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How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Reverse Aging?

NexGen Hyperbaric Staff

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a modern, medically proven technique many physicians use to promote healing after an injury or surgery. Some doctors also offer HBOT as an elective procedure for patients who want to restore and maintain a youthful look. So, how does hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverse aging?

As humans age, skin loses elasticity, muscles become less dense, and cognitive functions start to decline. In addition, aging causes the body to stop producing collagen, causing the skin to wrinkle and lose some of its youthful “glow.” This process can occur quickly, depending on a person’s genetics and health conditions.

Many people spend thousands of dollars on anti-aging beauty products from brands that claim to revitalize skin. Some treatments only mask the aging process or damage the body further with harsh chemicals. Often, beauty care companies do not target the root causes of aging.

Healthy cell growth is fundamental for maintaining a youthful appearance. More oxygen in the blood improves metabolic stability and cell production—additionally, higher oxygen levels in the brain support cognitive function and alertness.

Recent studies indicate that HBOT may be one of the first clinically supported techniques to modulate the pathophysiology of aging skin in humans successfully. Read on as we unpack this study and explain how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can enhance the anti-aging process for healthy adults, levels in the brain support cognitive function and alertness.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: The Basics

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a non-invasive, clinically tested, and FDA-approved medical solution suitable for treating a wide range of conditions. Doctors primarily use HBOT to deliver oxygen into their patients’ blood to facilitate cell growth and heal soft tissue damage. Many doctors also administer this treatment for people who experience decompression sickness (“the bends”) and radiation injuries.

HBOT takes between three minutes and two hours to complete, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. First, the doctor determines which type of HBOT system the patient needs. For example, monoplace chambers usually fit one person, while multiplace chambers provide enough space for two or more.

After the patient is comfortable, the doctor can pressurize the chamber up to three times its normal pressure. This action causes the patient’s lungs to expand as more oxygen enters the body. HBOT helps fight off infections, reinforces the immune system, and promotes essential biological functions.

Many patients also choose HBOT to help them heal injuries faster. Healthy cell growth helps combat problems like:

  • Anemia
  • Brain abscesses
  • Third degree burns
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Crush injuries
  • Necrotic injuries
  • Diabetic foot ulcers
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Loss of vision

Additional Read: What Conditions Can Be Treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

HBOT can be an excellent supportive procedure for conventional treatments like surgery and prescriptions. In the case of anti-aging, it may provide faster results than some traditional solutions. Researchers continue to explore the benefits of HBOT as more technology becomes available to monitor its effects.

Utilizing the Hyperbaric Chamber: Aging Study

How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverse aging when compared to other solutions?

Many people claim that over-the-counter skin care products, anti-inflammatory drugs, and fringe diets can offer anti-aging benefits. However, few credible studies can support these claims. A 2021 study written by Hachmo et al. at the Research and Development Unit of Shamir Medical Center and its affiliates highlights the results of a four-year-long prospective clinical trial evaluating the anti-aging benefits of HBOT.

Seventy healthy adult participants committed to a three-month, regulated control period for this hyperbaric chamber aging study. At the end of the three months, researchers collected a skin biopsy from each to serve as a baseline for the trial. Participants then underwent three months of daily HBOT sessions, after which the researchers collected another biopsy sample.

The purpose of collecting skin biopsies was to identify changes in collagen fibers, elastic fibers, and blood vessels after prolonged exposure to 100% oxygen. Prior to the evaluation, a blinded pathology technician applied a formaldehyde solution to the samples and waited for paraffinization.

Researchers identified changes in elastic fiber length and thickness. They also tracked fiber fragmentation and the number of senescent tissue cells before and after HBOT. Fiber fragmentation and senescent cells can accelerate tissue remodeling, contributing to organismal aging.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Anti-Aging Results

Once the trial ended, researchers observed several changes in their samples – most notably, a significant increase in collagen density, effect size, and elastic fiber length (despite no changes in elastic fiber density and thickness).

Sixty daily HBOT sessions allowed physicians to reduce papillary dermis thickness and increase elastic fiber length and collagen fiber density in a healthy older male. Post-HBOT results also showed decreased fiber fragmentation and senescent cells in tissue. It was the first time a human study demonstrated that therapeutic intervention could accomplish such a feat.

The study suggests that q and cellular metabolism, leading to healthier cell growth. HBOT may also reduce inflammatory reactions, aid the development of new blood vessels, and alleviate oxidative stress, which hastens the aging process.

In summary, the study indicates that routine hyperbaric oxygen therapy anti-aging chambers may facilitate the longevity and restoration of skin cells in healthy adults.

The Hyperbaric Chamber Benefits: Anti-Aging

The above study provides optimistic results for those seeking effective anti-aging solutions. Changes in collagen production and elastic fiber length indicate that a high oxygen infusion can promote healthier skin and biological function. Additionally, subjects reported only two side effects in the study, only one of which – moderate barotrauma to the ear – needed treatment.

Still, how does hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverse aging associated with cognitive decline?

Recent studies involving patients who manage prolonged symptoms of COVID suggest that HBOT can reduce fatigue and improve awareness. These findings could indicate that HBOT is also practical for offsetting adverse neurological effects of aging. However, more conclusive research may be necessary to understand HBOT can reduce or reverse aging beyond the dermis.

Using the Hyperbaric Chamber for Aging: Is It Suitable for Everyone?

Can everyone use the hyperbaric chamber for aging? The FDA considers HBOT a low-risk procedure. However, it may not be suitable for everyone – especially those with specific medical conditions.

Most clinical studies focus on the effects of HBOT on physically healthy and neurotypical adults. Those with mental health conditions or severe age-related injuries may not be the best candidates for HBOT anti-aging treatments. Pressurized environments can cause problems for patients with collapsed lungs or severe infections.

Healthy elderly patients may enjoy some benefits in using HBOT to reduce the adverse effects of aging. Even in a patient’s later years, treatments can slow muscle tissue degradation and help patients experience a higher quality of life.

Physicians should always take the time to discuss this treatment with their patients in detail before recommending it. Some safer alternative options may be available.

Additional Read: Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Clinic: 9 Essential Factors to Consider When Selecting HBOT Clinic

Potential Side Effects of HBOT

Like most medical treatments, those who undergo elective hyperbaric oxygen therapy can experience some minor side effects. Potential risks include:

  • Middle ear damage from the highly pressurized environment
  • Myopia or “nearsightedness” (this problem is usually temporary)
  • Lung injuries caused by significant changes in pressure
  • Seizures as a result of oxygen toxicity in the nervous system
  • Diabetic complications caused by changes in blood sugar

The FDA regulates HBOT facilities to ensure that they are safe for use. Those who seek treatment from non-standardized facilities – also called “soft chambers” – risk potential injuries, some of which could be life-threatening.

Power disruptions can cause the hyperbaric oxygen system to deflate. This scenario could cause a patient to suffocate. Additionally, the risk of oxygen tank combustion increases when operators need to secure flammable materials in the proper locations.

Key Takeaways

How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverse aging? In short, HBOT addresses many of the hallmarks of aging, such as telomere shortening, senescent cell clearance, and blood vessel development. In addition, infusing oxygen into the bloodstream enables the body to restore skin texture and elasticity.

Oxygen also feeds muscles, bones, and joints, which can become weak over time. Some evidence suggests that HBOT helps facilitate stronger cognitive functions and boosts energy levels that often decline with age.

HBOT fortifies the body’s immune response, allowing it to heal and resist harmful bacteria that could cause the body to age faster.

Patients can safely take advantage of these practical solutions by seeking treatment from a regulated facility. This way, the physician can develop a treatment plan that suits their medical history and personal needs.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Anti-Aging Solutions From NexGen Hyperbaric, LLC

Annually, millions of Americans invest in anti-aging products and strategies to look and feel younger. At NexGen Hyperbaric, LLC, we take pride in providing our patients with accessible solutions at a comfortable facility. We administer hyperbaric oxygen therapy for those looking to restore their youthful features and patients seeking treatment after an injury or surgery.

We dedicate ourselves to providing unmatched care to everyone who comes through our door. You can expect transparent communication and professional advice from our team. We have over 19 years of HBOT experience.

Don’t hesitate to contact our representatives if you have questions about hyperbaric oxygen technology or the procedure. We have all the answers you need.

How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverse aging? Learn more with NexGen Hyperbaric, LLC, in Edwards, CO. Schedule a consultation at 888-567-4302.