Episode 376: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Benefits for Recovery, Performance & Cancer Support with Dr. Masha Makeeva

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Masha Makeeva, a physician specializing in integrative and regenerative medicine, to get a clear, practical breakdown of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. We talk about why HBOT’s biggest benefit may be reducing inflammation, who it can help most, and how to think about protocols — pressure, oxygen concentration, session length, frequency, and total number of sessions —so you’re not comparing totally different approaches. 

We also dig into where she sees HBOT used most (including cancer support and professional sports), why solid tumors may respond differently than blood cancers, and how HBOT can support recovery and quality of life during treatment. We cover safety, home chamber considerations, and how mitochondrial and metabolic health, HRV, and downregulation all fit into better outcomes.

Sponsors:

• Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8

Coming up:

• ISSN 2026: https://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org/

Available now:

• Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here.

Episode Chapters:

• 02:26 Why Hyperbaric Works
• 03:50 What Inflammation Means
• 07:32 Tracking Inflammation Markers
• 10:57 Avoiding Over Testing
• 16:19 Who Uses Hyperbaric
• 19:57 Hyperbaric for Cancer
• 27:38 Protocol Variables Explained
• 34:38 Science Meets Clinical Art
• 37:31 Access and Chamber Limits
• 37:56 Constraints Led Programming
• 39:27 Home Hyperbaric Boom
• 40:12 Safety Training And Side Effects
• 44:55 Performance Versus Recovery
• 48:08 Oxygen Brain And Mitochondria
• 52:19 Downregulation After Sessions
• 56:55 CO2 Therapy And Medical Gases
• 01:02:17 Hydrogen Therapy Basics
• 01:04:32 Where To Find Dr Masha
• 01:07:20 Podcast Wrap Up And Disclaimer

Flex Diet Podcasts you may enjoy:

• Episode 362: Maximizing Athletic Performance and Recovery with Dr. Jeremy Bettle
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj_nWeQhs0s
• Episode 350: From Halo to Flow: The Future of Brain Performance Tech w/ Erin Lee of Flow Neuroscience
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YT_7YWPQX4

Connect with Dr Makeeva:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/how_to_hyperbaric/
• Website: https://drmasha.com/

Get In Touch with Dr Mike:

• Instagram: Drmiketnelson
• YouTube: @flexdietcert
• Email: Miketnelson.com/contact-us

Get the Daily Fitness Insider newsletter (free): https://www.miketnelson.com/newsletter