HBOT for Reversing Aging
As we’ve recently explored on this blog, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is now being used as an anti-aging tool. This novel use brings HBOT into the world of beauty tech, an emerging industry developing beauty and anti-aging technology that is driven by science, research, and peer-reviewed studies. In the beauty-tech world, HBOT is an example of finding wellness on the cellular level. Successful anti-aging results from HBOT have been proven, but a new study from Israel shows that HBOT may actually reverse aging.
So what exactly is HBOT? HBOT involves breathing 100% infused oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. HBOT enables oxygen to reach every part of the body, where it both repairs damaged cells and encourages new cellular growth. At the same time, HBOT promotes circulation and stem cell growth, which reduces inflammation, and supports the immune system (1). For decades, HBOT has proven effective for treating a multitude of medical conditions, including diabetic ulcers, sudden hearing loss, and radiation injury (2).
We already knew that HBOT promotes anti-aging by reducing excessive skin damage from ultraviolet radiation; promoting collagen production and maintains skin elasticity; and improving wound healing and reducing scar formation (2). A 2014 study found oxygen “to be an important component in skin rejuvenation, treatment of photoaging skin, and improvement in skin complexions” (3). Check out this interview with Holistic Hyperbarics founder Alex Williams to read her take on HBOT and beauty tech.
Our bodies are made up of cells; these cells constantly replicate in order to replace damaged old or damaged ones (4). When this replication occurs, structures called “telomeres” that serve as protective caps on our chromosomes, become shorter. Shortened telomeres have been linked with increased incidence of disease, worsened health, and shorter life expectancy (5). The 2020 Israel study treated patients with a three month HBOT protocol. Remarkably, this treatment resulted in some of the telomeres lengthening as much as 20% (6). This means that HBOT didn’t just fight aging, it actually reversed aging. This is the first known study to show reversal of aging in human subjects. The implications for health, wellness, and quality of life as we age are numerous. As more researchers work to replicate these results and experiment with more patients, we will learn even more, and continue to fight aging-related ailments and pain.
If you’re looking for an anti-aging treatment that actually works, we’re ready to serve you at Holistic Hyperbarics. Our state-of-the art spa features knowledgeable staff, a relaxing environment, and comfortable hyperbaric chambers. We’d love to answer your questions about anti-aging and aging-reversal through HBOT. Give us a call to book your first HBOT anti-aging treatment today.
SOURCES:
1. Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 Jan. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/about/pac-20394380.
2. Staff, IHAUSA. “Anti Aging.” International Hyperbarics Association, International Hyperbarics Association, 2020, www.ihausa.org/anti-aging.html.
3. Asadamongkol, Bralipisut, and John H Zhang. “The Development of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Skin Rejuvenation and Treatment of Photoaging.” US National Library of Medicine | National Institutes of Health , BioMed Central Medical Gas Research, 1 Apr. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3977684/.
4. Staff, Cancer Research. “How Cells and Tissues Grow.” Cancer Research UK, Cancer Research UK, 1 July 2020, www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/what-is-cancer/how-cancer-starts/how-cells-and-tissues-grow.
5. Shammas, Masood A. “Telomeres, Lifestyle, Cancer, and Aging.” Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3370421/.
6. McRae, Mike. “In a First, Scientists Say They've Partially Reversed a Cellular Aging Process in Humans.” ScienceAlert, 20 Nov. 2020, www.sciencealert.com/oxygen-therapy-found-to-turn-back-the-sands-of-time-on-our-body-s-aging-cells.
7. Fuller , Ashley M, et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Preconditioning Protects Skin from UV-A Damage.” PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 3 Aug. 2012, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22855227/.