At Altitude Zone, we firmly believe in the power of hypoxia to transform both athletic performance and health. Thatās why we want to share with you a milestone that marked a before and after in the world of medicine and sports: the 2019 Nobel Prize in Medicine, awarded for advancements in the study of hypoxia. What does this have to do with you, an athlete or a wellness enthusiast? Much more than you imagine!
š What Did the 2019 Nobel Prize in Medicine Recognize?
In 2019, the scientific community celebrated a groundbreaking discovery: how our bodyās cells detect and adapt to oxygen deprivation, a process known as the hypoxia response.This finding, awarded the highest distinction in science, revealed that controlled hypoxia activates key mechanisms that directly impact performance and health.
šŖ Beyond the Lab: Hypoxia and your Sports Performance
For athletes, this breakthrough is pure gold. Hypoxia activates the production of erythropoietin (EPO)a hormone that stimulates the generation of red blood cells, thereby improving oxygen-carrying capacity. The result is an increase in VO2 max.which translates into:
- ā Increased resistance in sports such as cycling, running and triathlon.
- ā Faster recovery after heavy exertion.
- ā Performance optimisation at altitude and in competitions.
At Altitude Zone, we help athletes experience these benefits from home, with our hypoxia machines, masks and altitude-simulating tentsproducts that mimic these conditions to boost your performance.
ā¤ļø More Health, More Life: Hypoxia as Therapy
But hypoxia is not only an ally for athletes. The Nobel Prize-winning study opened new doors in the fight against multiple diseases:
- š©ø Cardiovascular diseases: By improving vascularisation (thanks to an increase in VEGF, a factor that generates new blood vessels), the heart becomes stronger.
- š§ Neurodegenerative disorders: Intermittent hypoxia can protect the brain and promote cell regeneration.
- š Metabolic syndrome and diabetes: Improves insulin sensitivity and aids weight control.
