Ozone therapy is a form of alternative medicine. Practitioners use it to treat medical illnesses with gaseous or liquid forms of ozone. Sometimes they’ll also use ozone as a topical disinfectant.
Ozone therapy has been used in various medical settings for a while. However, because of worries regarding health risks, its utilization is currently controversial.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a cautionary statement regarding the use of ozone therapy in 2019. The statement basically says that ozone is harmful to humans and has no proven applications in the medical field.
However, some studies have shown ozone can boost the immune system and be helpful in the treatment of certain medical conditions.
Below we look at 5 ways people use ozone therapy to improve their health.
5 Ways Ozone Therapy May Help Improve Your Health
Pain Relief
A 2014 study found that ozone therapy helps alleviate chronic inflammation that might result in oxidative cell damage.
Researchers discovered that ozone increases antioxidant activity and, as a result, it might lower the risk of sickness and inflammation.
Additionally, ozone works on the damaged tissue’s nerve terminals to reduce pain intensity.
Relieving Breathing Disorders
Ozone therapy may alleviate lung strain by boosting the amount of oxygen in the blood. The lungs are important for delivering oxygen to the bloodstream.
A 2014 study examined intravenous ozone therapy, or the injection of ozone-blood mixture, for treating COPD.
It was discovered that the therapy improved the quality of life and increased physical activity in former smokers with COPD.
However, be warned that inhaling ozone may irritate or harm the lungs. Particularly in individuals with respiratory disorders.
Ozone may have certain beneficial applications, but it is also a contaminant and should not be ingested. Therefore, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discourages the use of ozone air purifiers.
Increased Joint Mobility
Lifestyle choices and age can lead to joint problems such as rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. These disorders affect joint mobility and, thus, quality of life.
Ozone raises oxygen levels. In conjunction with reduced inflammation and pain, increased tissue oxygen levels may aid in managing disorders affecting muscles, tendons, and joints.
Reducing The Risks Of Diabetes
Ozone therapy shows potential for lowering the risk of diabetes complications.
According to a study published in 2019, ozone therapy assisted in the healing of diabetic foot ulcers and decreased the risk of infection.
A 2015 study indicated that ozone therapy might benefit wound healing, a frequent diabetic complication.
Strengthening Immune System
The immune system is profoundly affected by ozone exposure.
First, it may alter the immune system’s ability to combat inflammation. In addition, it stimulates the immune system to release particular hormones, proteins, and immune cells that initiate a cascade of immune responses.
A 2018 study indicated that ozone mixed with blood and injected into HIV patients drastically decreased their viral load over the course of two years.
Less virus is present when the viral load is reduced, which can benefit long-term health. The study concluded that ozone therapy for the treatment of HIV warrants further investigation.
