hydrogen water pros and cons

What was the first time you stumbled upon the concept of using more hydrogen in drinking water? For me, it was during a wellness retreat in Bali, where the latest health trends often find their eager audience.
As someone who is always curious about new health. The idea of ‘hydrogen-rich water’ piqued my interest in wellness innovations.
What could be so special about adding a few extra hydrogen molecules to water? Have you ever found yourself intrigued by such novel health trends, wondering if they’re just fads or if there’s more to them and what are hydrogen water pros and cons?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into it. Often touted for its health benefits, the consumption of hydrogen-rich water has sparked considerable debate.
We’ll explore the positives and potential downsides of ‘drinking hydrogen-rich water’ – because let’s face it, every health trend has pros and cons.
So, if you’ve ever been curious about ‘hydrogen-rich water’ and whether it’s worth incorporating into your lifestyle, you’re in the right place.
Also read >>> Hydrogen Water
Essential Insights
- What is Hydrogen Water?
- Pros of Hydrogen Water
- Cons of Hydrogen Water
- Comparing Hydrogen Water to Other Alternatives
- Practical Tips for Hydrogen Water Consumption
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hydrogen Water?
Imagine a simple glass of water transformed into something extraordinary. This is hydrogen water – your usual H2O but with an exciting twist: hydrogen-infused water with extra hydrogen molecules. These additional hydrogen atoms, seamlessly dissolved in the water, are poised to offer a range of health benefits.
The creation of this enhanced water typically involves a process called electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is then infused back into the water, resulting in more than just a hydrating beverage.
It’s a health-boosting drink that enhances antioxidant and high blood sugar levels, bolsters the immune system, reduces oxidative stress, and combat inflammation. This water isn’t just about quenching thirst; it’s about offering something more for your well-being.
Pros of Hydrogen Water

Molecular hydrogen, a non-toxic, colorless, tasteless, odorless, and inert gas, is the smallest molecule, comprising two hydrogen atoms. This small size of dissolved hydrogen allows it to diffuse quickly across cell membranes, making it bioavailable throughout the body.
Molecular hydrogen isn’t just small and easy for our bodies to use; it’s also known for its biological and therapeutic effects. Its antioxidant properties enable it to effectively neutralize harmful free radicals or reactive oxygen species, helping to protect our cells from oxidative stress.
Production Methods
Having grasped what molecular hydrogenated water is and its significance, we can now explore the different techniques involved in the production of molecular hydrogen water. One of the most common methods for hydrogenated water is electrolysis, which decomposes water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen gas.
Commercial electrolysis machines utilize high-efficiency nickel electrodes, providing a reliable method to create hydrogen water. These machines also contain an alkaline electrolyzer stack requiring a potassium hydroxide solution.
Another method involves hydrogen water tablets. These tablets combine a base metal with edible acid in dry form. When dissolved in water, they generate molecular hydrogen. You’ll also find effervescent hydrogen tablets made with metals like magnesium and acids like malic acid, which produce a hydrogen concentration when reacted with water.
Lastly, there’s the technique of bubbling pure hydrogen gas into water, straightforwardly creating hydrogen water.
Pros of Drinking Hydrogen Water
Although the scientific aspect is intriguing, the potential health benefits it can offer are genuinely compelling. Each glass of ‘hydrogen-rich water’ you drink potentially brings you closer to these health benefits, making it more than just hydration—it’s a step towards a healthier lifestyle.
Enriched with ‘extra hydrogen molecules’, this unique beverage stands out for its potential wellness advantages:
Antioxidant Boost
Hydrogen-rich water is packed with antioxidant properties. It’s like giving your body a shield against the damaging effects of ‘reactive oxygen species’ and oxidative stress, slowing down the aging process.
One of the key benefits associated with free hydrogen is its antioxidant properties. As a reducing agent, hydrogen water binds with reactive oxygen species, also known as free radicals, to prevent oxidative stress. Multiple studies have shown that enriched water has the following benefits:
- Increase antioxidant capacity
- Reduce oxidative stress
- Decrease levels of hydroperoxide after consumption
- Increase serum biological antioxidant potential, especially in participants over 30 years old.
In addition to increasing antioxidant capacity, hydrogen-rich water has been shown to suppress the expression of genes involved in inflammation-related pathways and reduce oxidative stress. This reduction in oxidative stress markers, evidenced by significant reductions in the frequencies of apoptotic cells, suggests that hydrogen water may help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
Fighting Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties are akin to a soothing balm for the body, potentially easing inflammatory conditions and promoting overall well-being.
In addition to antioxidant benefits due to its antioxidant properties, hydrogen water may also offer anti-inflammatory effects. A study has shown that drinking this water can help reduce inflammatory responses in healthy adults. This suggests the potential for the benefits of hydrogen water in managing inflammation. After consuming hydrogen-rich water, healthy adults showed a decreased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a reduction in the frequency of circulating inflammatory cells.
For individuals with metabolic syndrome, hydrogen water may even reduce oxidative stress markers and improve cardiovascular disease risk factors.
One study found that participants with metabolic syndrome experienced reductions in inflammatory markers like TNF-α after drinking hydrogen-enriched water for ten weeks. These findings suggest that it could also benefit in conditions characterized by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
Mood Elevation
Regularly ‘drinking hydrogen water’ might lift your spirits. Imagine a natural mood enhancer in every sip, offering a subtle yet effective boost to your daily emotional health.
Beyond its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, hydrogen water enhances athletic performance. Studies on athletes, including soccer players and cyclists, have shown that drinking hydrogen-enriched water may decrease blood lactate levels, lower muscle fatigue, and improve exercise power output.
Enhancing Athletic Performance
Hydrogen water could be a secret weapon for the athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Studies suggest it may reduce ‘muscle fatigue’ and enhance recovery, giving athletes an edge in performance.
Despite its benefits, such as helping athletes accomplish new personal bests and heights in their sporting activities, it is not a replacement for adequate training and nutrition in an all-encompassing athletic program.
Cons of Drinking Hydrogen Water
While the allure of hydrogen water’s potential benefits is undeniable, it’s equally important to be aware of its drawbacks.
Research Gaps
Most studies on ‘drinking hydrogen-rich water’ offer insights over short durations, leaving us questioning the effects of sustained daily consumption.
Moreover, while drinking hydrogen water is generally safe, the benefits promoted by hydrogenated water treatment manufacturers require a more cautious approach due to the limited research backing. The inconsistency in research methodologies further complicates the validity of these health claims.
Cost Factors
The cost is a factor to think about. The production stands at a higher price than ‘normal water.’ This is partly due to the specialized packaging required to retain the ‘hydrogen gas.’ With prices at least double that of regular water, consuming the recommended three cans daily can be a considerable expense, potentially limiting its accessibility to a broader audience.
Lack of Standardization
Lastly, the lack of uniform production standards in ‘hydrogen water’ manufacturing raises questions about consistency and safety across various brands. At the same time, attempts are being made to standardize hydrogen’s environmental impact. Globally, there needs to be more comprehensive safety, climate, and sustainability standards within the hydrogen market.
These factors – from the need for more studies on human consumption of ‘hydrogen-rich water’ to the economic and standardization aspects – are crucial in evaluating the role of ‘hydrogen water’ in one’s health and lifestyle choices.
Comparing Hydrogen Water to Other Alternatives
To fully understand hydrogen water’s place in the health and wellness landscape, it’s essential to compare it with other hydration options, such as alkaline water and natural antioxidant sources. Each offers unique benefits for those seeking health-enhancing drinks.
Alkaline Water
One such alternative to consider is alkaline water. Unlike hydrogen water, alkaline water has a higher pH value, which some proponents claim offers the following benefits:
- Greater hydration
- Improved metabolism
- Increased energy
- Slowed aging
- Improved digestion
- Reduced bone loss due to its increased hydrogen and higher pH
Unlike hydrogen water, produced through electrolysis, alkaline water is created via multi-stage filtration. This process purifies the water, enriches it with minerals, and adjusts its pH, a method distinct from hydrogen water’s production.
However, the health claims surrounding alkaline water should be approached critically. There is a lack of scientific research to support the health claims about alkaline water, and the body’s mechanisms, such as the kidneys and stomach acid, naturally balance the body’s pH levels.
Excessive consumption of alkaline water can lead to potential metabolic syndrome or alkalosis, with symptoms such as light-headedness, confusion, and nausea suggesting a need for moderation in its use.
Natural Sources of Antioxidants
Another path to health-boosting hydration is through natural sources of antioxidants. Foods such as:
- blueberries
- cherries
- oranges
- strawberries
- spinach
- kale
- collards
- broccoli
- tomatoes
These antioxidant-rich foods offer benefits similar to hydrogen water, such as reducing oxidative stress, but without special packaging or additional costs. A diet diverse in these foods is generally recommended over relying solely on supplements or a single source like hydrogen water.
While hydrogen water may contribute to antioxidant intake, it should not be the sole source.
Whole foods provide antioxidants and supporting molecules, potentially offering broader protection against oxidative stress.
Practical Tips for Hydrogen Water Consumption
If you’re considering adding hydrogen water to your daily routine, it’s essential to do so thoughtfully. Here are some practical tips to ensure you get the most out of your hydrogen water experience while maintaining a healthy balance.
Selecting a Trustworthy Source
First and foremost, choose a reputable source for your hydrogen water. The quality of packaging is crucial, as hydrogen can easily escape from porous materials.
Look for products that use non-permeable containers and aim to consume the water soon after opening. This ensures you’re getting the maximum benefit from the hydrogen content.
Also Read >>> Best Hydrogen Water Bottle
Moderation and Balance
Remember, moderation is key when incorporating any new health product into your diet; hydrogen water is no exception.
While hydrogen water may offer additional health benefits, it’s essential to maintain a balanced hydration regimen.
Continue to drink regular plain water alongside hydrogen water. This balanced approach to drinking water helps integrate hydrogen water into your lifestyle in a way that complements, rather than replaces, your regular water intake.
Conclusion Hydrogen Water Pros and Cons
In this exploration of hydrogen water, we’ve dived into its science, potential benefits, and drawbacks and compared it with other alternatives.
We’ve uncovered its remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities and the potential to enhance athletic performance, making it a captivating subject in the health and wellness community.
Yet, we’ve also highlighted the need for more research on additional hydrogen, particularly its long-term effects and the challenges related to cost and standardization.
While not a cure-all, hydrogen water stands out as an intriguing option in the diverse landscape of health-enhancing alternatives. It might particularly appeal to athletes aiming to elevate their performance or anyone seeking innovative ways to support their health.
As with any emerging health trend, it’s vital to maintain a balanced view backed by thorough research and professional advice. Hydrogen water represents a beverage choice and a step towards informed health decisions in our constantly evolving understanding of wellness.
FAQs
Yes, several animal studies have shown that hydrogen water has therapeutic effects on kidney disease, such as renal calculi, renal fibrosis, and drug-induced nephrotoxicity. It can also alleviate renal dysfunction caused by certain factors.
High hydrogen gas concentrations can cause an oxygen-deficient environment, leading to headaches, dizziness, and unconsciousness. (Source: WebMD)
Based on scientific studies, hydrogen water may offer more potential health benefits than alkaline water alone.
Hydrogen-rich water has been shown to reduce liver fat accumulation, improve liver enzyme profiles in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, protect against liver cancer, and improve liver function in individuals with chronic hepatitis B and metabolic syndrome.
Hydrogen water is regular water infused with extra hydrogen molecules, which may provide health benefits such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.