Liver

The liver accounts for about 20–30% of the total oxygen consumption by the body at rest. This is explained by its enormous metabolic activity: more than 500 different biochemical reactions occur in it—from the synthesis of proteins and bile to the detoxification of toxins and the processing of nutrients.

Anemia means that the level of hemoglobin or red blood cells in the blood is reduced, which means that oxygen transport to the tissues is impaired.

The liver, which requires a huge amount of oxygen, does not receive enough of it during anemia. As a result, liver hypoxia develops:

• the activity of cytochrome enzyme systems in the mitochondria slows down;
• the efficiency of detoxification decreases (the liver cannot fully detoxify medications, alcohol, metabolic products, ammonia, free radicals);
• protein synthesis is disrupted (albumin, clotting factors, transport proteins);
• bile formation and secretion deteriorate, which additionally reduces digestion and absorption of fats.

The liver is the body's main filter. If it operates under conditions of constant hypoxia, then:

• toxins begin to accumulate in the blood and tissues;
• the burden on the kidneys and immune system increases;
• the damage to liver cells accelerates (development of steatosis, fibrosis, inflammation).

Without normal levels of hemoglobin and adequate oxygen supply, detoxification in the liver is impossible. Therefore, any therapy for anemia is not only a matter of general well-being but also the foundation for the normal functioning of the liver, metabolism, and protection of the body from toxins.

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.