Most people remember mitochondria as the “powerhouses of the cell”—the parts of our cells that produce energy. But new research shows mitochondria do much more than just fuel our daily activities. They play a critical role in healing, immunity, aging, and even in how cancer develops and responds to treatment.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) strengthens mitochondria through a process called mitogenesis—increasing their number, size, and efficiency. This not only boosts energy for healing but may also play a powerful role in making cancer and other diseases more manageable.
Why Mitochondria Matter in Disease
Mitochondria have their own DNA (mtDNA), separate from the DNA in our cell nuclei. This mtDNA helps produce key compounds for energy and repair. But mtDNA is fragile—it can be damaged by toxins, oxidation, or even everyday stressors. When this damage isn’t fully repaired, mutations can build up, increasing the risk of serious diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
In fact, research has shown that healthy mitochondria can prevent cancerous behavior in cells—even when those cells contain DNA from cancer. Conversely, when cancerous mitochondria are introduced into healthy cells, cancer-like activity can appear.
How Cancer Hijacks Mitochondria
Cancer cells aren’t just fast-growing—they’re also clever. They can invade healthy cells and alter their mitochondria to support cancer’s needs. This can even affect immune cells like lymphocytes, weakening the body’s ability to fight back or respond to immunotherapy.
Cancer cells also thrive on sugar, relying heavily on glucose to fuel their growth. This “sugar addiction” is one of their biggest weaknesses—and it’s where HBOT can help.
HBOT’s Role in Healing and Cancer Support
HBOT helps restore order and balance to mitochondria by:
- Increasing healthy mitochondria mass through mitogenesis.
- Promoting mitophagy, the selective removal of damaged mitochondria.
- Supporting autophagy, the body’s natural process of cleaning out defective cell parts.
- Making cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy and radiation.
- Creating a less favorable environment for cancer cells, especially when combined with fasting or a ketogenic diet.
Other therapies, like methylene blue or red-light therapy, may also be combined with HBOT in what’s known as “stacked therapy,” further supporting mitochondrial health and cancer treatment.
A Word of Caution
It’s important to emphasize: HBOT is not a cure for cancer.
Instead, HBOT should be used alongside conventional care—chemotherapy, radiation, and guidance from oncologists and specialists. What HBOT can do is help patients recover more quickly from treatment, improve resilience, and weaken cancer cells’ defenses so standard therapies work more effectively.
The Bottom Line
Science is still uncovering all the secrets of mitochondria, but one thing is clear: they play a central role in health and disease. By strengthening mitochondria and repairing their function, HBOT has the potential to support patients in ways we are only beginning to understand.
At Noah Clinics, we believe HBOT is more than just oxygen—it’s a valuable tool for helping patients heal, regenerate, and thrive. While the science is still catching up to the technology, the future of HBOT in cancer care and beyond is full of promise.
HBOT may not be the cure, but it may be the key to helping your body fight stronger, recover faster, and live better.
