Hydrogen water is simply regular water infused with molecular hydrogen. However, there are numerous health benefits of drinking hydrogen water.
Known for its antioxidant properties and ability to reduce inflammation, hydrogen water has become a trend embraced by celebrities including Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Zac Efron. Despite its popularity in pop culture, hydrogen water has a rich and enduring history as well.
But what exactly is hydrogen water? And what are the health benefits of hydrogen water? Keep reading to learn how drinking hydrogen water may benefit your health.
What Is Hydrogen Water?
Hydrogen water is simply water that has been enriched with hydrogen gas, a gas that is colorless, odorless, and non-toxic. H2 water is created by passing hydrogen gas bubbles through water.
But why add hydrogen to water?
Molecular hydrogen may offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s been known to slow oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and offer support for holistic healing.
This trend isn’t new. Drinking hydrogen water to improve health has occurred for more than 60 years, originating in Japan in the 1960s.
The Japanese have fully embraced this lifestyle choice, incorporating hydrogen water into their daily routines through consumption and bathing. Remarkably, hydrogen water accounts for 10% of Japan’s bottled water market.
Alternatives to Drinking Hydrogen Water
In addition to its drinkable form, which is the most widely utilized method in preclinical and clinical research, hydrogen water can be administered through alternative methods:
- Molecular hydrogen inhalation
- Topical application (hydrogen baths)
- Intravenous drip infusion
Drinking Hydrogen Water: Key Health Benefits
Hydrogen water, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can offer a multitude of benefits. Major hydrogen water health benefits include:
1. Energy Increase
Drinking hydrogen-rich water has been shown to boost energy levels by improving the function of mitochondria. Mitochondria are responsible for energy production in the body. The presence of hydrogen can reduce oxidative stress in mitochondria, enhancing their capacity to produce energy.
2. Reduction in Inflammation
Hydrogen water is a powerful anti-inflammatory. One scientific review explored molecular hydrogen’s therapeutic and diagnostic potential for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory disease.
This review explored the H2’s role in removing hydroxyl radicals. As an antioxidant, molecular hydrogen selectively neutralizes free radicals, which are caused by RA. Therefore, the researcher concluded H2 may help to alleviate the symptoms of RA.
3. Boost in Athletic Performance
Hydrogen water may enhance the performance of athletes and gymgoers. This is due in part to its ability to reduce inflammation caused by muscle soreness. Additionally, drinking hydrogen water may increase ATP (adenosine triphosphate) synthesis, helping to increase energy levels for recovery processes.
A study examined the effects of consuming hydrogen-rich water before exercise on 10 male soccer players. The findings showed a reduction in muscle fatigue and improved muscle function.
4. Skin Health Improvement
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, hydrogen water may benefit skin health. For example, research has shown it reduces inflammation resulting from conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
One study found that hydrogen water has the ability to alleviate the severity of atopic dermatitis. The study showed it does this by reducing interleukin levels and mast cell infiltration in NC/Nga mice.
Health Benefits of Drinking Hydrogen Water
Hydrogen Water vs Hydrogen Inhalation
Hydrogen inhalation therapy is very popular in clinical settings. However, it differs in a number of ways compared to drinking hydrogen water.
With hydrogen water, molecular hydrogen is absorbed into the bloodstream through the digestive tract. Inhaling hydrogen gas, on the other hand, delivers hydrogen molecules directly to the lungs, which then rapidly enter the bloodstream and reach different tissues and organs.
Inhaling hydrogen may offer faster absorption and higher concentrations in the body compared to drinking hydrogen water. Additionally, not only does inhaling hydrogen provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but it can also improve respiratory function.
Advantages of Hydrogen Inhalation
Ultimately, both methods increase the amount of hydrogen in the body. However, hydrogen inhalation therapy offers key benefits:
- More molecular hydrogen is absorbed by the body through inhalation
- Inhaled hydrogen stays in the body longer and it yields higher concentrations of hydrogen
- Molecular hydrogen inhalation is better suited for traumatic injury, accurate disorders and disease like TBI or stroke
- Hydrogen inhalation provides a better delivery system for the circulatory system
Hydrogen Bath vs Drinking Hydrogen Water
In hydrogen baths, the bath water is infused with H2 gas. Through bathing, molecular hydrogen is absorbed through the skin and then circulated through the bloodstream.
A daily warm hydrogen water bath offers a wide array of therapeutic benefits. These include improvements in skin elasticity, alleviation of muscle soreness, and reduction in skin inflammation commonly linked to conditions like rosacea and psoriasis.
Advantages of Hydrogen Baths
The real advantage of hydrogen bathing comes down to targeting. With hydrogen baths, you can target:
- Skin disorders and conditions like psoriasis
- Improves skin texture, softness, and may reduce fine lines
- Cleanses skin cells of environmental pollutants
- Offers deep pore cleansing of the skin
- May serve as an anti-inflammatory to facilitate muscle recovery
Get Started with Hydrogen Therapy
Hydrogen water offers powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. And it remains one of the fastest and easiest ways to start hydrogen therapy.
Yet, the number of hydrogen therapy options is growing. Alternatives like hydrogen inhalation and hydrogen baths both increase the amount of hydrogen in the body but offer more targeted approaches. Ultimately, no matter the method you prefer, hydrogen therapy is a viable option for a holistic wellness plan.
Interested in learning more? Hue Light USA offers a range of molecular hydrogen therapy machines, suitable for home or clinical use. Contact our team today to learn about our devices or these emerging therapies.