Hydrogen Water

Hydrogen-rich water may seem redundant or confusing, but it is much simpler than you think!

Hydrogen water is regular water with additional hydrogen gas dissolved in it. It’s been gaining popularity recently due to its potential health benefits, which we will dive into.

Molecular hydrogen does exhibit antioxidant-like effects and anti-inflammatory properties. When you drink it, the hydrogen molecules can regulate the antioxidant system of the cell, preventing oxidative stress from happening and reducing it when present.

What is Hydrogen Water and How is it Made?

The process starts by bubbling pure hydrogen gas into drinking water or using electrolysis, which uses electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

Hydrogen gas is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is the most abundant element in the universe, found in small amounts in water.

Molecular hydrogen does not appear to be a conventional antioxidant based on current scientific evidence, but it has antioxidant-like effects by reducing oxidative stress within cells, tissues, and organs. Molecular hydrogen differentiates itself by regulating the antioxidant system of the cell and, unlike conventional antioxidants, seems to be selective, reducing only the most cell-damaging free radicals.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Hydrogen-rich water can be consumed orally just as regular water or topically by applying it to your skin or hair. Once made, it is crucial to drink it immediately, as the gas will dissipate over time.

There is a growing body of research on the potential health benefits of hydrogen-rich water. Some studies have shown that it can help to reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative stress, improve athletic performance, boost energy levels, and promote healthy aging.

Despite over 2,000 studies demonstrating the benefits of molecular hydrogen, more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the long-term safety of hydrogen water consumption. Additionally, it may interact with certain medications, so talk to your doctor before consuming hydrogen water if you are taking any medications.

Also read >>> H3O

The Science Behind the Benefits

Hydrogen

The body is familiar with hydrogen as it is the smallest molecule and is produced naturally in the body. Increasing the concentration of hydrogen in the body can have certain benefits.

Unlike other antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which are large molecules that must be digested and carried by the cells,  it is believed that hydrogen can enter the cells directly, regulating the antioxidant system of the cell.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases.

Also read >>> Cellpower Hydrogen Water Bottle

Benefits of Molecular Hydrogen

Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can lead to chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.

Studies have shown that hydrogen-rich water can help to reduce inflammation. For example, one study found that it reduced inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Another study found that it reduced inflammation in people with inflammatory bowel disease.

Oxidative stress

Hydrogen Water

Cytotoxic oxygen radicals, also known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), are unstable molecules that contain oxygen. The body produces them during normal metabolism, but they can also be made by exposure to environmental pollutants, cigarette smoke, radiation, and certain medications.

ROS can damage cells by oxidizing DNA, proteins, and lipids. This damage can contribute to the developing of several chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.

Oxidative stress is a state of imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Antioxidants are molecules that can neutralize free radicals.

Oxidative stress can be caused by many factors, including:

  • Environmental pollutants, such as cigarette smoke and air pollution
  • Radiation
  • Certain medications
  • Stress
  • A diet high in unhealthy fats and processed foods.

Oxidative stress can also occur naturally as we age.

There are several other things you can do to reduce oxidative stress, including:

  • Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Get regular exercise
  • Avoid smoking
  • Limit your exposure to environmental pollutants
  • Manage stress.

Hydrogen-rich water contains dissolved hydrogen gas, that can regulate the antioxidant system of the cell, preventing oxidative stress from happening and reducing it when present.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Peripheral blood cells (PBCs) are the cells that circulate in the bloodstream. There are three main types of PBCs: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues and carbon dioxide away from the tissues.

White blood cells fight infection and disease.

Platelets help the blood to clot.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are white blood cells that include lymphocytes (B cells, T cells, and NK cells) and monocytes. PBMCs play a vital role in the immune system by responding to infection and cancer.

Hydrogen water may have beneficial effects on PBCs and PBMCs, including:

  • Reducing oxidative stress
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Improving PBC and PBMC function

Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of health conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and excess belly fat. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

One study on people with metabolic syndrome has found that hydrogen water reduces blood pressure and improves blood sugar control in people with metabolic syndrome. In another, hydrogen water reduced inflammation and improved cholesterol levels.

Chronic Hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis is a long-term inflammation of the liver that can be caused by viruses, drugs, alcohol, or autoimmune diseases. This inflammation can lead to complications, including liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer.

One study has found that hydrogen water reduced inflammation and improved liver function in people with chronic hepatitis B. Another found that hydrogen water reduced the risk of HCC in people with chronic hepatitis C.

High-density lipoprotein function

High-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as “good cholesterol,” is a type of lipoprotein that helps remove cholesterol from the arteries and transport it back to the liver, where it can be excreted. This helps to prevent the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.

Studies have shown that hydrogen water may improve HDL function. For example, one study found that Hydrogen Water decreases  LDL Cholesterol.


Another study found that hydrogen water reduced inflammation in HDL particles, which can enhance their ability to remove cholesterol from the arteries.

Hydrogen water can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in HDL particles. Oxidative stress and inflammation can damage HDL particles and impair their ability to remove cholesterol from the arteries.

Athletic Performance

Studies have shown that hydrogen-rich water can improve athletic performance by reducing muscle fatigue and improving recovery.

Energy levels

Hydrogen-rich water can also help to boost energy levels by improving mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells, and they are responsible for producing energy. This can be especially helpful for those with Parkinson’s disease, for example, but also athletes.

Healthy aging process

Healthy aging process

Research has also found that hydrogen-rich water can improve cognitive function in older adults and reduce the risk of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

What about Alkaline Water?

Alkaline water and hydrogen water are both water types modified to have certain health benefits. However, they are two different things.

Alkaline water is water with a pH level above 7. Pure water has a pH of 7, which is neutral. Alkaline water can be made by adding alkaline minerals to plain water or using a water ionizer.

Water ionizers use electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen and remove acidic minerals.

Hydrogen Water

Comparison and contrast

Hydrogen Water

Which one is better?

Both alkaline water and hydrogen water have potential health benefits. However, there is limited research on both types of water’s long-term safety and efficacy.

Both are generally safe for most people to consume, yet both may interact with certain medications, so it is essential to consult your doctor before consuming either.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of water is right for you is to talk to your doctor. They can help you weigh both types of water’s potential benefits and risks and make the right decision.

Safety and Side Effects of Drinking Hydrogen Water

Hydrogen-rich water is safe for most people to consume. However, there are a few safety precautions to keep in mind:

  • Don’t drink hydrogen water that is more than 24 hours old. The gas will dissipate over time, so consume it immediately after making it.
  • If you have any health conditions, talk to your doctor before consuming hydrogen water. Hydrogen water may interact with certain medications.

Side effects

Hydrogen-rich water is generally well-tolerated by most people. However, there have been a few reports of mild side effects, such as:

  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Headache
  • Fatigue

These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days. If you experience any side effects from drinking hydrogen water, stop drinking it and talk to your doctor. Source

Practical Applications

In addition to its potential health benefits, hydrogen water has practical applications in various aspects of life.

Energy drink

Hydrogen water is a great energy source, especially after physical exertion. You can also use it to rehydrate the body after a strenuous activity. This makes it ideal for athletes and active individuals who need to replenish their energy quickly and effectively.

Cooking

Hydrogen water can be used to cook food and helps preserve its nutrients, making it easier to digest. (*Source)

Cleaning

Hydrogen water can clean fruits, vegetables, and other surfaces. It can more effectively remove pesticides and other contaminants than regular water. (*Source)

Skincare

Hydrogen water can wash and moisturize the skin, help reduce inflammation, and improve the appearance of the skin.

Hair care

Hydrogen water can wash and condition the hair, reducing frizz and making the hair shinier and healthier. (*Source)

Fuel

Finally, hydrogen water can boost the performance of fuel cells, allowing them to run at peak efficiency. It can also improve the efficiency of internal combustion engines, allowing them to run more efficiently and use less fuel.

Hydrogen Water in the Market

There are two main types of hydrogen water on the market:

Generators

These use electrolysis to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen gas. The hydrogen gas is then dissolved in the water, creating hydrogen water at home or on the go.

Bottled hydrogen water

Pre-made and sold in bottles, this is typically more expensive than when made from a generator but is also more convenient.

Consider this before buying

Several brands of generators and bottled hydrogen water are available on the market. When choosing a product, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • Hydrogen concentration: Measured in parts per million (ppm). Higher ppm levels indicate a higher concentration of gas in the water.
  • Price: Generators can be expensive, but they can save you money in the long run if you consume hydrogen water regularly. Bottled hydrogen water is typically more costly but also more convenient.
  • Generators: Tyent, H-Gen, Jupiter
  • Bottled hydrogen water: LIFEWTR, HFactor, Essential

How to Make Hydrogen Water at Home

Using a Generator

These use electrolysis to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen gas. The hydrogen gas is then dissolved in the water, creating hydrogen water. Follow the instructions that come with your device. Most generators are easy to use, and the process only takes a few minutes.

Using hydrogen tablets

Hydrogen water tablets contain magnesium hydride, a compound that releases hydrogen gas when water dissolves. Drop a tablet into a glass of water and wait for it to dissolve. The gas will be released into the water and ready to drink.

Tips for making hydrogen water at home

hydrogen water at home
  • Use filtered or purified water to ensure the hydrogen water is impurities-free.
  • If you are using a generator, be sure to clean it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help to ensure that the generator is producing high-quality hydrogen water.
  • If you are using hydrogen tablets, follow the instructions on the package. Only use tablets at most the recommended amount.

Bottles and Equipment

Bottles

These portable and easy-to-use bottles typically have a built-in hydrogen water generator.

  • Brands: Tyent Hydrogen Water Bottle, IonBottles Hydrogen Water Bottle, H2WaterForLife Hydrogen Water Bottle

Generators

These are larger and more expensive than hydrogen water bottles, but they can produce larger quantities of hydrogen water. 

  • Brands: Tyent Hydrogen Water Generator, H-Gen Hydrogen Water Generator, Jupiter Hydrogen Water Generator

Hydrogen water test kits

These kits can be used to test the hydrogen concentration and pH. This can be helpful for people who want to ensure that their hydrogen water meets their needs.

  • Brands: H2Blue Hydrogen Test Reagent, H2 meter, ORP Meter, pH Meter.

When choosing a bottle, generator, or test kit, consider the following factors:

  • Price: Bottles and generators can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Choose a product that fits your budget and needs.
  • Convenience: Hydrogen water bottles are typically more convenient than hydrogen water generators. However, hydrogen water generators can produce larger quantities.
  • Features: Some hydrogen water bottles and generators have additional features, such as setting the hydrogen concentration level or indicating the water’s pH. 

Conclusion: Hydrogen-rich water: A promising new health and wellness drink

Hydrogen-rich water is a relatively new type of water that has been gaining popularity due to its many potential benefits.

There is a growing body of research on the potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water. Studies have shown that it may help to reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative stress, improve athletic performance, boost energy levels, and promote healthy aging.

There are many different hydrogen water bottles and equipment available on the market. When choosing a hydrogen water bottle, generator, or test kit, consider the concentration, price, convenience, and features.

Overall, hydrogen-rich water is a promising new health and wellness drink. It is safe for most people to consume and has several potential health benefits. If you want a new way to boost your health and wellness, try hydrogen-infused water.

mm
Written by
Read more