Stem Cell Therapy vs. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Change is a natural progression and happens as we age. While we want to stay in control and maintain our well being, time means the capabilities we previously took for granted tend to grow more difficult to achieve.

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 of returning to your glory days. 

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. 

Aviv Clinics brought to you by DP World, walks you through the key details of each and how they compare. 

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 Center 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. 

Stem Cell Therapy 

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.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Aviv Clinics Dubai

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a therapy that involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized hyperbaric multi-person suite. 

As you age, stem cells “gradually lose their self-renewal and regenerative potential.” But there is a way to naturally increase stem cells in your body for healing and healthy aging without having to inject anything into your body. 

Not all hyperbaric oxygen treatments are able to achieve stem cell regeneration. The key is to receive a unique hyperbaric oxygen protocol that involves fluctuating oxygen levels over a set period of time. This process activates the body’s self-healing mechanisms by proliferating stem cells. 

Your body is capable of natural rejuvenation. A unique hyperbaric oxygen protocol can help unlock this potential for repair and growth. 

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: 

• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Delayed radiation injuries 
• Wound healing

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.

Why Hyperbaric Oxygen at Aviv Clinics Dubai 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. 

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 (injecting cells into your body), 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. Aviv’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. 

• Aviv’s 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 Aviv 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 Aviv is based on peer-reviewed scientific studies.

Learn more about the science of hyperbaric oxygen therapy

The Aviv Medical Program’s Hyperbaric Oxygen Protocol

The Aviv Medical Program in Dubai includes HBOT to boost the body’s self-healing abilities. Our unique and safe HBOT protocol involves fluctuating oxygen levels to trigger stem cell proliferation. 

Here’s how Aviv’s HBOT process works: 

• In the oxygen chamber suite, clients put on a mask and breath in pure oxygen. The suite is pressurized above atmospheric levels, increasing oxygen levels up to 10 times higher than normal.
• Health professionals fluctuate oxygen levels during the session. These fluctuations trigger stem cells to multiply and new blood vessels and neurons to develop. 
• In addition to HBOT, clients may undergo cognitive, physical, and nutritional training. This drives your body’s natural healing and regeneration process. 
• A multidisciplinary team delivers the full Aviv Medical Program, not only the HBOT protocol.

While other clinics typically focus on injecting the body with stem cells, Aviv’s unique protocol fuels the body to reproduce stem cells organically.

Our program is founded on decades of research — data that has helped our clients achieve a higher quality of life. 

Schedule a Tour to Learn More About Aviv Clinics

The unique HBOT protocol at Aviv Clinics is founded on decades of research. If you’re looking to reverse your biological age and naturally reproduce your body’s stem cells, the Dubai team is on your side.  

Schedule a tour of the Aviv Clinic in Dubai to satisfy your curiosity about how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can benefit you!

 

6 Future Trends in Healthcare for Patients

As healthcare rapidly evolves, patients must keep abreast of these shifts. Doing so activates your role in driving better health outcomes for yourself and your loved ones. 

COVID-19 showed how technology can benefit patients during the pandemic. The medical community in Dubai is leveraging those takeaways to elevate patient care. 

Additionally, individuals want to take more ownership of their health through the convenience of personalized, educational, and digital care. 

Look out for these six future trends in healthcare throughout 2023 as more healthcare providers take steps to meet patient needs. 

1. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) 

COVID-19 showed how critical technology could benefit patients and elevate care. One way to achieve this has been through remote patient monitoring (RPM).

In 2022, RPM tools (e.g., wearable devices, pulse oximeters, blood glucose meters, and heart monitors) were valued at $53.6 billion. This value is projected to reach “USD 175.2 billion by 2027.” 

When “74% of all deaths globally” are attributed to at least one chronic disease, a physician’s ability to remotely manage health conditions is key to preventing hospitalizations—remote patient monitoring (RPM) can reduce “the number of ER visits and hospitalizations.” 

2. Health Literacy 

With more doctors and patients remotely managing conditions, healthcare organizations are providing digital platforms that offer personalized educational experiences—experiences that address each patient’s health literacy level (in their preferred language and reading level).

As more providers anticipate higher patient volume (from individuals who delayed or avoided medical care during the pandemic and from the return of medical tourism), you’ll see more educational materials at each touchpoint of your care journey.

Don’t hesitate to discuss literacy levels with your doctor to ensure you feel confident and comfortable navigating your health journey.

3. Mindfulness Products 

Wellness has taken center stage since 2020, with mindfulness coming to the forefront as an in-demand component:

• McKinsey reports “mindfulness has gained mainstream consumer acceptance relatively recently” among patients. Half of the survey respondents expressed that they wish more mindfulness products and services were available.
• Medical research indicates mindfulnesses exercises such as meditation can reduce “cognitive decline” and “perceived stress.” 

Don’t be surprised to see more providers offering holistic care. For example, healthcare organizations may consider partnering with mindfulness apps or providing products that offer mental health benefits. 

4. Data Analytics 

Objective data is critical to seeing how you’re progressing and what additional steps you and your physician need to take. 

More doctors are tracking and sharing with their patients the data that reports: 

• Interaction with educational materials 
• Treatment and communication gaps that need addressing for better outcomes
• Patient progress along a personalized treatment plan
• Actionable steps a patient takes to manage their health (remotely or in-clinic)

Data transparency helps the provider and the patient understand how a condition is progressing and what can be done to elevate treatment. 

5. Advanced Imaging 

The development of new technologies has brought on better ways to treat patients. One prime example is advanced imaging and neuroscience. 

Advancements in radiography give medical professionals the tools to perform in-depth assessments of the brain upon a stroke. Advanced imaging may include: 

• 3T MRI with DTI (diffusion tensor imaging)
• SPECT scan with new AI analysis methods

These imaging technologies help providers map a personalized recovery plan and track recovery in post-treatment assessments. 

Comprehensive medical programs, such as the one at the Aviv Medical Program, rely on these advanced imaging and neuroscience tools to earn long-term results for stroke patients. 

6. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) 

Oxygen is the lifeblood of our health. As we age, body oxygen levels decrease, leading to infamous age-related decline. While most of these shifts are often thought to be irreversible, research says otherwise. 

Studies indicate hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help: 

• “Reverse biological aging” by slowing down the growth of cells and protein structures responsible for the aging process.
• “Reverse the main activators of Alzheimer’s disease”

At Aviv Clinics, our unique HBOT program entails fluctuating oxygen levels, which triggers the body’s self-regeneration capabilities.

“By treating vascular dysfunction, we’re mapping out the path toward Alzheimer’s prevention. More research is underway to further demonstrate how HBOT can improve cognitive function and become an influential tool in the imperative fight against the disease.” -Dr. Shai Efrati, Aviv Clinics

Learn More about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Aviv Clinics Dubai, brought to you by DP World, is here to elevate your healthcare journey, offering the world’s most advanced Hyperbaric Oxygen Program. 

Our diverse community of patients has achieved significant health milestones thanks to a multidisciplinary approach that can include: 

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

Our unique medical approach centers on research to provide high-quality care that produces lasting improvements in mental and physical performance. Areas of improvements include:

• Memory
• Concentration
• Information Processing Speed
• Emotional Health
• Stamina
• Energy
• Mobility
• Independence
• Quality of Life
• Sexual Performance (Men)
• Sleep

Benefits of our program also  include:

• Stem cells proliferation– the building blocks of tissue rejuvenation – to multiply and migrate
• Lengthen the telomeres – the protective caps at the end of each strand of DNA
• Reduce senescent cells – known to contribute to many age-related diseases
• Increase mitochondrial function – the power plant in each of our cells

If you’ve experienced cognitive or physical decline due to aging or disease, we may be able to help.
To learn more about the Aviv Medical Program, contact the Aviv Clinic.

 

Anti-Aging Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Shown to Reverse Aging Biomarkers in Humans

A landmark study in Israel has found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can reverse two key biological signs of aging in humans—the first study to ever make this finding. 

Published in the peer-reviewed journal Aging, the study shows that it is possible to target and reverse the aging process at the basic cellular-biological level.

This breakthrough in the biology of aging provides scientists with a new foundation for investigating ways to slow the aging process. Learn more about the empirically validated anti-aging effects HBOT can have.

The 2 Key Biological Signs of Aging 

Two common signs of biological aging are: 

• Shortening of telomeres on our chromosomes: Telomeres are like the hardened ends of shoelaces. They protect the ends of chromosomes from deterioration. As we age, our telomeres naturally shorten, but a yearly decrease of their length by 20–40 bases is associated with serious illnesses.
• Accumulation of senescent cells: Senescent cells are cells that are still alive, but have stopped multiplying. Over time, these cells can accumulate in the body and  their increase contributes to age-associated conditions.

In the groundbreaking study, patients aged 64 and older underwent a series of unique HBOT anti-aging programs. Multiple blood tests conducted during the study showed “HBOT may induce significant senolytic effects including significantly increasing telomere length and clearance of senescent cells in the aging populations.”

Learn More

The “Holy Grail” of the Biology of Aging

A different study released in 2020 showed that HBOT also improves cognitive functions of memory and processing speed, among other areas. 

The studies have been conducted over a decade of research and caused Dr. Shai Efrati—the study’s co-author—to develop a unique medical program available at Aviv Clinics.

According to Efrati, director of the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research at the Shamir Medical Center in Israel:

“After dedicating our HBOT research to exploring its impact on the areas of brain functionality and age-related cognitive decline, we have now uncovered for the first time in humans HBOT’s biological effects at the cellular level in healthy aging adults.”

Efrati called telomere shortening “the ‘Holy Grail’ of the biology of aging” and developed the Aviv Medical Program based upon the results testing, study, and research.

“The significant improvement of telomere length shown during and after these unique HBOT protocols provides the scientific community with a new foundation of understanding that aging can, indeed, be targeted and reversed at the basic cellular-biological level.” 

 

Schedule a free consultation

 

 

 

Study Findings on Anti-Aging Effects of HBOT 

Research reports: 

 

• “Telomeres length of T helper, T cytotoxic, natural killer and B cells increased significantly by over 20% following HBOT” 
• “There was a significant decrease in the number of senescent T helpers by -37.30%±33.04 post-HBOT.”

According to Dr. Amir Hadanny (co-author of the study)  the pioneering study has:

“Opened the door for further research on the prolonged cellular impact of HBOT to reverse the aging process. In just three months of HBOT, we were able to achieve such significant telomere elongation—at rates far beyond any of the currently available interventions or lifestyle modifications.”

 

There is also the potential for HBOT to be used as an anti-aging mechanism for skin care. HBOT may serve as “an important component in skin rejuvenation, treatment of photoaging skin, and improvement in skin complexions.” 

Notable Individuals Who Have Pursued HBOT

Due to the impressive data-backed results, many notable individuals have decided to pursue HBOT themselves: 

 

• Michael Phelps: 28-time Olympic medalist used hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help with his recovery from training. The high-altitude conditions and boosted levels of oxygen have aided in helping Phelps bounce back from his workouts and continue to win medals throughout his 24-year career. 
• Justin Bieber: Having been diagnosed with Lyme Disease and dealt with drug abuse, the pop star regularly uses hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Bieber, who also mentioned he struggles with anxiety and depression, notes that HBOT helps alleviate his stress levels. 
• Alon Day: The demands of professional racing are high, with reaction times measured in fractions of a second. Watch three-time NASCAR Whelen Euro Series champ Alon Day explain how the treatments offered by the Aviv Medical Program ensure he meets the sport’s high demands — both mental and physical.
• Watch video here

The Aviv Medical Program: What We Offer

The unique HBOT protocol from the extensive research outlined earlier is available in the United States only at Aviv Clinics. The Aviv Medical Program may include a combination of: 

• 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-program report of your improvements and recommendations for future progress

Each patient undergoes extensive assessments and evaluations before, during, and after their HBOT sessions to monitor and analyze progress. 

Here’s What Our Clients Have to Say

Aviv Clinic’s clients are a testament to the benefits our program offers. We’ll let these reviews speak for themselves: 

• “I can’t thank the team at Aviv enough for helping me feel better than I have in over twenty years.  I have more energy, more focus and live a healthier and more fulfilling life. Your support and encouragement has made a total difference in my life. Thank you for all you do.”

—Barbara Christoph 

 

• “My wife and I took the program together and had an amazing experience. Both of us are healthier and happier than before and are continuing on with what the program showed us. An amazing staff led by leading edge doctors who are second to none. I recommend this program to anyone suffering from the ailments of aging and loss of cognition.” 

—Andy Smith

• “My goal for attending the Avivprogram was healthy aging. I also wanted to manage stress better, address chronic back issues, gain weight and improve cognitively…I have experienced several unanticipated and unintentional benefits of the Aviv program: I have reduced my alcohol consumption. Never having been one to turn down a glass (or two) of wine, I just don’t have the desire to drink as much; My skin seems smoother and more supple. I am told I look younger and that is always nice to hear; I have made incredible friendships through the Aviv program and met some celebrity athletes and renowned physicians. I am particularly grateful to an orthopedic surgeon I met who was also participating in the Aviv program that helped me focus my attention on managing my osteoporosis.”

—Zizi MacKinnon

More information about Aviv Clinics Dubai, click here.

The clinic offers free phone consultations for interested individuals.

Contact the clinic to learn more about the unique program.