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Can oxygen therapy cheat aging? Bryan Johnson makes 'bizarre' claim after 90-day experiment

Can oxygen therapy cheat aging? Bryan Johnson makes 'bizarre' claim after 90-day experiment

Time of India2 days ago

Bryan Johnson
is not ready to desert his 'immortal' dream and his quest to 'live forever'!
The American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, who has become widely known as a biohacker, has recently claimed that a 90-day regimen of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has significantly reversed his biological age, giving him the "biology of a 10-year-old.
"
This assertion is part of Johnson's broader quest to halt or even reverse aging, a mission he pursues through his venture, Blueprint. The experiment involved daily sessions in a pressurized chamber, breathing 95-100% pure oxygen, aiming to enhance tissue repair and rejuvenation.
What is Hyperbaric
Oxygen Therapy
(HBOT)?
HBOT is a medical treatment where individuals breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This process increases oxygen levels in the blood, promoting faster healing and reducing inflammation.
Under hyperbaric conditions, oxygen dissolves directly into plasma, allowing it to reach deeper tissues and areas with poor circulation. Each session typically lasts 60–120 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.
But is HBOT all about benefits?
Turns out, it's not.
What are the potential side effects of this therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can have several potential side effects, ranging from mild to serious. Most complications are mild and temporary, but the risk of complications increases with longer and repeated therapies.
Common side effects include ear pain, sinus pressure, and temporary vision changes. More serious complications, though rare, include lung damage, seizures, and low blood sugar.
Who is Bryan Johnson?
The Silicon Valley entrepreneur turned biohacker, Johnson, has garnered significant attention for his radical approach to anti-aging, known as "Project Blueprint." This initiative involves a stringent regimen of lifestyle modifications, including a strict diet, exercise routine, and the use of various medical treatments.
He has invested approximately $2 million annually into this project, aiming to reverse his biological age and achieve optimal health.
Johnson's anti-aging regimen:
Johnson's daily routine is meticulously structured to optimize his physical and mental performance. He begins his day early, consuming a specialized supplement regimen and engaging in various health practices. His diet is plant-based, avoiding sugar and processed foods, and he adheres to strict sleep and exercise protocols.
He also utilizes advanced therapies like stem cell injections and HBOT to maintain his body in a youthful state.
Social media reactions to Johnson's methods:
Johnson's methods have been met with both intrigue and skepticism. His previous experiments, such as blood transfusions from his teenage son, have drawn criticism from medical professionals and ethicists. These practices raise questions about consent, safety, and the potential implications of such interventions.
While some consider his efforts groundbreaking, others question the scientific validity and ethical implications of his approach.
For example, experts acknowledge that HBOT can aid in healing and tissue repair, but its long-term effects on aging are not well-established. Some researchers express skepticism about the extent of age reversal that Johnson claims, emphasizing the need for rigorous, peer-reviewed studies.
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Bryan Johnson claims he has the biology of a 10-year-old—thanks to oxygen therapy. Can science really turn back time?
Bryan Johnson claims he has the biology of a 10-year-old—thanks to oxygen therapy. Can science really turn back time?

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  • Time of India

Bryan Johnson claims he has the biology of a 10-year-old—thanks to oxygen therapy. Can science really turn back time?

Imagine waking up with the energy levels, organ functions, and biological markers of a 10-year-old at 46. That's exactly what tech entrepreneur and self-proclaimed biohacker Bryan Johnson claims he has achieved, and he credits it to a radical experiment: 90 days of intense oxygen therapy. Johnson, known for spending millions annually on anti-aging regimens under his Blueprint project, recently announced that this latest venture has helped him 'reverse' aspects of his biological age to that of a pre-teen. His claims, though bold, are grounded in an evolving field of science where longevity research is beginning to intersect with what was once considered science fiction. What is oxygen therapy? The treatment at the center of Johnson's latest experiment is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). While oxygen therapy in general refers to the medical use of supplemental oxygen, HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. These chambers are typically pressurized at two to three times normal atmospheric levels, enabling oxygen to dissolve more effectively into the bloodstream and reach tissues that may be oxygen-starved. This isn't a new practice. HBOT has been FDA-approved for a range of medical conditions, including carbon monoxide poisoning, gangrene, non-healing wounds, and decompression sickness (common among divers). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Una inversión en Amazon podría darte un salario extra. Undo But over the last few years, HBOT has gained attention for its potential anti-aging and regenerative benefits. How does HBOT work on the body? Under normal conditions, oxygen is carried mostly by red blood cells. But when the body is exposed to high-pressure pure oxygen, more oxygen dissolves directly into the blood plasma. This super-oxygenated blood can then travel deeper into body tissues, promoting healing and rejuvenation at the cellular level. Some of the key reported benefits of HBOT include: Increased production of stem cells, which help regenerate damaged tissues Reduced inflammation across various organs Improved mitochondrial function, which boosts cellular energy Enhanced cognitive performance Potential telomere extension – telomeres are protective caps on DNA that shorten with age A 2020 study conducted in Israel found that HBOT could not only increase the length of telomeres (often considered a marker of youthfulness) but also reduce senescent cells, which are old, malfunctioning cells that contribute to aging and disease. Bryan Johnson's results: Hype or hope? According to Johnson, after 90 days of HBOT combined with his usual strict regimen of exercise, plant-based diets, sleep optimization, and regular medical testing, he experienced: Improvements in skin health Reduction in biological markers of aging Enhanced lung capacity and cardiovascular performance Better cognitive function and sleep quality He claims that his overall biological profile, assessed using various biomarkers, now resembles that of a 10-year-old. It's important to note, however, that biological age can be calculated differently depending on the metrics used, and it's not a universally agreed-upon standard. Is it safe and effective for everyone? While Johnson's transformation has captured the public's imagination, medical experts urge caution. HBOT, though promising, is not without risks. Prolonged exposure can lead to oxygen toxicity, barotrauma (injury caused by pressure), and even vision changes. Moreover, the accessibility of such treatments remains limited. A full course of HBOT can cost thousands of dollars, and the kind of monitoring and medical supervision Johnson undergoes is far from standard. Dr. Shai Efrati, a pioneer in HBOT research, argues that with the right protocols and patient selection, HBOT could one day be used more broadly to slow biological aging, but more peer-reviewed studies are needed before it can be widely recommended. A glimpse into the future? Bryan Johnson's experiment opens up exciting, if controversial, possibilities in the field of anti-aging and longevity science. It challenges traditional views of aging as a linear, irreversible process and suggests that, with the right tools, we might not only delay aging but potentially rewind certain biological clocks. Still, it's essential to separate anecdotal success stories from scientific consensus. As fascinating as Johnson's story is, it should serve as a launchpad for deeper inquiry, not a universal prescription. While the idea of having the biology of a 10-year-old at midlife sounds like a dream, the reality is far more nuanced. Oxygen therapy, particularly HBOT, holds promise, but it's not a miracle solution, at least not yet. What Bryan Johnson's journey does offer, however, is a compelling glimpse into the future of how we might age and perhaps, how we might not. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change

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