- BY: HEALTHY BEINGS STAFF
- DECEMBER 24, 2022
As the list of medical conditions and benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) continue to grow, research has also revealed the tremendous scientific benefit of HBOT to increase stem cell production. Increased stem cell production is one way researchers harness the power of HBOT to expand medical knowledge and expertise, all while working to provide individualized medical care that addresses the needs of each unique patient.
This simple, non-invasive treatment provides increased oxygen to the body, which signals the natural repair process to take place. With the added benefit of multiplying stem cells, HBOT continues to demonstrate successful results.
Stem Cells 101
Before we jump into the benefits of increasing stem cell numbers through HBOT, we should first know more about what stem cells are, how they work, and why they are beneficial to the body.
The origins of stem cell research began in 1958 with Georges Mathe, a French oncologist who performed the first bone marrow stem cell transplant in order to save several researchers from radiation exposure. The general consensus is that the stem cells were more scientifically defined by Ernest McCulloch (a cellular biologist) and James Till (a biophysicist) in the 1960’s when they discovered the hematopoietic stem cell (the blood-forming stem cell). Today, stem cell research is working toward the idea of personalized medicine.
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells, which means they are immature cells that do not have an assigned role or structure. The miraculous thing about stem cells is they have the potential to become all other kinds of cells in the body. We can think about stem cells as “baby cells” that have not grown up yet. Once they differentiate, they develop into a specific cell with a specific purpose and do not change roles. Thus, when a stem cell becomes a skin cell, for example, it stays a skin cell. When it replicates, it makes more skin cells and then they continue on fulfilling skin cell responsibilities.
Stem cells improve our internal functioning by simply replacing dead or damaged cells. Stem cells “grow up” and take on the function of different cells. Depending on the kind of healing that needs to occur, the cell type determines the speed and the ability of our body to regenerate. Our body has a storage of stem cells that it uses to heal and rebuild. Over time, our body renews itself through the use of stem cells. When old cells die out, stem cells replace those cells.
How does HBOT increase stem cell production?
Although Stem Cell Therapy (infusing stem cells into the body) is a productive method for regenerative medicine, oxygen is fuel our cells need to function correctly. Therefore, HBOT stimulates the mobilization of stem cells in our body by fueling cell production.
The research supports the incredible increase in stem cells after hyperbaric oxygen therapy. One study showed that one 2-hour session of hyperbaric oxygen therapy doubled the number of stem cells in the bloodstream. That means twice the impact of stem cells to repair and heal the body! Even more amazing, this same study found that twenty HBOT treatments led to a stem cell level increase of 800%. HBOT magnifies the benefits of added oxygen and additional stem cells in the body. When more targeted cells are sent to the location of trauma, they can regenerate the tissue and heal the harmed area. Presenting yet another way HBOT heightens the body’s natural ability to heal itself!
How can stem cells help your body?
Stem cells are one way to provide personalized care to address your unique health needs. Stem cells in your body respond to your individual body requirements in a way that is completely different from how they might respond in another person’s body. More stem cells means more cells to rejuvenate and repair the area(s) of need in the body. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment amplifies the number of these stem cells.
If you are suffering from the effects of diabetic wounds, for example, HBOT increases oxygen to provide more blood cells to the impacted area. This can result in fighting infection, decreasing inflammation, and restoring blood vessels for improved circulation and blood flow. HBOT also dramatically increases the production of stem cells. This means the body sends even more targeted stem cells to the wound providing an influx of new tissue cells, nerve cells, and other necessary requirements for repair.
Increasing stem cell numbers enhances growth of skin tissue and collagen production, stimulates hair growth, and repairs scar tissue. Stem cells also help maintain the immune system and address underlying sources of pain. With all this success, imagine the medical possibilities for faster healing and lasting relief as research continues to expand.
Conclusion
It is exciting to see how science and cutting-edge medical treatments come together to enhance healthcare outcomes. The more we learn, the more we know about the potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment. This progressive approach is quickly becoming the recommended method for practitioners and the preferred option for patients seeking effective results.
References
Thom, S. R., Bhopale, V. M., Velazquez, O. C., Goldstein, L. J., Thom, L. H., & Buerk, D. G. (2006). Stem cell mobilization by hyperbaric oxygen. American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology, 290(4), H1378–H1386. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpheart.00888.2005