolutionary body shaping treatment using radio frequencies (RF) to remodel your body in different areas. It utilizes an all-in-one platform with multiple technologies, and it allows trained professionals to provide a hands-free treatment. That’s ideal for anyone who wants to minimize contact with their treatment provider.

The RF energy generates heat under the skin to melt fat and tighten both the skin and muscle simultaneously. InMode Evolve can be used on the following areas:

• Inner thighs

• Outer thighs

• Underneath buttocks

• Upper arms

• Sides/flanks

• Back

InMode Evoke, which targets fatty deposits and sagging skin on the face and neck, is also available.

What are the Benefits of InMode Evolve Body Shaping?

InMode Evolve offers the following benefits:

• No invasive surgery required — Lie back and relax while the InMode Evolve technology melts away fat cells.

• No downtime — Get a more defined body shape without the need to take time away from your work and responsibilities to recover.

• Suitable for everyone — InMode Evolve can work for people of all skin types and genders.

• Combine with Evoke face shaping — You can try InMode’s Evoke face shaping treatment alongside Evolve to tighten skin around your cheeks, jawline, and neck.

If you want to reduce stubborn fat and tighten tissue and muscle, InMode Evolve could be the treatment you’re looking for.

How to Book Your Consultation

These three treatments can help you shed fat in one or more areas in a safe, effective way.

To learn more about MIC infusion, CoolSculpting, or InMode Evolve treatments, get in touch with Astra Medicare today.

Mental health is more widely discussed than ever today, particularly since COVID-19. In Canada, for instance, one study found that more than 37% of people experienced a decline in their mental health due to the pandemic.

Additionally, the relentless pace of modern life and the stresses associated with it can have a negative impact on mental health. For example, around one-quarter of Canadians have said they feel stressed to some degree most days.

Healthcare providers may recommend a number of treatments to help experiencing mental health difficulties. One increasingly popular option in the wellness and healthcare field is intravenous (IV) therapy.

In this post, we’ll explore IV therapy in detail, from how it works to the benefits it offers.

Understanding IV Therapy

IV therapy delivers essential nutrients and hydration directly into the bloodstream. This method allows for a 100% absorption rate, so your body gets more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than it would from food or drink alone. As a result, your body utilizes all those nutrients effectively.

IV therapy was initially used to keep hospital patients hydrated, but has gradually evolved and is being leveraged to optimize wellness and treat various health conditions.

The Connection Between IV Therapy and Mental Health

How IV Therapy Can Benefit Mental Health

The human brain is an incredible organic machine. It’s the central hub of our mental health, and it needs a range of nutrients and balanced chemicals to function at its best. IV therapy can provide the body (and, in turn, the brain) with these nutrients directly, in full concentration.

This method allows the nutrients to bypass the digestive system, which can be a barrier to efficient absorption, especially for those with gut health issues. Additionally, the nutrients administered via IV therapy can play a key role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters. That means they can influence our mood and mental state.

The Process of IV Therapy

IV therapy for mental health involves a carefully formulated, tailored cocktail of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These are usually administered by an experienced healthcare professional to ensure the process is safe and effective.

The treatment typically takes less than one hour, and many patients report immediate post-therapy feelings of calmness and rejuvenation.

The Mechanism of IV Therapy

A number of health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are related to an imbalance in the brain’s chemistry. According to a Harvard College article, potentially billions of chemical reactions affect mood and perceptions.

The nutrients fed into the bloodstream through IV therapy can help to correct these imbalances. For example, vitamin B12 aids in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood. Being deficient in this crucial vitamin may lead to symptoms of depression.

Benefits of IV Therapy for Mental Health

IV therapy offers potentially profound, versatile benefits for mental health. Delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream enables them to achieve their maximum effect and supports brain function.

Below, we’ll look at IV therapy’s benefits for various conditions, the nutrients used, and more.

Benefits for Different Conditions

B-complex vitamins, particularly B6, B9, and B12, can be beneficial for anxiety. For depression, a mix of B vitamins, Vitamin C, and magnesium may all be helpful, too.

Patients affected by chronic fatigue syndrome may find relief by taking a combination of B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, and sometimes small amounts of a natural adrenal hormone.

Nutrients Used in IV Therapy

The combination of nutrients used in IV therapy is crucial to ensure you achieve optimal results. That’s why the treatment is tailored to your specific needs and goals.

The nutrient cocktail for mental health may typically include such vitamins as B-complex and C, as well as magnesium, zinc, and certain amino acids. These nutrients help to combat inflammation, support the nervous system, and improve overall brain function.

Real-Life IV Therapy Success Stories

There are numerous success stories regarding individuals who have gained dramatic improvements in their mental health after IV therapy. From patients who have battled anxiety and depression for years to those dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome, many people report a significant improvement in their mood as well as a decrease in anxiety and stress levels.

It’s vital that you discuss your mental health and what you hope to achieve with your IV therapy before your treatment. Your provider will be able to explain how the process works, what you can expect during it, and how it should benefit your current mental health. You can also schedule further IV therapy sessions at a later date if you’re satisfied with the results.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of IV Therapy

As with any medical treatment, IV therapy does carry potential risks and may cause side effects. Some individuals might experience a mild burning sensation, a cool sensation in the arm used for the injection, and a metallic taste in their mouth during the infusion.

However, these symptoms tend to disappear shortly after the treatment ends. The more severe risks include infection or inflammation of the injection site, but these are rare when the treatment is performed by a trained professional.

How to Choose the Right IV Therapy Provider for Mental Health

It’s critical that you choose a credible, experienced IV therapy provider. There are multiple factors to consider when browsing your options, such as the provider’s medical background, reputation, the safety of the setting, and the quality of the nutrients used.

The Future of IV Therapy in Mental Health Treatment

Looking to the future, IV therapy has immense potential for ongoing mental health treatment. The applications of IV therapy are likely to expand as research continues and we learn more about the role of nutrients in brain function.

Final Thoughts

IV therapy is transforming the landscape of mental health treatment — and it’s likely that this will continue in years to come. Providing essential nutrients with a direct route is a promising avenue for individuals looking to improve their mental wellbeing.

Are you ready to embrace this new wave of wellness? Make an appointment to chat with our friendly, expert team and learn how IV therapy could improve your mental state.