Hydrogen-rich water may offer health benefits, according to some recent studies . This water contains incorporated molecular hydrogen, which acts as an "active ingredient ," since its potential therapeutic effect resides in this small molecule.
Molecular hydrogen acts as an antioxidant, reducing free radicals in cells. This is the main basis for the benefits of drinking hydrogen-rich water and other treatments such as molecular hydrogen inhalation. In this article, we will explore the latest scientific research on hydrogen-rich water, its potential benefits, and how it affects the human body. Learn how hydrogen-rich water offers potential health benefits.
What is hydrogen water?
Hydrogenated water is water that contains dissolved hydrogen gas (molecular hydrogen, H₂ ) . Hydrogen is one of the simplest elements in the universe, occupying the first position in the periodic table. It is a key component in organic chemistry, along with carbon and oxygen. Therefore, the presence of hydrogen in biological structures is essential at both the structural and physiological levels.
In addition, hydrogen gas is odorless, colorless, and nontoxic, so it does not alter the taste or appearance of water.
Hydrogenated water is typically produced through water electrolysis , a process that uses an electric current to break down water molecules into their constituent elements, hydrogen and oxygen.
Why does hydrogen water offer potential health benefits?
The potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water lie in molecular hydrogen (H₂ ) , which acts as an "active ingredient" due to its antioxidant properties . Furthermore, this molecule easily penetrates cells and all the body's tissues because, due to its small size, it can pass through capillaries and cell membranes.
Hydrogen acts as a neutralizer of many free radicals, the main and most damaging of all of them being the hydroxyl ion OH – , to which molecular hydrogen easily binds, reducing the oxidative stress of cells.
This has a beneficial cascading effect on overall metabolism: the reduction of free radicals contributes to reducing inflammation in the body, which is the basis for the development of many diseases . In turn, a healthy metabolic flow contributes to a favorable energy balance in the body, which is why hydrogen-rich water provides, among many other benefits, a greater sense of vitality and energy to those who consume it.
Hydrogenated water is not a “magic water”
The beneficial effects of hydrogen-rich water are based on proven scientific studies, not quackery . This is relevant because, recently, many "magic waters" have appeared on the market promising to be the holy grail for curing numerous illnesses. It's important not to be deceived by the kind of shamanism surrounding magic potions that claim to be the miraculous cure for many diseases or the elixir of beauty.
Fraudulent “magical waters”
Among these frauds, we can mention magnetized water, structured water, or hexagonal water. According to proponents of structured water, when water passes through a magnetic field or comes into contact with natural elements—such as rocks, trees, meltwater, or other sources—the water molecules align themselves and adopt a hexagonal structure.
They believe that magnetized water is the "fourth phase" of water with an extra hydrogen and oxygen atom. But this is a chemical impossibility ; therefore, this water is neither water, nor stable, nor has it been detected anywhere. In other words, structured water does not exist. The only structure that water can adopt is the one that occurs when it freezes, resulting in blocks of ice or snowflakes.
Potential Benefits of Hydrogen Water
Most studies on hydrogen water have been conducted on animals, and while questions remain, there is emerging evidence to suggest that hydrogen sparkling water may have a number of benefits for human health. Here are some of the most prominent potential benefits:
May have antioxidant properties
Hydrogen appears to act as an antioxidant, helping to reduce the number of free radicals that can cause cellular damage. A study in mice has linked hydrogen-rich water to a reduction in inflammation and an improvement in markers of oxidative stress.
Could improve cognitive function
It has been suggested that hydrogen-infused water may protect the brain and improve cognitive function. A research study published in the journal Medical Gas Research suggests that hydrogenated water may have neuroprotective effects that protect against diseases of the central nervous system.
Can improve athletic performance
Preliminary evidence suggests that hydrogen-rich water may also improve endurance in athletes. A Japanese study found that runners experienced reduced fatigue and improved performance after consuming hydrogen-rich water for two weeks.
May have anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is a natural immune response of the body to injury, infection, etc., and is often responsible for the onset of many common diseases. Hydrogen-infused water has been suggested as a possible solution for reducing inflammation in the body. A study published in the journal Medical Gas Research found that volunteers who drank hydrogen-infused water experienced a significant reduction in inflammatory markers, which, among other effects, prevented the death of blood cells.
Improvement of symptoms in cancer patients
Hydrogenated water improved the quality of life of cancer patients treated with radiation therapy. In addition, other uses of hydrogenated water have been explored and are under investigation.
Improves cholesterol levels
People with metabolic syndrome suffer from dyslipidemia, altered blood cholesterol levels, and hydrogenated water appears to help normalize them, which could be considered a breakthrough in the treatment of metabolic diseases.
Is hydrogen water safe?
So far, no side effects have been reported from drinking hydrogen-carbonated water, which has proven to be harmless and is mostly eliminated from the body without any detrimental effects.
However, much research remains to be done before recommendations can be made for including hydrogen water in any treatment. At the moment, there is not even a standard measurement of how much hydrogen water should contain to achieve health benefits, nor the amount of hydrogen water that should be consumed daily to achieve its effects.
It has been seen that it is important to take into account the quality of the water used to produce hydrogenated water and it is recommended in any case to consult a health professional before incorporating it into the diet.
The benefits of hydrogen peroxide are scientifically proven
If you still have any questions about the potential health benefits of hydrogenated water, here are some of the most recent scientific studies reporting its health effects in humans:
- Hydrogen-rich water reduces inflammatory responses and prevents apoptosis of peripheral blood cells in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Hydrogen-rich water reduces inflammatory responses and prevents peripheral blood cell apoptosis in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.
- Pilot study: Effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on muscle fatigue caused by acute exercise in elite athletes. Pilot study: Effects of hydrogen-rich water consumption on muscle fatigue caused by acute exercise in elite athletes.
- Effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on the quality of life of patients treated with radiotherapy for liver tumors. Effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on the quality of life of patients treated with radiotherapy for liver tumors.
- Hydrogen-rich water serum decreases LDL-cholesterol levels and improves HDL function in patients with potential metabolic syndrome. Hydrogen-rich water lowers serum LDL cholesterol levels and improves HDL function in patients with possible metabolic syndrome.
Be responsible with your health: hydrogenated water is not the definitive treatment for any medical condition
Hydrogen-infused water is a fascinating subject of research and a potential solution to a variety of health problems. While many studies are still needed to explore its effects in greater depth , research conducted so far suggests it may have potential benefits, such as improving cognitive function, enhancing athletic performance, and reducing inflammation; it may even improve cholesterol levels and enhance cancer treatments.
It's important to keep in mind that hydrogen-rich water is not a universal or definitive health solution and should never replace a healthy diet and lifestyle. At Postposmo, we recommend always consulting a healthcare professional for the treatment of any illness before adding hydrogen-rich water to your diet.
Nonetheless, it's exciting to see how this new hydrogen water technology could make a significant difference in health, and we eagerly await the future effects science reports on this new contribution of hydrogen water to our lives.