Manipulating blood CO₂ levels may help clear toxic proteins from the brain

Medical Xpress / University of New Mexico / npj Parkinson's Disease ^ | Jan. 21, 2026 | Michael Haederle / Erik B. Erhardt et al

[ConservativeMind]

Abnormal clumps of proteins like α-synuclein, amyloid beta and tau are associated with neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, but a waste removal mechanism called the glymphatic pathway can clear these proteins and other metabolic byproducts from the brain.

Now, a team is exploring whether intentionally raising and lowering blood levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) through rhythmic CO2 exposure or controlled breathing might boost the glymphatic system's effectiveness and improve brain health.

Sephira Ryman, Ph.D. led studies to evaluate how intermittent breathing of CO2 could be used to dilate and constrict brain arteries and drive the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through brain tissue to clear unwanted proteins.

The glymphatic pathway is most active when people are deeply asleep. In this state, Ryman said, "respiration slows and the brain exhibits an oscillatory pattern of activity called slow waves that drives the glymphatic pathway to clear the brain."

However, for Parkinson's patients, who often experience sleep disturbances, this waste removal process may be impaired, leading to a buildup of toxic proteins in the brain and the pathologic changes seen in this disease.

As proof of concept, the team administered brief doses of room air with higher-than-normal concentrations of CO2 in ON and OFF cycles to human subjects. They not only succeeded in reproducing the rhythmic response of the blood vessels of the brain, but also observed the appearance of toxic brain proteins in blood samples following the intervention, which suggested that the waste products were flushed from the brain.

Ryman and her colleagues are investigating whether intentionally practicing slow abdominal breathing, as is commonly practiced in yoga, meditation, martial arts and related disciplines, might be a way to enhance the glymphatic system and preserve brain function, improve cognition and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

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TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: brain; c02; health; toxins

[ConservativeMind]

Yoga, tai chi, and qigong were examples of existing methods that could help make this CO2 oscillation occur, in addition to administering CO2 in brief doses.

[ConservativeMind]

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[BipolarBob]

Does passing out from binge drinking count?

[rottndog]

So I wonder about the effects of chronic exposure to high levels of CO2...

[ConservativeMind]

It wouldn’t be all the time and it is not really much different than people who have no brain dysfunction, today.

How do you handle your own CO2, now?

[imardmd1]

Another way to enrich CO₂ is to drink seltzer er water. I don't drink carbonated sugary beverages or beer/ale at all, but have always liked the tingle of carbonation, so I go through a case pf quarts of seltzer water (15 per case) every 2 or 3 weeks. For years. Helps keep hydrated, too.

[If You Want It Fixed - Fix It]

So put on a covid mask and huff and puff getting from car into your cubical or pushing a cart through a walmart feeling light headed.

[sauropod]

Bkmk

[ChessExpert]

High as in .04%?

[tired&retired]

I discovered this many years ago when working with people who had severe muscle stiffness, often to the point of walking hunched over.

The solution I used for raising CO2 levels was to have the person deep breathe into a paper lunch bag about 10 to 15 times, rebreathing their previous exhale.

The results were instant muscle relaxing.

I always considered it as resetting a stuck thermostat that lowers CO2 concentrations in the blood.

[logi_cal869]

More garbage research on a modern ‘disease’ with modern causes.

Your tax & donation $$ at work. /s