Wim Hof Method & The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
This year's Nobel prize in physiology or medicine was awarded to three researchers.
William Kaelin, Peter Ratcliffe and Gregg Semenza
These researchers helped reveal the mechanism by which cells in the body sense and adapt to low oxygen availability.
Mechanisms that has deepened our understanding and ability to treat disease
such as anaemia and cancer.
When the body is experiencing low oxygen levels,
A protein complex builds up in nearly all the cells in the body.
This protein complex is called HIF or hypoxia induced factor.
HIF has a number of effects on the body.
Including the formation of new blood vessels and strikingly seems to up-regulate
the expression of a gene used to produce erythropoietin (EPO).
A hormone that stimulates the creation of new (oxygen carrying) red blood cells.
Why is this so important to the method?
Because the Wim Hof breathing method simulates this low oxygen stress throughout the body.
Through deep controlled breathing, blood is alkalised.
This alkaline blood effects the release of oxygen in the body
and allows a person to hold their breath for a long time.
Meaning oxygen saturation in the body can lower to unprecedented levels.
This was shown in the Radboud study.
Where Wim managed to lower his blood oxygen saturation
to levels that would literally turn off the oximeter measuring him.
The participants of the Radboud study also demonstrated this low oxygen saturation.
Have a look.
Lowering deeper and deeper after each round!
This low oxygen stress on the body could stimulate greater expression of the HIF protein.
Allowing a person to reap the benefits this protein offers at home,
through natural means.
This research can also help explain how Wim Hof could train himself and others to adapt to high altitudes quickly with his breathing technique.
Climbing Everest or Kilimanjaro.
In shorts no less!
In this spirit, we would like to thank these researchers.
For many years Wim has been trying to get the message out there
and there seems to only be more evidence everyday.
Humbly.
We thank you.