Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Reverse Aging in Humans: What Research Says

ByPavlos Giorkas Posted on04/12/202231/10/2023 Updated on31/10/2023

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Reverse Aging in Humans

Various research papers suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy to reverse aging in humans. The idea of hyperbaric oxygen therapy being able to reverse aging is not a new one. Many people believe that HBOT can help reverse the effects of aging.

HBOT is a treatment that involves breathing 100% pure oxygen while in a semi-closed or closed hyperbaric oxygen chamber. The air pressure in the chamber is greater than sea level pressure, which allows more oxygen to enter the bloodstream and tissues.

HBOT has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, such as wounds, burns, and infections. Some people also believe that it can help with memory loss, cognitive decline, and other age-related conditions.

In general HBOT has many benefits – benefits that are backed by research and scientific evidence. You can read about them in this article.

Recently, there has been growing interest in the potential of HBOT to reverse aging in humans. This is due to its ability to increase stem cell production , which are essential for tissue repair and regeneration.

Stem cells are unique cells that have the potential to develop into many different types of cells in the body. They are responsible for the growth and repair of tissues and organs throughout our lives. HBOT has been shown to increase the production of stem cells in the bone marrow and blood plasma, which can then be used in stem cell therapy to treat a variety of age-related conditions.

This is because the stem cells produced during HBOT are colony forming cells, which can differentiate into various types of cells, including muscle, bone, and cartilage cells.

Stem cell therapy has shown great promise in the treatment of age-related conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and osteoarthritis.

With the potential to increase stem cell production, HBOT may offer a non-invasive and effective way to enhance stem cell therapy outcomes. By providing the body with an abundant supply of stem cells, HBOT could potentially reverse the aging process by promoting tissue repair and regeneration.

So, does hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverse aging? Does it really have the ability to reverse it and make us look younger or at least stall our decline?

The evidence is still inconclusive, but there are a number of theories that suggest it may be possible. In this article we’ve collected as much scientific evidence we could find that prove that HBOT can help with longevity and anti-aging.

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

As mentioned earlier HBOT is the practice of exposing the body to increased levels of oxygen. The increase in oxygen helps the body to heal faster. It is also used to treat a number of other medical and health conditions, including cerebral edema, carbon monoxide poisoning, and decompression sickness as well as slow down the aging process.

How hyperbaric oxygen therapy works

To better understand how oxygen therapy works, I suggest you take a look at this video. If you are not the video type of person, keep reading.

– How hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) works

HBOT works by entering in a special hyperbaric chamber that pumps oxygen. The air pressure inside the chamber is elevated two to three times higher than normal.

While under such conditions, your lungs can take far more oxygen than if you were inhaling oxygen at standard temperature and pressure.

This increase in oxygen aids in the battle against germs and it has been proven to treat a number of diseases, heal our bodies faster, improve our immune system, improve our cognitive function as well as aid in the aging process.

Studies on Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to reverse aging process

Here are the six most important studies done by the scientific community that suggest HBOT can reverse the aging process in humans.

HBOT can make your skin look younger

In a clinical trial published in the scientific journal, Aging, researchers found that HBOT can target aging hallmarks such as telomere shortening, senescent cells clearance and angiogenesis.

– Young versus old aging: Photo by East Foundation | Source: nocamels.com

7o subjects were doing daily HBOT sessions for three months. The scientists took skin biopsies to evaluate the subjects collagen fibers, elastic fibers, senescent cells and blood vessels.

For the first time in humans, the study shows that HBOT can profoundly change the pathophysiology of aging skin in a healthy aging population. Angiogenesis and senescent cell clearance are two of the processes that have been shown.

HBOT increases telomere length

Another study published again in the scientific journal Aging, showed that Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can increase telomere length by more than 20%.

Schematic image showing a human cell with DNA within the nucleus. Zoomed image showing a chromosome with telomere caps — – Left to right: Schematic image showing a human cell with DNA within the nucleus; zoomed image showing a chromosome with telomere caps; cell division and associated gradual shortening of the protective telomere cap. Image source: theory.labster.com

Telomeres are the protective caps at the end of each chromosome. They are essential for proper chromosome function, and they help to ensure the stability of the genome.

The trials were done on 35 adults, aged 64 and older, who received 90-minute HBOT sessions five days a week over the course of three months, for a total of 60 sessions. Blood samples were collected on after the 3oth and 60th session and one-two weeks following their last session.

The scientists examined the subjects’ telomere length and senescent ells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). What they observed exceeded their beliefs. All the subjects’ telomere length increased by more than 20% and the senescent cells decreased by more than 10%.

In summary, the research revealed that HBOT could have major senolytic effects, such as extending telomere length and clearing senescent cells in aging populations.

HBOT can repair damaged brain

Cognitive decline is another part of the aging process that healthy aging adults are concerned.

A piece of puzzle missing from the brain. — – A piece of puzzle missing from the brain | Creator: frentusha | Copyright: frentusha

Clinical research provide strong evidence HBOT may be the sought neurotherapeutic technique for brain restoration.

More specifically, an editorial called Reflections on the neurotherapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen, published by Dr. Shai Efrati and Eshel Ben-Jacob – both researchers at the Tel Aviv university suggests that HBOT provide strong evidence in regards to brain restoration.

Here’s a 20-minute video by Dr. Shai Efrati that explains how HBOT can help repair damaged brain.

HBOT can stop the aging of blood cells

According to a new study from Tel Aviv University and the Shamir Medical Center in Israel, hyperbaric oxygen treatments can have a remarkable beneficial effect on healthy aging adults. As the treatments progress, the adults’ blood cells actually become younger instead of continuing to age.

red blood cells — – Red blood cells. | Source: Pexels.

The scientists discovered that a procedure combining specialised treatment and and high-pressure oxygen treatments in a pressure chamber can roll back the two most important mechanisms related to aging and its diseases: the shortening of telomeres and the accumulation of old and malfunctioning cells in the body.

The study discovered a lengthening of up to 38% of the telomeres and a decrease of up to 37% of senescent cells.

This is the second study that proves that HBOT can increase telomere length and lessen senescent cells in our bodies.

HBOT improves mitochondria function

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can help you live longer by helping to improve the function of your mitochondria.

Illustration with of the structure of mitochondria — – The structure of mitochondria. | Source: meresearch.org.uk

Specifically, a study published in the “Journal of Cellular Physiology” found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy improved mitochondrial function and reduced the effects of aging.

Energy is produced by mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, and they are proven to lengthen lifespans.

HBOT fights inflammation

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is being studied as a way to reduce inflammation and therefore slow the aging process and promote better health. A study published in nature.com provided evidence that a single session of hyperbaric oxygen therapy could help reduce inflammation in the body.

inflammation — – Illustration depicting inflammation. | Source: Pexels.

Compared with participants who did not receive this treatment, those who did had significantly lower levels of inflammatory markers. This suggests that using HBOT may be an effective way to combat age-related diseases linked to inflammation.

These findings offer us a glimpse of hope into potential anti-aging treatments and give us reason to be optimistic about healthier lives in our future.

What are some other benefits of HBOT?

There is a lot of evidence that HBOT can help with issues such as wound healing, infections, treating Alzheimer’s disease and many more. Here are some of the most important health benefits of HBOT protocol as we covered in a previous article.

– A soft-shelled hyperbaric chamber for home use. | Source: Wikimedia Commons | Creator: MJ Photography ASA Partners LLC

Boost’s the immune system: There is evidence that HBOT boosts the immune system and helps the body fight disease.
Improved blood vessels circulation: HBOT has been linked to increased blood circulation, which is beneficial for overall wellness. Research has found that it can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, resulting in improved blood flow. Additionally, the increased oxygen supply to tissues and organs helps promote cellular health and repair.
Improves athletic performance: HBOT can provide considerable benefits to athletes. With more oxygen available in the body’s tissues, energy output is improved, as are strength, speed and endurance. This can help improve overall athletic performance.
Decreases muscle soreness: HBOT increases the amount of oxygen within muscle tissue, allowing for faster recovery from activities such as exercise. This can decrease the soreness associated with over-exertion and has anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, HBOT works to reduce pain and improve flexibility.
Rapid wound healing: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not only beneficial for fortifying the body’s immunity, but also for accelerating healing in wounds and injuries. Studies have indicated that HBOT can be a successful method of treatment for wound-care and injury recuperation.
Can treat chronic fatigue syndrome: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an enigmatic condition characterized by extreme and unexplainable fatigue. There is no known cure, but treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy have been found to be beneficial in managing the symptoms of CFS. A study published in the Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome reported that CFS patients experienced relief after undergoing hyperbaric oxygen treatment. It seems that this treatment could potentially provide a much-needed source of symptom alleviation for patients suffering from CFS.
Detoxifies the body: HBOT is a great way to help detoxify your body. Research in the Journal of Applied Physiology shows that it can remove carbon monoxide and other toxins from your bloodstream. Plus, this type of therapy can help improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation throughout your body.
Helps with weight loss: With HBOT you burn more calories too.All you have to do is breathe pure oxygen and your body is forced to burn more calories just to get the same amount of oxygen in your system. It’s a process called hyperoxia.
Improves brain function: You’ve probably heard the phrase “let’s pump it up” before. Well, with HBOT, you can literally pump it up! Studies have found that this therapy can improve cognitive function and reduce signs of aging. Yes, please! Plus, it helps with memory, attention and executive functioning – basically a brain boost to keep your mind as sharp as a tack.

People Also Ask (FAQ)

Here are some common questions people are asking related to HBOT.

A recent randomized controlled trial showed that the HBOT treatment can reverse aging. Biologically, adult blood cells tend to become more mature when treatments are carried out.

Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy HBOT offers an excellent rejuvenator for ageing skin. As you age, your oxygen levels decrease and your skin begins developing lines and wrinkles. Oxygenic therapies replenish and revitalize the body’s weakened elasticity by plummeting lines and wrinkles.

The average yearly average number is around 30 or 40 treatments / treatments are recommended and patients will need 5 or more sessions for treatment to treat specific diseases. Some diseases can be treated by HBOT in two to two days for a shorter duration.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatments are an alternative to a traditional anti-aging treatment to improve appearance. HBOT stimulates the production of collagen which helps to repair the skin.

Recent studies from Tel Aviv University show the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapies for treating aging phenotypes and telomere shortening, senescence cells clearance and angiogenetic changes.

Recent clinical studies show hyperbaric oxygen therapies (HBOT) can target aging hallmarks like lengthening shorter telomeres, clearing senescent cells from the body and aiding in angiogenesis.

HBOT is used to help treat skin aging and the research has demonstrated the effectiveness for reducing aging skin by applying UV radiation for 2-4 hours.

HBOT encourages new collagen production and new skin cells. This helps stimulate the growth of new blood vessels. In some cases vascular endothelium growth factor is produced by the cells and a variety of other substances in the body. This attracts and stimulates endothelial cells that are required to heal.

Each HBOT session usually takes between sixty to ninety minutes.

Depending on your insurance coverage and the number of sessions you need, HBOT will cost you differently. There are usually 30 to 40 sessions in a typical course of treatment.

HBOT can cost between $100 and $300 per session if you don’t have insurance coverage.

It is always possible to purchase a hyperbaric chamber for use at home. The price starts at $15k, but if you’re willing to spend up to $300 per session when the average session per week is 3 – 5 times, you can recoup your investment in a couple of years. As an added bonus, the whole family can use a hyperbaric chamber at home, increasing the return on investment.

Bottom Line

HBOT has been a popular treatment for many diseases and conditions. It is a treatment that has been used for many years for patients suffering from a wide range of issues, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, carbon monoxide poisoning, and decompression sickness.

There is a lot of evidence to support the benefits of HBOT, so it is easy to understand why many people are interested in it.

As we saw from the many scientific research studies above HBOT can help reverse the aging process, mostly by stopping or reducing the accumulation of senescent cells and by aiding in telomere elongation.

Although more research is needed around this subject, lifestyle modifications and intense exercise are key for slowing down the aging process. Also, interventions or lifestyle modifications associated with aging process like, smoking, drinking, not sleeping enough, can add years to our lives as well as making us looking and feeling much more younger.

If you’re considering HBOT or even buying one for your home, it’s important to speak with your doctor to see if it’s right for you. HBOT is generally safe, but there are a few risks to be aware of, such as barotrauma (injury caused by changes in pressure) and oxygen toxicity (when too much oxygen is breathed).

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Pavlos Giorkas

Pavlos Giorkas is an experienced author with over 9 years of experience in writing content for various online publications. He loves researching about food, nutrition, alternative health and longevity. He believes that mainstream health is broken and fails to deliver what it promises. Among other things, he likes writing about internet marketing, software reviews, crypto and consumer technology.

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