HBOT Stress Biomarkers Study
A new study, published in October of 2020, shows promising results for using hyperbaric oxygen therapy to decrease stress biomarkers in stress-related diseases and disorders. All humans experience stress at some point in their lives. According to the Cleveland Clinic, stress can be helpful in the short term, such as to warn us of imminent danger. But long-term stress without breaks can lead to many health problems, both physical and mental (1). Physical symptoms of ongoing stress may include headaches, upset stomach, high blood pressure, chest pain, and sexual dysfunction (1). Stress-related emotional problems include depression, panic attacks, and anxiety (1).
According to the October study from Frontiers in Molecular Bioscience, “Stress affects an organism's welfare status and induces energy-consuming mechanisms to combat the subsequent ill effects; thus, the individual may be immunocompromised, making them vulnerable to pathogens.” Doctors are able to measure stress levels by testing the blood, saliva, and/or urine for stress biomarkers (2). These stress biomarkers include thermal stress markers, like heat shock proteins (HSPs); innate immune markers, like Acute Phase Proteins (APPs); oxidative stress markers; and salivary and urinary chemical secretions (2). According to the study’s authors, presence of “a stress marker indicates that an individual is not in physiological comfort and different energy consuming mechanisms are operating inside their bodies to maintain the homeostasis.” (2)
The study sought to determine whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy can reduce the presence of stress biomarkers in the body, thus reducing stress-related symptoms and improving quality of life. But what is hyperbaric oxygen therapy anyway? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% infused oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. This enables oxygen to reach every part of the body, where it both repairs damaged cells and encourages new cellular growth (3). At the same time, HBOT promotes circulation and stem cell growth, which reduces inflammation and supports the immune system (3). For decades, HBOT has proven effective for treating a multitude of medical conditions, including diabetic ulcers, bone infections, and radiation injury (4).
While HBOT has been proven effective at treating the conditions above (and many, many more), researchers are discovering new uses all the time. This new study reached the promising conclusion that HBOT can indeed be an effective tool in reducing stress biomarkers, in turn reducing physical and mental symptoms (2). According to the study’s authors, “HBOT shows novel therapeutic potential to alleviate metabolic morbidities precipitated by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction (2).” We are excited about this encouraging study, and are ready to treat those who may be suffering from elevated stress biomarkers, and the unpleasant symptoms that come with them.
At Holistic Hyperbarics, we work with all kinds of patients, from people recovering from surgery to professional athletes. We are excited to take this new data to further improve our treatment for treating stress-related ailments. We work with everyone, and would love to tailor an HBOT regimen to your needs. If you are seeking new treatments to aid in your recovery, we are here to support you. Our state-of-the art spa features knowledgeable staff, a relaxing environment, and comfortable hyperbaric chambers. We’d love to answer your questions about stress-related disease and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Give us a call today.
SOURCES:
1. Staff, Cleveland Clinic. “Stress: Signs, Symptoms, Management & Prevention.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 5 Feb. 2015, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11874-stress.
2. Dhama, Kuldeep et al. “Biomarkers in Stress Related Diseases/Disorders: Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Values.” Frontiers in molecular biosciences vol. 6 91. 18 Oct. 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6843074/.
3. 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.
4. Staff, IHAUSA. “Anti Aging.” International Hyperbarics Association, International Hyperbarics Association, 2020, www.ihausa.org/anti-aging.html.