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Hormesis & stressors

Hypoxia training

DEHypoxietraining

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Hypoxia training exposes the body to reduced oxygen, either continuously (altitude, hypoxic tents) or intermittently (cycles of low and normal oxygen). Reported adaptations include stabilisation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), and the practice may increase EPO/erythropoiesis and has been associated with mitochondrial adaptations, though magnitude depends strongly on hypoxic dose, duration, and individual factors. Used by endurance athletes and studied for cardiometabolic and cognitive applications, the evidence is heterogeneous, and intermittent hypoxia carries risks particularly in obstructive sleep apnea or certain cardiovascular conditions.

Sources

  1. Yeo EJ. (2019). Hypoxia and aging. *Experimental and Molecular Medicine*doi:10.1038/s12276-019-0233-3
  2. Timón R, González-Custodio A, Vasquez-Bonilla A, Olcina G, Leal A. (2022). Intermittent hypoxia as a therapeutic tool to improve health parameters in older adults. *International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health*doi:10.3390/ijerph19095339