Kalispell spa offers hydration and vitamin supplements through IV therapy

As a nurse in a newborn intensive care unit and the catheterization lab, Katie Pipek had a front-row seat to the importance of hydration.

Wanting to give people more preventative healthcare options and utilize those benefits, Katie opened an IV nutrition lounge, Live Hydration Spa in Kalispell, with her husband John Pipek.

“People love the feeling of being hydrated,” John said. “I think people are just looking for more natural ways to take care of themselves and not get a prescription for everything.”

The midwest-based Live Hydration Spa, which began as a way to give people an option for hydration outside of a hospital setting, includes franchises all over the country. The one in Kalispell is the only Montana location.

“The founders of Live Hydration Spa saw people being dismissed from the ER because they weren't sick enough, but they very much needed to be seen,” Katie explained. “They needed treatment, even if it were as simple as giving them fluids and electrolytes. The IV lounge has given them another space they can go.”

The benefits of IV hydration extend to expecting mothers, those with autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disorders, and elderly patients who metabolize differently according to Katie.

“During my time in the NICU I saw some people go into preterm labor because they were dehydrated,” Katie said.

Live Hydration Spa can tailor bags for each individual patient depending on their goals, symptoms, deficiencies or possible autoimmune disorders.

“We offer lab draws so people can see where their levels actually lie,” said Katie. “As a company, we want to encourage micronutrient and lab tests and tailor treatment plans to each patient.”

The hydration spa offers several panels and screenings to test for inflammation, environmental toxins, heavy metals, organic acids, mycotoxins, and more.

“A lot of us are deficient in certain vitamins like B12 or vitamin D, especially since there’s not a lot of sun in the valley. We also have injections, a detoxing foot bath, and an oxygen bar that can help with relaxation and altitude sickness,” Katie said.

Bag options include vitamins that support endurance, skin rejuvenation, weight loss, and energy and recovery. During the cold season, patients often receive the tri-immune injection which has zinc, glutathione, and vitamin C to strengthen the immune system and boost the metabolism.

“The absorption rate for oral supplements is only 30 to 50 percent because the stomach breaks down the majority of it, but with an IV you get 99 to 100 percent of the vitamins since it goes straight into the bloodstream,” said Katie.

A popular energy-enhancing treatment is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or NAD, which is an enzyme that catalyzes cellular functions to ultimately support muscle function, enhance mood, aid in metabolic disorders, improve heart function, and increase brain health according to the company’s website.

“NAD is part of our cell cycle energy production. As we age we don't produce as much of it as quickly, so people think ‘Oh, I'm so tired, but I'm just getting older.’ And technically yes, but when people supplement with this treatment, they feel like they've aged in reverse because it repairs DNA at the microscopic level.”

Katie loves being able to help patients increase their energy levels and achieve their health goals.

“One client admitted that she was skeptical and didn't know if IV therapy would work for her,” Katie said. “She was fatigued, depressed, and had low energy. The next day, she sent me an audio message and was in tears. She said, ‘I haven't felt my body like this in so many years.’ It's really rewarding when you hear those things.”

Prices range from $80 to $200 for bags of fluids and injections range from $25 to $55. Yearly memberships are also available.

The hydration spa offers varied hours look to accommodate clients’ schedules.

“We’re very flexible and stay open a little later for people who work. We also offer mobile appointments. I want people to receive the care they need regardless of their work schedule,” Katie said.

Though Live Hydration Spa is relatively new to the valley, they have already participated in community events such as the Whitefish Marathon, Unleashed Winery, a few weddings, and hope to collaborate with a yoga studio in the future.

Live Hydration Spa is located at 135 W Idaho St, Suite B in Kalispell. To schedule an appointment, call 406-201-5890, go to livehydrationspa.com, or visit their Instagram page @livehydrationkalispell.