Written by Vera Coetsee, Health and Nutrition Coach
5 Aug 2024
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been explored for its potential benefits in promoting longevity and healthy ageing. The increased oxygen delivery and improved tissue oxygenation provided by HBOT is thought to have a positive impact on various physiological processes associated with the ageing process.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised environment. During HBOT, the patient is placed inside a specialised chamber where the atmospheric pressure is increased to levels higher than normal. This increased pressure allows the lungs to absorb more oxygen, which then gets dissolved into the bloodstream and transported throughout the body. HBOT has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions, from wound healing and tissue repair to decompression sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning. By enhancing the body’s natural healing processes and increasing oxygen delivery to damaged tissues, HBOT has shown promise in improving patient outcomes in a wide range of applications.
The Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Longevity
HBOT has been proposed to potentially aid longevity through several mechanisms:
- Enhanced Oxygen Delivery: HBOT increases the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues in the body, which may aid in the repair and regeneration of cells. Oxygen is vital for cellular metabolism and energy production.
- Reduced Inflammation: HBOT has been shown to reduce inflammation in various conditions. Chronic inflammation is linked to ageing and age-related diseases. By decreasing inflammation, HBOT may potentially slow down the ageing process.
- Stem Cell Activation: Some studies suggest that HBOT can mobilise and activate stem cells in the body. Stem cells play a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration, which could contribute to longevity by maintaining tissue health.
- Increased Mitochondrial Function: HBOT may enhance mitochondrial function, which are the powerhouse of cells responsible for energy production. Improved mitochondrial function can improve cellular health and potentially slow down the ageing process.
- Promotion of Neurogenesis: HBOT has shown promise in promoting neurogenesis, the process of generating new neurons in the brain. This could have implications for cognitive function and overall brain health, which are important factors in longevity.
- Antioxidant Effects: HBOT may have antioxidant effects, helping to neutralise harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals are molecules that can damage cells and contribute to ageing and age-related diseases.
- Improved Wound Healing: HBOT is often used to accelerate wound healing in conditions like diabetic ulcers and radiation injuries. By enhancing tissue repair and regeneration, it may indirectly contribute to overall health and longevity.
If you are interested in this treatment or would like to learn more about the benefits, make an appointment at our clinic here.
Sources:
Memar MY, Yekani M, Alizadeh N, Baghi HB. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Antimicrobial mechanisms and clinical application for infections. Biomed Pharmacother. 2019 Jan;109:440-447. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.142. Epub 2018 Nov 3. PMID: 30399579.