Why is the regular use of ozone therapy harmful?

Ozone therapy is often presented as a method of “gentle” detoxification; however, from a physiological perspective, its action is based on mechanisms that simultaneously stimulate the body's protective systems and create a serious load on the cells.

Ozone as a strong oxidizer. Ozone (O₃) is a highly reactive form of oxygen. When introduced into tissues, it reacts with membrane lipids, proteins, and components of blood plasma. These reactions are accompanied by the formation of peroxides and reactive oxygen species (ROS) - essentially, those very free radicals.

The body perceives this surge of oxidizers as a threat, leading to the activation of its own antioxidant systems:

• increased activity of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase;
• enhanced synthesis of reduced glutathione;
• increased consumption of antioxidant vitamins (C, E, A).

This activation can indeed temporarily improve metabolism and enhance the detoxification functions of the liver, which is perceived as the “effect of ozone therapy.” However, this is harmful with frequent use:

• Damage to cellular structures. Constant exposure to ROS destroys lipid membranes, mitochondria, and protein structures. Cells do not have time to recover, which accelerates aging processes and provokes chronic inflammation.
• Depletion of antioxidant reserves. Constant stimulation of antioxidant protection leads to a deficiency of the body's own protective resources (glutathione, enzymes, vitamin C, coenzyme Q10). With repeated procedures, the level of protection decreases, while oxidative stress increases.
• Disruption of the balance of “prooxidants – antioxidants”. Normally, the body maintains a delicate balance between oxidative and reductive reactions. Excessive interference in this balance towards prooxidants (ozone) creates permanent stress for the cells.
• Liver cells (hepatocytes). Oxidation of liver lipids by ozone leads to impaired detoxification functions, protein and hormone synthesis, and can provoke liver inflammation and hepatocyte death.
• Erythrocytes. Erythrocytes cannot synthesize new proteins to repair damage. When oxidized, their membrane deformability is disrupted, the erythrocyte becomes rigid and breaks. This leads to hemolysis (destruction of erythrocytes), reduced oxygen transport, and increased bilirubin and free hemoglobin, which is toxic to the kidneys.

Single use of ozone procedures can indeed initiate adaptation and detoxification mechanisms. But regular and frequent introduction of ozone leads to chronic oxidative stress, cell damage, and premature depletion of antioxidant protection. This is a temporary mobilization of the body's resources at the cost of accelerated wear and tear.