How to Increase Your Blood Oxygen Levels: 21 Actionable Tips

How to Increase Your Blood Oxygen Levels: 21 Actionable Tips

Oxygen. It’s the lifeblood of our existence. It’s what helps our bodies function. It’s what helps us move and think, enabling us to achieve our daily goals, both big and small. 

For our bodies to function, our cells need energy. Oxygen is the fuel that allows our cells to break down the glucose in our foods to create this energy. Blood vessels transport oxygen-rich red blood cells throughout our bodies, nourishing our tissues and allowing this process of energy production, or cellular respiration, to occur.

As we age, oxygen levels can wane. Blood vessels grow narrower, limiting the transportation of oxygen to red blood cells. This is one reason why we might feel physically and cognitively weaker. 

If you’ve been wondering how to increase blood oxygen levels, you’re in luck. At The Brain & Performance Centre, we aim to defy limitations—getting older shouldn’t mean pressing the brake on your life. With the right resources and the benefits of more oxygen in your blood, you can take your foot off the brake and move forward confidently.

Understanding Blood Oxygen Levels

Your blood oxygen level (also referred to as blood oxygen saturation) is the amount of oxygen you have in your blood. Two main tests are available to measure your blood oxygen level—pulse oximetry and a blood draw test. 

• A normal oxygen level using pulse oximetry (a small device often clipped onto your fingertip) is between 95% and 100%. 

• For a blood draw, laboratories have different reference ranges and will have details regarding the normal oxygen range. Reach out to your lab or doctor if you have questions.

Low oxygen levels often indicate: 

• Heart conditions
• Lung conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis
• Inflammation 
• Sleep apnea
• A high-altitude environment

21 Quick and Actionable Tips on How to Increase Oxygen in Blood

Boosting oxygen levels involves these 21 actionable tips, organized by category.

Exercise Regularly

• Cardio: Cardio exercises increase your breathing rate, which helps you absorb more oxygen.
• Stretching: Stretching helps your muscles receive more blood, oxygen, and nutrients.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excessive weight can strain the respiratory system and reduce lung capacity. Keeping a healthy weight can improve lung function and increase blood oxygen levels. 

Maintain a Healthy Diet

What foods increase oxygen in the blood? To enrich your oxygen levels through a  healthy diet, you should:

• Consume dark leafy greens: Leafy greens such as kale and spinach increase blood oxygen. They contain nitrogen, which “plays a major role in delivering oxygen throughout the body.”
• Incorporate iron-rich foods: Foods like white beans, tofu, and dark chocolate contain iron—an “essential element for blood production.” 
• Snack on antioxidant-rich fruits: Fruits like blueberries and cranberries are high in antioxidants, which promote blood flow and provide more oxygen to tissues. 

Maintain Good Posture

• Stand or sit up straight: Research notes “the best oxygenation [is] in the ‘sitting upright’ position.” Lying down for a long period can put pressure on your lungs. Take the time to stand or sit up straight to help increase lung capacity. 

Keep Your Lungs Healthy

• Drink plenty of water: Well-hydrated lungs are more efficient at dispersing oxygen into your bloodstream. The average daily water intake for “men is about 15.5 cups and for women, about 11.5 cups.”
• Go outside: There’s nothing like a breath of fresh air to promote more oxygen flow. Not to mention, you’ll also get to take in the sunshine and some vitamin D!

Practice Deep Breathing Techniques

• Diaphragmatic breathing: Also called belly breathing, diaphragmatic breathing provides positive oxygenation effects.  
  • Sit up straight, one hand on your stomach, the other on your chest.
  • Breathe slowly through the nostrils. In addition to  your chest rising, you should also feel your stomach area expand with each full, diaphragmatic breath.
  • Exhale slowly out your mouth.
  • Repeat six or more times per minute for up to 15 minutes.

Minimize Exposure to Air Pollutants and Toxins

• Get indoor plants: House plants help remove organic chemicals in the indoor air.
• Set up an air purifier: An air purifier helps trap dust, pollen, and bacteria and disperses clean air back into your home.
• Choose electric over gas: For example, you may opt for an electric stove rather than a gas stove to avert indoor pollution. 
• Quit smoking: Smoking has a detrimental effect on oxygen circulation. Make a plan to quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke.

Improve Sleep Quality

• Stay consistent with your sleep schedule: Being well-rested is vital for maintaining healthy oxygen levels. Get up and go to bed at the same time each night. This consistency reinforces your body’s sleep-wake cycle.
• Limit naps: While sleeping during the day makes up for lost sleep, long naps might make it harder for you to fall asleep at night.
• Stay clear from caffeine: The general rule of thumb is to have a caffeine cut-off time of a “minimum of eight hours before bedtime.” 
• Regulate bedroom temperature: An environment that is too hot or too cold is not conducive to good sleep. Keep your bedroom at a cool, but comfortable temperature.

Reduce Stress 

• Connect with loved ones: When we feel stressed, our breathing becomes shallow. This inhibits healthy oxygen flow to the bloodstream. Reaching out to trusted friends and family members can help you feel supported and more grounded. 
• Take on a hobby: A new hobby such as crocheting, baking, or writing can offer a healthy distraction and put your mind at ease. 
• Seek therapy: Therapy offers a safe space to voice and process your concerns and discover healthy coping mechanisms. 

The Power of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Increasing Blood Oxygen Level

All the above tips are good to implement on a day-to-day basis, but when you feel age-related decline coming on, additional measures might be needed. 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a significant way to help increase your blood oxygen levels. HBOT involves sitting in a pressurized chamber and breathing in 100% oxygen. Research has shown that breathing oxygen in a pressurized environment improves circulation and allows more oxygen to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

The Brain & Performance Centre uses a unique, specialized HBOT protocol inside its state-of-the-art hyperbaric suites, which includes precise fluctuations of oxygen levels during each HBOT session. 

This specific HBOT protocol not only elevates levels of oxygen in the body, but also encourages your body to unlock its self-healing mechanisms.

Thanks to the biological progressions HBOT offers, The Brain & Performance Centres medical team has been able to help patients better manage conditions such as age-related concerns, traumatic brain injuries and stroke. 

Take Charge of Your Health and Wellbeing

We encourage you to bookmark this page and practice these tips for increasing your blood oxygen levels and for making positive lifestyle changes.

Explore The Brain & Performance Centre for more information on our evidence-based hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocol and comprehensive health assessment or contact us to learn how we can help.

 

How New Fibromyalgia Treatment Options Can Improve Quality of Life

Fibromyalgia is a very real condition, though it’s not uncommon for people who have it to experience misdiagnosis, feel misunderstood by their care providers, or receive ineffective treatment. This experience can be incredibly frustrating for those seeking relief from their symptoms. 

Fortunately, new research offers access to revolutionary treatments that can better address fibromyalgia symptoms. Despite what some doctors believe, studies confirm that the experience of fibromyalgia patients is not “just in their heads.”

Now, new fibromyalgia treatment options can take a more targeted, holistic path.

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What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a persistent, chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and impacts on cognitive function. There’s no singular cause of this condition. However, research indicates it is often “triggered or aggravated by multiple physical and/or emotional stressors,” including: 

• Viral infection
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• History of severe emotional stress
• Ongoing severe emotional stress
• Traumatic events

Despite its prevalence, finding a physician who truly understands the condition and can take proper measures to help you find relief can be exasperating and exhausting.  

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Traditional Treatments for Fibromyalgia 

When managing fibromyalgia symptoms, the following treatment options are typically the first course of action to help people take control of their well-being. The treatments outlined are proactive and reactive measures that may provide some relief for fibromyalgia symptoms. 

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle modifications may improve some fibromyalgia symptoms. These modifications can reduce the impact of symptoms like fatigue, low energy, poor sleep quality, and mood. Lifestyle changes often include establishing and practicing good sleep routines and eating a well-balanced diet.

Physical Therapy

Individuals living with fibromyalgia may experience chronic discomfort and ongoing, widespread pain. These symptoms can contribute to stiffness, soreness, and tension, among other bodily issues. Physical therapy can help reduce pain, using customized exercise programmes to improve flexibility, strength, and endurance. Exercise can increase mobility and enhance general feelings of well-being. 

 Medications

Physicians sometimes prescribe medications to treat pain, improve sleep quality, or help regulate the psychological symptoms involved in the condition. Several medications, both over-the-counter and prescriptions, can play a role in managing fibromyalgia symptoms. Among those commonly used are:

• Pain relievers
• Antidepressants 
• Anticonvulsants

Therapy or Counseling

Fibromyalgia brings new challenges that can be difficult to process. Professional emotional support can enhance your emotional well-being and help you cultivate a positive outlook on life, even in the face of chronic symptoms. Working with a compassionate therapist or counselor can go a long way toward developing helpful coping strategies and stress management skills. 

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New Fibromyalgia Treatments

Traditional treatments can do a lot to relieve day-to-day fibromyalgia symptoms. However, more advanced, comprehensive solutions go beyond addressing the surface-level effects of the condition. 

New fibromyalgia treatment solutions go deeper to provide long-lasting relief and empowerment to those dealing with symptoms. These therapies look at the underlying mechanisms associated with how the condition manifests. 

Stress Management Activities

Recent research has shown that the condition has a psychiatric element and that exposure to psychosocial stressors may “contribute to dysfunctional pain processing.” Because abnormal pain perception can be exacerbated by stress, the following Stress management strategies like the following can be powerful ways to address fibromyalgia symptoms:

• Meditation
• Deep breathing
• Enjoyable hobbies
• Massage 
• Yoga and tai chi

It’s critical to note that people can have a range of experiences with stress. In one study, 75% of participants engaging in a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) practice reported “experiencing a reduction in symptom severity.” In other studies, there’s “no evidence that mindfulness had an effect on other variables, such as positive mood, attention, sleep.” 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Another new treatment for fibromyalgia has promising results, as published in peer-reviewed studies. These trials indicate that a unique, evidence-based hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol (involving breathing fluctuating levels of pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber) can increase oxygen levels in the body’s tissues and trigger the body’s natural self-healing mechanisms. 

The HBOT process helps promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and enhance brain and body performance. This treatment provides the following support:

• Less fatigue
• Reduced brain fob
• Decreased pain
• Boosted energy level
• Improved cognitive function
• Increased brain connectivity
• Improved sleep quality

Watch Aysha’s Inspiring story of her transformative treatment for Fibromyalgia:

Restoring Hope with a Groundbreaking Fibromyalgia Treatment at The Brain & Performance Centre

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HBOT treatment is non-invasive, targeting the regions of the brain and body responsible for pain sensation and tolerance to enhance feelings of well-being. The HBOT protocol used in the aforementioned studies is the same protocol employed in the state-of-the-art hyperbaric suites at The Brain & Performance Centre. For Patty, this solution was life-changing.

“By halfway through, I didn’t have the pain or the aches anymore…I didn’t feel like I had the fatigue. I had so much energy. I have a clear brain now… I just feel like I have a whole new brain.” — Patty, Fibromyalgia client.

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Future Outlook and Potential Impact on Fibromyalgia Patients

As new fibromyalgia treatment options continue to offer a greater understanding of the condition and better results, the outlook is increasingly promising. If you’re dealing with the effects of fibromyalgia, there is hope for a reduction in symptoms.

Since fibromyalgia symptoms can vary from person to person, a targeted, personalized programme that addresses the underlying mechanisms of the condition is key to more comprehensive, effective management. At The Brain & Performance Centre, each prospective client receives a personalized treatment programme, based on the clients’ individual needs and health concerns, and the results of a comprehensive physical, medical, and cognitive assessment.

The Brain & Performance Centre is a holistic treatment plan that can include the following:

• Cognitive training
• Dietary coaching
• Physical performance training
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)

There is renewed hope as we make new strides toward understanding fibromyalgia.

Advancements in medical science have paved the way for new fibromyalgia treatment options designed to alleviate symptoms and empower individuals to reclaim their quality of life. Taking a multi-dimensional approach, the team at The Brain & Performance Centre improves outcomes for people with fibromyalgia. 

We strive to make a significant difference in fibromyalgia symptoms so those living with the condition can experience relief and take charge of their quality of life. 

You don’t have to suffer alone, feeling misunderstood and misdiagnosed.
We can help you achieve real relief.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy’s Impact on Stroke Treatment

Last Update: December 5, 2024

You deserve to achieve your goals and live a happy and fulfilling life. But when a stroke happens and your life changes, your plans do too… the road to post-stroke recovery can feel impossibly hard.

Rest assured that all is not lost. The Brain & Performance Centre, a DP World company, uses advanced tools and therapies for stroke rehabilitation and research-backed processes that unlock your mind and body’s natural self-healing mechanisms. 

Learn all about The Brain & Performance Centre which includes hyperbaric oxygen therapy for stroke patients, so you can regain physical vibrancy and emotional well-being. 

“There’s a growing body of medical research that shows hyperbaric medicine can help with the rehabilitation of people suffering from stroke.” – Dr. Semer Wang, Medical Director of The Brain & Performance Centre. 

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What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? 

In hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), patients breathe 100% pure medical-grade oxygen in a pressurized chamber. Paired with oxygen fluctuations, this process boosts oxygen levels in the body up to 10 times higher than normal and helps unlock the body’s self-healing capabilities. 

Who Can Try HBOT for Stroke Relief? 

Don’t let the idea that the brain has a limited window for improvement stop you from getting the help you need. Stroke survivors at any stage in their recovery can seek treatment with HBOT and other complementary therapies. 

While many HBOT studies were conducted on people who had their stroke incident within a three-year timeframe, Dr. Efrati has seen similar improvement in patients whose brain injuries occurred up to 20 years before.

Please understand that not everyone is a candidate for The Brain & Performance Centre. Our rigorous assessment process ensures we select the clients who can benefit from the programme. Speak with a Brain & Performance Centre team member to learn if you’re a candidate for our programme.

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How Does The Brain & Performance Centre’s Unique HBOT Protocol for Stroke Work? 

When a stroke occurs, some brain tissue dies while other tissue is damaged. HBOT can help trigger the body to self-repair the damaged brain tissue and improve cognitive function after a stroke. 

As part of the The Brain & Performance Centre, we follow a unique, highly specialized HBOT protocol for stroke that differs from other types of oxygen therapy. We focus on providing a personalized care programme aligned with your needs and goals. 

Here’s how our process works: 

• The Brain & Performance Centre uses multiplace oxygen chambers—large treatment suites fitting up to 14 people—rather than small, confining, one-person HBOT chambers.

• Clients breathe 100% pure oxygen through a mask in a pressurized environment. This process increases the blood oxygen concentration to help deliver oxygen to the cells that need it.

• Patients follow a specific Brain & Performance Centre protocol where they breathe 100% oxygen with frequent breaks to breathe normal air, which the body then perceives as the trigger for self regeneration. This repeated fluctuation triggers the body into cell repair and regeneration mode.

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Cindy Parsons Finds Hope 4 Years After Her Stroke Incident

For Cindy, simple capabilities like combing her hair, driving, and walking unassisted were suddenly stripped away by a stroke. She had been told not to expect more improvement after six months of recovery. Cindy sought the help of The Brain & Performance protocol, and during her assessment, brain scans indicated brain tissue could still be revived.

• 60 daily HBOT sessions
• Cognitive training
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Strength training 
• A specialized diet plan

Upon the conclusion of the treatment plan, Cindy can now drive herself, walk without a cane, and talk clearly—activities she thought she would never be able to do again.

Cindy’s post-treatment clinical results show numerous improvements in the following ways: 

• Skeletal muscle mass increased.
• Muscular strength improved. 
• Fall risk dropped.
• Gait speed and quality improved.
• Nonverbal memory increased.
• Information processing speed climbed. 
• Motor planning improved.

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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Stroke Patients: Clear, Proven Research

Recent clinical studies at The Sagol Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research have evaluated the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for stroke patients. 

The centre’s studies show the powerful potential of HBOT as it:

• Triggers neuroplasticity—when healthy parts of the brain “rewire” to assist injured parts of the brain.
• Encourages neurogenesis—the creation of new nerve cells.
• Creates new blood vessels for higher blood flow and oxygenation of tissue.
• Increases neurocognitive abilities in post-stroke patients. 

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An Evidence-Based Treatment Protocol 

Numerous studies continue to show the unique HBOT protocol—available only at The Brain & Performance Centre—makes significant stroke-recovery improvements in people even years after the stroke event.

Well let these research findings and case studies speak for themselves: 

• “The results indicate that HBOT can lead to significant neurological improvements in post stroke patients even at chronic late stages.” –Dr. Shai Efrati, Founder and Director of The Sagol Centre
• “The results illustrate the potential of [HBOT] for improving memory impairments in post-stroke patients, even years after the acute event.” – Dr.  Shai Efrati
  

 

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How Can The Brain & Performance Centre Help with Stroke Relief?

Our programme is founded on Dr. Efrati’s research. Regaining functions and abilities more than six months post stroke requires working with a diverse medical team of physicians, nurses, and therapists. The Brain & Performance Centre maximizes the expertise of this comprehensive team to offer a high-quality programme that meets your needs. 

The Brain & Performance Centre can combine the following elements in a customized programme to help treat the body and brain after a stroke: 

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy 
• Cognitive training 
• Physical training and therapy
• Dietary coaching

How It Works: A 3-Step Process

The Brain & Performance Centres’ approach entails a three-step process: 

• In-depth Medical Assessment: Our assessment process identifies how much of your brain tissue died from the stroke and how much of it is merely injured—these are areas we want to focus on to help regain your capabilities. We use the most advanced brain imaging tests (e.g., MRI and SPECT) suited to your needs. The Brain & Performance Centre team also conducts physical, cognitive, and neurological tests to evaluate your function in these areas and establish a baseline.

• Tailored Programme: We use your results to develop a personalized therapy plan. This plan can include cognitive and physical training, dietary coaching, and HBOT sessions. A dedicated medical team will walk you through your therapy plan to maximize your body’s healing process.

• Post-assessment and Evaluation – Measurable Results: After your The Brain & Performance Centre treatments, you’ll receive a detailed report of your results, including any cognitive and physical changes. We repeat the tests from the initial assessment to measure your improvement and make recommendations for ongoing progress.

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What Benefits Can Stroke Survivors Achieve with HBOT?

When combined with personalized cognitive, physical, and nutritional therapies, HBOT as a part of your stroke regimen may produce impressive outcomes, even years after a stroke, including the following results: 

• Improved speech and ability to read/write
• Restored motor function, even with paresis
• Return to independence in performing many daily activities

Many of our clients report the most significant benefit is simply not being “a burden” on their loved ones.

Here’s how our programme can impact the brain, body, and cells even years after a stroke. 

Benefits for your brain*:

• Rehabilitation of injured brain tissue, restoring some impacted functions 
• Increased blood flow in the parts of the brain that may have reduced blood flow due to the stroke 
• New stem cells and blood vessels in the brain (angiogenesis)
• Improved psychomotor function (the combination of precise motor responses and cognitive problem-solving abilities)
• Triggered neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to adapt/react in response to injury or disease) in injured parts of the brain
• Triggered neurogenesis (neuronal or nerve cell) regeneration that occurs in the brain.
• Improved overall quality of life 

Benefits for your body*:

• Better physical performance: mobility, fitness, strength, coordination, balance, gait
• Improved NIHSS (neurological motor function score), ADL (activities of daily living score), and EQ-5D (quality of life score)
• Boosted power and stamina
• Reduced pain (strong anti-inflammatory effect)
• Improved sleep quality

Benefits for your cells*:

• Strengthened immune system
• Increase in stem cells (the building blocks of tissue rejuvenation) to multiply and migrate
• Quantitative and qualitative improvement in mitochondrial biogenesis (the power centre of the cell)

*Individual patient results may vary.

Speak with a member of The Brain & Performance Centre team member to learn if you’re a candidate for our programme.

Can You Biologically Reverse Your Age? Science Says It’s Possible

Yes! With specialized health programmes and the right hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol, it may be possible to reverse your biological age. How? It involves targeting the key biomarkers responsible for the body’s aging process. This quick guide dives into all the details.

Learn more about age-related decline and how The Brain & Performance Centre can help.

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What Are the Two Types of Age? 

First, it helps to understand the two types of age: 

• Chronological age or how many birthdays you have had
• Biological age or “the aging of our body’s functions”

Biological age refers to how old a person’s body and cells are. It’s often measured by evaluating a person’s various biological markers, such as:

• Epigenetic changes: Your behavior and environment can impact how your genes function.
• Telomeres: They protect the ends of chromosomes from deterioration. As we age, our telomeres naturally shorten.
• Senescent cells: Over time, these cells can accumulate in the body and prevent cells from growing. The increase in senescent cells contributes to age-associated medical conditions.
• Stem cell exhaustion: As we age, we produce a smaller amount of stem cells.

Additionally, biological age takes into account a person’s:

• Health
• Lifestyle choices
• Genetics

A healthy adult who has a chronological age of 60 years can be much younger in biological age if they have long and healthy telomeres and low levels of senescent cells — these can be achieved with the right lifestyle. 

Researchers note “biological age is a better predictor of morbidity risk than chronological age.”

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Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Reverse Aging?

A unique protocol of HBOT has been scientifically proven for reversing biological age. 

Several studies illustrate HBOT, when administered in a specific protocol: 

• Improves cognitive, physical, and psychological performance. These areas ultimately help promote healthspan and quality of life.
  

• May increase telomere length and encourage the “clearance of senescent cells.” This illustrates the potential HBOT has in slowing aging. 

Keep in mind, the type of HBOT protocol is important. Not all HBOT programmes are created equal. There are different types of oxygen chambers, and each provides a unique process. Reversing biological age has been scientifically proven only in multi-chamber suites, such as those at The Brain & Performance Centre.

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The Brain & Performance Centre

The Brain & Performance Centre offers a more robust and extensive treatment programme compared to other clinics. The programme has been clinically proven to reverse biological aging by: 

• Lengthening telomeres
• Reducing senescent cells
• Promoting stem cell proliferation
• Targeting other areas of the brain and body to improve cognitive and physical performance   

Our programme consists of a treatment plan that begins with: 

• In-depth review of health history
• Comprehensive physical and neurological exams
• Highly advanced brain imaging scans
• Neurological and neurocognitive tests
• Body composition analysis
• A detailed report of our assessment findings

Based on the results of the above, as well as your goals, needs, and symptoms, your customized medical programme may include:

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) provided in the specific protocol used in the above studies
• Cognitive training
• Physical training
• Dietary coaching

All of this is included in The Brain & Performance Centre’s physician-designed programme tailored to each client’s needs.

Learn more about how The Brain & Performance Centre unique hyperbaric protocol can help you reverse your biological aging – contact the clinic.

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4 Ways the The Brain & Performance Centre and HBOT Can Promote Reverse Aging and Actionable Tips:

Let’s dive more into specifics and break down the four main ways the The Brain & Performance Centre Hyperbaric protocol and programme can help reverse aging. You’ll also find additional strategies to give your mind and body the holistic care they need for optimal performance.

Note: Speak to your doctor before you pursue any lifestyle changes.

1. Cognitive Health

Common cognitive decline with age includes memory issues, language processing, and sleep disorders. Health experts note harnessing oxygen via HBOT along with cognitive training can help. Breathing in a pressurized environment with fluctuating oxygen levels can: 

• Turbocharge the body’s self-healing mechanisms.
• Slow down the biological aging process.

Cognitive training inside the HBOT suite can be more effective as well. The Brain & Performance Centre provides clients with a personalized cognitive training programme that is performed on a tablet inside the HBOT suite/ chamber. Benefits include: improved memory, attention, focus, information process speed and executive function.

Additional Strategies for Optimal Cognitive Performance:

• Find healthy ways to cope with stress: If not managed, chronic stress can take a neurological toll, raising the risk of cognitive issues (e.g., memory and attention problems). Safeguard your cognitive health by engaging in healthy coping mechanisms for stress.
• Engage in brain games: Playing brain games can improve cognitive performance and enhance the overall quality of life. The fact that these games are fun is just the icing on the cake.

2. Physical Health

Our bodies grow less efficient at channeling oxygen when we age. This is one of the reasons why we may feel “slower” in terms of mental and physical performance. 

Research shows a specific HBOT protocol may: 

• Optimize athletic performance by helping you elevate aerobic stamina, heal faster post-injury and more
• Reduce pain and inflammation.

Additional Strategies for Optimal Physical Performance:

• Exercise regularly: Commit to at least 30 minutes of exercise for a minimum of four days a week. Make sure your exercise regime involves cardio and strength training.
  
• Engage in intermittent fasting: Calorie restrictive diets most notably, intermittent fasting, have been shown to have a significant health benefit overweight reduction (or something that covers the same meaning)

3. Mental Health

Mental health is another vital area to nourish with age. It is estimated that 20% of people age 55 or older experience some type of mental health concern. This may be attributed to life changes or events and injuries (e.g., environmental stressers, old or recurrent concussions or cardiovascular brain changes). 

Evidence suggests The Brain & Performance Centre’s proprietary HBOT plan can: 

• Improve neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to adapt in response to an injury or disease. This means the brain can rewire itself after suffering an injury and strengthen its neural connections—key aspects to improving and maintaining cognitive health.
  
• Enhance brain functionality – regain brain functions lost due to age-related cognitive decline.
• Help PTSD survivors alleviate their symptoms. 

Additional Strategies for Optimal Mental Performance:

• Try meditation: Meditation offers many brain health benefits, such as helping to cope with anxiety, depression, and overall mood. Following a simple daily practice will provide moments of groundedness and clarity.
• Lean on your support system: Reach out to family and friends for support. Human connection can be a lifeline to healing.

4. Sexual Health

Various reports state that “frequent sex can improve…our general quality of life and may even extend our life by years.” 

“Men tend to marry younger women, die sooner and care more about sex.” But until what age is a man sexually active? Experts say, “at age 55, men can expect another 15 years of sexual activity.” But this state isn’t universal—conditions like erectile dysfunction (ED) can minimize the quantity and quality of sexual health. 

Luckily, studies illustrate HBOT may be a promising supportive or independent treatment for ED. It can encourage new blood vessel formation and improve blood flow, which can help improve symptoms of erectile function.

Additional Strategies for Optimal Sexual Performance:

• In addition to HBOT, take good care of your physical, mental, and cognitive health with the suggestions we’ve listed above.
• According to researchers, “Modifiable risk factors for ED include smoking, lack of physical activity, wrong diets, overweight or obesity, metabolic syndrome, and excessive alcohol consumption.”
• Therefore, following a healthy diet and exercise regime are key to overcoming ED and promoting better sexual activity in older adults.

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Invest in HBOT to Reverse Your Age

Reversing your age may sound fantastical, but with the right medical team by your side, that goal may be possible. Learn more about the benefits of investing in your health and how The Brain & Performance Centre can help.

Treatment for Children and Adolescents with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and PCS

Children and adolescents experiencing the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-concussion syndrome, and other brain performance problems have the opportunity for a better future with the right approach to treatment. Explore an effective treatment for TBI offered by The Brain & Performance Centre:

The Brain & Performance Centre Launches Highly Specialized Youth Medical Programme to Assess and Treat TBI and Brain Performance Problems in Children and Adolescents

• The programme uses Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to improve cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of youth suffering from specific brain-related issues.
• The new youth treatment programme is backed by a first-of-its-kind study validating the The Brain & Performance Centre HBOT protocol as an effective treatment for children suffering from persistent post-concussion syndrome.
• The youth programme can also help improve the quality of life in children, aged between 8 to 15 years, suffering from cerebral palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and stroke.
  

The Brain & Performance Centre, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DP World, has opened a new wing at its JLT-based specialty brain health and performance centre dedicated to a breakthrough Youth Medical Programme that uses hyperbaric medicine to treat specific brain injuries in children and youth between the ages of 8 and 15. 

The programme specializes in the treatment of multiple disorders including cerebral palsy (a childhood motor disorder in childhood caused by brain injury due to lack of oxygen or blood supply), Traumatic Brain Injury (sudden damage to the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head), and strokes (when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, because of a blockage or a blood vessel rupture). 

The Brain & Performance Centre for Youth is the focus of a new study, published in Nature Scientific Reports, which shows the effectiveness of Hyperbaric treatment in healing damaged brain tissue and alleviating symptoms in children experiencing persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS), where concussion symptoms continue beyond the expected recovery period. 

The study, conducted at the Sagol Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research at Shamir Medical Centre, suggests that HBOT improves cognitive and behavioral function, as well as quality of life in pediatric patients suffering from PPCS, even years after receiving their traumatic injury.

The Brain & Performance Centre treatment starts with a comprehensive three-day medical, physiological, and mental assessment carried out by The Brain & Performance Centre-certified medical staff including pediatricians, pediatric neuropsychologists, physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses. This includes the most advanced brain imaging tests suited to the child’s needs, such as perfusion MRI, and SPECT.

After analyzing the results of the in-depth assessment, children undergo HBOT sessions five days a week for 12 weeks – 60 consecutive one-hour sessions in total. Alongside the HBOT sessions, the patient will receive personalized cognitive and physical training designed to maximize the effects of the rehabilitation.  At the end of the treatment, tests are repeated and compared with the results of the initial assessment.

“The diagnosis and treatment of post-concussion syndrome in children is a critical issue that physicians and researchers have struggled with, to the detriment of the children,” said Dr. Shai Efrati, Medical Director of the Sagol Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research and Shamir Medical Centre, and Chair of The Brain & Performance Centre Scientific’s Medical Advisory Board.

“For the first time, we have demonstrated an effective treatment for pediatric PPCS, whether the injury occurred six months or 10 years ago. This discovery and the launch of our new Youth Medical Programme offers hope to thousands of families watching their children suffer from unrelenting symptoms.”

Upon completion of the study, researchers found that children treated with HBOT experienced a significant improvement in cognitive function, including the general cognitive score, memory, and executive function (ability to plan, prioritize tasks, and complete complex goal-directed behaviors), compared to the untreated children. 

Other PPCS symptoms that improved include behavioral symptoms such as hyperactivity, and, perhaps most strikingly, the study revealed parallel structural brain changes, as seen on MRI, in the areas of the brain known to be affected by TBI leading to cognitive dysfunction and other symptoms of PPCS.

The same treatment protocol conducted during this study is adopted in the youth wing at The Brain & Performance Centre. The same strict protocols, with additional comprehensive cognitive and physical training support for the various conditions and symptoms addressed by The Brain & Performance Centre including concussion and TBI, and more.  The Brain & Performance Centre’s Youth Medical Programme is located in a dedicated wing of the 7,000-square-meter, state-of-the-art brain health and performance clinic in Dubai’s JLT. 

If your child needs treatment for TBI symptoms or other brain conditions, we encourage you to learn more about the Youth Medical Programme at The Brain & Performance Centre.

The Key to Healthy Aging: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy vs Stem Cell Therapy

The transitional time we all experience after retirement age can feel tough, scary, depressing, and isolating. We begin to miss the “good old days” when performing at our peak was easy and rewarding. But please know that there is hope. 

Science has advanced so much over the past decade and has delivered some promising therapies. Two of them have been gaining notable attention: stem cell therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). You may not be very familiar with either one, but they have enhanced human biology over the years. 

Stem cells are one of the most important and impressive parts of the body. Every organ requires them to maintain optimal function and performance. To keep your body functioning, stem cells self-replicate, having “the remarkable potential to renew themselves” although they do so at a much higher rate when you’re young. As you age, stem cells have “restricted self-renewal potential” and gradually lose their self-renewal capabilities.

However, there’s a way to organically increase the number of stem cells in your body for the purpose of healing and healthy aging. We’re not talking about a beauty regime that involves injecting stem cells into body parts for a more youthful appearance. We are talking about something far more effective at reverse aging—using a scientifically-backed hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocol to nurture your body’s own stem cell reproduction in your brain. 

There’s no question — everyone can benefit from having their brain grow more stem cells. This guide lays out all the key facts on how to trigger your body to reproduce its own stem cells in Dubai. The Brain & Performance Centre, a DP World Company, walks you through the key details.

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What Are Stem Cells? 

Stem cells are the body’s internal repair system. When our cells go through normal wear and tear, injuries, or diseases, stem cells develop replacements for lost or damaged cells. 

The incredible thing is that stem cells are like 3D printers of the body—they can develop into almost any type of cell in the body, from muscle to brain, and can repair and “recreate functional tissues.” 

Our body is like a machine. In the beginning, when we are young, our machine works well—we have numerous stem cells. But as we age, the ability to do this starts to decline: Stem cells’ “renewal ability deteriorates and their ability to differentiate into the various cell types is altered.”

“As the amount and potency of stem cells start to decline…we start to lose tissue. This is what we call aging.” – Dr. Shai Efrati, MD, Director of Sagol Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research. 

Given the powerful abilities of stem cells, researchers have studied them for decades to discover therapies for aging-associated disorders. 

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How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work?

Stem cell therapy renews damaged organs, tissues, or bodily functions. It’s an invasive therapy that physicians administer through: 

• Injecting stem cells into the bloodstream
• Directly injecting healthy stem cells into a specific area of the body (e.g., the knee)
• Engraftment—when transplanted stem cells grow in the body and reproduce healthy blood cells

Uses of Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell infusions and transplants are used for repairing cells damaged by chemotherapy or certain types of disease. Examples of these conditions include Leukemia and radiation injury. 

Because of the“plasticity [and] self-renewal” abilities in stem cells, researchers note stem cell therapy “could delay or even reverse aging.” However, more studies need to be done to discover a specific stem cell treatment for reverse aging.

Limitations and Dangers of Stem Cell Therapy

Though stem cell therapy has made a lot of progress in health and wellness, there are limitations and potential risks to keep in mind: 

• First and foremost, quality evidence is limited for the clinical improvements of stem cells therapy for most possible applications on humans.

• Currently, it is not possible to generate stem cells in large quantities. There isn’t a solution available to “generate large quantities of stem cells” in a laboratory. This makes stem cells difficult to obtain and purify.

• Stem cell therapy is limited to certain conditions. 

• Stem cells therapy is an invasive procedure and therefore harbors the hazards of any invasive therapy, such as infections and the risk of significant local and system reactions, which could pose a significant health risk to the recipient. 

While stem cell therapy has made its presence in Dubai, it is still very much in the research phase, which does limit its use as an effective therapy for age reversal.

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Is HBOT Stem Cell Therapy?

Many people ask this question, but no. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is not stem cell therapy. Rather, HBOT is a method that triggers your body to multiply its own stem cells organically. 

Here’s how that works:

• Oxygen is your brain’s superpower. Every bodily function depends on it, including the reproduction of stem cells. 
• As we age, our bodies are less efficient at channeling oxygen to the areas we need it most (e.g., brain tissue). This is why we “slow down” over time, both mentally and physically. We’ve come to accept this as the norm and assume there’s nothing to be done about it.

Luckily, science says otherwise.

Nobel Prize-winning research reports that hypoxia is a strong stimulator for triggering stem cell proliferation and regeneration processes. These stem cells can enable our brains and bodies to regain their peak performance levels. 

The The Brain & Performance Centre treatment protocol utilizes the hyperoxic-hypoxic paradox in order to gain the benefits of hypoxia without having to expose patients to a true lack of oxygen and the risks involved.

Uses of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

People have historically used hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat a variety of conditions that involve oxygen-starved tissue. These include: 

• Wound healing
• Delayed radiation injuries
• Carbon monoxide poisoning

The promising results of HBOT have prompted many physicians and scientists to dive further into research to identify possible impacts the therapy has on reverse aging and other health areas.

Landmark Research on a Hyperbaric Oxygen Unique Protocol

Founded on decades of research, it’s proven that unique hyperbaric oxygen fluctuations encourage the body to multiply its own stem cells. This specific protocol targets various health and wellness areas, such as: 

• Reverse aging: Landmark research shows success using HBOT for reverse aging. Now, many doctors refer to HBOT as the scientific “Holy Grail.” The therapy has helped many individuals improve their cognitive and physical performance.

• Post-stroke rehabilitation: HBOT helps restore function of injured brain tissue in survivors.

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Studies illustrate HBOT can “induce neuroplasticity”—the brain’s ability to change and adapt. This potential can help repair damaged brain functions for those suffering from challenges after traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

Limitations and Dangers of HBOT

• Not all HBOT administration is the same across clinics. Some use monoplace oxygen chambers, while others use multiplace chambers. Also, the way oxygen is administered is different across clinics as well. For example, most clinics administer oxygen at a steady level rather than use the oxygen fluctuations required to gain the benefits (based on Nobel-prize winning research).

• HBOT is an elective treatment. HBOT in the context of Healthy Aging is not covered by insurance.

• Potential side effects due to pressure changes may include ear and sinus discomfort. For some chronic conditions, special considerations may be needed.

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The Brain & Performance Centre’s Role in Stem Cell Proliferation

The Brain & Performance Centre prescribes HBOT to activate the body’s regeneration mechanisms — this helps regenerate more stem cells.

Stem cell growth in your brain helps: 

• Grow new brain matter, increasing both the quantity and quality of healthy cells. 
• Produce neuroplasticity, improving the quality of nerve fibers in the brain and other organs in the body. 
• Boost your body’s own ability to heal wounds, including injured tissues resulting from a stroke or traumatic brain event.

These three developments ultimately drive new blood vessels to form, help restore injured tissues, and improve wound healing throughout the body. 

Imagine your aging body feeling far better than it did years ago. Achieving higher cognition levels, improving athletic performance, and finally finding relief from conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, post-concussion syndrome, fibromyalgia and stroke is part of the programme.  

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How Does it Work?

1. You enter a technically-advanced room known as an Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBOT) suite and put on a mask to breathe 100% pure oxygen that is pressurized to above atmospheric levels. This increases oxygen levels in the body up to 20 times higher than normal, sending the boosted oxygen to deprived tissues in the brain and throughout the body.

2. The Brain & Performance Centre health professionals fluctuate the oxygen levels. These fluctuations trigger stem cells to multiply and new blood vessels to develop. While other clinics typically focus on injecting the body with types of stem cells, The Brain & Performance Centre’s unique protocol fuels the body to reproduce stem cells organically.

3. Alongside other cognitive, physical, and nutritional training you undergo as a Brain & Performance Centre client, you’ll see significant improvements in your mental and physical performance. Your body’s natural healing and regeneration process will be turbocharged.

You’ll walk into the The Brain & Performance Centre curious and perhaps a little apprehensive. You’ll leave confident and ready to live life to the fullest — no matter your age. Your work, physical activity, and emotional connection with those you love will come easier than it has in years.

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Why Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at The Brain & Performance Centre May Be a Better Alternative to Stem Cell Therapy

 

HBOT offers a safer, scientifically backed and a much more reliable approach to improving cognitive and physical performance (reverse aging), post-stroke rehabilitation, and traumatic brain injury. 

Again, stem cell therapy currently does not have enough high quality data to know if it is an effective reverse aging treatment. 

While stem cell therapy is invasive, HBOT is non-invasive, which means that there is no risk of acquiring infections or other side effects associated with invasive procedures. Individuals breathe in 100% oxygen, usually through a mask, and HBOT triggers the proliferation of your own stem cells.

The natural approach HBOT takes is why so many people have been able to experience long-term, systemic improvements throughout the entire human body. HBOT targets both the brain and body to improve the aging process and quality of life. 

To explain further: 

• Stem cell therapy is an invasive therapy (stem cells are injected into the body). HBOT is non-invasive. The Brain & Performance Centre’s HBOT process is administered via an oxygen mask in a first class multi-person suite, and the oxygen fluctuations trigger the body’s ability to naturally proliferate its own stem cells. 

• The Brain & Performance Centres’ HBOT protocol is founded on decades of research and offers a holistic therapeutic approach to target the brain and body, enhancing overall human performance and aging. As far as stem cell therapy is concerned, high quality data is still not sufficient to fully understand the relevance of this treatment. 

• While the success of stem cell therapy relies on stem cell sources and availability, HBOT at The Brain & Performance Centre relies on the body’s natural ability to repair damaged cells. This offers a safer and more reliable option to boost performance and limit aging in the long run.

• HBOT at The Brain & Performance Centre is based on peer-reviewed scientific studies.

Learn more about the science of hyperbaric oxygen therapy

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3 Conditions The Brain & Performance Centre Can Help Treat with Natural Stem Cell Proliferation

Many systems and functions in the brain and body can be improved when HBOT fluctuations trigger the body’s own ability to proliferate stem cells organically in the brain and other organs. Now we’ll touch on some of the conditions we help treat here in Dubai.

1. Anti-Aging 

Landmark research shows it’s possible to use HBOT for reverse aging at the basic cellular-biological level. Now doctors use HBOT as the scientific “Holy Grail.”

Watch how Dr. Joe Maroon, Vice Chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, saw significant results in his physical and cognitive performance after HBOT.

2. Stroke 

When a stroke occurs, part of the brain is cut off from its blood supply and oxygen. That’s when cells begin to die. 

Up to 50% of post-stroke survivors suffer from motor dysfunction (balance, hand control, etc.) and/or brain impairment (memory loss, inability to focus or reason, etc.). 

Fortunately, there is hope for stroke recovery with stem cell production using HBOT and other cognitive and physical therapies. This holistic treatment plan rejuvenates injured brain tissue and helps to restore function. 

Watch the story of Keren Trabelsi (mother and business owner) on how getting treated at The Brain & Performance Centre  after suffering a stroke accelerated the recovery of her physical and cognitive abilities.

3. Brain Injury 

Whether you’ve suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or know a loved one who has, you know how devastating the effects can be. The damage TBI can cause includes restricted blood flow to brain regions and impaired brain tissueA. 

Studies illustrate HBOT can induce neuroplasticity in the brain and repair damaged brain functions, ultimately “improving brain function and quality of life.” 

Watch Linden Perry’s story about using HBOT stem cell production for a brain injury to heal her lingering health conditions after sustaining a concussion as a goalkeeper on her soccer team.

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Enhance Your Quality of Life with The Brain & Performance Centre, a DP World Company

The Brain & Performance Centre, a DP World Company is a leader in enhancing physical and cognitive performance for the long term. We utilize highly-advanced HBOT protocols to help your body organically reproduce its own stem cells. 

Whether you want to climb a mountain or simply get on the floor to play with your grandchildren, maintain the ability to perform complex work or have more connecting conversations with your loved ones, there’s help for you here. Be a part of this advanced scientific breakthrough for healing the mind and body from aging, stroke, and brain injury.

For a complete assessment to see if you are qualified for our treatment programme of proliferating stem cells in Dubai, contact us today. 

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Schedule a Consultation to Learn More About The Brain & Performance Centre

The unique HBOT protocol at The Brain & Performance Centre is founded on decades of research. If you’re looking to reverse your biological age and naturally proliferate your body’s stem cells, the Dubai team is on your side.  Schedule a consultation with The Brain & Performance Centre to satisfy your curiosity about how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can benefit you!

5 Ways to Maintain Healthy Cognitive Ability as You Age

You want to stay sharp as you get older, we get it. Everyone hopes to age gracefully and enjoy their golden years full of new experiences and good memories. But as you know, this doesn’t always happen. Some people, as they grow in years, lose mental clarity and ability. Often this happens so gradually that it’s like watching hair grow—a loss of cognitive ability isn’t even noticed until it’s too late to do much about it.

But don’t worry, there is plenty of good news. 

There are scientific, practical ways to help you maintain optimal brain health as you get older. As a health and industry leader in cognitive and physical performance, The Brain & Performance Centre provides valuable, research-backed information to help you control your cognitive ability long into your twilight years.

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5 Categories of Cognitive Skills You Want to Maintain 

When we talk about cognitive ability, what we’re referring to is a set of seven skills that work together to help you in your daily life:

1. Short-term memory
2. Long-term memory
3. Attention—sustained, selective, and divided 
4. Processing speed, including visual and auditory
5. Logic and reasoning

Our brains can do brilliant and beautiful things! We simply need to nurture their natural abilities, so we can slow (or prevent) mental decline.

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How to Improve Cognition – Follow Your Doctor’s Orders  

Knowing how to improve cognitive skills is the first step toward achieving your goal of staying sharp and full of life for many years to come.

First, are you at risk of cognitive decline as you age?

• Do you have depression?
• Are you lacking sufficient mental activity?
• Are you avoiding physical exercise?
• Would your doctor consider you obese?
• Do you have high blood pressure?
• Have you been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes?
• Are you a smoker?

To significantly lower your risk of cognitive decline, follow your doctor’s orders and incorporate these five must-have lifestyle adjustments to enhance your cognitive ability. 

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1. Sink Your Teeth into a Delicious Mediterranean Diet

Good nutrition goes a long way in maintaining a healthy brain and body. Studies show an association between high adherence to a Mediterranean diet and reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. 

A Mediterranean diet entails:

Eating plenty of: 

• Fruits and vegetables
• Fish and seafood
• Nuts and legumes
• Whole grains
• Unsaturated oils (extra-virgin olive oil and avocado oil)

Eating in moderation:

• Poultry
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Yogurt

Eating rarely:

• Red meat
• Refined grains
• Added sugar
• Highly processed foods

Read MIND Your Diet for Better Brain Health for some very interesting and informative guidance from a dietician, Kathryn Parker, RD, LD/N.

 

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2. Increase Brain Metabolism through the Heart, Muscles, and Mind

Research links moderate exercise to increased brain metabolism and improved overall cognition. Exercise need not be too strenuous, but getting the heart rate up, building muscle, and pumping oxygen through your lungs and blood is very beneficial to your mental health. Physical activity can also improve heart conditions (one of the sources of cognitive decline). 

 Great examples of moderate physical activity include: 

• Jogging or brisk walking, especially up an incline or in the sand 
• Stretching morning and night
• Gardening and other household tasks
• Cycling either on a stationary bike or along a path
• Tai chi and yoga
• Playing outside with your children or grandchildren

If you’re an athlete who wants to up your game, The Brain & Performance Centre will help you achieve your physical goals. Watch the stories of success.

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3. Don’t Let Stress Induce Deleterious Effects

If not managed, chronic stress often impairs memory retrieval and information acquisition, even inducing deleterious effects on brain structure and cognition. To help you bounce back from a stressful situation, consider: 

• Engaging in physical activity 
• Writing your thoughts in a journal 
• Getting more sleep—it’s in the downtime that the brain flushes toxins out and cleans itself, allowing the repair you need from spikes of stress
• Doing relaxation techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises

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4. Actively Build Neural Pathways 

Identify hobbies or activities that keep your mind engaged. For example, one study discovered older adults who took up new body-connected activities that worked the brain in new ways experienced more memory improvement than those who did not. 

Here are a few ideas when wondering how to improve your cognitive skills:

• Learn a new language and travel to where you can use it.
• Begin quilting or other detail-oriented crafts.
• Study photography, take pictures, edit them, and share. 
• Try reflective therapy, like journaling, to revisit past negative memories and rewrite them more positively (“what I’ve learned” or “how it made me grow”).
• Invest (especially mentally and physically) into your child’s or grandchild’s hobby. Do they play lacrosse? Learn the rules of play and volunteer for the team. Do they have a knack for mathematics? Be their study buddy.

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5. Stay in Touch with Your Trusted Physician

It’s essential to discuss cognitive decline with a trusted physician. The more you understand how your health can affect your brain function, the more you can do to safeguard your cognitive vitality. Discuss your options and advocate for yourself to get next-level care that will keep you healthier for the long term. 

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Fight Cognitive Decline with The Brain & Performance Centre

Maintaining your overall health is beneficial for the longevity of your life. Fight cognitive decline with The Brain & Performance Centre. Every person’s body and health are unique, and your medical treatment programme should reflect that. 

The Brain & Performance Centre is the leader in brain performance—our programme will keep your brain at its best. Our diverse team of medical professionals will provide the customized attention you need to maintain optimal cognitive health and reverse cognitive decline. 

Contact us to learn how we can help. 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Options for Stroke Recovery

Stroke prevalence has spurred scientists to develop more effective stroke recovery therapies, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

Recovery from an ischemic or TIA (“mini stroke”) may not be guaranteed, but this much is clear: people who receive timely and effective treatment recover with fewer post-stroke effects.

Unfortunately, timely treatment is not always attainable: 

• Stroke is a “leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of serious disability for adults.” 
• “More than half of stroke survivors age 65 and older” experience reduced mobility, relegating some individuals to a wheelchair for the remainder of their lives. Many struggle with cognitive function, speech difficulties, and visual impairments as well.

Thankfully, advanced rehabilitation programmes exist, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) options and other therapies. The experts at The Brain & Performance Centre discuss these key details below.

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What Happens to the Brain during a Stroke?

When a stroke strikes, it immediately starts killing brain cells due to loss of blood flow. As many as two million brain cells die each minute the stroke goes untreated. Other cells become injured but don’t necessarily die off. Neurologists often describe them as being “stunned”.

Still, a significant part of the brain’s real estate comes under attack. The combined damage from injured and necrotic (dead) brain cells results in both immediate and long-term symptoms such as:

• Limb weakness or paralysis
• Slurred speech
• Vision complications
• Balance issues.

Nothing can be done about the dead brain cells, which is why timely intervention is so critical. However, a growing body of research indicates that HBOT can help repair the injured cells, even years after the initial stroke

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What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)? 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a type of therapy that uses pressurized chambers to allow individuals to breathe in 100% pure oxygen. 

In the hyperbaric suites at The Brain & Performance Centre, the air is pressurized in the HBOT chamber to above atmospheric levels. This environment increases oxygen levels in the body to about 17 times higher than normal, allowing oxygen to be delivered even to damaged cells, such as those injured by stroke.

How Does HBOT Help with the Post-Stroke Recovery Process?

The unique HBOT protocol at The Brain & Performance Centre uses a scientifically validated process in which oxygen levels are fluctuated throughout the HBOT session. When the mask is on, oxygen levels are very high. But, when the mask is off, the body is deceived into sensing a state of “low” oxygen because of the rapid decline. 

This fluctuation triggers the body into repair and regeneration mode, which in turn:

• Stimulates stem cell proliferation
• Improves injured cell health
• Builds new blood vessels, optimizing blood flow
• Grows new connections in the brain

In the past, growing those new connections was inconceivable. Scientists previously believed that once neurons were destroyed, they could never rebound. Research has since disproved that notion.

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What Benefits Can Stroke Survivors Achieve with HBOT?

Several studies have proven the benefits of using HBOT in post-stroke recovery. Repair mechanisms in the brain, prompted by HBOT, result in:

• Regained speech and reading capabilities
• Restored motor function, even with paresis
• Return to independence in performing daily activities

The Brain & Performance Centre

When combined with the exercise, personalized nutrition, and extensive assessments that are part of the The Brain & Performance Centre, the outcomes become even more impressive: 

• Some Brain & Performance Centre clients progress from using wheelchairs to walking on their own or with an assistive device. 
• Clients who lost their ability to speak make immense recovery strides. 
• Many report that the biggest benefit is simply not being a “burden” on their loved ones.

Our post-stroke programme remains focused on research and incorporates a holistic and personalized approach that can include the following: 

• In-depth review of health history
• Comprehensive physical exam
• Highly advanced brain imaging  scans
• Neurological and neurocognitive tests
• Body composition analysis
• A detailed report of our assessment findings 
• Cognitive training
• Physical training
• Dietary coaching
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
• A post-treatment report of your improvements and recommendations for future progress

Learn more about the programme>>

Even if a person has no visible effects after having a stroke, the brain has still been damaged—and they are at a higher risk for a subsequent stroke. HBOT, through The Brain & Performance Centre, can help mitigate that risk by improving the flow of blood to brain tissue and potentially prevent future strokes from occurring.

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How Soon after a Stroke Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Be Administered?

The Brain & Performance Centre recommends a 3-6 month wait after a stroke before beginning the The Brain & Performance Centre protocols. This allows for the brain’s natural healing progression to take hold. 

The sooner stroke survivors act after the post-acute stage, the better. The research our scientists have done indicates a strong cohort from the one-month point to four years post-stroke.

That said, there’s really no limit on how long after a stroke individuals can participate in the programme. We’ve seen success in clients who were as many as 10 years into their stroke recovery.

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How Long Does It Take to See Results? 

Most people see improvement from The Brain & Performance Centre within the 8-12 weeks of therapy and medically verifiable results by the end of their treatment. 

But keep in mind, no one-size-fits-all approach exists. You’ll receive your own unique therapy plan, so outcomes and timelines vary. Our ability to quantify your health plan is ultimately what delivers results. 

For reference, here is a general overview of what our programme looks like: 

• Step 1: Assessment—A comprehensive set of neurocognitive, physical, and genomic assessments. 
• Step 2: Treatment—Based on the assessment, we develop a customized routine that can include  hyperbaric oxygen sessions with  other types of personalized training/therapies. These may take place over 12 weeks. 
• Step 3: Analysis—Our team uses advanced analytics to assess your programme’s efficacy, and make the necessary adjustments.
• Step 4: Follow up—The Brain & Performance Centre team will offer ongoing monitoring and engagement post-treatment to help maintain your results. 

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The Bottom Line

Stroke survivors no longer need to feel like life is over due to debilitating cognitive and physical impairments. The Brain & Performance Centre is rooted in extensive scientific research and has been instrumental in helping stroke survivors thrive well into their golden years.

Contact us to learn more about The Brain & Performance Centre and how it can benefit you or a loved one.

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Improves Blood Circulation

Blood circulation is one of the most important functions in our bodies.

Without the circulation system, the brain, heart and other vital organs couldn’t receive the oxygen we need to function properly and survive. Good circulation keeps your mind sharp, your heart strong, and can even give your complexion a youthful flush. It is absolutely vital to staying strong, healthy and energetic throughout your life.

However, the aging process can slow the flow of blood throughout the body. This can cause all manner of health problems and leave you feeling tired, sluggish and weak. Fortunately, there are ways to combat poor circulation caused by the aging process. An innovative treatment protocol based on hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been clinically proven to improve the flow of blood throughout the body, and can even promote the creation of new blood vessels in the brain and other vital organs.

So how does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work to improve blood flow?

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How Aging Affects Blood Circulation

As we age, the number of blood vessels in our body naturally decreases. Blood vessels are a critical part of the circulation system through which our organs receive oxygen to work properly. As smaller, tinier blood vessels naturally die off, organs no longer receive as much oxygen as they once did.

For the brain, losing circulation and not getting enough oxygen can mean losing cognitive function. You may experience brain fog or memory problems. It can be small things, such as struggling to remember where you put your keys, to more extensive neurological problems like vascular dementia.

But it’s not just the brain that’s affected by poor circulation. A lack of blood flow can affect every part of the body.

In men, a lack of blood flow can lead to erectile dysfunction or other problems with sexual health. Poor circulation can also lead to tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, muscle cramps, or swelling and pain in the limbs. It can leave you feeling sluggish and sleepy, or even leave your skin dry and discolored due to the lack of oxygen.

So how can you combat the restricted blood flow caused by aging?

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Three Ways Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Help

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HBOT improves circulation

At one time, scientists believed that the blood vessels lost to aging were gone forever. New research has revealed otherwise. Studies have demonstrated that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can directly improve blood flow. During an HBOT session, patients breathe 100% oxygen in a high-pressure environment, like the cutting-edge HBOT suite at The Brain & Performance Centre.

If the HBOT is delivered using a specific protocol, the increased levels of oxygen in the body can promote a process called “angiogenesis”. Angiogenesis is the growth of new capillary blood vessels in the body. This process increases blood flow in the body, helping deliver vital oxygen to organs that have been slowed by age. Angiogenesis can rejuvenate and repair your body, and the scientifically proven benefits are promising.

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HBOT helps enhance cognitive health

Because angiogenesis rebuilds blood vessels, it directly promotes improved circulation in all parts of the body. In the brain, improved circulation means better cognitive function.

HBOT was shown to directly benefit the cognitive performance of patients who had all suffered a stroke 3-36 months before the research study and had at least one motor dysfunction. Patients who received a two-month protocol of HBOT treatment experienced significant improvements to their neurological functions. In some of the most dramatic results, patients regained their ability to speak, their ability to read and write, and some even regained function in paretic limbs.

It’s not just stroke patients that can benefit from angiogenesis. More studies reveal how increased blood flow in the brain can improve the lives of healthy older adults. SPECT imaging scans of patient’s brains before and after HBOT treatment reveal significant improvements to cerebral blood flow and improved function in different areas of the brain.

The results? These improvements directly correlate to increased attention spans, higher information processing speed, and improved executive function.

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HBOT benefits overall wellness

The angiogenesis brought on by HBOT can help more than just your brain. Angiogenesis can benefit your entire body. Having good circulation can increase energy levels and leave you feeling more youthful and active. You may find yourself up for more vigorous physical activities outside…or even behind closed doors! HBOT has been shown to help male patients that suffer from erectile dysfunction.

In this study, thirty men who suffered from ED saw significant positive outcomes thanks to the increased blood flow from angiogenesis. The men, who averaged around 59 years of age, all reported greater overall sexual satisfaction after undergoing HBOT. Women can also benefit from improved circulation, since female arousal and sexual satisfaction depend on proper blood flow.

Other benefits of having good circulation can include faster wound healing and more youthful-looking skin, since angiogenesis promotes tissue regeneration. Good blood flow affects every aspect of your life, keeping you healthy and strong. Undergoing HBOT programmes, like those at The Brain & Performance Centre, can directly promote good circulation throughout the whole body.

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The Unique HBOT Protocol at The Brain & Performance Centre

While HBOT can produce amazing results on its own, it’s only half the battle. At The Brain & Performance Centre, we emphasize the importance of treating the whole body. Having a poor diet and living a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to poor circulation and worsen the effects of aging. In order for the benefits of HBOT to last, healthy diet and exercise regimens must be followed. Think of it as doing maintenance on a car after undergoing an extensive series of repairs. We want you to be able to enjoy the benefits of your treatment for years to come. This is why our clients are supported by a multidisciplinary team of professionals from all areas of expertise.

The Brain & Performance Centre begins with an in-depth analysis of your current physical state carried out by our team of experts. We use the extensive data collected during this time to formulate a customized treatment plan based on your biggest areas of concern. You’ll be paired with a dietician and a physiologist who will formulate custom diet and exercise regimens tailor-made to your goals. You’ll learn all about the importance of proper nutrition and how to promote good circulation. By the end of the twelve weeks, you’ll be well-equipped with the tools you need to keep the benefits of good circulation throughout your life. But our relationship with you doesn’t end after twelve weeks are up.

We’ll keep in touch with you even after the programme has ended. Every six months, you’ll be invited back to our clinic for a day of physical assessment to monitor your progress. You’ll be able to see exactly how far you’ve come since you began. And you’ll understand exactly how good circulation can benefit every aspect of your life.

Contact us to learn more about The Brain & Performance Centre and how it can benefit you!

Rehabilitation Options, Including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), for Stroke Patients

Strokes are “a leading cause of serious long-term disability”. Given that “87% of all strokes are ischemic” or caused by artery or vein blockage, it makes sense that most patients suffer long-term functional impairments. 

These impairments can range from paralysis, speech difficulties, and sensory issues to a host of other cognitive dysfunctions. Additionally, many stroke patients have had a stroke before—“nearly 1 in 4” survivors have suffered at least one stroke previously. 

Rest assured, multiple rehabilitation options are available for stroke patients, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). We dive into the key details below.

Remember that each person’s medical condition and background are entirely unique. Thus, speaking with a physician about treatment options is essential to getting back to optimal health.

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What Are the 3 Common Stroke Relief Options? 

Stroke relief generally entails working with a diverse medical team of physicians, nurses, and therapists. This support team may recommend one or more of the following options:

1. Speech therapy:

Stroke patients can experience speech challenges, ranging from slurred world to significant difficulties with oral communication or understanding people (aphasia). This is due to damage to the “left side of the brain that controls speech and language.” Cases like this often merit speech therapy.

Patients work with speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to relearn techniques such as: 

• Controlling mouth and throat muscles to speak more clearly and adequately swallow
• Participating in cognitive language exercises to restore communication and comprehension skills 

Research illustrates early speech intervention with aphasia patients “had a massive increase in their ability to communicate at 12 and 26 weeks after their stroke.” Patients could speak better and exhibited less difficulty finding and using the right words.

2. Physical therapy:

A physical therapist (PT) engages patients in movement exercises to help them reacquire motor skills. PTs generally help stroke patients relearn activities such as walking, sitting, standing, and switching from one movement to another.

Medical experts believe consistent PT lowers “risks of hospital readmission within a month after discharge” because it helps patients: 

• Restore movement and accomplish tasks 
• Plan for the next step of post-acute care (e.g., patient rehab facility, skilled nursing facility, or home care assistance)

3. Occupational therapy:

Occupational therapists help patients carry out everyday activities. They aim to help stroke patients live as independently as they can. OTs work with post-stroke patients to assess how the stroke has affected their lifestyle.

For those who have difficulties dressing, cooking, or bathing, the OT will find solutions to help carry out these activities of daily living to the best of their ability. These statistics outline the importance of OT in the recovery process.

• One study of Medicare claims data found that “Rehabilitation services including physical therapy and occupational therapy play important roles in promoting functional recovery and preventing deconditioning during acute hospitalizations.” However, “Only 61% of patients with ischemic stroke received both physical therapy and occupational therapy services in the acute setting.”

One study notes that patients who participated in OT programmes focused on impairment and basic living activities “progressed to more advanced activities over time (e.g., less bed mobility, more home management).”

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The Groundbreaking Therapeutic Approach of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

An up-and-coming therapy for long-term stroke recovery that has shown promise in clinical research is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).

HBOT has clear indications of brain-cell rehabilitation in patients suffering from post-stroke disabilities. 

HBOT and its apparent benefits for post-stroke patients were studied and reviewed in an article published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One: 

• The participants were exposed to a unique protocol, including daily HBOT sessions over two months. All the patients showed improved neurological functioning, indicating “that HBOT can lead to significant neurological improvements in post stroke patients even at chronic late stages.” 
• Noticeable recovery included “regained speech (almost fluent) and reading capabilities.” Even in patients with less dramatic results, everyday tasks like bathing and dressing became possible unaided by the end of the treatment period. 
• Patients were further assessed using brain metabolism imaging (SPECT scans) to examine brain activity during the HBOT treatment. “The SPECT after HBOT demonstrated the disappearance of the perfusion lesions.”
• The study indicated a link between oxygen and stroke—“increasing the plasma oxygen concentration with hyperbaric oxygenation is a potent means of delivering to the brain sufficient oxygen for tissue repair.”

Not only did the study determine significant improvements in patients treated with HBOT, it crucially found that the progression occurred in patients even many months after the stroke event. 

The study’s objective was to “evaluate the effects of HBOT started in the late-chronic phase after the acute stroke.” All the patients experienced strokes between six and 36 months prior to the HBOT treatment.

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The Brain & Performance Centre: The Road to a Better Life

Backed by over a decade of research, The Brain & Performance Centre can include HBOT, along with cognitive training, dietary coaching, and physical performance training to help you recover even long after a stroke. 

The programme aims to offer patients a customized, coordinated, and multidisciplinary health plan to address their specific goals. As the aging process affects every person differently, each plan is individualized based on a patient’s post-stroke recovery needs. 

Here’s how our process works: 

1. Assessment: Our dedicated team will conduct a thorough assessment to gain a holistic understanding of your health and craft a personalized health plan. 
2. Treatment: Under the supervision of our medical staff, the treatment plan will entail a variety of health programmes that are meant to get you on the road to recovery.
3. Analysis: We will track data on how your treatment plan is progressing and make the necessary adjustments along the way. 
4. Follow-up: Upon conclusion of the treatment, our team will continue to follow up on your progress via a wearable device. This will allow us to send you reports on your health and performance.

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Watch Hussain’s Inspiring Recovery Story:

A true inspiration and a shining example of strength and determination. After experiencing a stroke, he embarked on his recovery journey at the Brain & Performance Centre, embracing every challenge with remarkable courage.

 

 

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Is The Brain & Performance Centre Right for You? 

If you’ve been experiencing cognitive or physical challenges since your stroke, The Brain & Performance Centre may be able to help. We have treated thousands of patients suffering from various conditions, enhancing their quality of life. 

We encourage you to speak with one of our licensed medical staff to see if it’s right for you, as each person’s body, medical history, and circumstances differ. Our staff will take the time to understand your health history, symptoms, and goals. This process will help us determine whether The Brain & Performance Centre protocol is a good fit. 

How Long Does It Take to See Results? 

Improving physical and cognitive performance does not happen overnight. The Brain & Performance Centre requires time and careful compliance to achieve success. 

HBOT sessions take approximately two hours daily, five days a week, for 8-12 weeks. However, this timeline may vary across patients. Our clients see members of The Brain & Performance Centre healthcare team for additional therapies or coaching (e.g., cognitive training, dietary coaching, and physical performance training) multiple times each week. 

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Learn More about Post-Stroke Recovery 

If you need help finding a stroke recovery plan, contact The Brain & Performance Centre. Our diverse team of medical professionals is experienced in crafting customized treatment plans that have brought significant and fulfilling results for our patients. Improving your quality of life begins here.