Anti-ageing and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% oxygen within a pressurised chamber, which enhances oxygen absorption into the bloodstream due to increased pressure. Traditionally used for conditions like decompression sickness, HBOT is now gaining popularity for treating a variety of other conditions, including the slowing of the ageing process.

What is ageing?

Ageing naturally leads to a decline in various bodily functions, affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, motor skills, neural activity, and skin elasticity. This decline results from errors in cell replication, DNA changes, oxidative damage, and the loss of connective tissue. As cells age, they become senescent, undergoing programmed cell death (apoptosis), often accelerated by genetic mutations and telomere shortening. Telomeres, the protective caps on chromosomes, shorten over time, leading to cell death. Factors such as lifestyle, diet, and environment also influence telomere shortening. Adjusting oxygen levels in the body through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) shows promise in slowing the ageing process.

How Can HBOT Slow the Signs of Ageing?

Cellular Regeneration

• Telomere Protection: Telomeres are like the protective tips of shoelaces, keeping our DNA safe. HBOT can help make these tips longer by about 20% longer, which may help slow down ageing.
• Reduction of Senescent Cells: Senescent cells are old cells that stop growing and can cause damage. HBOT can reduce the number of these harmful cells by 10-37%, which may help slow ageing.

Reduction in Inflammation and Boosting Immune Function

• Reduction of Inflammation: Persistent low-grade inflammation is associated with numerous age-related diseases. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) helps to decrease inflammation.
• Boosting Immune Function: Ageing weakens the immune system’s efficiency. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can enhance the activity of white blood cells, thereby improving the body’s capability to combat infections and diseases.

Improved Skin Health

• Decreased Senescent Cells: HBOT decreases senescent cells in the skin, increases elastic fibres and collagen density, and promotes angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels).
• Reduced Wrinkles and Pigmentation: HBOT has been shown to reduce wrinkles, skin pigmentation, and senile spots, improving overall skin health.

Enhanced Angiogenesis

• Angiogenesis Promotion: Impaired angiogenesis, or reduced capillary density, is a hallmark of ageing. HBOT promotes angiogenesis, enhancing blood flow and having an anti-ageing effect.

Enhanced Cognitive Function

• Cognitive Improvement: Studies show that HBOT significantly improves cognitive function in healthy ageing adults and increases blood flow to the brain.

Conclusion

While the anti-ageing benefits of HBOT are promising, research is still ongoing. Positive results have been observed, but more clinical trials are needed to establish exact protocols. HBOT offers an exciting avenue for anti-ageing interventions.

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