Hydrogen Water: Myth or Legit?
Hydrogen Water: Myth or Legit?
The quest for a healthier life often circles back to water, from removing harmful contaminants to adding in vitamins and minerals. Hydrogen water offers another possible solution, long-consumed throughout the world and popularized in recent years for its antioxidant properties and promising health benefits.
But is water that offers so many positives — reducing inflammation, wrinkles, improving organ function and athletic performance — too good to be true? The scientific research is limited, though offers a window into many possibilities.
What Is Hydrogen Water?
Hydrogen water, also known as hydrogen-rich water, is water infused with molecular hydrogen (H2) gas. There are several ways to drink hydrogen water, including using a hydrogen water bottle or infuser, which is an electrically powered device that generates hydrogen gas once turned on and regular water has been added.
You can also purchase bottled water already infused with hydrogen, as well as molecular hydrogen tablets, which use magnesium to create hydrogenated water when dissolved.
6 Potential Benefits of Hydrogen Water
The possible benefits of hydrogen water stem from its antioxidant properties and its ability to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics of hydrogen have also been shown to mitigate oxidative stress, a condition that can cause disease and illness due to cell tissue and DNA damage.
Hydrogen water also may boost elite athletic performance, increasing energy, endurance and reducing fatigue.
While we are only at the beginning of our understanding of the benefits of hydrogen-infused water and its effect on our bodies’ cellular mechanisms, below are some of the commonly cited benefits that have been observed in the limited studies available.
1. Antioxidant Properties
Molecular hydrogen acts as a potent antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons that can cause damage to cells and contribute to various health issues, including inflammation, aging and diseases — even cancer.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Hydrogen water may help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can lead to health problems, such as heart disease, arthritis and neurodegenerative disorders. By neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, hydrogen water may help alleviate inflammation.
3. Enhanced Athletic Performance
Some studies suggest that drinking hydrogen water improves athletic performance by reducing fatigue and improving recovery time. It is believed that hydrogen’s antioxidant properties, when consumed via hydrogen-rich water, may help mitigate the oxidative stress that occurs during intense exercise.
4. Brain Health
Hydrogen water has been posited to have neuroprotective effects, potentially benefitting cognitive function and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, hydrogen water may help preserve cognitive function and protect against age-related decline.
5. Skin Health
Hydrogen water may contribute to healthier skin by combating oxidative stress and inflammation, which are both implicated in skin aging and various dermatological conditions. Some research suggests that drinking hydrogen water or using it topically can promote clearer skin and a more youthful-looking complexion.
6. General Wellness
While more research is needed fully to understand the effects and benefits of hydrogen water, many people report feeling more energized and an overall sense of well-being after regularly consuming hydrogen water. Its purported benefits for gut health and immune system function are also areas of ongoing research.
So, Does Hydrogen Water Really Work?
It’s important to note that while there is some scientific evidence supporting the potential benefits of hydrogen water, more research is needed to fully understand how it benefits us at a molecular level and its effectiveness against health conditions. For people simply looking to stay better hydrated, hydrogen water offers few benefits for the cost compared to drinking purified, clean water.
Additionally, individual responses to hydrogen water may vary, and it should not be seen as a substitute for medical treatment or a balanced diet and lifestyle. As with any supplement or health product, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating hydrogen water into your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Contact Kinetico Advanced Water Systems for Your Water Needs
Get cleaner, purer water for your whole home with Kinetico Advanced Water Systems. Whether you need water treatment or want to learn more about contaminants coming from your tap, contact us today to set up your free, science-backed water analysis.