Introduction to Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy
Hydrogen peroxide therapy, or H2O2 therapy, has been around for nearly 150 years. H2O2 was first discovered in 1818 and the first medicinal use of H2O2 was in 1888. At the time hydrogen peroxide was claimed to be an effective treatment for scarlet fever, diphtheria, whooping cough, and asthma. Hydrogen peroxide given intravenously was also used to treat influenza pneumonia during the 1918 epidemic.
Hydrogen peroxide therapy is considered oxidative therapy which simply means the therapy contains oxygen. Other forms of oxidative therapies include ozone therapy, ultraviolet blood irradiation therapy, and more.
Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy
There are many benefits of hydrogen peroxide therapy with most involving boosting the immune system and fighting off infection. Some of the ways H2O2 therapy is used to fight infection include:
- Boost immune system cell production including white blood cells, interferon, tumor necrosis factor, and other cytokines used to fight infection
- Inhibit viral, bacteria, fungal, and parasitic growth directly and indirectly
- Oxidizes waste and toxins
Other benefits include improving oxygen delivery from the blood to tissues and helping improve metabolism.
Hydrogen peroxide therapy also increases the overall oxygen content of tissues and helps clear out mucus plugs caused by emphysema and pneumonia.
How Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy Works
Hydrogen peroxide therapy severely inhibits the growth of anaerobic organisms (bacteria and viruses that use carbon dioxide for fuel and leave oxygen as a by-product). This action is immediate, on contact with the anaerobic organism. H2O2 provides singlet oxygen, which, in turn, transforms biological waste products and industrial toxins into inert substances by oxidizing them. This makes them easy to handle for the kidneys and liver. It doubles the rate of enzymatic metabolism in the mitochondria within each cell, thus enabling the body to cleanse itself of toxins and still have plenty of energy to handle the business of living from moment to moment. This increase in metabolism probably accounts for some of the antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects of hydrogen peroxide.
In the blood, hydrogen peroxide encounters two enzymes: catalase and cytochrome-C. Catalase drives the above reaction to completion immediately. That part of the hydrogen peroxide that binds with cytochrome-C, however, is not allowed to become water and singlet oxygen for a period of 40-45 minutes. After about 40 minutes of being bound to cytochrome-C this enzyme begins to act like catalase and breaks down the hydrogen peroxide to water and singlet oxygen. By this time, the hydrogen peroxide/cytochrome-C complex has been spread throughout the body. In this way, the benefits of hydrogen peroxide are made available to all cells.
With intravenous therapy, pharmaceutical-grade hydrogen peroxide is used under strict sterile technique. The amount of hydrogen peroxide is predetermined by a doctor. It also could be mixed with a 5% dextrose solution to which magnesium sulfate and a small amount of manganese sulfate are added to prevent vein sclerosis. First, a nurse or practitioner will sterilize the insertion area, then insert a clean sterilized needle. Once the needle is inserted into the vein it will be connected to a tube where hydrogen peroxide will flow through and reach the circulatory system. The administration takes about 90 minutes, depending on the amount of H2O2 used.
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Behind the Science
Science & Safety
Inhibitory and Bactericidal Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide Production by Streptococcus pneumoniae on Other Inhabitants of the Upper Respiratory Tract ASM Journals Infection and Immunity Vol. 68, No. 7
An in vitro study evaluated the effects of hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct of streptococcus pneumoniae on other bacteria found in the upper respiratory tract. An inverse relationship was found showing where there was more hydrogen peroxide found, fewer bacteria such as H. influenzae proliferated. This conclusion shows promise for using hydrogen peroxide therapy to reduce and stop the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses.
Synergic antibacterial effect between visible light and hydrogen peroxide on Streptococcus mutans Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Volume 57, Issue 5, May 2006
Researchers combined H2O2 therapy with blue light to determine the synergistic antibacterial effects on laboratory samples. Results showed the combination inhibited bacterial growth by 95% rather than only 3% when only blue light therapy was used or 30% when only H2O2 was used.
Antibacterial activity of hydrogen peroxide and the lactoperoxidase-hydrogen peroxide-thiocyanate system against oral streptococci. Infect Immun. 1994 Feb
Researchers evaluated the bacteriostatic activity of H2O2 in the absence of the enzyme lactoperoxidase. It was found in combination with other enzymes, H2O2 is more effective at inhibiting bacterial growth and metabolism, but is still has significant bactericidal benefits on it’s own.
Spectrum
Where does Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy fall on the medical spectrum?
Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy falls under ‘Biological Medicine’ section of the medical spectrum.
Alternative Medicine
Also known as holistic medicine, it is the study and application of nature, botany, energy, and technology to bring the body back to balance and address the root causes of disease without detrimental side effects, toxins and chemicals, or a lifetime of intervention.
Top Alternative Medicine Therapies
Biological Medicine
Also known as European Biological Medicine, this modality, popular in Germany and Switzerland, applies numerous therapies that aim to restore the body’s regulatory and self-healing capacity by promoting proper regeneration on a cellular and organ level.
Top Biological Therapies
Conventional Medicine
Conventional medicine is the most recognized and practiced section of the medical spectrum that includes pharmacological drugs, surgical procedures, lab testing, and more in an attempt to reduce symptoms and manage disease.
Conventional Therapies
The Innovative Medicine approach considers all conventional options and appropriately prescribes or refers patients to specialists in which this approach would be most suited.
Emotional Therapies
Mental health and the study of mind-body medicine is an integral part of the medical spectrum that can often go overlooked and unaddressed.
Psycho-Emotional Intervention
The study of psycho-neuro-immunology (PNI) has shown how our thoughts and psychological state impact our biochemistry and can lead to disease. Any comprehensive treatment plan must address psychological stress to be successful.
Top Psychological Therapies
Spiritual Practices & Therapies
We often confuse spiritual practices with religion, but the role of spirituality, consciousness, awareness, purpose, and information on a quantum level is incredibly important in healing.
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Receiving Therapy
Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy Protocol – Receiving Treatments
The New York Center of Innovative Medicine (NYCIM) is pleased to offer hydrogen peroxide therapy to our patients. However, the use of this or any of our numerous therapeutic options is only performed on patients after an in-depth health evaluation. Our ultimate goal is the complete restoration of health in the most efficient and safe manner, and with so many therapeutic options, it is impossible to know if hydrogen peroxide therapy is right for you without an initial evaluation at our clinic.
More Info
Resources & Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hydrogen peroxide therapy?
Hydrogen peroxide therapy is a form of oxidative therapy meant to increase the amount of circulating H2O2 by infusing it. This is done often to help fight infection and improve oxygenation to vital tissues.
How does hydrogen peroxide therapy work?
Hydrogen peroxide therapy involves the intravenous infusion of a predetermined amount of H2O2. This is done during a sterile procedure and takes about 90 minutes to complete.
What is the difference between ozone therapy and hydrogen peroxide therapy?
Ozone therapy involves the use of ozone which is composed of three oxygen atoms versus H2O2 which has two hydrogens and two oxygen atoms.
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Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy
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