Hydrogen Water. Hype or Health?
Have you heard of the Hydrogen Water?
Hydrogen isn’t just for fueling rockets—it’s a promising antioxidant that’s making waves in Functional Medicine. Molecular hydrogen therapy (H2) is gaining traction for its potential to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and chronic disease.
Molecular hydrogen acts as a selective antioxidant, meaning it targets harmful free radicals without interfering with beneficial reactive oxygen species that are necessary for cellular signaling.
THESE FREE RADICALS ARE IMPLICATED IN ALMOST EVERY HUMAN DISEASE!
Early research suggests that inhalation of hydrogen gas or drinking hydrogen-rich water can reduce markers of inflammation and oxidative damage in diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases.
Cool right? Lets dig in!
The mechanism of action:
Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is a selective antioxidant, meaning it targets harmful free radicals—especially the hydroxyl radical (OH), one of the most damaging and reactive free radicals in the body—without disrupting normal cellular processes.
Most antioxidants neutralize all free radicals, but H₂ focuses specifically on the harmful ones, leaving beneficial reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are vital for cellular signaling intact. This makes hydrogen a unique tool in fighting oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. It’s a key factor in the development of many chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and even cancer. Molecular hydrogen works to reduce oxidative stress, helping to protect cells from damage and promote healthy aging.
Chronic inflammation is at the root of many health conditions. Research suggests that hydrogen can modulate inflammatory pathways, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting a balanced immune response. This is why hydrogen therapy is being explored for a wide range of inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The science:
Anti-Aging & Cellular Health
Study: "Molecular hydrogen as a novel antioxidant: Overview of the advantages of hydrogen for medical applications" (2010, Nature Medicine).
Summary: This review paper highlights the role of hydrogen as a selective antioxidant, capable of neutralizing harmful free radicals like hydroxyl radicals (OH•) and peroxynitrite (ONOO−), which contribute to cellular aging and oxidative stress. The authors argue that molecular hydrogen can protect mitochondria from oxidative damage, a major factor in aging and many age-related diseases.
Key Finding: Hydrogen-rich water improved mitochondrial function and reduced oxidative stress in cells, which could delay or mitigate aging-related cellular dysfunction.
Study: "Hydrogen-rich water reduces oxidative stress and improves aging-related skin conditions in humans" (2017, Scientific Reports).
Summary: This clinical study involved elderly patients drinking hydrogen-rich water for 4 weeks. It found a significant reduction in oxidative stress markers in the participants' skin, leading to improvements in skin aging indicators such as wrinkles and elasticity.
Key Finding: Hydrogen-rich water helped reduce oxidative damage in the skin, indicating potential benefits for anti-aging interventions beyond internal cellular health.
Neuroprotective Effects: "Hydrogen-rich water reduces oxidative stress and improves cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease" (2011, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease).
Summary: This study tested hydrogen-rich water on mice with Alzheimer's disease. The results showed that the mice had significantly reduced levels of oxidative stress in the brain and improved cognitive function after consuming hydrogen-rich water.
Key Finding: Hydrogen reduced brain oxidative stress and improved memory, suggesting potential for treating or slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Athletic Recovery: Study: "The effect of hydrogen-rich water on muscle fatigue in elite athletes: A randomized controlled trial" (2017, International Journal of Sports Medicine).
Summary: In this randomized controlled trial, elite athletes were given hydrogen-rich water and compared with a placebo group. The study found that the hydrogen group experienced reduced muscle fatigue and enhanced recovery after strenuous exercise.
Key Finding: Hydrogen-rich water improved post-exercise muscle function and accelerated recovery time, making it a useful tool for athletes.
Study: "Effects of hydrogen-rich water on muscle fatigue and inflammation in mice" (2012, Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition).
Summary: This study investigated how hydrogen-rich water impacted muscle fatigue and inflammation in a mouse model. It found that hydrogen reduced markers of muscle damage and inflammation following intense physical activity.
Key Finding: Hydrogen reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, which contributed to faster muscle recovery.
I could go on and on, but the science is solid, and the literature shows a clear benefit!
So who should consume H2 Water?
Any condition requiring recovery or a decrease in inflammation would benefit from H2 Water! But especially the following:
Renal Disease
Metabolic Inflammation
Brain and Neuro disorders
Post Viral Syndrome
Read about the many great benefits……
Anti-Aging: Hydrogen helps reduce oxidative stress, improve mitochondrial function, and potentially slow the aging process.
Neuroprotection: Hydrogen-rich water shows promise in reducing oxidative stress and improving cognitive function in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Athletic Recovery: Hydrogen can reduce muscle fatigue, speed up recovery, and reduce inflammation in athletes.
Metabolic Health: Hydrogen supports insulin sensitivity and could be a tool in managing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Radiation Protection: Hydrogen has protective effects against radiation-induced damage, useful for cancer treatment patients and others exposed to radiation.
Is Hydrogen Water Safe?
Yes ! Hydrogen water is generally safe to consume, as it’s simply water with additional hydrogen molecules.
However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
iBiome patients, reach out if you have questions!
Studies have shown only 8 days of consumption can improve mild symptoms! Below are a few options of how to purchase H2 Water….
Pre-Bottled Hydrogen Water: Elevate (available here on Amazon) is a pretty popular brand!
I tried it and it was strangely refreshing!
You do smell the hydrogen with this particular brand, but it works wonders on small aches and pains!
Purchase your hydrogen ion water bottle here (click link) on Amazon.
Hydrogen-rich water can be consumed daily by patients to help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
What a fun Mothers day, Teachers week or Nurses week gift!!
Is Hydrogen Water the same as Reverse Osmosis Water?
No, a home hydrogen water system is not the same as a reverse osmosis (RO) system.
RO systems filter water to remove impurities, hydrogen water systems add hydrogen gas to water, often after it has been filtered, to create hydrogen-rich water.
RO systems can be part of a hydrogen water system, serving as a pre-filtration step before the hydrogen infusion. We prefer AQUATRU!
AquaTru can be used to produce hydrogen water!
(Take advantage of the iBiome discount of $100 off and I think there is a Mothers Day sale going on!)
While AquaTru is primarily known as a reverse osmosis water purifier, it can be combined with products like H2 BOOST to generate molecular hydrogen in the water.
These tablets react with AquaTru water to create hydrogenated water.
My go to Hydrogen Tablets are H2 Boost: These dissolve in water and release hydrogen molecules, providing an affordable and convenient way to experience the benefits of hydrogen water. (H2 Boost is available on Fullscript!)
Create your free Fullscript account here HAVE FUN SHOPPING!
Your favorite Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner,
Rita Wadhwani, MSN, RN, ACNP, CNS
iBiome Health & Wellness
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Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as medical advice or substitution of health care, or medical advice. Please consult with your individual provider, or schedule an appointment with us before starting any health recommendations.
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