November 1, 2018
It's no secret that for quite some time I've been doing a weekly self-administered 30ml “Push IV” (fully legal for athletes, by the way) with a potent cocktail of vitamins and glutathione, along with a weekly NAD IV.
And while you may not be quite willing to hunt down a vein in your arm and administer your own IV, the doctor who I've been getting these IVs from is finally making his first appearance on my podcast. I've received plenty of questions about IVs (and stem cell infusions, and NAD IVs), and he's going to blow your mind with his broad range of knowledge on these topics.
His name is Dr. Craig Koniver.
Dr. Koniver has been practicing Performance Medicine for over 18 years and is the founder of Koniver Wellness in Charleston, South Carolina. Not satisfied with the disease-based model of modern medicine, Dr. Koniver seeks to help his clients optimize their health and performance through time-tested, nutrient and science-driven protocols that are the cutting-edge of medicine. He is the founder and creator of the patent-pending FastVitaminIV® as well as re-engineering the NAD+ IV protocols, now called Brain Refuel™.
Dr. Koniver’s client list includes Navy SEALs, NFL players, PGA golfers, Hall of Fame NHL players, world-class professional athletes, Fortune 100 Executives, well-known celebrities and TV personalities. In addition, Dr. Koniver offers a comprehensive training program of the Koniver Wellness Model to physician practices across the country.
During our discussion, you'll discover:
-What is performance medicine, and how did you get into it?…7:15
- Family medicine trained; wanted to open his own practice.
- Saw an opportunity to meet a need in the market by focusing primarily on IV's.
- Realized that people just want to feel better; focus on that, and they'll be receptive to outside the box solutions.
-Why is injecting into the bloodstream more efficacious than other means of injection (oral, etc.)?…9:40
- We only absorb around 20% of nutrients we take orally via food, supplements,etc. (even less with gut issues)
- IVs are a more sure way of ensuring the nutrients make it into the bloodstream.
- Pneumonia is a high cause of death; you treat it via intravenous antibiotics.
- Same principle applies with nutrients.
-What ingredients are in the different types of IVs that you make, and what do they do?…14:50
- Biggest deficiencies in people are:
- B vitamins
- Magnesium
- Amino acids.
- Craig focuses primarily on these ingredients in his “core” IV, rather than having a large variety of options to choose from.
- The difference between a push IV and a drip IV, and which one is more effective:
- A push IV gets a much more robust response.
- 30 CCs vs. 500-1000 CCs.
- Focuses more on the nutrients than the water.
- It's technically the only way to get a professional vitamin IV.
- Magnesium:
- Conventional wisdom says to go slow, play it safe.
- Craig has found the opposite to be true.
- Never had an adverse reaction to it.
- Amino acids:
- Whey protein, BCAA, glutamine.
- A total of 19 different nutrients in the 30 CCs of fluid.
-How people can administer these IVs without flying to Dr. Koniver's clinic in Charleston…24:17
- There's a network of certified nurses around the country.
- People can purchase from the nurses and administer themselves, either at a clinic or in their home.
-What is the Brain Refuel?…26:18
- Combination of Intravenous NAD Plus, and the Fast Vitamin.
- Achieves the “sweet spot” where people can tolerate the IV (length of treatment) and derive the most benefits from it.
- NAD can't be mixed with any other nutrient, but the Fast Vitamin IV helped transport the NAD to the mitochondria.
-How to deal with the unpleasant experience of injecting the IV…36:30
- Don't do it while you're stressed out, or just finished traveling; do it while you're in a “good place” mentally and physically.
- Breathwork; relaxing music.
- “This too shall pass”. Just like a workout sucks while you're doing it, you feel great afterward.
- An IV is basically a workout for your cells.
- First NAD treatment is always the worst; once you realize it's safe, it's more tolerable in the future.
- No adverse side effects.
-Whether or not the NAD treatment is absorbable into the cells, and any proof to back it up…41:40
- Article: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is transported into mammalian mitochondria
- Glutathione is not to be mixed with NAD.
-Dr. Koniver's work with stem cell infusions…47:40
- Umbilical stem cells are freshest, most potent.
- Mitochondria directs how stem cells work.
- NAD 3 day program; inject NAD 3 days prior to stem cells.
- Safety concerns: Cleanliness, foreign cells, etc.
- Umbilical stem cells are immune naive; very low likelihood of a reaction.
- Stem cell banks, private companies developing safer practices.
- Frozen in liquid nitrogen, where nothing can live. Injected immediately after thawing out.
- Follow a clear protocol, do your due diligence to minimize risk.
- Are stem cells regulated by the government?
- Nothing significant.
- Stem cell companies require thorough documentation.
- Doctors administering are well-trained. Clear protocol.
- Companies who cut corners will be weeded out when they produce a subpar product.
- What can you administer to aid in the absorption and utility of stem cells?
- Intravenous NAD
- Intranasal oxytocin
- Injectable peptides
-More detail on the injectable peptides…1:06:56
- BPC 157 systemically; inject anywhere.
- Growth hormone releasing peptides; coupled with CJC-1295.
- Helps to stay in the system longer.
- GHK-Copper.
- 3-week treatment promotes healing
-How Dr. Koniver engages in “distance medicine” and trains other doctors in the practice of IV treatment…1:10:20
- Enables people to receive the treatment they need remotely.
- Patients often eventually travel to Charleston to continue treatment.
- Doctors don't receive this type of training in med school.
- Different mindset: disease treatment vs. health and performance perspective.
-Ben's word of advice: Don't be like me! Proceed with Caution…1:13:15
And much more!
Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode.
Resources from this podcast:
-30-minute patient phone call with Dr. Koniver to review health goals. At end of the call, Dr. Koniver will outline a strategic game plan for optimizing patient health and performance. Click here and use code: BEN2020 for a 20% discount (brings $400 to $320)
-1-hour physician practitioner phone call with Dr. Koniver to discuss how to implement Performance Medicine into your practice. At end of the call, Dr. Koniver will outline specific steps to start. Click here and use code: BEN2020 for 20% discount (brings $500 to $420)
-4 Day NAD IV Therapy (Brain Refuel Program). Patient flies to Dr. Koniver’s office in Charleston, South Carolina to receive the loading dose. Click here and use code: BEN2020 for a 20% discount (brings $400 to $320)
-Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Program. 3 days of NAD IV Therapy followed by an umbilical cord stem cell infusion. Includes injectable peptides as well as select nutrients to aid in the absorption of stem cells. Click here and use code: BEN2020 for a 20% discount (brings $8750 to $7000)
–The latest research on NAD absorption
–My podcast with Charles Brenner on NR supplements
–My first podcast and second podcast with Thomas Ingoglia on NAD injections
–My podcast on genetics/glutathione with Dr. Karim Dhanani
–Halland Chen's article on muscle gain with stem cells and NAD combined
Episode Sponsors:
–Kion Flex A bioavailable blend to support joint comfort, mobility, and flexibility. Use code: BENFLEX10 to receive 10% off your order.
–Blue Apron guarantees the freshness of all their ingredients and will deliver them in an insulated box right to your door. Get your first 3 meals free when you use my link!
–Birdwell Beach Britches Expert craftsmen have been hand cutting and sewing every product at Birdwell Britches since 1961. Use code: BEN and receive 10% off your order.
–Gosha's Organics is a recognized leader in Innovative PHYTO Herbal Honey Infusions.
Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Dr. Koniver or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!
I have loved all of your podcasts about NAD+ and Resveratrol and have made these staples in my life. I would love to get my husband on board but he doesn’t listen to podcasts so he asked me to send him an article/research on the subject. There is a lot of info out there and some of the ones I’ve read through are informative but a little outdated. Are there any you can recommend that are compelling enough to motivate someone to go through the pain/suffering of a few days of the loading dose and then commit to a regular maintenance program if they don’t have any health or pain issues to motivate them into caring about their cellular health?
You could try NAD suppositories (Advanced Rejuvenation in Sarasota)? It depends on the person though. I have mitochondrial issues and actually can’t deal with a lot of NAD, as stimulating the mitos can ultimately lead to me exhausting them faster… Just a thought!
Are you doing your NAD+ in a IV push 30cc over 1 minutes as well? That seems like it would really kick you in the chest or make your arms/legs tingle so bad you wouldn’t be able to use the syringe.
Hello,
I’m doing Vitamin C IV with Magnesuim, B complex. on the same day i’m doing a glutathione shot. is this okay? should i do the glutathione shot before or after my IV Cocktail?
thanks
abusafian
You can do either, both are fine!
Hi Ben,
The shop link to Dr. Konivers site points to a shop that’s not open yet? Dr. Koniver’s shop on his site isn’t selling the NAD IV bags. My wife is a Nurse Practitioner and she can easily/safely administer to me. Do you know of any reputable sites selling the NAD IV bags? Thx Ben.
Our site is back up and working well now. Thanks!
The link is still not working on any browser or device.
Hi Dr,
Im I currently taking 2IU HGH daily (6 x days on, 1 x day off.)
Im wanting to swap out HGH for NAD+ BUT unsure the comparable protocol.
Could you please advise?
Dr Koniver. Trying to make an appointment. I am sure you guys are busy. Can someone please get back to me. I have emailed a couple of times
I guess his peptides must be bunk, because real peptides absolutely raise IGF-1. Read Dat’s primers!
Hi,
I can’t seem to access the store. Is it geo-blocked (i’m in EU)? or just not working right now?
Either way – I’d like more info about your vitamin and NAD IV solutions – ingredient quantities and pricing please.
Thanks!
+Leonard.
Dr Koniver's site is currently going through some upgrades, but should be live again shortly. Here's direct link to sign up to be notified as soon as it does: http://bit.ly/2QqfP2S
Thanks Ben,
I’ll keep track of him, especially when I get back to the US.
Meantime – I found another firm www.ivnads.com who will ship to EU.
Do you know these guys? Any good?
Cheers!
Hi Ben,
Looks like Craig’s site is still unconscious – i’ll keep checking.
Meantime can you please tel me where you source your NAD (for injection)?
I found www.ivnads.com and they will ship to me (Europe) but no reviews available – have you heard of these guys? are they legit?
Thanks so much!
Leonard
(biophysicist & enthusiastic hacker !)
You might have some luck posting this to the Kion Community. It’s a completely free online community of like-minded people who both have advice and are seeking advice. Facebook.com/groups/GetKion/
I hope this won’t post twice, but did you end up ordering from IVNADS.com? I’m on the fence, and like you mentioned I can’t find anything about them on the net.
I have been ordering from ivnads.com for the past year and have yet to have a bad experience. My experience with IV NADs has been identical to when i was going to a dr. to get the IV. Its a fraction of the cost too.
They carry NAD, Glutathione, Vitamin C, Myers Cocktail, and a few other goodies.
If you have any questions feel free to reach out.
[email protected]
Apparently nobody can access it….
Dr. Koniver had some site issues, but it's back up and running.
I was looking for a reputable company or wellness center that would sell and ship nad+ infusions to clients. I live in upstate New York and they aren’t popular in my area yet. I have a registered nurse in my family so I was hoping a company would retail it to a responsible client who wanted to start nad+ drips. I was hoping you may have a contact for me.
Hey Ben, or Doc, these links are not available for the FastVitaminIV push, is this still available to get from Dr Koniver?
I paid for a consultation with Dr Koniver and we decided to do NAD with my nurse practitioner. That was over 2 months ago. I have continued to contact Dr K WITHOUT A SINGLE RESPONSE and still have not received the NAD. His assistant Harper at [email protected] no longer works there, so don’t waste your time with that email. The website has no contact info for a company email or telephone number. This has been a complete waste of time and money.
I have had the same issue with this place. No response to my emails or calls. Terrible
My issue has been resolved. I have my products and cannot wait to try out the fast IV. Keep your head up!
Wow it was a scam?!? No way. That’s crazy
Whats up with this? I signed up for the consultation and I cant get them to respond. Is this place for real? I work overseas and am trying to plan a special trip to visit the clinic and start protocols but they wont respond to inquiries. Can I get my money back?
This seems to cause doubt in taking supplementation via pills and tablets as only 20% is absorbed? Not sure whether to buy Kion products any longer? Appreciate a response to this one. Thanks, Steve
What's important to understand is that for any food or supplement you absorb only about 20%. Even that steak and expensive kale salad you eat. The only way to get past that is to inject things straight into the bloodstream, and last I checked you can’t IV a steak. The fact injection is superior doesn't negate the positive effects that supplements and food maintain.
Did my first IV push of NAD today on myself ! Took 1 hour , not bad !
Hi Dave where did you purchase the NAD? Trying to hunt it down myself too 🙂
Hi Dave – that’s great – well done!
Can you please tell me where you got the NAD?
I can’t get hold of Craig and I’m looking for a legit alternative.
Cheers!
+Leonard.
Hello: I wanted to purchase the IV NAD to administer to myself (I am a Nurse Practitioner) and when I went to Koniver Wellness yesterday, it is no longer listed. Does anyone know why? Or does anyone know of anywhere else I can purchase? Thanks so much for any help
Email me , it requires a valid prescription,
[email protected]
Ben,
This podcast was interesting and a little overwhelming to be honest. Trying to streamline my supplements and get the best bang for the buck! Until I can get set up with IV injections, I have been a monthly install of Elysium. My auto renewal is up next month. Do you still recommend this product?
Michele,
I used to be an Elysium subscriber as well and looking forward to switching to NAD IVs as well once I can make it down to Charleston and get an in person consult. I’d recommend switching to TRU Niagen as Ben recommend down this thread (Nov 6)
https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/TruNiagen.
A read you should check out is this link
https://www.right-of-assembly.org/single-post/2018/04/14/Elysium-Basis-or-ChromaDex-Niagen—-Which-Is-Best
TLDR: Tru Niagen is made by Chromadex who own the patent to Nicotamide Riboside used by Elysium. Tru Niagen is also cheaper than Elysium and doesn’t add pterostilbene in their product.
Hello Dr. Koniver,
My family is very interested in your treatments and have reached out to me as an RN to see if I could administer it for them. I am located in Northern Nevada, Reno/Tahoe area. Please reach out to me with more information. Thank you kindly, Sarah Edge
Hello Ben
What is the test that was used to determine you don’t make Glutathoine?
Thank you so much for this awesome interview
Hi Ben and Dr Koniver
Loved the podcast! I live in Australia and am wondering is there any drs that you k ow of that administer the NAD IV’s. I would love to start doh g something like this but not sure where to start looking or even if it is available in Australia.
Keep up the great work
Maxx
yes there are plenty of nad drip clinics popping up in australia..expensive though
Hello Dr. Koniver,
My husband and I are both MDs. We would like to to use your IVs & NAD – do we need to train with you before ordering this?
Thanks,
Kelly
Hi Kelly,
Yes, for NAD IV Therapy, we like our physician partners to go through our 1 day training as NAD is a unique IV.
Thanks for your interest!
Craig
Thank you. Is the first step to make the $500 consultation with you?
Why have you answered the one person so far who wanted to spend money but hasn’t yet… and ignored all the ones who spent money and you blew off??? This sounds like a scam…
In this podcast you mentioned that you were getting a glutathione powder for injection (or were previously) and are now doing a glutathione IV…. is this coming from Dr. Dhanini? If so, is this available for purchase somewhere you can point to…?
I asked for a credible source for glutathione powder for injection on the podcast you did with Dr. Dhanini but got no response. Thought I’d try again. Thanks
Dr. Dhahani.. https://www.biologicalmedicine.com/ben-greenfield…
What is the shelf life of the push ivs?
Would you be open to selling a 5-pack in addition to your 10-pack?
I ordered 10 pack and cannot get anyone from his office to respond after 2 weeks on when it will be shipped?
Save your money
Have u had any luck with this yet? Same thing happened to me. Nobody emails or calls me back and they charged my CC.
That’s so crazy! If you scroll up you can see this Dr. only responded to the one person who wants to spend money with him and hasn’t yet… but totally ignored all the others wondering why they’ve spent all this money and have been unable to reach him at all. I’m wondering why Ben would recommend this guy after so many red flags…
Also, his site is down again so I feel bad for the people who spent money, I hope you all were able to get it back…
Ben, it would be great to have a podcast episode doing a deep dive into peptides… I really don’t know much about them but have heard you mention them a few times recently. Would really value your analysis on them…
Enter ‘peptides’ into the search function on this website. Ben has released at least 1 or 2 articles about them here.
What company do you buy peptides from?
While they have a short life in the blood stream, how long are they detected in a blood test? I
Ben, is BPC-157 just as effective at healing a one year old rotator cuff tear as opposed to a fresh tear? Does the tendon’s ability to heal diminish with time?
Nope. Fresh tear will heal faster. May want to consider TB500 for older injuries.
Hello. I went to Dr. Koniver’s website and these products are just too darn expensive. Moreover, why not just do a comprehensive blood screening for vitamin/mineral deficiency and treat for what’s lacking? I was a landscaper for many years and had customers whom ever fall want me to apply lime. Instead I would do a soil test and apply what was needed. Does this not make more sense?
Hello –
Great show. At the end of the show Dr Koniver mentions he believes NAD therapy to be the most important of all the protocols he mentions. For those of us not able to get NAD IVs, are there still benefits to using the commonly sold tablets? If so, which would be the best options?
Thanks!
I would recommend Tru Niagen. You can check it out at this link https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/TruNiagen
Hi Aaron,
I am certain there are benefits to oral NAD precursors but the very best way to replenish NAD is via IV NAD+
Dr. K
Thanks for the feedback, Doctor.
Quick question – is there a specific reason why NAD cannot be mixed with other compounds within an push IV?
I’m referring to the show notes that say: “NAD can’t be mixed with any other nutrient, but the Fast Vitamin IV helped transport the NAD to the mitochondria.”
Great podcast. My wife and I are both RNs interested in promoting and administering your IV protocols.
Hi Daniel,
Please contact Harper Thomas: [email protected] for more info.
Thanks!
Dr. K
Thank you. I have emailed my inquiry.
Ben and Dr. Koniver,
I am an experienced registered nurse who works in a metropolitan area. How can I be trained to administer your IV protocols in my area?
Tanya
Hi Tanya,
Thanks so much.
Please contact Harper Thomas:
[email protected]
Thanks!
Dr. K
What happens chemically when these are injected into the blood stream? Take for example D_3?
Any references that explain this in detail?
Its koniverwellness.com Ben
?
Ben and Dr. Koniver,
My wife is a registered nurse on a trauma floor in a hospital in Philadelphia and gives IV’s all day. How can I get her trained in your protocol? Then if once trained can I get the IV’s directly from your office and have her administer them under your protocol?
Thanks again, great podcast and information. Thanks for putting out this cutting edge information.
Ken
Hi Ken,
Thank you for connecting with us and I look forward to the call with you and your wife next week!
Dr. Koniver
Hi Dr. Koniver,
I’m also interested in getting trained. Been a nurse for 16 years. I live in Columbia, SC.
Hi Arnel,
Thanks so much.
Please reach out to Harper Thomas: [email protected]
Thanks again,
Dr. K
Hi Ken,
Thanks. Please contact Harper Thomas: [email protected]
Go Eagles! I went to Med School in Philly.
Dr. K