What is hypoxia training
The hypoxia method, also known as altitude training, is a modern method for improving physical performance and general well-being. The body is specifically supplied with reduced oxygen in order to achieve various positive effects on health.
The targeted use of oxygen can have a positive effect on numerous complaints. For example, burnout, inflammation, lack of energy, etc.
Some cell biology
Our body's own power plants, the mitochondria, have a decisive influence on our overall physical and mental status.
The mitochondria produce the energy carrier ATP (adenosine triphosphate) using oxygen and with the help of other metabolic products.
When oxygen is no longer available, the cells must quickly switch their energy supply. Age, stress, illness or lack of exercise can also lead to the death of mitochondria and the release of free radicals, which are produced when oxygen is consumed.
Breathe relaxed
Little available energy in the “tank”
The energy supply is then initially switched to anaerobic glycolysis, in which sugar is fermented without oxygen.
Damaged mitochondria produce significantly less ATP. Reduced ATP production is associated with various chronic diseases. The old mitochondria must therefore be broken down.
Altitude training – the positive effect of controlled oxygen deficiency
In the absence of oxygen, released proteases break down the cell components of the old and damaged mitochondria and thus enable the formation of new mitochondria.
The mitochondria are "rejuvenated", which acts like a real metabolic turbo. Performance and the basal metabolic rate are increased. An increased basal metabolic rate also leads to increased fat burning.
A controlled load on the body with stress factors in small quantities can therefore strengthen the body and does not harm it. Blood flow to the muscles increases, the risk of vascular disease and therefore high blood pressure decreases and the metabolism is stimulated. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be minimised or its consequences reduced.
Physical and mental strengthening
Hypoxia training can strengthen you on various levels.
The method of intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia training (IHHT), i.e. alternating between a lack of oxygen and an excess of oxygen, helps to reduce total cholesterol levels, lower plasma glucose levels and reduce the insulin resistance of the pancreatic beta cells and thus treat prediabetes.
Hypoxia leads to increased incorporation of the glucose transporter GLUT-4 and thus to an increased rate of glucose metabolism. At the same time, the glucose transporter GLUT-4 is significantly more sensitive to glucose even under normoxia conditions (normal oxygen concentration of 21%).
Under controlled conditions, a lack of oxygen can provide decisive stimuli and the effects can be utilised.
IHHT creates precisely these conditions in order to utilise these stimuli for positive health effects.
