Unlocking The Science Behind Hydrogen Water
You've likely encountered some buzz around molecular hydrogen or hydrogen water, especially with the rising popularity of sleek, high-tech water bottles that bubble at the push of a button. These gadgets look impressive, but what exactly is the real science behind hydrogen water?
In this blog, we’ll explore the science of molecular hydrogen, how it can be consumed, its potential benefits and risks, and whether you should consider incorporating it into your daily wellness routine.
What is Molecular Hydrogen?
Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is simply two hydrogen atoms bound together. Hydrogen is the most abundant element on the planet, and molecular hydrogen is the smallest and lightest molecule known to man.
Disclaimer: It's crucial to distinguish between molecular hydrogen and hydrogen water. While discussing the information in this blogpost, it’s important to understand that the presented narrative of benefits and mechanisms focuses on molecular hydrogen (H₂) itself, not necessarily hydrogen water.
Antioxidant Benefits
Antioxidants are crucial for neutralizing free radicals, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that can damage cells. These free radicals are normal byproducts of metabolism, but when present in excess can lead to oxidative stress, which our bodies normally counteracts with the help of antioxidants.
Molecular hydrogen can enhance the activity of important antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase, and catalase. By increasing these enzymes, H₂ helps neutralize harmful reactive oxygen species, potentially reducing oxidative stress and associated damage to cells and surrounding tissues.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Inflammation is a natural immune response to injury or infection, characterized by redness and swelling. While acute inflammation is normal and beneficial to an individual, it is chronic inflammation that can lead to various diseases.
In inflammation, molecular hydrogen plays two roles: reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (signaling molecules that promote inflammation) and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines. This balancing act can mitigate chronic inflammation, with research showing significant benefits particularly for lung tissue.
Anti-Cancer and Autophagy Benefits
Autophagy is the body's process of cleaning out damaged cells, which is crucial for preventing diseases like cancer. This process involves cells like macrophages and natural killer cells that scavenge and eliminate damaged or harmful cells.
This process of autophagy is enhanced by molecular hydrogen, helping to remove malformed cells that could lead to tumors. Interestingly, H₂ balances autophagy, increasing it where beneficial and decreasing it where harmful, in order to support overall cellular health.
Athletic Performance Benefits
Athletic performance can be limited by the buildup of lactic acid in muscles, which causes pain and fatigue. Traditionally, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) has been used to buffer this acidity, but it’s not always practical or palatable as it may also lead to other health issues when not monitored properly.
Instead, molecular hydrogen can be used to increase bicarbonate ions in the blood, buffering muscle acidity and potentially enhancing endurance and performance. This makes it a valuable tool for athletes looking to improve their stamina.
Methods of Intake
Inhalation of Molecular Hydrogen:
Inhaled molecular hydrogen at a 2% concentration is the traditional method and is used in medical settings for acute benefits, such as preventing cellular damage during cardiac events or strokes. This method delivers hydrogen more effectively than water consumption.
Hydrogen-Rich Water
Hydrogen-rich water is produced by adding magnesium to water or using electrolysis in specialized bottles. While not as concentrated as inhaled hydrogen, drinking hydrogen-rich water is more of seeking long-term benefits for chronic conditions rather than an immediate response like in the case of inhaled molecular hydrogen.
Dr. Connor Wolfe’s Thoughts on Hydrogen Water
1. How did you get introduced to Hydrogen Water?
I heard about it a couple of years ago when the company that we use for air purification, Vollara, released a hydrogen water bottle. I just recently started doing research and got my own because of the number of questions I got from patients about it!
2. What motivated you to try it?
I have been hearing about it for a long time and I got asked a lot of questions about it from patients. When I started researching it, I realized that there is a ton of really good research backing its use for reducing inflammation, oxidations, risk of cancer, and many more things. I don't like to make recommendations on products unless I have tried them myself, so I could test it out!
3. How long have you been using hydrogen water?
I have been using it for about a month.
4. How frequently and in what quantity do you consume it?
I drink it all day, no specific quantity but when I am drinking water now, it is out of my hydrogen bottle.
5. Have you noticed any changes in your overall health or well-being?
I have felt an increased sense of energy, and my sleep has been really good!
6. Any specific improvements you would like to share?
Nothing specific.
7. Have you experienced any side effects?
Nope!
8. Did hydrogen water meet your initial expectations?
Yes! It wasn't a magic fix for anything but when I think back on the last month, I do feel like I have more energy and motivation than a month ago and according to my watch I am sleeping much better too!
9. How does it compare to the other supplements you have tried?
I treat this as a lifestyle modification to take my health to the next level more than a supplement. As with any supplement or new gadget out there, it is never going to make up for poor lifestyle choices, so making sure that you have a healthy routine in addition to anything else you add in is very important.
10. Based on your medical knowledge and personal experience, what do you believe are the potential benefits of hydrogen water?
Molecular hydrogen has been extensively studied in both human and animal models and demonstrated efficacy in a variety of diseases. Most of the benefits come from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities as well as its effects on autophagy and programmed cell death. There is also research looking into its effect on athletic performance.
A vast majority of the research has been done using inhaled molecular hydrogen gas, however, there is research coming out now on hydrogen rich water as well. The mechanisms of action for hydrogen rich water are not fully understood, however, research does seem to show promise in a number of areas.
11. Are there specific conditions or situations where you would recommend it?
I would recommend hydrogen water to anyone as an adjunct to support other lifestyle choices that they are making. If you are dealing with an inflammatory condition, autoimmune condition, or suffer from a disease where oxidation plays a major role (such as cardiovascular disease) I would highly suggest adding this amazing tool in!
12. Are there cases where you would advise against its use?
I have not seen anything that makes me think there are populations of people who can't use it. There are some people who have suggested that drinking too much hydrogen rich water can increase bicarbonate concentrations in your blood, however, this has not been shown to create harm.
13. Any tips for those interested?
Hydrogen water bottles can be pricey so reach out to The Wellness Way Sarasota so that we can help guide you through the clutter online and make sure you are getting the best product at the best price! If you are on a budget, you can buy elemental magnesium online and add 30 mg to 500 mL of water to create near saturated hydrogen water.
14. How to choose a high-quality brand and what you recommend?
We recommend the H2Fuel bottle from Vollara and can offer an in-office discount to anyone who would like to purchase one!
15. Why is it important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement
Lots of supplements will encourage certain physiological pathways and can affect the body in a variety of ways. No two people have the exact same physiological adaptations happening, which means that what may work for one person, is not necessarily the answer for the next person.
At The Wellness Way, we run in depth lab testing to ensure that the supplements we are recommending our supporting your body and going to help you reach your health goals. Hydrogen water does not have many if any documented side effects and is generally considered to be safe, however, if you are worried about starting it, reach out to your Wellness Way doctor to get more information!
In conclusion, molecular hydrogen presents a promising avenue in health and wellness. From its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits to its possible positive effects on athletic performance, H₂ is showing itself to be a versatile and powerful tool to add to our daily routine. However, it is crucial to approach these claims with a balanced perspective, recognizing that while early research is promising, further extensive human studies are needed to fully validate and understand these benefits.
For those interested in exploring hydrogen water, starting with reliable products and seeking guidance from knowledgeable healthcare professionals is essential. If you want to get your hands on your own hydrogen water bottle, you can contact The Wellness Way Sarasota at sarasota@thewellnessway.com or 941-702-0553 for an in-office discount.
Remember, incorporating hydrogen water into your routine might offer added benefits, but it should complement, not replace, a healthy lifestyle.
Watch Dr. Connor Wolfe’s “The Science Behind Molecular Hydrogen: Benefits, Risks, and How to use Hydrogen Water” for a deep dive on Molecular Hydrogen and his experience with Hydrogen Water.