IHHT – INTERMITTENT ALTERNATING HYPOXIC HYPEROXIC THERAPY
WHAT IS IHHT?
IHHT stands for Intermittent Hypoxic-Hyperoxic Training or Therapy, as it is conducted while resting. IHHT training/therapy evolved from the more well-known IHT training/therapy, which uses interval breathing of hypoxic and normoxic (room) air.
HOW IS IHHT USED?
The user, through the IHHT system, breathes alternately hypoxic (altitude) air, meaning air with a lower oxygen percentage, and hyperoxic air, meaning air with an increased oxygen content or oxygen-enriched air, while sitting or lying comfortably. The breathing is done via a mask according to a pre-programmed protocol.
IHHT TERAPIJA
WHY IS THE NORMOXIC INTERVAL IN IHT REPLACED WITH A HYPEROXIC ONE IN IHHT THERAPY??
The hyperoxic interval in IHHT therapy is much more effective than the normoxic one, as normal SPO2 saturation in the blood is restored very quickly, making the effect of the subsequent hypoxic interval optimal and efficient. This feature is advantageous for users with chronic issues, those recovering from viral infections, physically less fit individuals, people suffering from burnout,…
WHY IS HYPOXIA BENEFICIAL FOR THE BODY?
Hypoxia is the reduced oxygen content in the air and occurs at high altitudes. Short intervals of high hypoxia (down to about 9% oxygen) trigger adaptations, which bring beneficial effects:
- Reduction of inflammatory processes in the body
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Reduced cholesterol levels
- Formation of new blood vessels and their expansion (angiogenesis and vasodilation)
- Production of new red blood cells (erythropoiesis)
- Activation of the body’s defense systems (proteins for cell protection and damage repair; proteins regulating iron; enzymes that restore and repair damaged tissues)
- Increased glycolysis enzymes for more energy
POSITIVE EFFECTS OF IHHT, ALSO USED AS SUPPORT FOR CERTAIN CONDITIONS, HAVE BEEN OBSERVED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS
- Chronic stress, chronic fatigue syndrome, and burnout
- Depressive states
- Issues with the musculoskeletal system
- Excessive body weight
- Type II diabetes
- Hypertension
- Anti-aging
- Recurring chronic seasonal infections
- Tinnitus
- Chronic autoimmune diseases
- Chronic Lyme disease
- Migraine headaches
- Allergies and sensitivities
- Insomnia
POSITIVE EFFECTS OF IHHT
- Improved cellular energy (ATP)
- Faster cellular regeneration
- Enhanced immune system
- Increased ability to manage stress and burnout
- Improved sleep quality
- Enhanced fat metabolism
- Hormonal balance
- Improved appearance and blood circulation of the skin
- Improved mental function, memory, and concentration
- Strengthens the growth and development of nervous tissue
- Improved oxygen intake and transport throughout the body
- Increased production of coenzyme Q10
- Enhanced body detoxification
- Regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels
- Reduces oxidative stress
- Maintains physical fitness during injury
- Improves blood circulation and oxygenation of the brain
- Boosts body metabolism
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IHHT TRAINING AND IHHT THERAPY?
Both forms of IHHT (Intermittent Hypoxic-Hyperoxic Training) involve alternating between breathing hypoxic (low oxygen) and hyperoxic (high oxygen) air. The difference is that one is performed while resting, and the other during physical activity, such as exercising on an ergometer. The differences between the two, in terms of their effects on the body, are as follows:
IHHT THERAPY – TRAINING AT REST
- Targeted regeneration: This form is often aimed at improving regeneration, relaxation, and increasing the body’s overall resistance to stress..
- Improved cellular function: It contributes to improved mitochondrial function, meaning better energy production at the cellular level.
- Boosts immune system function
- Helps reduce oxidative stress, contributing to better cellular health
IHHT TRAINING – DURING ACTIVITY ON AN ERGOMETER
- Aerobic and anaerobic capacity: This form is aimed at increasing the body’s aerobic and anaerobic capacity. Training with alternating hypoxic and hyperoxic breathing improves endurance and strength.
- Deep regeneration and removal of metabolic by-products: Due to the strong oxygen debt that can only be achieved with exercise in hypoxia, followed by an oxygenation phase, which is more effective during activity, it delivers oxygen deeper into the body tissues and muscles.
- Greater cardiovascular load: This increases the workload on the heart and circulatory system, leading to improved cardiovascular function.
- Greater metabolic effects: The active form can induce greater metabolic adaptations, such as improved oxygen utilization in muscles and increased fat burning as a source of energy.
- Muscular endurance: It increases muscle endurance and strength due to the combination of hypoxic exposure and physical activity.
Both forms of IHHT have their advantages and can positively impact health and physical fitness. The choice between them depends on the individual’s specific goals:
If the goal is to improve general health, regeneration, and cellular function without physical exertion, the IHHT System, that allows training at rest is a suitable choice.
If the goal is to improve physical fitness, endurance, and strength while achieving deep regeneration, the Contrast System is the right choice, as it also allows the use of the IHHT protocol at rest.
The Nobel Prize in 2019 was awarded to three scientists (W.G. Kaelin, P.J. Ratcliffe, and G.L. Semenza) for groundbreaking research on how cells sense and adapt to changes in oxygen levels. Their research shed light on how cells monitor and respond to oxygen levels, which is crucial for the organism’s functioning. Understanding these mechanisms at the molecular level represents a significant advancement in medicine, enabling the development of new therapeutic approaches targeting conditions such as cancer. Their findings have opened the door to exploring new treatment methods where oxygen regulation is key, particularly in the field of tumor treatment.
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