What Does a Hyperbaric Chamber Do for Autism?
If you or someone you know has autism, you may be looking for new ways to help your loved one. While there’s no cure for autism, there are treatments that help ease the symptoms and make life more manageable. One such treatment is hyperbaric chamber autism therapy or hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Here are some of the ways a hyperbaric chamber helps people with autism:
Reduces Inflammation
The high pressure in the chamber forces oxygen into the tissues and cells. Production of inflammatory cytokines reduces as the oxygen level in the cells increase. This helps to reduce the symptoms of autism since chronic inflammation contributes to the development and severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms.
Improves Blood Flow and Circulation
The increase in pressure in the hyperbaric chamber forces oxygen into the bloodstream, improving blood flow and circulation. This helps to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the cells and tissues, including the brain. Oxygen is needed for the proper functioning of the brain in people with autism.
The improved blood flow also helps to remove toxins from the cells. People with autism have difficulty detoxifying their bodies, leading to a build-up of toxins that can worsen ASD symptoms.
Stimulates the Release of Stem Cells
HBOT stimulates the release of stem cells from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. These stem cells then travel to the areas of the body with injured or damaged tissue and organs. They regenerate the cells needed for the repair of the damaged area. The release of stem cells is needed by those with autism since they have impaired brain function due to damage to the neurons. Stem cell release helps repair this damage and improve brain function.
Improves Gut Health
The anti-inflammatory effects of HBOT help to reduce gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and improve gut health in people with autism. Up to 70% of people with ASD suffer from GI issues, such as constipation, diarrhea, and stomach pain. The most common cause of these issues is inflammation in the gut lining, which hyperbaric chamber therapy helps to reduce.
Reduces Oxidative Stress
A hyperbaric chamber helps to reduce oxidative stress by increasing the level of antioxidants in the body. People with ASD have higher oxidative stress levels, which contributes to the development and severity of ASD symptoms. An imbalance between the creation of free radicals and the body’s capacity to detoxify them results in oxidative damage. The increased level of antioxidants helps to neutralize the free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and the symptoms of ASD.
Improves Sleep
Reduction in inflammation and the improved circulation of oxygen to the cells after HBOT help to improve sleep in people with autism. Chronic inflammation disrupts the body’s natural sleep cycle, and the increased oxygen levels help to normalize the sleep cycle. This leads to improved sleep quality and quantity. Improved sleep quality reduces fatigue and irritability and helps to improve focus and concentration.
Boosts the Immune System
HBOT boosts the immune system by stimulating the release of immune cells, such as natural killer cells and cytotoxic T-cells, into the bloodstream. These cells help to fight infections and boost the immune system. People with ASD can benefit from HBOT because they have a weaker immune system and are more susceptible to infections. When the immune system is strong, it helps reduce the severity and frequency of infections and the symptoms of ASD.
Improves Communication and Social Skills
HBOT helps improve communication and social skills by repairing damaged neurons in the brain that control these skills. This helps improve the ability to communicate and interact with others. When communication and social skills are improved, it leads to better relationships, increased self-esteem, and improved quality of life.
Increases Focus and Attention
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are common symptoms of autism, which makes it difficult to focus and pay attention. HBOT helps to improve focus and attention in people with ASD by increasing oxygen levels in the brain. This helps improve brain function and allows people with ASD to focus and pay attention for longer periods.
Ease Autism Symptoms by Using Hyperbaric Chamber Autism Therapy
Hyperbaric chamber autism therapy is a safe and non-invasive treatment that may help improve the symptoms of autism. It can help improve communication and social skills, increase focus and attention, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. If you or a loved one has autism, talk to your doctor about HBOT to see if it’s right for you.
Apart from that, if you are interested to know more about “4 Reasons San Diego Families Rely on ABA Therapy for Autism” then visit our “Lifestyle” category.