The benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): a pathway to healthy aging

Life expectancy is rising, thanks to modern medical care, conscious hygiene practices, mindful nutrition, and improved living conditions in many places. Now, it's time to learn how to make the most of our longer lives and live as healthfully as possible because chronic diseases and prolonged illnesses can significantly limit our quality of life in later years.

The good news is: You can take proactive steps to prevent a variety of chronic diseases and effectively alleviate their symptoms. One of the most advanced methods is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). It serves not only as a treatment for various ailments but also as a valuable tool for prevention.

What’s Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

During an HBOT session, your body absorbs up to 20 times more oxygen than usual by breathing in 100% pure oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure. This optimized oxygen supply can support essential health processes:

• Activating cellular regeneration
• Optimizing circulation and metabolic processes
• Supporting your cognitive functions
• Enhancing your physical and mental performance

How HBOT Promotes Your Cellular HealthHyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) primarily works by providing your cells with significantly more oxygen than normal breathing or exercise can offer. Research shows that HBOT can greatly improve the efficiency of the energy-producing mitochondria in your cells.¹This means hyperbaric oxygen therapy can have real benefits for you:

• Your cells produce more energy
• Your metabolism becomes more efficient
• Tissue regeneration ability improves
• Inflammatory processes are regulated

The increased oxygen pressure during HBOT treatment enables your body to transport oxygen deep into tissues that are otherwise poorly supplied. Cellular repair mechanisms are activated, and the formation of new blood vessels is supported.

A recent diabetes study² shows that after HBOT treatments, mitochondrial respiratory activity doubled. This led to improved insulin sensitivity and optimized energy metabolism.

The increased oxygen supply also supports the activation of stem cells, which are essential for tissue regeneration. The cells respond to the elevated oxygen supply by forming new mitochondria – a process known as mitochondrial biogenesis.  This may strengthen your cells' energy production and resilience long-term.³

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Long-COVID: scientifically proven effects

Post- or Long-COVID syndrome is characterized by various symptoms that can manifest differently in individuals. These include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Dry cough
• Headaches
• Muscle pain
• Memory, sleep, smell, and taste disorders
• Brain fog
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Shortness of breath
• Diabetes
• Breathing difficulties

The effectiveness of various treatments for Long-COVID is still under active investigation. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is considered particularly promising, as it has been used for some time to address these symptoms. Recent studies, particularly a randomized controlled trial published in the publication nature⁴, have demonstrated that HBOT may achieve improvements in several areas, especially quality of sleep, brain fog, and pain.Cognitive performance may benefit from HBOT treatments. Studies have shown potential improvements in global cognitive function, attention, and executive functions. Imaging techniques have documented that the therapy may increase cerebral blood flow and promote neuroplastic adaptations in important brain areas. This may support the regeneration of affected regions.   .⁵‍

HBOT may also positively impact neuropsychiatric symptoms commonly occurring in Long-COVID, such as anxiety and depressive moods. The increased oxygen transport may positively influence brain function and physical stress response.

Research also indicates potential improvements through HBOT for two main Long-COVID symptoms - chronic fatigue and pain:⁶‍

• Potential relief from fatigue states
• Possible reduction in pain sensations
• Potential increase in physical resilience
• Support for general vitality

It is particularly encouraging that the positive effects of HBOT treatment may persist for at least one year after completing the therapy. This suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers a promising option for individuals experiencing Long-COVID symptoms.How HBOT Can Support PreventionCardiovascular HealthHyperbaric oxygen therapy may support the cardiovascular system on multiple levels:

• Blood oxygen saturation may improve
• Oxidative stress may be reduced
• Endothelial function - crucial for healthy vessels - may improve
• Tissue microcirculation may increase

The increased oxygen supply during HBOT can support the regeneration of heart muscle tissue. Regular HBOT sessions may also contribute to improved elasticity of blood vessels, helping to prevent cardiovascular diseases.⁷Diabetes-Related ComplicationsHyperbaric oxygen therapy can positively influence glucose metabolism on several levels, making it a promising optimization tool for people with diabetes.⁸ People without diabetes can also benefit from this improvement of glucose metabolism in order to prevent type 2 diabetes, especially if they combine HBOT with other lifestyle interventions.

• Fasting blood sugar levels can improve by up to 19%.
• Insulin sensitivity throughout the body can increase by about one-third.
• Energy production in the liver can double.
• Mitochondrial function in muscle and fat tissue can significantly improve.

Neurological health

Thanks to increased oxygen supply to neurons, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may have positive effects on your brain and nervous system. Studies on neurocognitive effects of HBOT - including in connection with Long-COVID - show several potential benefits:⁹‍

• Cognitive functions may improve
• Cerebral blood flow may optimize
• Neuroplasticity - the brain's adaptability - may increase
• Nerve tissue regeneration may be supported

Particularly interesting are research findings on sudden hearing loss (sensorineural hearing loss). Hearing loss is one of the main risk factors associated with dementia and neurodegenerative diseases. A recent meta-analysis suggests that HBOT may improve the chances of hearing recovery. The improved oxygen supply to the inner ear can support the regeneration of delicate hearing cells.¹⁰

Aging processes

HBOT aims to extend your vital health span by targeting cellular aging processes. The treatment may activate DNA repair mechanisms and stabilize telomeres – the protective caps of our chromosomes.¹¹ HBOT may also increase mitochondrial efficiency and reduce oxidative stress in cells - all mechanisms that can help support your physical and mental performance into old age.¹²

HBOT as a complementary preventative measure

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy works most effectively as part of a holistic health strategy that consciously and purposefully incorporates your nutrition, exercise, and recovery.

A balanced diet provides the building blocks your body needs for repair and regeneration. The right nutrients may optimally support cell renewal processes stimulated by HBOT. Antioxidants from healthy foods may help reduce oxidative stress.

Regular exercise perfectly complements HBOT treatments. Physical activity can further promote circulation and activate metabolism. Combining HBOT and tailored exercise can strengthen the body’s regenerative capacity.

Adequate sleep and recovery complete the preventive approach. The 60- to 90-minute HBOT sessions provide additional regeneration time. During this phase, the body can focus entirely on its recovery processes.

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HBOT at AYUN: your personalized preventative care

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy at our Walk-In Longevity Clinic in Zurich takes place in a specialized chamber that meets the highest medical standards. A session typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes – a time you can use for relaxation.

Before your first HBOT session, we provide a comprehensive consultation. During this, we will exclude any possible contraindications and discuss your personal health goals. Based on this, our team of longevity experts will create a tailored treatment plan just for you.

During the treatment, you breathe pure oxygen through a comfortable mask. The pressure in the chamber increases gradually, similar to the take-off of an airplane. Throughout the treatment, our trained staff monitors all of your vital parameters.

The treatment intensity is adjusted based on your specific health goals. For preventive purposes, 10-15 sessions are often a good starting point. If you are facing specific health challenges, a more intensive treatment series may be necessary.

Would you like to learn more about your individual options for prevention through hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Schedule a personal consultation with our experts now. Together, we will create a personalized strategy for your long-term health!