Oxygen as a Supplement? The Longevity Case for Hyperbaric Chambers

Scientists call oxygen the “forgotten nutrient”, fueling the body’s energy production at a cellular level. This then raises an interesting question: Can oxygen supplementation through hyperbaric chambers support longevity?

That’s the case advocates of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) make. The experience typically involves lying in a pressurized chamber, breathing in pure oxygen, either alone in a tube-like enclosure or in a larger shared space with a mask.

With increased oxygen concentration and pressure, HBOT allows significantly more oxygen to dissolve into the blood and reach tissues that may be oxygen-deprived. This process has been linked to a range of physiological effects, including improved circulation and immune function.

Clinical trials suggest HBOT may indeed have anti-aging potential. One study found that repeated HBOT sessions lengthened telomeres and reduced senescent cells in older adults. Another trial showed improved VO2 max, a key measure of cardiovascular fitness.

While these findings are promising, researchers have noted that the trials were not double-blinded, leaving room for the placebo effect.?

Still, HBOT is quickly emerging for various conditions ranging from depression to long COVID. Read more about its potential benefits and protocols [HERE].