HBOT – Controlling Inflammation leads to a Better Quality of Life as we age

HBOT- Controlling Inflammation leads to a better Quality of Life as we age

Inflammation has a significant impact on the aging process, a phenomenon often referred to as “inflammaging.” This term describes the chronic, low-grade inflammation that typically increases as individuals age.

Here are several key aspects of how inflammation influences aging:

1. Chronic Low-grade Inflammation: As people age, there is a pervasive increase in background levels of pro-inflammatory markers. These are not necessarily linked to any acute infection or disease but are instead a feature of the aging immune system. This chronic inflammatory state is thought to contribute to the progression of age-related diseases.

2. Immune System Dysregulation: Aging is associated with changes in the immune system, a process known as immunosenescence. This includes reduced immune surveillance and an increase in the systemic inflammatory response. The dysregulation leads to a less effective immune response to pathogens and a higher incidence of autoimmune reactions, where the body mistakenly attacks its own cells.

3. Contribution to Age-related Diseases: Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for many diseases that commonly occur with aging, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions. Inflammation contributes to the pathology of these diseases by damaging tissues and organs.

4. Impact on Cellular and Molecular Structures: Inflammation can cause direct damage to cellular structures, including DNA, proteins, and lipids, through oxidative stress. This damage can accelerate the aging process at a cellular level, leading to early senescence of cells, reduced cellular function, and increased cell death.

5. Effects on Cognitive Function: There is emerging evidence linking chronic inflammation with cognitive decline in aging populations. Inflammatory markers can influence brain function, potentially leading to impairments in memory, learning, and overall cognitive performance.

6. Influence on Metabolism: Inflammation can alter metabolic processes, impacting how the body processes lipids and glucose, which can exacerbate metabolic disorders and contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance.

The understanding of inflammaging and its implications has led to increased interest in hyperbaric oxygen therapy that can modulate the inflammatory response in older adults, aiming to improve health span and reduce the burden of age-related diseases and as recent studies suggest have a significant impact on quality of life.