Water – a colorless liquid composed of hydrogen and oxygen (H2O) – is vital for life. Possibly, you have gotten lots of information from health professionals that hydration is the primary rule of health and
nutrition. You have presumably likewise heard from fitness instructors that one of the approaches to successfully getting into shape is drinking enough water every day. It actually makes sense when you realize that approximately 70% of the human body contains water, and our blood is 90% water.
However, time flies, and so do innovations everywhere in the world. Today, many people don’t simply settle for drinking plain water. There are many claims that adding elements to your water will increase the existing benefits, as well as affect your wellness inside out. Many beverage companies consider hydrogen water as one positive element that can maximize the health benefits of this life-giving fluid. But is it factual? Since many people are into this trend, it is fitting to learn about this drink in detail. This book will explore the claimed health benefits of using hydrogen water and its extensive applications to determine if it is a significant addition to your holy grail drink. But before digging deep, we will cover how hydration helps our body function properly and how long hydrogen has been in use to offer healing benefits to people.
BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER
Every organ in our body needs enough water to function properly. Since our body loses water through sweating, breathing, and digestion, it is essential to stay hydrated. Following are some of the important reasons why water is the holy grail ail for our bodies
Water aids the internal body temperature in adjusting to the external temperature. When a person is overheated, the water stored in the middle layers of the skin comes to the surface as sweat to cool off the body. Having an adequate amount of water in the body helps in reducing
physical strain if heat stress happens during exercise.
Even mild dehydration can make you fatigued and hinder performance in activities lasting longer than 30 minutes. Water is required to help oxygen and blood flow more freely to the body organs, making people feel more energized and improving physical performance. Also, proper hydration has been shown to reduce oxidative stress during strenuous activities.
Drinking enough water daily is vital for several reasons: to keep organs functioning properly, regulate body temperature, prevent infections, keep joints lubricated, and provide required nutrients to cells.
Staying well-hydrated also improves the quality of sleep, mood, and cognition.
Since hydrogen molecules bind to hydroxyl and oxygen radicals and leave only water within the cells as a reaction, researchers have found hydrogenated water to improve cellular hydration.
Cartilage, found in the disks of the spinal cord and joints, contains almost 80% water. Long-term dehydration can reduce the joint’s ability to absorb shock, leading to joint pain. Water works as a cushion for the joints, helps in absorbing shock, and makes bone-against-bone movements steadier. Additionally, it helps flush toxins from your body that could cause joint inflammation.
Staying well hydrated helps prevent kidney stone formation, as water dilutes minerals and salts, otherwise concentrating in the kidneys and becoming stones. Higher water intake helps kidneys
clean and remove toxins from the body and appears to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.
Further read from the:
Effects of hydrogen-rich water in a rat model of polycystic kidney disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31013316/
Since water makes up 75% of the brain, this major organ is strongly influenced by the body’s hydration status. Research has shown that even mild dehydration, research has shown that even mild dehydration, equivalent to losing 1-3% in body weight, can impair different aspects of brain function. Therefore, adequate water intake is important to avoid major reductions in memory and brain performance.
Hydrogen-rich water attenuates brain damage and inflammation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26826009/
Staying hydrated helps with weight maintenance also. Research has shown that water consumption before meals promotes weight loss by suppressing the appetite. Water speeds up the metabolism and takes up space in the stomach, thus promoting satiety.
According to some research, even mild dehydration may negatively impact mood in people, from children to the elderly. Drinking water throughout the day helps stay hydrated and ahead of stress and other mood problems.
Our blood has a significant amount of water in it. Insufficient water in our body can make the blood more concentrated, leading to an imbalance of its electrolyte minerals. These minerals help the proper functioning of muscles and the heart. Even mild dehydration lowers blood volume and makes blood vessels less springy.
Find out more at
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32699287/
Water helps break down what you consume, enabling its nutrients to get absorbed by your body. The large intestine absorbs water you drink, making the stool solid from liquid. Staying hydrated helps in maintaining normal bowel function and preventing constipation.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and is continuously exposed to toxins. Dehydration can cause the skin to become more exposed to different problems and premature aging. Drinking enough water every day helps plump up skin cells, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and increases skin’s overall elasticity.
Not All Water is Created Equal
We all know that staying hydrated offers scores of health benefits, including better cognitive function and boosted energy levels, just to name a few. But we should also know that not all water is created equal. There are certain types of water that are known for providing more nutritional benefits than others.
So, here are the two major types of water and what you should know about them.
FRESH WATER
DRINKING FROM THE SOURCE
Freshwater is naturally occurring water usually with low concentrations of dissolved salts and solids. It may include frozen and meltwater in glaciers, icebergs, and natural precipitations of atmospheric water vapor, reaching rivers, ponds, streams, inland lakes, and groundwater bodies directly or after the ice or snow melts. All these water bodies are a great source of nourishment since they contain dissolved hydrogen and microelements.
Usually, only people living near mountains have access to source water. These people are known to be exceptionally strong and healthy and tend to live longer than those in cities and towns. It is possible that hydrogen may also contribute to their longer life span and overall health. For instance, the population on the islands of Okinawa, Japan, has a life expectancy much higher than the global average. Most Okinawans are centenarians who find physical activities, active social life, and fresh water and food consumption the major contributors to their longer life span.
Find out more at
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31251888/
STALE WATER
The other type is stale water. Water becomes stale when it is left out without movement for over a period of time and absorbs carbon dioxide.
The carbon dioxide builds a small quantity of carbonic acid, which isn’t harmful but slightly alters the pH and taste of water.
Stale water can breed bacteria and was regarded “dead” by many ancient cultures.
ANCIENT AND MODERN SOURCES OF HEALING WATER
Since ancient times, healing waters from various locations have been recognized for their health benefits and potential cure of certain diseases.
They are used extensively in homeopathy and complementary medicine to treat a variety of medical conditions.
Lourdes (France), Nordenau(Germany), Hunza, Pakistan), Nadana [India], Tlacote (“Mexico”) Stephan (Poland), Maricial and the Great Salt Lake are just a few of the natural water bodies that have been renowned historically for their healing properties and health benefits.
Studies on the content of healing waters have been carried out to identify the compositions leading to their healing properties.
The health benefits of minerals in water were recognized as well as the prevention of diseases such hypertension but not all phenomena can be explained.
ANCIENT HEALING WATER SOURCES
Amrita is often called the drink of the Devas which grant them immortality.
The nectar allowed the devas to gain a higher level knowledge and power than they had before the curse of Sage Durvasa.
This is described in the Samudra manthana legend. The legend describes how the devas lose their immortality after a curse. The asuras assist the devas in churning the ocean and releasing the Amrita.
Amrita (Sanskrit, Amrit or Amata (also called Sudha, Amiy, Ami) literally means “immortality” and is often referred to in ancient Indian texts as nectar, ambrosia and carries the same meaning. Amrita is composed of the negative prefix, a from Sanskrit meaning ‘not’, and meaning ‘death’ in Sanskrit, thus meaning ‘not death’ or ‘immortal/deathless’.
Is it possible that we read an ancient method of extracting dissolved hydrogen from the ocean for its antioxidant benefits?
Ambrosia
In Greek mythology, Ambrosia was the drink or food of the Gods, which the Greek deities used to achieve longevity or immortality. The Gods consumed ambrosia regularly to ensure they remained immortal and their divine power remained. Ambrosia was also used to restore strength and to clean wounds.
The etymology here is similar. The Greek (Ambrosia) is semantically linked to the Sanskrit as both words denote a drink or food that gods use to achieve immortality. The two words appear to be derived from the same Indo-European form.
Again we witness the undoing of a harm instead of bringing life from outside.
It sounds very similar to our modern understanding of free radicals elimination.
MODERN HEALING WATER SOURCES
Lourdes Water
Since 1858, a healing water has been flowing from the spring in the Grotto of Massabielle, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, France.
It is said that St. Bernadette was led to the source of spring by the vision of the Virgin Mary and was told to drink the spring water and bathe in it. Today, the original spring is protected by a glass screen and dispenses water from taps to millions of visitors every year. Many visitors claimed to have been cured of illnesses, some of which are deemed miracles by the Catholic Church. Till 2018, about 70 miracle healings were recorded as having occurred at this place.
The water has been an interest of several studies. Two baffling studies have been published by Bollettino chimico farmaceutico in 2003 which describe a homeopathic like effect on the Ph of ordinary tap water and lowering the decay of chlorine concentration when a drop of a Lourdes samples was added to it.
HYDROGEN WATER
Hydrogen water, or hydrogen-enriched water (also called hydrogenated water), is pure water (H2O) with additional hydrogen molecules added to it. It is similar to carbonated beverages, containing dissolved carbon dioxide gas (CO2).
Hydrogen is an odorless, colorless, and non-toxic element that is found in trace amounts in the air (0.00005%) and binds to other elements to form many compounds, including water, ammonia, methane, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrochloric acid.
Like the therapeutic hydrogen gas, hydrogenated water has been studied in different populations and has anti-allergic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that help recover various health conditions.
It has been documented through extensive research that hydrogen gas has the potential to boost athletic performance, treat chronic diseases and allergies, and improve energy levels.
As hydrogen is the lightest molecule on the planet, it escapes rapidly into the air. So, hydrogenated water is best consumed when it is freshly produced. The consumed hydrogen lasts for almost an hour in the body.
Find out more at
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31251888/
Discovery
In 1520, the first discovery of hydrogen was made by a Swiss physician, Philippus Aureolus Paracelsus. He unintentionally discovered the flammable gas by burning strong acids with some metals and collecting the final products. Later, many experts replicated the process, including Robert Boyle. Still, hydrogen gas did not get an official name until 1783 when Antoine Lavoisier, the modern father of chemistry, gave it hydrogen, meaning ‘water former.’ He, along with Laplace, reproduced Henry Cavendish’s finding that water is generated from burning hydrogen.
Production
Of all the substances in the universe, hydrogen is the most abundant—it has been estimated that nearly 90% of all atoms are hydrogen. But hydrogen atoms do not exist naturally by themselves. For producing hydrogen, its atoms need to get decoupled from other elements with which they occur, like plants, water, or fossil fuels. Hydrogen water is made by dissolving hydrogen gas into the water under pressure using different methods like steam methane reforming, electrolysis, magnesium tablets, etc. The process then decomposes the water molecule intohydrogen gas and oxygen gas.
Find out more at
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32521308/
PROPERTIES OF HYDROGEN
Hydrogen is not a foreign substance for our bodies. It’s naturally produced by our gut bacteria. Research shows that adding hydrogen at higher concentrations in the body can provide outstanding results. According to numerous studies, consuming water infused with hydrogen is one of the best methods to reap potential benefits. Since discovering its unique properties, science has been moving from theory to useful applications. Some of the properties of hydrogen are as follows:
Hydrogen having only two atoms, is effectively the smallest molecule in the universe. As such it can easily penetrate the sub-cellular level of the body and pass the blood-brain barrier, while most antioxidant compounds cannot.
Hydrogen is selective and targets only bad free radicals – There are good free radicals as well, which play an important part as signalling molecules. When dissolved in a culture medium, hydrogen selectively reduces the strongest oxidants, such as peroxynitrite and hydroxyl radicals, which causes the promotion of tumor cell proliferation. But it does not disturb the cellular levels of nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and oxygen, as well as metabolic oxidation-reduction reactions in cells.
Hydrogen is lighter than air – Hydrogen is nearly 14 times lighter than air. But under high pressure it has a high energy density of 120 MJ/kg, almost three times as much as natural gas.
HISTORIC USES
The initial application of hydrogen was aeronautical.
A French inventor named Jacques Charles invented the first hydrogen-filled balloon in 1783.
The gas also provided the lift for the first reliable type of air travel following the 1852 invention of the first hydrogen-lifted aircraft by Henri Giffard.
Another use of hydrogen was made in 1937 when the first hydrogen-cooled turbo generator was introduced with gaseous hydrogen as the coolant by the Dayton Power & Light Co.
Since 1943, hydrogen has also been used in deep-sea diving to prevent decompression sickness.
Hydrogen was also used as the diluent for oxygen in hyperbaric chambers to help divers recover from decompression sickness.
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE
While hydrogen water is presently enjoying pride of place in the now trending sector, it is nothing new. Hydrogen-enriched water has been a thing in Japan since the 1960s and was known as Shin’nooru solution. For several decades, the Japanese used hydrogen water for drinking and bathing. However, it did not attract scientists worldwide until 2007, when Ohsawa Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology’s, Nippon Medical School, Japan reported the antioxidant effect of hydrogen gas in the rodent model of ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Since the discovery by Ohsawa Laboratory, there has been a renewed interest in the benefits of hydrogen gas, and research into this up-and-coming medicine department is progressing rapidly. Additionally, hydrogen water enjoyed great popularity among researchers after the prestigious journal on the benefits of H2 was published by Dr. Shigeo Ohta and his team. To date, thousands of studies worldwide, including the USA, Japan, China, Korea, Mexico, Germany, and Serbia, have been published on the clinical applications of hydrogen gas and its healing effects.
Several scientific studies on humans and animals have confirmed that hydrogen has numerous advantages as a potential antioxidant. Research in recent times shows that molecular hydrogen has selective antioxidant properties and offers an array of skin-perfecting and anti-inflammatory benefits. Today, over 30% of Japanese and 20% of South Koreans regularly use hydrogen water, according to the research done by Molecular Hydrogen Institute.
SAFETY
Hydrogenated water is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration, indicating that it is approved for human consumption and not known to cause any harm.
https://www.cfsanappsexternal.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/index.cfm?set=GRASNotices&id=520
In many clinical trials, intake of molecular hydrogen was generally not linked to any adverse effects, and subjects taking hydrogenated water throughout adulthood also did not show any side effects.
Additionally, hydrogen gas is very natural to our bodies since our gut bacteria can create litters of hydrogen daily after eating fiber-rich food.
An example of its safety is that hydrogen has been used in deep-sea diving since 1943 to prevent decompression sickness.
Research has shown no harmful effects from hydrogen gas when used at very high levels and pressures of 98.87% H2 and 1.26% O2 at 19.1 atm.
WAYS TO DELIVER HYDROGEN TO THE BODY
Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant and protects cells from oxidative stress-related damage. While everyone wants to reap the benefits of hydrogen to the fullest, they have different preferences and needs.
At present, multiple delivery methods are used in the market for hydrogen administration, all of which possibly have varied effects depending on the delivery mechanism.
Find out more at
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11108833/
MAGNESIUM TABLETS
Supplements containing a mixture of magnesium and different acids are readily available on the market. These tablets boast a magnesium formula that reacts with water to produce hydrogen.
It is a simple method to get the benefits of molecular hydrogen in the system.
However, consumption of such tablets can interact with medication, and may lead to an overdose of magnesium, which can cause mood changes, muscle weakness, severe diarrhea, etc.
ELECTROLYSIS
Among various hydrogen production methods available, eco-friendly and high purity of hydrogen can be obtained through water electrolysis. The electrolysis of water is a process of utilizing electricity for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. Different types of electrolysis are performed; however, in terms of environmental impact, proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis is considered the most promising technique for pure hydrogen production from renewable energy sources.
This process emits only oxygen as a byproduct without any carbon emissions. PEM water electrolysis has the benefits of high efficiency, safety, and cleanliness. Also, it has greater flexibility and reactivity in the device operation, so the power consumption is relatively decreased.
Recently, on-demand hydrogen gas generators, which generate high-purity H2 by water electrolysis, have been introduced in clinics, hospitals, beauty salons, and fitness clubs due to their ease of use.
PEM water electrolysis results in almost zero greenhouse gas and criteria pollutant emissions, which is quite impressive.
But the product cost is still a concern and needs to be decreased significantly to be competitive with mature carbon-based pathways.
READY-TO-DRINK H2 WATER
Nowadays, hydrogen-infused water can be purchased in store and online with varying levels of dosage.
Hydrogen-rich water is commonly available in bottles, cans, and pouches, suiting different preferences and requirements of consumers.
H2 CANS
Many companies develop aluminum and stainless-steel cans to deliver hydrogen water to consumers. Aluminum cans are usually used as they keep the hydrogen from escaping and have significant value for recycling. But cans also have shortcomings.
Even if a can is filled at or above saturation, the hydrogen will begin to dissipate into the headspace and decrease the level initially dissolved. If the cans are not filled to the brim, the gas will get into the air on opening.
What’s more, cans are quite expensive and the dosage is far lower than tablets or from on-demand hydrogen water bottles.
POUCHES
Hydrogen water is also available in aesthetically appealing and convenient pouches to the public. Most companies use super-sealed aluminum pouches to store hydrogen water so that H2 stays put. Pouches come in smart packaging to respect the planet, minimizing the carbon footprint while maximizing the health benefits of hydrogenated water.
These pouches claim high levels of hydrogen, but they fall far below in actual content. They use plastic caps, which kill the use of aluminum entirely. Also, these pouches are costly and usually come in sizes of 200-250 ml, which means one would need to consume 4-5 pouches at once to get sufficient levels of dissolved hydrogen.
PORTABLE GENERATORS
Hydrogen water generators/bottles are portable on-demand hydrogen generators which have the best value for your money compared to tablets or pouches.
Some of these generators use SPE/PEM technology to produce hydrogen-rich water efficiently. Latest generations also feature a dual-chamber to remove oxygen, ozone, and chlorine.
Most Hydrogen water bottles are easy to clean and use.
These bottles are travel-friendly, can work with a glass jar or with a regular water bottle and come with many accessories such as a charger, inhalation adapters, protective neoprene carriers, and facial sheet masks for topical application.
HYDROGEN INHALERS
Inhalation of hydrogen gas is a non-invasive delivery method and can be adapted for use through masks covering the nose and mouth, nebulizers, or nasal cannulas.
The gas can be inhaled at low concentrations (1-3%) for antioxidant health benefits.
Due to its distribution characteristics, it can penetrate vessel walls and get into the mitochondria. Portable molecular hydrogen generating machines, or inhaler, are now available for consumers everywhere. The inhaler ensures 99.99% pure and stable hydrogen outflow with no additives.
The hydrogen taken through an inhaler is scientifically proven to be effective and safe for human intake. Inhalation of hydrogen gas can increase the concentration of H2 in venous and arterial blood.
The hydrogen inhaler delivers very high flow of H2 and can be used at home or in the car and typically requires a small amount of deionized/distilled water for operating.
An inhaler can be used to hydrogenate hot or thick liquids which are not suitable for a hydrogen water generator such as coffee, tea, milk or smoothies. It can be also used to hydrogenate aquarium water to provide antioxidant benefits to fish.
The downside of hydrogen inhalers are that they are expensive and bulky.
Find out more at
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33380588/
USES OF HYDROGENATED WATER
Hydrogen water is used for numerous direct and indirect purposes today, thanks to its remarkable properties. The uses can be either internal or external, depending on the amount of H2 required in the body and what kind of benefit one needs. Internal use means anything taken inside the body, such as drinks, supplements, etc., while external use indicates topical use. Below are some of the common uses of hydrogen-rich water, divided into two types.
Medication and Therapy
Hydrogen has been proven to have significant therapeutic effects in several disease models. Nowadays, many supplements contain hydrogen water, as many studies have reported that oral intake of hydrogen-rich water could improve dyslipidemia and provide endurance effects before acute physical exercise. In some cases, hydrogen water is given orally or through intravenous injections with a hydrogen-containing saline solution, while it is incorporated into bathing treatments for psoriasis patients.
Hydrogen-rich water has also been proven to be effective for eye health. According to a clinical study published by the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, molecular hydrogen, when dissolved in water, was an effective treatment for the damaged retina. Many optometrists find H2 non-toxic to our bodies, so eye drops with hydrogen water are now being produced to provide antioxidative and neuroprotective treatment for acute retinal I/R injury.
Internal Uses
Here are some of the common internal uses of hydrogenated water:
Hydrogen-infused Beverages
Hydrogen-infused beverages are normal beverages that are infused with hydrogen gas or molecular hydrogen. These drinks are also popular, with termslike hydrogen-rich, hydrogen-infused or hydrogen-enriched beverages. All these drinks are made to offer benefits like reduced fatigue, provision of antioxidants, better endurance, and less lactic acid buildup. Since molecular hydrogen gets absorbed by your body and flows freely into cells, it is advised to make hydrogen water a part of the daily routine.
Hydrogen-infused beverages are produced for people who care about what they consume and want high performance and function from their drinks. At present, these beverages are sought after by high-performance athletes before and after high-performance activities. People also imbibe them to fight free radicals caused by oxidative stress from the environment. In addition, hydrogenated drinks can help prevent premature aging and encourage healthier skin, hair, and body.
When it comes to smell or taste, these drinks taste as pure as their ingredients asihydrogen gas has no smell or taste. The molecules of dissolved hydrogen gas are present in the form of nano-bubbles that are so tiny to be seen through the naked human eye or felt as it is consumed.
External Uses
Some of the most common external uses of hydrogen-enriched water are as follows:
Skincare Products
The benefits of hydrogenated water are numerous. It benefits the skin, improves various skin conditions, and enhances human beauty in general. Hydrogen-rich water is a powerful antioxidant, which kills harmful free radicals and removes them from the body. It aids in slowing visual signs of aging and reducing damage to body cells and DNA caused by pollution.
Considering its promising results, scores of cosmetic and beauty brands now use hydrogen water to manufacture their products like toners, body gels, face masks, and moisturizers. All these products offer remarkable soothing effects that help the skin relieve irritation and protect against oxidation.
These products are made using hydrogenated water to help protect skin from oxidative damage and enhance skin elasticity. Companies also sell dry masks dipped in hydrogen-rich water, which forms external layers to prevent moisture loss and keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
BEAUTY TREATMENTS
A recent experiment conducted on six subjects showed a significant improvement in their neck wrinkles after using hydrogen-enriched water daily for three months. Another research exposed victims of UV-damaged human fibroblasts to hydrogen water and witnessed that affected areas of their skin produced more collagen after being treated with hydrogen water.
Specifically, the collagen production rate of the damaged skin surface increased by 200% upon treatment with hydrogen water.
Considering the findings of studies that revealed that H2 effectively treats damaged skin surfaces and other skin problems, several clinics and spas now use high antioxidant hydrogen water in facials and other skin treatments for people of all ages.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF DRINKING H2 WATER
Various types of water are available on the market for consumption. Sparkling, flavored, boosted, vitamin-infused, and more. So, what is it about this kind of water that makes it different from others?
Following are the significant benefits of hydrogenated water:
Boosts Energy
Our body takes energy from food. Energy is required to fuel the internal functions of our body and repair, build, and maintain the cells and body tissues. When we do not have enough energy, our body suffers from multiple problems, including headaches, exhaustion, confusion, etc.
Researchers have observed an improvement in the energy levels of hydrogen water consumers with regulated bodily ability and function. In addition, hydrogenated water can help the body system function more smoothly and efficiently.
Find out more at
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25649854/
MUSCLE RECOVERY
The source of energy for all body activities is Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). When we take in oxygen or eat food, ATP is created in the mitochondria, and all our cells and activities are powered. But free radicals are also produced whenever we take in oxygen, and they, especially oxygen radicals, damage our mitochondria. When the impacted mitochondria become unable to make the necessary ATP needed, the body moves to metabolize stored glycogen used for energy.
Research has shown that hydrogen-infused water boosts mitochondrial function, increases ATP production, and induces mitochondrial biogenesis. Called the master regulator, hydrogenated water has rejuvenating effects, including boosting energy, metabolic health, and exercise capacity. Used by athletes, runners, bikers, and fitness enthusiasts alike, hydrogen-rich water enhances athletic performance by lessening muscle weakness and soreness due to lactate buildup. With the increased glycogen storage, this water helps in decreasing fatigue and muscle damage.
A study in eight male cyclists showed that those who had two liters of hydrogenated water daily had a higher power output during exercises than those who consumed normal water. Another study in ten male soccer players demonstrated that athletes who consumed 1500 ml of hydrogenated water had decreased blood lactate levels and lower muscle fatigue after exercise than the placebo group. It is clear from the research that molecular hydrogen maximizes the benefits of your workout while recovering faster.
REDUCES INFLAMMATION
Our body’s immune system has its way of dealing with infections and injuries, which is inflammation.
It is a physiological response that acts as an alert system for the body. But though it helps our body, prolonged inflammation can cause severe problems like heart
disease and many autoimmune disorders. Therefore, reducing inflammation is essential. Findings from many recent studies suggest that hydrogen-rich water can work well against inflammation since it neutralizes free radicals linked to causing inflammation in the body.
Hydrogen molecules can be an anti-inflammatory treatment for rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune disorder that can cause joint pain and stiffness. Researchers have found that molecular hydrogen therapy helps alleviate inflammation and prevents issues associated with it. The connection between molecular hydrogen and rheumatoid arthritis shows that the auto-antigen responsible for inflammation can be avoided with this molecule.
According to one study, molecular hydrogen has therapeutic and diagnostic potential to treat people suffering from asthma and lung inflammation. In another study, the researchers determined how molecular hydrogen helps with fatty liver issues. During the experiment, they observed that it reduces the pro-inflammatory mediators. Another research experiment performed on mice showed that molecular hydrogen helped the mice to get relief from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
PROMOTES BETTER SLEEP
According to the American Sleep Association, nearly 35.3% of adults in the United States suffer from sleep deprivation. One of the common causes of this condition is neurasthenia, which happens due to many free radicals. This condition can pose a serious health threat since lack of sleep can cause complications like heart stroke. Sleep deprivation also leads to obesity, depression, and a weaker immune system.
Many people try to fix this problem by taking sleeping pills every night. But these pills can be addictive and can cause short- and long-term adverse effects, including headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, or problems with memory or focus. Some natural ways of resolving sleep problems are eating healthy food, performing physical exercises, and drinking enough water daily, such as hydrogen water.
Daily consumption of hydrogen water can promote better sleep, as the molecular hydrogen has an antioxidant effect, effectively removing free radicals from the body. Also, it can supplement the hydrogen needed for the body’s functioning and regulate secretion disorders, which improves sleep naturally as a result.
IMPROVES DIGESTION
Our digestive system breaks down whatever we consume. Whether it is proteins, fats, or carbohydrates, the digestive system enables the body to absorb the vital nutrients and energy required for functioning, along with helping our body with cell repair. But not everyone has good digestion.
Many people suffer from digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhea, gallstones, constipation, etc.
Maintaining a relatively healthy lifestyle is important to ensure our digestive system stays healthy. Hydrogen water is also known for boosting the health of the digestive tracts. It contains additional hydrogen gas, more than regular water, which promotes easy digestibility.
Also, it is capable of counteracting toxins found in the gastrointestinal tract while improving the body’s infection-fighting capabilities. Research has shown that hydrogen water promotes weight loss and assists with weight management in people with metabolic syndrome.
REDUCES DEPRESSION
Depression is a common illness that negatively affects how people feel and causes changes to their body. Increasing research suggests that oxidative stress and neuroinflammation may be the two main contributors to depression or major depressive disorder (MDD). Oxidative stress comes from different sources like pollution, strenuous physical activities, sun exposure, etc.
Everyone has oxidative stress and relies on antioxidants to fight it.
The problem arises when oxidative stress overpowers antioxidants produced by our body maintenance system and leads to the development of numerous conditions, such as cardiovascular conditions, cancer, infertility, and so on. Also, the inability to successfully adapt to stress develops pathological differences, leading to depression.
So, to maintain good health, it is important to ensure that we have sufficient antioxidants in our system. For this purpose, hydrogen water works best. Molecular hydrogen has antioxidative and neuroprotective effects. It not only controls depression but also helps prevent many other conditions. A study has shown that hydrogen-rich water significantly controlled the depressive-like behavior exhibited by the stress group of mice and may also prevent the development of stress-induced and depressive-like behaviors.
Controls Diabetes
Diabetes—a chronic health condition—occurs when the pancreas (a gland behind the stomach) fails to produce enough hormone insulin, or the body cannot use insulin properly. This condition can damage blood cells, putting a person at risk of heart stroke, poor blood circulation, and problems with nerves, feet, gums, and kidneys. Molecular hydrogen has proven to be a fantastic anti-inflammatory source that blocks free radicals from damaging the major body organs, somewhat preventing diseases like type 2 diabetes.
Recently, an experiment was conducted on rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to investigate the potential effects of molecular hydrogen. Blood samples were taken to measure the biochemical indicators. The kidneys and pancreas tissues were also harvested. The results demonstrated that molecular hydrogen treatment reduced the fasting blood glucose levels, improved insulin sensitivity, and resulted in more hepatic glycogen synthesis in rats with T2DM.
It also controlled the pathological changes shown by the kidney and pancreatic islets during T2DM.. Research has shown that the consumption of molecular hydrogen helps in better glycemic control without causing hypoglycemia.
IMPROVES NERVE FUNCTION
One of the important neural pathways that stress activates is the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The human body, when occupied with stressors, can go into overdrive. With no equal activity in the parasympathetic nervous system for balancing it out, the immune system gets stormed with cytokines, causing inflammation.
And this inflammation has connections with anxiety and other stress-related neurological disorders.
While there is no extensive research on this, recent studies show that nerve function significantly benefits from regular hydrogen intake.
Hydrogen improves central nervous system (CNS) functioning because of its direct connection with the decrease in chronic oxidative stress. It has neuro-protective properties and has been shown to control brain damage in Parkinson’s patients.
Find out more at
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29497485/
REGULATES ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to a foreign substance, such as dust mites, pollens, pets, insects, medicines, and some foods like egg whites, peanuts, etc. An allergic reaction happens when someone comes into contact with that particular allergen. When the allergen enters the body, the antibody response gets triggered, and the B lymphocytes in the blood produce IgE antibodies. These antibodies attach to special white blood cells called mast cells through Fcε receptors on the surface.
The allergen reacts with IgE antibodies upon entering the body again, and mast cells release substances. These released substances cause a dilatation of blood vessels, which shows symptoms from simple itching to inflammation with redness and rash. Hydrogen comes with anti-allergic properties, along with others. It can reduce the phosphorylation of the Fcε receptors on the mast cells, which subsequently controls the formation of inflammatory substances.
Consumption of hydrogen water effectively fights against many allergic diseases like hay fever, bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and conjunctivitis. A study done on mice in Japan found that the consumption of hydrogen-enriched water for a month abolished an immediate-type allergic reaction. The histamine level found in their blood was lower than in the mice that did not drink it.
IMPROVES SKIN
Research has found free radicals to be one of the causes of premature skin aging, making collagen cells bond in an inappropriate manner (also called collagen cross-linking) and break down gradually during an extended period.
Since collagen in the dermis breaks down, the dermis gets thinner and wrinkles start to form.
Therefore, the ideal way to protect your skin is to take antioxidants to remove free radicals.
Molecular hydrogen helps to rejuvenate your internal organs and protects your skin from free radicals that cause premature aging and wrinkles.
Hydrogen has been scientifically proven to be a powerful antioxidant that penetrates the cells and acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by killing cytotoxic oxygen radicals.
Furthermore, it soothes and calms sensitive skin, controls buildup in pores, and removes toxins in the body to handle acne problems.
HYDROGENATED WATER FOR ANIMALS
Like in human beings, water is essential for animals also and is needed for their overall well-being and health. Cats, birds, dogs, fish, and all other creatures need water to live healthily and function properly. The body uses water in cells, tissues, and organs to help regulate temperature and other important bodily functions.
All in all, each important body function needs water, and without adequate water supply, animals can also become ill and dehydrated. Their organs eventually get damaged with sustained water deficiency, and if the deficiency lasts long enough, organs like the liver, kidney, heart, etc., will stop functioning. Therefore, giving the right type of water to animals actually matters and is essential in helping them live longer and healthier.
Hydrogen water is a potent antioxidant and has proven to be exceptionally advantageous to animal health. Since most research experiments are conducted on animals, which also shows promising results, many people have started shifting their animals from regular to hydrogen-rich water. Some of the significant benefits of using hydrogen-rich water observed in animals so far are as follows:
•71 Helps with odor control (almost 80% decrease in fecal odor)
•72 Helps with removing toxic oxygen from the body
•73 Helps in building strong bones and muscles
•74 Helps relieve skin allergy and inflammation
•75 Helps with digestion and waste removal
•76 Helps with improving the immune system
CONCLUSION
Optimal hydration is crucial not only to ensure we stay alert and energized but also to keep everything working in our bodies.
Many of us have to imbibe between 8 to 10 cups of water (a golden rule) a day and sometimes even more when we factor in heat, humidity shifts, medications, and sweat, disregarding whether or not you perform physical exercises.
So, if hydrogen-rich water helps you meet your hydration goals, now is the time to begin.
To sum up, hydrogen has antioxidant activity, can prevent inflammation, and may thus contribute to improving quality of life. Different delivery mechanisms available enable the use of hydrogen in numerous ways, ranging from daily dietary supplementation to medical care.
Additionally, progressive innovations, including portable hydrogen generators, inhalation machines, and beauty products provide a convenient and portable way for hydrogen delivery that can be easily used for different purposes.
Therefore, drinking hydrogen-rich water every day is a great way to better health and great quality of life.
