You may have heard of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) before, but you may not know exactly what it is or how it can benefit your health. In this article, we'll take a closer look at HBOT and how it can help improve your brain health.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
HBOT is a medical treatment in which 100% oxygen is delivered to the body at a higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure. This increased pressure forces the oxygen into the bloodstream and dissolves it in all body tissues, including the brain.
Several scientific studies have shown the remarkable health benefits HBOT has to offer to humans. This is why more and more people are buying hyperbaric chambers for home use, to take advantage of this life-changing therapy. (Visit FoodNurish for some recommendations on Hyperbaric chambers for home use).
Brain cells are some of the most active cells in the body and require a constant supply of oxygen to function properly. When brain cells don't get enough oxygen, they become damaged and die.
This can lead to a variety of neurological conditions, such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.
However, HBOT has been shown to improve brain function by stimulating the growth of new brain cells and improving blood flow to the brain.
HBOT for Stroke Recovery
One of the most promising applications of HBOT is in the treatment of stroke patients. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is cut off, resulting in damage to brain cells. Every year, approximately 800,000 people in the United States suffer from a stroke, and it is the leading cause of disability in adults.
While there are a few different types of strokes, the most common type is an ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery that supplies blood to the brain. If this blockage isn't removed within a few hours, Permanent damage to brain tissue can occur. This is where HBOT comes in.
Several studies have shown that HBOT can improve recovery from ischemic stroke by reducing inflammation and stimulating the growth of new blood vessels.
In one study of 72 patients who had suffered an ischemic stroke, those who received HBOT treatments five times per week for six weeks showed significant improvements in motor function and overall quality of life compared to those who didn't receive HBOT treatments.
HBOT for Alzheimer's & Parkinson's Disease patients
Alzheimer's disease is another neurological condition that has been shown to respond well to HBOT.
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a buildup of plaque in the brain that damages nerve cells and leads to memory loss and cognitive decline.
Several animal studies have shown that HBOT can reduce Alzheimer's-related plaque formation by increasing levels of antioxidant enzymes and decreasing levels of pro-inflammatory molecules.
A small pilot study involving eight patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease found that those who received 40 sessions of HBOT over four months showed significant improvements in cognitive function compared to those who didn't receive any HBOT treatments.
Similarly, another small pilot study found that 20 sessions of HBOT over two months improved symptoms in six out of 10 Parkinson's disease patients.
Conclusion
Although more research is needed to confirm its efficacy, HBOT shows promise as a treatment for a variety Of neurological conditions, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.
If you or someone you know suffers from any of these conditions, talk to your doctor about whether or not HBOT might be right for you.
If you can't afford a hyperbaric chamber for home use, several facilities offer HBOT treatments. You can also supplement yourself with a brain supplement such Neuroactiv6 which is all natural and has proven to help with cognitive function, focus, and energy.
