10 Surprising Health Benefits of Hydrogen Water You Didn't Know About

Hydrogen water sounds surprising, doesn't it? What's the need to add hydrogen to water that already contains two molecules of hydrogen? But do you know what's more surprising? The health benefits of molecular hydrogen water that half of the world still doesn't know about.

Check out this blog to learn about the potential health benefits of drinking hydrogen water.

What's There In Hydrogen Water that Makes It Unique

Before jumping straight to the benefits, let's first learn what makes hydrogen water extraordinary. Hydrogen water is just like regular water, but it doesn't contain calories, protein, fat, or carbohydrates. However, it has infused molecular hydrogen gas (H2). H2 water acts as a 'selective' antioxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals and ROS without altering the amount of beneficial ones.

You may find vitamins and minerals in hydrogen water, available in both liquid and tablet forms, including magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Hydrogen water may have health potential. However, one of the most evident and proven nutritional and health benefits of hydrogen water is that it's a source of hydration. It can contribute to your total hydration instantly without adding any synthetic sugars.

Also read: How to add molecular H2 tablets to your regime.

10 Reasons Why You Should Consider Drinking Hydrogen Water

You may have seen many celebrities endorsing the consumption of hydrogen water, which might leave you wondering if hydrogen water is actually a health drink or just a hype. Worry less. Here are the 10 surprising potential health benefits that make hydrogen water a "miracle health drink" in today's era.

1. Regulate Redox Homeostasis

You may have often heard that hydrogen water is a potent antioxidant. However, that's not the whole truth. The truth is that hydrogen-rich water can regulate redox homeostasis. It can balance the harmful ROS involved in cellular signaling, combating oxidative stress and diseases linked to it.

The smaller molecular size of H2 allows it to diffuse across cell membranes and penetrate deeper into them, selectively neutralizing harmful free radicals. Few studies support the idea that hydrogen can activate the antioxidant defense mechanism by activating the NRF2-KEAP1 system, a crucial cellular defense mechanism against oxidative stress.

2. Youthful Energy and Skin Vitality

In vitro studies suggest that drinking hydrogen water can be beneficial for the skin. In preliminary studies, hydrogen-rich water has shown a noticeable reduction in the size and intensity of skin blotches caused by fluctuations in melanin. Also, by neutralizing free radicals and ROS, hydrogen water may slow down aging, contributing to improved skin appearance.

Another study suggests that hydrogen gas mitigates oxidative stress-induced damage in skin cells. It might be because it reduces disulfide bonds in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs), which are responsible for calcium signaling. By regulating calcium signaling, hydrogen gas may help maintain skin cell function, thereby slowing down the aging process.

3. Cognitive and Neuroprotective Potential

Do you know what's more exciting about molecular hydrogen? It's neuroprotective potential! You heard it right! Current studies suggest that molecular hydrogen may offer protection against stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, neurotrauma, and global brain injury due to H2's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Another study supports that drinking hydrogen water may reduce anxiety in chronic patients, contributing to overall mental health. Furthermore, hydrogen water reduces mitochondrial oxidative stress, which prevents mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction refers to the biological condition in which mitochondria fail to function properly in response to diseases or disorders, which is a major contributor to neurodegenerative diseases.

4. Contribute to Post-Radiation Wellness

You might be amazed to find out that drinking hydrogen water may reduce the side effects of radiation therapy. When cancer patients undergo radiation therapy, they face many symptoms that affect their quality of life, including fatigue, anxiety, hair loss, skin problems, soreness, and much more. Not only are these symptoms painful, but they also lower one's confidence in survival.

In a preliminary study, 49 people with liver cancer who drank hydrogen-rich water for six weeks showed a significant improvement during treatment. However, more human-based research is needed to find out the mechanism and rate at which hydrogen lessens the negative impacts of radiation therapies.

Find Out More: Early Signs of Cancer.

5. Faster Recovery and Athletic Endurance

If you're an athlete or sports person, you should know how muscular fatigue affects your athletic performance. It not only delays the recovery rate but also reduces muscle strength and can even impair coordination. An increase in reactive oxygen species due to intense exercise leads to muscle fatigue. What's worse is that about 30-60% of athletes experience muscle fatigue at some point in their training.

There's always a bright side! Molecular hydrogen water might improve athletic performance by neutralizing unstable molecules. In an experiment, cyclists who drank hydrogen water showed significant improvement in their cycling performance. However, there are still limited human trials to confirm these benefits.

Read more: How hydrogen tablets for water aid muscle recovery post-intense workout.

6. Boost Metabolic Health

According to recent data, in the US, about 24% of men and 23% of women suffer from metabolic disorders. It includes a range of disorders, including type 2 diabetes, which was responsible for 6.7 million deaths in 2021. Metabolic disorder is also the primary cause of abnormal blood pressure, sugars, triglycerides, cardiovascular risks, obesity, and low HDL levels. 

Emerging research suggests that hydrogen-rich water may have potential metabolic advantages. It may alter the gut microbiota, increasing the number of beneficial bacteria. Furthermore, participants who consumed hydrogen water showed improved glucose metabolism and lipid profiles, both key indicators of better metabolic health.

7. Aid Cardiovascular Well-Being

Low-density lipid, or 'bad' cholesterol, is the primary factor behind the development of harmful cardiovascular diseases. When low-density lipid levels are high, they can accumulate in arteries, restricting blood flow. According to the American Heart Association, high LDL can lead to fatal diseases, including stroke, peripheral artery disease, and coronary heart disease.

Studies have shown that drinking hydrogen water may reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels, particularly in smokers. It may also enhance the functionality of HDL. Additionally, HRW consumption has registered a notable reduction in apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100), an LDL protein associated with the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.

8. Maintain Inflammatory Balance

The statistics might astonish you, but more than 50% of all deaths worldwide are due to chronic inflammatory diseases, including cancer, diabetes, stroke, dementia, and more. Chronic inflammation can cause prolonged tissue damage and disrupt normal body functions. When left untreated for a long time, it can affect the body's healing mechanism.

A 2020 study finds that participants who drink 1.5 liters of hydrogen water per day register reduced inflammatory response. Not only that, but another study also finds that continuous drinking of hydrogen water for 24 weeks may improve markers of inflammation, especially in patients with metabolic syndrome. However, more studies are needed to confirm the results in a wide range of populations.

9. Can Be A Therapy For COVID-19 Patients

COVID-19- the pandemic that brought the world to its knees. As of February 2025, the novel coronavirus was responsible for approximately 7,087,718 deaths worldwide. What's worse is that its relentless variants are still around the globe, posing an ongoing threat to human health. Hydrogen-rich water may serve as supportive therapy in managing COVID-19.

Preliminary studies find that Hydrogen-rich water supports COVID-19 patients by modulating immune response and reducing inflammation. Clinical recommendations, particularly from China, suggest that inhaling hydrogen gas is a supportive treatment for COVID-19 patients. The best part is that hydrogen therapy is easy to administer compared to other alternatives. Depending on their health conditions, patients can either inhale hydrogen gas, drink hydrogen-rich water, or inject hydrogen-saturated saline.

10. Contribute to Liver Metabolism

About 25% of the US adult population suffers from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Often unnoticed in the beginning, NAFLD can lead to severe liver damage and even cancer in a later stage. But here's some good news. Hydrogen-rich water has shown the potential to support liver health by reducing oxidative stress and improving liver function among patients with hepatitis B and NAFLD.

Studies have found that drinking hydrogen water for 28 continuous days can affect overall liver health. Dual-echo MRI has shown a significant reduction in liver fat content. Moreover, in clinical studies, it also has lower serum aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, which indicates liver damage.

Quick Recap

While hydrogen water has gained popularity for its health benefits, uncertainties still surround it. Human-based research and studies to confirm the efficacy and functioning of hydrogen water are still limited. However, most studies suggest that hydrogen water can help combat excessive free radicals, inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and improve athletic performance. Since there are no side effects from drinking hydrogen water over time, you can always add GRAS-approved H2 tablets or water to your regimen!

Disclaimer: These statements have not been assessed by the FDA. The information contained within this page is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice or care of healthcare professionals. Further large-scale clinical trials are necessary to fully understand the therapeutic effects of hydrogen-rich water in the human ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are there any side effects of drinking hydrogen water every day?

There are no significant side effects of drinking hydrogen water. However, a few individuals have reported bloating and diarrhea after consuming excessive hydrogen water.

Q2: Is hydrogen water good for the kidneys?

Yes, drinking hydrogen water may suppress kidney damage and neutralize free radicals.

Q3: What is the main disadvantage of hydrogen water?

Cost factor! Drinking hydrogen water can be expensive, making it not so affordable for low-income individuals.

Q4: What is the best time to drink hydrogen water?

You can drink it like regular water or on an empty stomach.

References:

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