Oxygen — the most critical nutrient

Oxygen — the most critical nutrient

Ozone, known as O3, is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms. Ozone can be made by passing pure oxygen gas through a tube and applying UV or electrical energy to it.

by Fred G. Arnold — 

Nutrients are the components in foods that all living things need to survive and grow. They are used to build and repair tissues, regulate body processes and are converted to and used for energy. Organic nutrients include carbohydrates, fats, proteins (or their building blocks, amino acids) and vitamins. Oxygen, dietary minerals and water are inorganic chemical compounds and are also considered nutrients.

Oxygen is the most critical of all the nutrients, as we cannot live for more than a few minutes without it. The most important role of oxygen is how it is used in the body, which is called oxygen utilization. As we age, our ability to use oxygen decreases as our circulation decreases.

Oxygen utilization and longevity

Oxygen utilization is the process by which the energy in the oxygen molecule is converted to energy so it can be used in the body. Oxygen is used for all functions of the body, including the repair of tissues, for our thoughts, our senses, reproduction, digestion, hormones, elimination of waste and proper working of the organs, such as the heart, kidneys and brain. When the level of oxygen utilization decreases, the ability of the body to function optimally decreases.

A study performed in 2004 with groups of mice examined the association between how long the mice lived and their oxygen utilization. Longer life spans were noted in those mice that had a greater level of oxygen utilization. Mice in the upper quartile of oxygen utilization lived 36 percent longer than mice in the lowest quartile. According to Dr. Frank Shallenberger, “Decreased oxygen utilization is the single most important determinant of health, aging and degenerative disease.”

Lack of oxygen 

Hypoxia is the term used for a deficiency or lack of oxygen. When hypoxia is present, excess free radicals are produced and cell repair mechanisms are reduced. When there is a lack of oxygen, the mitochondria, or powerhouse of the cell, is destroyed and all cellular activity is reduced. The result is an overall decline in health and wellness.

Ozone (O3)

A method by which oxygen can be increased is through the administration of ozone. Ozone, known as O3, is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms. Ozone can be made by passing pure oxygen gas through a tube and applying UV or electrical energy to it. Since ozone is an unstable molecule, within a matter of minutes, its molecules react with each other to form the more stable oxygen (O2) molecule.

Conditions treated with ozone 

Any chronic, degenerative disease can benefit from ozone therapy, including diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, chronic infectious disease, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disease, immunodeficiency disorders, and chronic and acute pain. Ozone therapy itself does not cause the healing effect but rather it induces the body’s own innate healing mechanisms. Thus, it may be used successfully for any medical condition, regardless of the Western medical diagnosis. Ozone therapy is not typically a “stand-alone therapy” but is used in conjunction with other treatment modalities, including acupuncture, nutrition, herbs and allopathic (Western) medication.

How is ozone administrated? 

Ozone therapy may be administered to a patient in several ways. The most common applications are through blood transfusion (major autohemotherapy) and rectal insufflation. Other methods include bladder insufflation, limb bagging, topical application, ozonated water, joint injections (prolozone) and sauna therapy.

Prolozone therapy and treatments

Prolozone therapy is a pain rehabilitation treatment developed by Shallenberger in the 1990s. Prolozone therapy is derived from the Latin word proli, which means to proliferate, regenerate and rebuild. It is a safe and effective nonsurgical treatment for many kinds of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Prolozone therapy is aptly named because the treatment uses ozone gas to cause the proliferation, regeneration and rebuilding of new ligament, tendon and cartilage tissue in areas where they have become weakened.

Depending on the health condition treated, ozone therapy may be administered daily. The frequency of treatment is dependent upon the nature of the patient’s condition and how it is administered.

With prolozone therapy, most patients will benefit from treatments every one to two weeks. Acute conditions may need three to six treatments to resolve. Patients with chronic health conditions, including painful oness, may need ozone therapy with follow-ups every one to two months, long term.

Summary

Ozone therapy is an extremely safe and effective treatment for a variety of health conditions. Ozone treatment increases the oxygen utilization in the body, which decreases as we age. Ozone therapies may be administered in a variety of methods depending on the condition to be treated. Prolozone is the preferred treatment for painful musculoskeletal conditions; however, ozone may be used independently or in combination with other treatments.

Ozone is a treatment consideration for addressing a variety of health and musculoskeletal conditions, instead of using treatments involving prescription medications, steroid injections and especially surgery. Additional information regarding ozone therapies for patients and physicians can be found at DrsOzone.com.

References

Speakman, JR, Talbot DA, et al. Aging Cell. 2004 Jun; 3(3):87-95.

Shallenberger, Frank M.D., HMD, ABAAM. Principles and Applications of Ozone Therapy, A Practical Guideline for Physicians, Charleston, SC, 2013.

Frances Sizer; Ellie Whitney. Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies, Cengage Learning. pp. 26–. ISBN 978-0-495-39065-7, 12 November 2007.

Fred G. Arnold, D.C., N.M.D., has more than 20 years of clinical experience and specializes in pain rehabilitation services. He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Health Care Providers, Fellow of American Academy of Ozonotherapy, member of American Academy of Pain Management and is one of the few physicians in the nation with both a naturopathic medical degree and chiropractic degree. prolotherapyphoenix.com or 602-292-2978.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 33, Number 3, June/July 2014.