What is Ozone?
Ozone is one of
the most important gases in the stratosphere layer of the atmosphere. It
provides a protective filter mechanism against the high-energy ultraviolet rays
emitted by the sun and helps to maintain the biological balance in the
biosphere. After the 1960s, the increasing contamination of drinking water with
chemicals has become an intense problem. After the awareness of the cleansing
and disinfecting effects of ozone, ozone has been used to clean the waters. In
addition, ozone has been used in many areas of industry.
Ozone (O³) is a
3-atom molecule and is a very high-energy form of oxygen (O²). Ozone is present in gaseous form at room temperature. It is a gas with a
characteristic smell that can be felt after colorless and stormy weather, in
high places or on the seashore.
Ozone used in medicine is produced from pure oxygen
in special generators.
Ozone Mechanism of Action
Ozone can neutralize all toxins (phenols,
pesticides, detergents, chemical wastes and aromatic compounds) as well as
killing microorganisms due to its strong oxidizing properties.
Depending on age, reactive oxygen species cause
oxidative damage to cells. This condition is called increased oxidative stress.
In recent studies, it has been shown that the products produced by the
administration of ozone and the delivery of reactive oxygen to the body at low
doses (physiological levels) play a role in biological mechanisms, especially
intracellular communication, and mediate therapeutic effects. As a result of
repeated low dose ozone applications, the antioxidant system is strengthened
and resistance to oxidative stress develops.
In addition, reactive oxygen species enter the cell
and increase cytokine levels and the production of growth factors, which reduce
inflammation. Ozone therapy is used as an adjunct treatment method
especially in diseases where the inflammatory process is intense and the immune
system is at the forefront (wound healing, ischemic, rheumatic and infectious
diseases.
Accelerates cell regeneration.
Ozone removes oxygen deficiency by increasing the
oxygen-carrying capacity and elasticity of red blood cells and the fluidity of
the blood. In addition, it is applied as an adjunct treatment in vascular
occlusions by causing dilation in the vessels.
It directly interacts with fat cells, causing a
decrease in cholesterol and regional fat destruction.
Lowers blood sugar levels.
By reducing cartilage loss in calcifications and
stimulating the formation of intra-articular fluids and cartilage, it provides
a decrease in joint pain and an increase in mobility.
Ozone, known as the Elixir of Youth, is now also
very effective in the treatment of chronic diseases.
Diseases in which ozone therapy
is useful
Benefits of Ozone Therapy
What are the Treatment Methods?
Side Effects of Ozone Therapy
The side effects of ozone therapy are almost
non-existent. The side effects reported so far may develop due to
administration errors and the administration of high doses of ozone according
to the antioxidant capacity of the patient. For this reason, ozone therapy
should be applied in a gradual and progressive manner by starting with a low
dose and increasing gradually. In some cases, it may be inconvenient to apply
ozone therapy. These conditions are: glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme
deficiency, pregnancy, especially in the early period, angiotensin converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitor treatment, hyperthyroidism, bleeding disorder,
uncontrollable cardiovascular diseases and asthma patients reacting to ozone.
Considerations
During treatment with ozone, it is necessary to
abandon all antioxidant supplements containing Vitamin C and Vitamin E. The
presence of these compounds in high concentrations in the blood affects the
effectiveness of ozone, an oxidant substance, and therefore the course of
treatment. The patient should be told not to consume foods rich in these
vitamins in large quantities. In conclusion, vitamins or antioxidants should be
given before or after ozone therapy and should never be given during treatment.
Before any form of ozone therapy is administered, patients should take blood
pressure and sugar medications at least 2 hours in advance and should not be
hungry during ozone therapy.
Ozone therapy is a complementary, supportive and
reconstructive method with low-risk and often standard medical treatments.