Defy Age Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) delivers pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber. Over recent years, research has demonstrated several health and longevity benefits and has firmly established HBOT as a “must have/must do” in the relentless pursuit of defying age.
Hyperbaric medicine can be traced back to the mid-1600s, but the therapeutic applications of pressurised oxygen began in the 19th and 20th centuries.
To better understand its applications, we met with Dr. Nur Ozyilmaz, medical director of NUMA, a clinic that specialises in this treatment.
Dr. Ozyilmaz is a former NHS Consultant, with over twenty-five years of experience in paediatrics, nephrology and regenerative and integrative medicine with a special interest in Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy (she completed postgraduate studies on the subject in the USA).
She collaborates closely with a group of specialist consultants and treats referral cases of acute trauma and post-operative wound care with hyperbaric oxygen therapy at NUMA.
The rejuvenation effects are a collateral benefit, she says, however, HBOT is now firmly on the lifestyle-optimisation list of complementary therapies.
We start aging from birth and plastic surgery, if and when used, merely addresses the outward signs of the process.
Delaying the aging process is, of course, a constant battle against pollution, chronic stress and a myriad of factors that precipitate the onset of “inflammaging”, a low-grade continual inflammation associated with older adults.
The last two-three decades have seen a dramatic shift in approach to defying age driven by accessibility to research, better understanding and information. Individuals who are dedicated to not just prolonging their lifespan but being healthy and active in older age take a holistic perspective that encompasses nutrition, exercise, supplements and complementary therapies.
Enter HBOT. Its primary application may be the treatment of medical conditions, but it is increasingly used to bolster the strive to enhancing cognitive and physical function, improving skin quality and extending lifespan.
HBOT is a powerful tool in the pursuit of health-optimisation because it regenerates tissues SYSTEMICALLY.
The pressurised pure oxygen dissolves during treatment in the plasma and in the tissues, acting as a catalyser. The other catalytic function arises from the body’s response to the sudden drop of oxygen at the end of the treatment. The stimulus acts as a stressor and a “wake up” call.
The benefits associated with HBOT are listed below*** and Dr Dr. Ozyilmaz’s article on the subject can be seen here.
Her approach is patient-based and highly personalised, of course, taking into consideration not just medical history but lifestyle and managing expectation.
As a general guideline and for optimum results, she suggests a course of 10 -20 treatments over 2 weeks once a year.
***1. Cellular Repair and Anti-Aging Effects
- Angiogenesis (the growth of blood vessels from the existing vasculature)
- Increased Telomere Length: Studies have shown that hyperbaric treatment can slow cellular aging. In a 2020 study, HBOT was found to increase telomere length by over 20% and reduce the number of senescent (aged) cells by up to 37% in healthy aging adults
Telomere shortening is associated with aging, and lengthening them suggests potential anti-aging effects.
2. Wound Healing and Tissue Repair
- Enhanced Healing: HBOT stimulates collagen production, promoting faster healing of wounds, burns, and surgical scars.
- Increased Oxygenation: HBOT increases oxygen delivery to tissues, which accelerates the repair of damaged cells and can improve conditions such as chronic wounds and infections resistant to standard treatments.
3. Cognitive and Neurological Benefits
- Improved Brain Function: Research has found that HBOT can help with brain injuries, strokes, and cognitive decline by enhancing neuroplasticity. It may also benefit people with post-concussion syndrome by improving cerebral blood flow .
4. Reduced Inflammation
- HBOT reduces inflammation, which plays a critical role in chronic diseases and aging. By promoting the body’s natural ability to heal, it reduces the effects of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease
5. Immune System Boost
- Enhanced Immune Response: HBOT boosts the effectiveness of white blood cells, improving the body’s ability to fight infections. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with compromised immune systems .
6. Sports Recovery
- Athletes use HBOT for faster recovery after injuries, as it reduces inflammation and stimulates tissue repair. It has been shown to decrease recovery time for muscle injuries, ligament strains, and fractures .
7. Potential Longevity Benefits
- Increased Stem Cell Activity: HBOT stimulates the release of stem cells, which are essential for the body’s repair and regeneration processes. The boost in stem cell activity may contribute to overall longevity and reduced signs of aging
Conclusion
HBOT offers a range of health benefits, from anti-aging effects to enhanced tissue repair and cognitive improvements. Although more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects on aging, current studies suggest significant potential in improving both health and lifespan.
