by Jed Larosa | Jan 15, 2023 | All Topics, Category 1
In the 17th century, a British man named Henshaw achieved the near impossible in medicine. Somehow, the man had discovered a singular way to treat almost every disease, or so he claimed!
His secret was a structure he built called the Domicilium, simply an air chamber like the one now used in indoor tanning.
Back then, many patients with several diseases were treated under increased pressure, beginning the initial practice of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
Treating patients under increased pressure needed more scientific backing in the past, which impeded the advancement of HBOT. Nevertheless, advances in science have helped us better understand why hyperbaric oxygen therapy works and its potential even to prolong one’s life.
Let’s break down how that happens.
What isHyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy means breathing pure oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure.
Air is pressurized up to three times higher than usual in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber so the lungs can absorb more oxygen.
Breathing in 100% oxygen under that increased pressure makes more oxygen available in the blood for biological activities.
And as oxygen is the key driver of our systemic function, this therapy is believed to help our bodies fight infections better, heal, and ultimately promote longevity.
But there’s something that still needs to be clarified.
Usually, the air we breathe is a mixture of gasses—78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and about 1% argon.
That favors us because if oxygen were all or most of the gas in the air, blood vessels and tender tissues in the lungs would become damaged with prolonged breathing [1].
So how can breathing pure oxygen in an HBOT chamber be good for you?
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapyworks?
The most important thing to understand about how hyperbaric oxygen therapy works is the relationship between atmospheric pressure, our lungs, and oxygen.
Under normal pressure, the body only consumes 5% oxygen in each breath despite inhaled air containing about 21%.
One reason is the lung’s capacity. Another is that hemoglobin—the oxygen transporter in the blood—gets almost completely saturated (97%) with just 5% oxygen.
So if one breathes in 100% oxygen under those same conditions, there won’t be enough hemoglobin for all that oxygen. And excess oxygen remains in the lungs, leading to damage.
However, that is not the case under increased atmospheric pressure.
You may recall that gasses naturally move from a place of higher pressure to that of lower pressure.
That principle works in our lungs, too.
When the air inside our lungs has less pressure than the atmosphere, oxygen rushes in as we inhale until the reverse is the case, then we exhale.
That simple mechanism allows us to consume much more oxygen in one breath under increased atmospheric pressure since our lungs can fill up with more air before the pressure becomes higher than that of the environment.
It’s also why breathing becomes slower and deeper under hyperbaric conditions.
Now, the body is poised to match the increase in pressure by allowing more oxygen to attach readily to hemoglobin until it is 100% saturated.
But it was already 97% saturated under normal pressure, so the difference isn’t much. So what then happens to all the extra oxygen?
That is where it gets interesting.
It’s important to note that although hemoglobin is the oxygen carrier in the body, some oxygen dissolves directly in the blood as a solution.
From Henry’s gas law, we understand that an increase in gas pressure increases the amount that can dissolve in solution.
Consequently, much more oxygen is directly dissolved in the blood due to HBOT, leading to hyperoxygenation.
So with oxygen dissolved in the blood as a solution, it can reach even more areas of the body than oxygen carried by hemoglobin.
And with improved delivery of all that extra oxygen, cells function better at fighting infections and healing the body.
Based on this principle, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been used to treat many medical conditions that require increased oxygenation, such as nonhealing diabetic wounds, traumatic brain injury, and burns.
Many of the claimed benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy have been backed by research, and a few others are still being studied.
But is the research enough to prove this therapy can slow down aging?
Benefits ofHyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
For a long time, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been the go-to treatment for deep sea divers who develop decompression sickness because of the sudden change in pressure below sea level.
But this therapy has several other benefits and many medical conditions it can treat.
Here’s what one can gain from regular sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
- HBOT can treat Severe Anemia
There are several reasons a person may develop anemia and not have enough healthy red cells to deliver oxygen to the body.
Usually, blood transfusions are the gold standard for treating severe anemia, but hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an excellent alternative for patients who cannot use blood products.
In 2012, a Jehovah’s Witness who suddenly developed severe anemia couldn’t be given blood products because of her religious beliefs. But after 30 HBOT sessions, she was healthy enough to be discharged [2].
- Wounds heal better after Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Some wounds are chronic and do not heal properly.
That could happen because of persistent infection, tissue death from lack of oxygen, or diabetes, among many other things.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been proven to help ulcerated wounds heal, reducing the likelihood of amputation in diabetic people [3].
One study showed that it increases collagen formation during the early stages of healing, which is vital for skin integrity [4].
HBOT also saved tissues and limbs in the rare yet severe infection characterized by tissue death known as gas gangrene [5].
And several cancer patients with radiation injuries from radiotherapy had improved healing outcomes due to hyperbaric oxygen therapy [6].
But even more than just open wounds, HBOT has also shown promise in healing damaged brain cells after stroke and traumatic brain injury [7].
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy improves immune function
Antimicrobials have been used for a long time to treat infections. But many of these organisms adapt and become drug resistant.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has proven effective in treating infections caused by these drug-resistant organisms [8].
One way it works is through reactive oxygen species, which can directly destroy pathogens through oxidative damage [9].
But also, increasing the oxygen concentration in the tissues helps them better resist infections.
HBOT was even observed to be quite helpful in improving the conditions of those infected with COVID-19 [10].
And since improved oxygenation creates new blood vessels, it also improves the circulation of white blood cells that provide immunity against infections.
- HBOT can treat carbon monoxide poisoning
Interestingly, the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in the United States is carbon monoxide poisoning [11].
The toxic gas is more likely than oxygen to bind to hemoglobin, so it impairs cells’ ability to use oxygen for energy production.
However, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can treat it effectively by speeding up the replacement of carbon monoxide with oxygen [12].
Your Content Goes Here
- Autistic children may improve with HBOT
Autism is a developmental brain disorder characterized by repetitive behavior and poor social communication.
And studies have discovered insufficient blood flow to many areas of the brain in autistic children that are responsible for their symptoms [13].
But hyperbaric oxygen therapy has proven to compensate for the reduced blood flow with
increased oxygen concentration, which could reduce symptoms in autistic children [14].
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may slow down aging
Reduced oxygen supply to tissues is one of the significant events that characterize aging [15].
Since HBOT improves tissue oxygenation, it should slow down the aging process.
And that theory was backed up by a first-of-its-kind clinical trial in 2021 that proved hyperbaric oxygen therapy targets and influences aging hallmarks to modulate skin aging in healthy people [16].
That means regular hyperbaric oxygen therapy could make one look and feel younger.
So how does one safely receive 100% oxygen under increased pressure to enjoy these benefits?
Types ofHyperbaric Oxygen Chambers
Benefiting from hyperbaric oxygen therapy requires systemic oxygen to be administered under pressure.
Two major types of HBOT chambers can be used to achieve this.
A monoplaceHyperbaric Oxygen Chamber
In this type of oxygen chamber, the air is pressurized with 100% oxygen, and the vessel only compresses one person at a time.
The vessel is a long plastic tube, and staff attending to the patient do so from outside the chamber.
Sometimes, these monoplace HBOT chambers provide masks that deliver another breathing gas, like regular air, as an alternative for patients who want it.
A multiplaceHyperbaric Oxygen Chamber
Unlike the monoplace HBOT chamber, the multiplace chamber allows several patients to be treated simultaneously.
The air in this chamber is pressurized about three times higher than usual, but not with pure oxygen. Instead, 100% oxygen is delivered through a mask or fitted transparent hood covering the face.
Staff attending to patients in this chamber are also subjected to that increased pressure, but they breathe in regular air.
However, that results in staff having to be monitored since they risk developing decompression sickness due to excess nitrogen.
What to expect duringHyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Depending on the type of chamber used for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the methods of pressurizing the air and delivering pure oxygen may differ slightly.
However, the process and benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are the same.
The procedure usually lasts about two hours, and patients may need multiple sessions to benefit from HBOT truly.
Here’s what to expect during these sessions.
Before HBOT begins, patients change into scrubs or gowns approved by the medical facility.
Any item that poses a potential fire risk, including petroleum-based hair and skin products, is removed.
Once the patient has been prepared, they enter the HBOT chamber and sit or lie down for the session.
When the therapy begins, the air is pressurized, and oxygen is administered. This increased pressure may block your ears, but swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum will relieve them.
After the session, it’s possible to feel hungry, lightheaded, or exhausted
Those in charge of the therapy will assess you before leaving by checking your ears, blood pressure, and sometimes blood sugar.
Risks and Precautions
It’s crucial to do HBOT under controlled conditions and with medical experts who know what they’re doing because the therapy isn’t without its risks.
Here’s what to remember regarding the possible complications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Barotrauma
Barotrauma is any injury resulting from air pressure changes, typically affecting the lungs and ears.
Although treatment can resolve it entirely, it remains the most common complication of HBOT and can lead to lung collapse or middle ear injuries [17].
That is why hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not recommended for those with lung disease or recent ear injury.
Then special care has to be taken with children less than 15 years old because their risk of barotrauma is higher than in adults [18].
Pressure equalization ear tubes are typically suggested to prevent them from sustaining middle ear injuries.
Oxygen Toxicity
Because the body is taking in more oxygen than it usually does during HBOT, there’s a risk of oxygen toxicity, which presents as seizures.
However, according to a five-year broad study, oxygen toxicity happens in about 3 in 10,000 treatments, constituting less than a 1% probability of occurring [19].
And your doctor can resolve this immediately once the oxygen source is removed.
Temporary Myopia
Myopia, also called nearsightedness, is an eye defect in which close objects are clearly visible while faraway objects appear blurry.
Temporary myopia has been observed as a complication of hyperbaric oxygen therapy due to oxidation in the eye lens.
But a study showed that delivering oxygen through a mask instead of a hood reduced the risk of nearsightedness [20].
Conclusion
The human body ordinarily needs oxygen to function effectively.
And the entire purpose of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is to improve the body’s functioning by making more than the usual amount of oxygen available.
Under normal pressure, the body cannot accommodate that extra oxygen, so the air pressure is increased in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber when delivering pure oxygen.
This chamber could be pressurized with oxygen directly, as seen in the monoplace rooms. But alternatively, staff could pressurize regular air in the section while oxygen is delivered through a mask, as seen in the multiplace chambers.
But however it is done, blood is eventually hyperoxygenated. And this comes with several benefits, including improved wound healing and immunity.
Now armed with scientific proof lacking in the 17th century, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is currently approved to treat several medical conditions, such as severe anemia, carbon monoxide poisoning, and bacterial infections.
It also improves the condition of autistic children and those who have experienced a traumatic brain injury or stroke.
Regular sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy provide long-lasting benefits that help the body improve oxygenation on its own and can ultimately slow down the aging process.
But as with all medical interventions, there are risks associated with HBOT, like middle ear injuries, oxygen toxicity, and temporary nearsightedness.
However, they are rare because trained medical experts take enough precautions. And they can be entirely resolved even if they occur.
Now that you see what the body benefits from improved oxygenation, we bet you’ll be excited bout our upcoming article on the controversial ozone therapy.
References:
[1]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3915523/
[2]. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0735675712005761?via%3Dihub
[3]. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1524-475X.2008.00372.x
[4]. Hyperbaric Oxygen Enhances Collagen III Formation in Wound of ZDF Rat – PMC.
[5]. https://europepmc.org/article/med/11199291
[6]. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD005005.pub4/full
[7]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6785945/
[8]. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332218354829
[9]. Are Reactive Oxygen Species Always Detrimental to Pathogens? – PMC.
[10]. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12192-020-01121-0
[11]. https://www.cdc.gov/pictureofamerica/pdfs/picture_of_america_poisoning.pdf
[12]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470531/
[13]. (PDF) Cerebral Hypoperfusion in Autism Spectrum Disorder
[14]. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306987706001198
[15]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20021403/
[16]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34784294/
[17]. (PDF) The safety of hyperbaric oxygen treatment – retrospective analysis in 2,334 patients
[18]. Side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in children with cerebral palsy
[19]. Central nervous system oxygen toxicity during routine hyperbaric oxygen therapy
[20]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7039782/
by Jed Larosa | Dec 26, 2022 | All Topics, Category 1
Do you know what stars like Ben Affleck, Madonna, Brad Pitt, and even Oprah have in common apart from their celebrity status? They all regularly have colon hydrotherapy to maintain optimal shape and enhance their skin glow.
It took a while for them to be open about using this therapy because of how controversial it was—and still is. Many medical professionals still scoff at the delicate practice, doubting it has any benefits at all.
But you know how things go when celebrities are involved. Scores of fans are now willing to give colon hydrotherapy a try. But should you join the masses in doing so?
It’s time to give you the low down and familiarise you with colon hydrotherapy and whether you can benefit from it.
Getting Familiar With Colon Hydrotherapy
The colon is a significant part of the digestive tract and plays a vital role in ridding the body of waste.
Waste in the body can occur in three different forms. It can be gaseous, like the carbon dioxide we breathe; liquid, like sweat and urine; and solid, like feces.
You may have figured it out from peeing, taking a dump in the toilet, and even just breathing; our bodies are programmed to expel waste. These wastes are inevitable since they come from normal biological processes within our bodies that sustain life, including food digestion.
While the body has a complex system for eliminating waste, the focus here is the colon, also called the large intestine, which removes solid and semi-solid wastes through defecation.
The practice of colon cleansing stems from the belief that over time, the colon accumulates debris from waste particles passing through it. Think of a sink drain and how food particles build up on its walls over time. This build-up is believed to reintroduce toxins into the body.
Colon hydrotherapy, in essence, is simply a treatment that is used to properly wash out the debris in the large intestine using water or other medication. Sounds simple enough, right? But there’s so much more to it.
History Of The Practice
Colon cleansing may seem prevalent in the 21st century, but it’s been around for much longer. As far back as the time of the ancient Egyptians, there has been the belief that food rots and decomposes in the intestine, which produces toxins. This historical idea is called autointoxication.
The concept assumes that the body cannot entirely eliminate waste and toxins in the intestine, so they accumulate and lead to health problems [1].
Interestingly, autointoxication never gained any scientific support. But for decades between the 19th and early 20th centuries, the medical community strongly supported it.
Eventually, the medical community began to reject the logic of autointoxication in the first few decades of the 1900s and, by extension, colon cleansing. But there’s been a resurgence in the procedure, backed by testimonials of its benefits.
And while the ancient Egyptians used laxatives and enemas to assist bowel movement and cleanse the colon, modern-day colon cleansing is a more invasive procedure involving inserting a small device into the rectum to deliver water into the colon.
The thought of inserting a device into your rectum may bother you. Still, the Association of Registered Colon Hydrotherapists (ARCH) assures us that the procedure is safer and simpler than ever [2].
Here’s precisely what it entails.
Colon Hydrotherapy Procedure
After you have been well prepared for the procedure to start, a small tube is inserted gently about 1.5 inches into your rectum.
Filtered warm water is then introduced through the tube into your colon. At this point, you’ll feel full as your colon fills up with fluid.
The colon empties afterward, providing a relaxing feeling, and the process is repeated several times, usually using up approximately 16 gallons of water.
Throughout this process which takes about 45 minutes, the temperature and pressure of the water are carefully controlled, and the therapist massages your abdomen to ensure the cleansing is effective.
Sometimes, the fluid passed into your colon may contain other constituents, such as coffee and herbal infusions, to provide additional benefits. However, there’s no evidence that they do.
The process is relatively simple, but more is needed to answer whether or not you should consider colon hydrotherapy—more insight into how the colon works would come in handy. So let’s dive into what’s going on biologically.
What Goes On Biologically
The colon is the largest and final part of the digestive tract, located in the lower abdominal cavity.
Before food enters the colon, it passes the stomach and the small intestine, where about 95% of the available nutrients are absorbed into the body.
Also referred to as the large intestine, the colon’s primary job is to remove salt and water from whatever is left of digested food and move the waste along by contracting its muscles.
The absorption of water and electrolytes from food in the colon is responsible for its descent into the rectum in solid form for defecation.
Contrary to the ancient belief that food rots in the colon, a few processes occur to ensure more thorough digestion and eventual excretion of undigestible products.
First, when food gets into the large intestine, it is further digested by bacteria. These friendly bacteria are an important part of the digestive tract, producing essential vitamins B and K after breaking down excess carbohydrates [3].
Second, the remaining undigestible part mixes with mucus secreted by the colon, which lubricates it and gives it a smooth passage into the rectum for excretion.
So the digestive system already has an efficient mechanism for waste elimination.
Who Needs Colon Hydrotherapy?
Much of the controversy regarding colon cleansing is heavy on the idea that it detoxifies the body.
Apart from that idea having no scientific backing, the body already has the liver and kidneys for detoxification.
However, colon hydrotherapy does have a use case for specific medical conditions and diagnostic procedures.
Anyone needing surgery or diagnostic procedures involving the colon would require adequate cleaning to ensure the processes are reliable.
In fact, for a colonoscopy (invasive examination of the colon) to be accurate and safe, the colon needs to be thoroughly cleaned. And a 2004 study showed that colon hydrotherapy is an effective means of achieving this [4].
Additionally, people diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) also benefit from cleansing their colon.
According to a study in 2016, the procedure improved symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea and also improved bowel movement in some IBS patients [5].
Although the study was limited and would need to be corroborated by further research, it provides the groundwork for colon hydrotherapy to be recommended for individuals with digestive problems.
But can you benefit from colon hydrotherapy when you do not require a surgical or diagnostic procedure and don’t have digestive problems?
Purported Benefits of Cleansing Your Colon
Many alternative medicine practitioners who support colon cleansing claim that it provides many health benefits; however, this claim still stems from the belief that it removes toxins from the body.
We’ve explored how it can benefit issues like irregular bowel movements and constipation, but more benefits have been touted.
Improved Mental State
One study proposed that retention and absorption of toxic waste in the colon could play a part in causing psychosis. And it concluded that colon hydrotherapy could significantly improve mental state [6].
Weight Loss
Although research has not been able to prove it, there are claims that colon hydrotherapy can assist with weight loss.
While it’s true that you may drop a few pounds after the procedure, this weight loss seems only to be a temporary result of losing water and fecal waste.
Better Nutrient Absorption
It has also been touted that colon cleansing helps eliminate remnant fecal matter that could obstruct the path for the absorption of essential nutrients.
A cleaner colon allows better vitamins, nutrients, and water absorption.
Other Supposed Benefits
There are still many other benefits of the procedure that the colon cleansing community claims, including increased energy, improved concentration, and overall good health.
But despite these benefits, cleansing the colon is not without risks. In fact, the risks associated with the procedure have more scientific backing and seem to be more than the purported benefits.
Potential Risks and Complications
Despite the lack of scientific evidence of its benefits, colon cleansing has continued gaining popularity among practitioners and patients.
But just as there are testimonials of its benefits, many reported adverse effects are worthy of note.
Some of the milder potential side effects include;
- Nausea, vomiting, and cramps
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Anal soreness and irritation
Here are others that may be potentially more dangerous.
Dehydration
While some may be excited about weight loss after colon cleansing, water loss from the procedure can lead to dehydration.
Dehydration has physical and mental adverse effects and can affect proper body functioning [7].
Kidney Damage
Damage to the kidney is a more severe complication of colon hydrotherapy.
Research showed frequent renal damage in some patients that had regular colon cleansing over three months to nine years [8].
Electrolyte Imbalance
Electrolytes like sodium and potassium are essential chemicals in the body that transmit electrical signals between cells.
Colon hydrotherapy has been reported to induce hyponatremia (low blood sodium), which causes electrolyte imbalance [9].
These electrolytes are also among the parameters that indicate proper kidney functioning, and an imbalance can lead to kidney failure and other health problems.
Rectal Perforation
Rectal perforation is a life-threatening emergency that can occur due to excessive strain of the rectal wall.
The hole created can make fecal matter leak into the abdomen and cause several problems, including internal bleeding and sepsis.
Rectal perforation is possible with colon hydrotherapy because of how it is performed. And there has been a record of a patient developing life-threatening perineal gangrene after the procedure [10].
Changes In Intestinal Bacteria and Infection
Remember that friendly bacteria in the colon help digest food and release essential vitamins.
Colon cleansing has been shown to cause a persisting change in the composition of these bacteria, reducing the beneficial ones and causing an imbalance that could lead to opportunistic infection [11].
It is also important to note that the risk of adverse effects from colon cleansing is higher when herbal infusions are included in the procedure.
Some herbal infusions have been associated with liver toxicity, and a rare condition called aplastic anemia [12].
As problematic as these potential adverse effects are, a scientific review in 2006 indicated that the risk of experiencing them is significantly low when colon hydrotherapy is done by trained personnel using proper equipment [13].
Colon Cleansing Alternatives
There may be nothing wrong with the idea of colon cleansing. After all, the body has a system that does this naturally, proving that it’s essential to digestive health.
Yet, achieving this through colon hydrotherapy lacks substantial scientific backing and comes with many risks.
However, if you still want to assist the body in this process, there may be less risky alternatives that do not need a doctor’s appointment. Here are some of them.
Stay Hydrated
One of the simplest ways to help your colon empty and clean itself is to drink lots of water.
Not drinking enough water has been linked to constipation [14].
Eat High-Fiber Foods
Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains are just a few foods that are rich in fiber and should be added to your diet.
In addition to all its other nutritional benefits, recent studies prove that it can also boost the population of helpful bacteria in the colon [15].
Take More Probiotics
Probiotics also do wonders in cleansing the colon. They are living bacteria and yeast that are considered suitable for the body.
Including more pickles and yogurt (which are great probiotics) in your diet will help restore friendly bacteria in the colon.
A study showed that probiotics could be used as a pretreatment before a colonoscopy to help improve the colon’s visualization during the procedure [16].
Conclusion
Undeniably, colon hydrotherapy is widespread today, backed by its practitioners and patients (including celebrities) who attest to its benefits, despite the lack of scientific evidence. These benefits include weight loss, improved mental state, better nutrient absorption, and increased energy.
Even the regulatory body for the practice, ARCH, advertises it as a safe and straightforward 45-minute procedure that provides relief as soon as it begins.
But there are also risks associated with the practice, such as dehydration, infections, kidney damage, nausea, vomiting, and cramps.
Most medical practitioners hardly recommend colon hydrotherapy because of these potential risks, in addition to it stemming from ancient medical ideas that have been debunked.
However, colon hydrotherapy as a medical procedure may be recommended in certain situations for patients with digestive-related problems, and there’s proof that it helps.
And while all the potential risks may be worrisome, the chances of experiencing them are minimal when handled by a trained expert, so you have to be very careful.
Colon hydrotherapy is not for everyone, but if you think you can benefit from it, consult our experts to be more confident about whether it’s the right fit.
You could also try different natural cleansing remedies as an alternative to colon hydrotherapy, like eating more fiber and drinking more water.
References:
[1]. Intestinal Autointoxication: A Medical Leitmotif: Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
[2]. The history of colonics – Association of Registered Colon Hydrotherapists UK
[3]. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jgh.12294
[4]. Colon Hydrotherapy for Pre-endoscopy preparation
[5]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4960275/
[6]. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306987707003763
[7]. Ann C. Grandjean & Nicole R. Grandjean (2007) Dehydration and Cognitive Performance, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 26:sup5, 549S-554S, DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2007.10719657
[8]. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/cjgh/2007/630639/
[9]. http://www.mjpath.org.my/past_issue/MJP2004.2/06-colonic.pdf
[10]. https://europepmc.org/article/med/10561777
[11]. Persisting changes of intestinal microbiota after bowel lavage and colonoscopy
[12]. Aplastic Anemia: A Possible Toxic Effect of an Herbal “Colon Cleansing” Preparation – Journal of Emergency Medicine
[13]. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2006.12.389
[14]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14681719/
[15]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8153313/
[16]. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10620-009-1011-1
by Jed Larosa | Dec 26, 2022 | All Topics, Category 1
Should you take NAD Boosters?
With the growing anti-aging research, NAD boosters have become a hot topic. Hundreds of “longevity” supplements contain NAD boosters, promising health and anti-aging effects. As a result, thousands of people are taking these supplements and promoting them. But do these supplements work, and should YOU take them? After reading this article, you will be familiar with NADs (a little scientific knowledge you can brag about), their health benefits, and whether they live up to their hype.
What are NADs?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is an essential molecule that supports a chemical reaction called “redox” (I know, I know, this is bringing you back to your high school chemistry classes). And you cannot take it directly from food.
Based on whether NAD has lost or gained electrons, it can be either oxidized and called “NAD+” or reduced and called “NADH.”
NAD+ is required in over 500 enzymatic reactions and plays a crucial role in numerous biological reactions in our bodies [1]. Thus, you can imagine how important it is for our health.
NAD in health and disease
Given the hundreds of reactions that NAD+ participates in, it makes sense that it has a substantial impact on the state of our health.
NAD+ deficiency can be primary or secondary. Primary NAD+ deficiency is often inherited, and it often causes severe clinical symptoms.
Secondary NAD+ deficiency can occur as a result of other diseases, but more importantly, as a result of aging (which is the focus of our article). Research shows that NAD+ levels are depleted in tissues in older humans, such as the skin [2] and brain [3]. Unfortunately, scientists need to fully understand what causes this depletion.
This decline in NAD+ is associated with a change in metabolism and makes the person more susceptible to diseases, such as metabolism-related diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Do NAD boosters work? Science answers.
NAD+ boosters are small molecules that increase NAD+ levels. NAD+ boosters are currently highly promising for treating multiple diseases and increasing longevity.
Because of the decline in NAD+ levels with aging, scientists have thought of NAD+ booster supplementation to reverse this effect. There have been major positive results of NAD+ booster supplementation in animals, mainly rodents.
These results include improved cardiac, liver, kidney, muscle, and vascular functions. In addition, research also shows that NAD+ supplementation can reduce inflammation [4].
And here is what you are looking for: aging. NAD+ supplementation slowed down aging in mice and improved age-related symptoms [5].
The controversy around NAD+ supplementation stems from the fact that most experiments have only been performed on animals.
Additionally, these experiments do not investigate the effects of long-term NAD+ supplementation.
Nevertheless, A study on middle-aged and older adults who took a form of an NAD+ booster called NR (nicotinamide riboside) for 2-6 weeks has shown that it is well-tolerated and effectively stimulates NAD+ metabolism [6].
Yet, another study has shown that NAD+ booster supplementation might increase human blood sugar levels [7].
A recent study on 14 older adults has shown that NAD+ supplementation does not improve muscle function [8].
While there is abundant evidence of the benefits of NAD+ booster supplementation on aging, these studies were mainly performed on short-term and on animals. Research on humans is still lacking, and the benefits of NAD+ supplementation still need to be determined.
Should you take NAD boosters?
The commercialized NAD booster, NR, is available as a supplement. However, although most companies claim that the supplement increases NAD+ levels (as a booster should do), they do not provide strong evidence of its anti-aging effects.
Research on some NAD booster supplementation has shown that NAD boosters, at least, are safe and do not cause adverse events [9].
Nevertheless, a clinical study on 13 post-menopausal women has reported that the metabolic benefits seen in rodent models were not seen in humans, except for increased insulin sensitivity.
In a nutshell, NAD+ boosters have been shown to be safe, yet like most biohacking approaches, they have yet to be assessed in the long term to either prove or reject that the benefits seen in animals can translate to humans.
Bottom Line
NAD+ is a small molecule that is essential for hundreds of biological reactions. Unfortunately, with age, our NAD+ levels decline. In mice, NAD+ supplementation has shown numerous beneficial effects, including anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.
While research on the effects of NAD+ booster supplementation still needs to be extended and yet regarded as controversial, researchers cannot deny their benefits.
Despite advances in scientific research, it is still slow, and maybe in a few years, the benefits of NAD+ would be better identified. But, until then, NAD+ is a crucial molecule for your body, and there is no harm in adding it to your list of supplements to optimize your body’s functions.
Most side effects are mild and will resolve on their own. However, if you experience any severe or persistent side effects, it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you’re taking and any medical conditions you have. This will help them determine whether IV nutrients are safe for you and how to customize your treatment best.
Reference:
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29514064/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22848760/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25730862/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29514064/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24825348/
[6] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-03421-7
[7] https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12986-022-00653-9
[8] https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/151/10/2917/6311833
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
by Jed Larosa | Oct 2, 2022 | All Topics, Category 1
Some people use IV nutrients to improve their overall health and well-being, while others use them to treat specific conditions like anxiety, depression, or chronic fatigue. So, while IV drips are becoming very popular among celebrities, should you consider IV Therapy at your next visit to our biomedical clinics? Let’s explore that exciting topic together.
What Are IV Nutrients?
IV nutrients are a type of therapy that delivers vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream. This allows for high absorption levels and can be used to treat various conditions.
IV nutrients can be an effective way to improve your health and well-being. If you’re considering this type of therapy, be sure to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to ensure it’s right for you.
Biohacking and IV Nutrients
Biohacking is using science and technology to hack the human body to improve its performance. This can be done in ways like diet, exercise, and supplementation.
Some biohackers believe that hacking their bodies can “upgrade” themselves and become superhuman. While this may sound like science fiction, many biohackers already do things like implantation devices that allow them to see in the dark and use electrical stimulation to increase their strength and endurance. Intravenous therapies are another biohacking method that is gaining popularity.
Intravenous therapy administers nutrients, medications, or other substances directly into a patient’s circulation. This allows for enhanced absorption and can be used to treat a range of diseases.
Many people use intravenous therapy to enhance their general health and well-being, while others utilize it to cure certain illnesses such as cancer, chronic tiredness, or Lyme disease.
IV nutrients have become popular among celebrities and other public figures. Some of the people who have reportedly used IV therapy include:
Simon Cowell
Barbra Streisand
Rhianna
Lady Gaga
David Beckham
Gwyneth Paltrow
Whether IV nutrients are effective for these celebrities is unknown. However, their willingness to try this type of therapy shows that it is becoming more mainstream.
What Can You Expect From IVs?
As we age, our cells become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from food, leading to a decline in energy levels, mood, and overall health. IV therapy can help to compensate for this by delivering vitamins and minerals directly to the cells. This can provide a host of potential benefits.; IV therapy has also helped treat many chronic conditions, such as fatigue, fibromyalgia, and migraines.
When you take IV therapy, you can expect to see a variety of benefits such as:
Increased energy levels
Improved mood
Reduced inflammation
Faster healing from injuries
Enhanced immunity
Improved brain function
IV nutrients are considered effective in treating a variety of conditions, including:
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Migraines
Depression
Anxiety
Asthma
Allergies
They can also be used for preventive purposes, such as boosting energy levels, improving immunity, and slowing aging.
IV nutrients can offer a wide range of benefits, but it’s essential to consult with a qualified health care provider to ensure they’re right for you.
How Does IV Therapy Work?
The body absorbs vitamins and minerals through food. They’re then transported via the digestive tract into circulation, where they can be utilized to build new cells, repair damaged ones, or maintain optimal health. This allows more significant quantities of these substances to be absorbed by the body.
IV nutrients are usually given as a drip, which means that they are slowly infused into the veins over a period of time. Since this method allows for higher nutrient absorption, more nutrients are available to the body.
Vitamins and minerals are also available in a bolus form, a quick infusion of nutrients into the veins. This method is often used to treat acute conditions like migraines or anxiety attacks.
Best Time To Take IV Nutrients
The best time to take IV nutrients depends on the reason you’re taking them.
Most people take IV nutrients for general preventive purposes once or twice a week. However, for treating specific conditions, such as migraines or anxiety, you may need to take them more frequently.
IV nutrients are often recommended when people cannot get the necessary vitamins and minerals through diet alone.
IV nutrients can be taken at any time, but taking them on an empty stomach is usually recommended. This allows for the nutrients to be absorbed more quickly by the body.
Vitamins and minerals may also be taken before or after exercise, depending on your goals. For example, if you want to boost energy levels, you may want to take IV nutrients before working out. On the other hand, if you are trying to recover from a workout, you may want to take IV nutrients afterward.
Are There Any Risks Associated With IV Therapy?
While IV therapy is generally safe, there are a few potential risks to be aware of. These include:
Infection: There is a small risk of infection associated with any injection. This risk can be reduced by using sterile equipment and techniques.
Bleeding: IV therapy can cause bruising or bleeding at the injection site. This is usually minor and will resolve on its own. However, in rare cases, more severe bleeds can occur.
Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to the IV solution or medications used during the procedure. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and hypotension (low blood pressure).
Side Effects Of IV Therapy
IV therapy is generally well tolerated, but there are a few potential side effects. These include:
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Muscle cramping
Fatigue or drowsiness
Headache
Fever
Most side effects are mild and will resolve on their own. However, if you experience any severe or persistent side effects, it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you’re taking and any medical conditions you have. This will help them determine whether IV nutrients are safe for you and how to customize your treatment best.
Contact us to learn more!
Author: Nora E., (MSc.) Biology and Nutrient Couch
Reviewed by: Dr. Jeoff Drobot
by Jed Larosa | Oct 2, 2022 | All Topics, Category 1
Everybody believes that energy drinks are good for them. They think that energy drinks will help them stay awake and alert. Energy drinks will also help them lose weight. But are energy drinks good for you?
The answer is: it depends.
If you’re healthy and just consume energy drinks occasionally, they won’t damage your health. However, if you drink energy drinks on a daily basis or have a medical condition, energy drinks may be hazardous to your health.
What Are Energy Drinks?
Energy drinks are beverages that contain caffeine, sugars, and other ingredients. Energy drinks can come in handy when you need an energy boost. However, energy drinks should not be your primary source of energy.
Energy drinks may provide a quick energy boost. However, the effect is usually temporary and may lead to feelings of anxiety and restlessness. In addition, energy drinks can cause dehydration, which can make you feel even more tired.
So, if you’re healthy and consume energy drinks occasionally, they won’t do much harm. However, energy drinks are not a good choice if you’re trying to lose weight or have a medical condition. Talk to your doctor before consuming energy drinks if you’re concerned about your health.
How Companies Make Energy Drinks?
Most energy drinks are made with caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant. Caffeine can improve alertness and energy levels. However, too much caffeine can cause side effects, including jitteriness, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat.
In addition to caffeine, energy drinks often contain other ingredients, such as:
vitamins
herbs
amino acids
Some energy drinks also contain alcohol. Alcohol energy drinks are particularly risky because they combine the effects of two substances that can impair your judgment and coordination.
Energy drinks are popular among young adults and adolescents. A survey found that 30 percent of adolescents consume energy drinks regularly.
Many believe energy drinks are safe because they’re available for purchase without a prescription. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate energy drinks. This means that energy drink companies don’t have to follow the same safety guidelines as other food and beverage corporations.
If ever, energy drinks should only be consumed in moderation. If you have a medical condition or are taking medication, talk to your doctor before consuming energy drinks. Children and adolescents should limit or cut their intake of energy drinks because their bodies are still developing.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should also avoid energy drinks because it’s unclear how energy drinks may affect a developing fetus or infant.
Generally, when energy drinks are consumed in moderation, they are safe for most people. However, some risks are associated with energy drink consumption, especially when energy drinks are consumed regularly or in large amounts.
Can Energy Drinks Improve Brain Function?
Energy drinks can improve brain function in the short term. For example, energy drinks can improve alertness and reaction time. However, it’s unclear whether energy drinks have long-term benefits for brain function.
While some studies found that energy drink consumption was associated with improved performance on a test of cognitive function, other researchers found the opposite.
Overall, the research on energy drinks and brain function is mixed. More research is needed to determine whether energy drinks have long-term brain function benefits.
Do Energy Drinks Help You Lose Weight?
No, energy drinks will not help you lose weight. In fact, energy drinks can lead to weight gain.
Energy drinks are often high in calories, which can contribute to weight gain. So, energy drinks are probably not the best choice if you’re trying to lose or maintain a healthy weight.
How Do Energy Drinks Affect Your Immune System?
There is no evidence that energy drinks improve your immune system. In fact, energy drinks may have the opposite effect.
A survey of military personnel found that energy drink consumption was associated with a higher rate of sickness. Soldiers who consumed energy drinks were more likely to report colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections than soldiers who didn’t consume energy drinks.
It’s unclear why energy drinks may impair the immune system. One theory is that energy drinks can cause dehydration, making you more susceptible to illness. However, more research is needed to determine how energy drinks affect the immune system.
Conclusion: Should You Drink Energy Drinks Or Not?
Energy drinks have both benefits and drawbacks when it comes to your health. Energy drinks are unlikely to be harmful if consumed in moderation. However, some risks are associated with energy drink consumption, especially when energy drinks are consumed regularly or in large amounts.
Energy drinks can improve brain function only in the short term
Energy drinks can lead to weight gain if consumed regularly
Energy drinks may impair the immune system
Contact us to learn more!
Author: Nora E., (MSc.) Biology and Nutrient Couch
Reviewed by: Dr. Jeoff Drobot
