Hydrogen Water vs. Alkaline Water: Which is Better For You

Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Hydrogen Water vs. Alkaline Water: Which is Better For You

Hydrogen water and alkaline water are two trendsetters currently ruling the fitness game. And, to be honest, the competition is equal on both sides! Once, Beyoncé was seen drinking alkaline water backstage on her tour, "Mrs. Carter Show." On the other side, the famous Ryan Reynolds and Zac Efron endorse hydrogen water as a 'fitness drink.'

However, if you had to pick one, which one would you choose? Which is better for you, hydrogen water or alkaline water? Sounds tricky, doesn't it? But wait, here is a quick article comparing the benefits of alkaline and hydrogen water to help you make an informed decision.

What is Hydrogen Water?

Hydrogen water is your regular water with extra hydrogen dissolved in it. Unlike traditional antioxidants, it selectively neutralizes harmful free radicals without disrupting the balance of beneficial ones. You can either use hydrogen water generators to produce hydrogen water or use elemental magnesium tablets (the latter are more effective and convenient) to produce hydrogen-rich water.

You can read this linked article to explore the health potential of hydrogen-infused water. However, if you don't want to switch tabs, here is a quick summary of the health potential of hydrogen water.

Health Benefits of Molecular Hydrogen Water

Molecular hydrogen, due to its small size, can penetrate vital cell membranes, like that of mitochondria, regulating redox homeostasis. It neutralizes harmful free radicals and protects the beneficial ones. Here's how hydrogen water benefits individuals.

Enhance Athletic Performance

The reason why hydrogen water is trending among athletes and fitness enthusiasts is that it helps with muscle fatigue and recovery. It reduces lactate buildup and regulates redox status, helping quick muscle recovery post-intense workout.

Activate Antioxidation Pathways

H2 itself is not a strong antioxidant. However, by redox balance, hydrogen water activates the Nrf2 pathway, which enhances the production of glutathione and catalase, the body's natural antioxidant enzymes.

Support Metabolism

Recent studies highlight that drinking hydrogen water can improve lipid profiles. Though the mechanism of action is still unclear, molecular H2 can reduce the LDL levels. It also reduces liver fat accumulation, enhancing hepatic functions.

Interesting Read: Speeding up Your Metabolism: 9 Tips That Work like a Charm

Beyond the mentioned benefits, hydrogen-rich water can also regulate anti-inflammatory response, showing cardiovascular and cognitive health potential. Moreover, scientists are still exploring the hidden advantages and mechanisms of hydrogen water.

What is Alkaline Water?

As the name implies, alkaline water has a higher pH than regular water. It is generally less acidic, with a pH between 8 and 9.5. It is composed of natural alkaline metals like bicarbonate, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and electrolytes.

Health Benefits of Alkaline Water

According to a biological system, the human body needs a slightly alkaline medium (pH 7.35 to 7.45) to function optimally. However, with modern-day diet and environment, this natural balance is being disrupted, leading to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Alkaline water may combat acid reflux by neutralizing pepsin, a digestive enzyme. It provides relief from severe symptoms like heartburn, nausea, and irritation. Additionally, it also provides instant hydration, enhancing natural detox pathways.

Hydrogen Water vs. Alkaline Water: Detailed Comparison

From the above-mentioned health benefits, it is quite clear that hydrogen water is more potent than alkaline water. Still, it's not possible to choose between alkaline water and hydrogen water until you compare them both. Here is a detailed look:

Comparison	Hydrogen Water	Alkaline Water
What It Contains	Dissolved molecular H2 gas	Dissolved alkaline minerals and electrolytes
Antioxidant Capabilities	Selective antioxidation neutralizes only harmful free radicals	Low 'indirect' antioxidation due to the presence of alkaline minerals
pH Scale	Neutral (almost 7)	Alkaline (approx 7.5-9)
Perfect for	Regulating natural oxidation-reduction balance	Combat acid reflux and support natural detox pathways

Does It Mean There Are No Similarities Between Hydrogen Water and Alkaline Water?

The answer is no. There are similarities between hydrogen water and alkaline water, including:

Production Process

The first similar aspect is the production process of alkaline and hydrogen water. Both hydrogen and alkaline water use electrolysis, where an electric current encourages the necessary chemical change.

Hydration Source

Both hydrogen and alkaline water have different constituents. One contains dissolved hydrogen, and the other contains alkaline minerals. However, they are similar in one way: both contain cleaner water that provides instant hydration. Additionally, both are safe for human consumption and don’t show any significant side effects.

High Cost

Both alkaline water and hydrogen water require premium-quality ionizers for production. This ionizer has a high installation cost that further raises the final price. Therefore, both alkaline and hydrogen water are expensive compared to regular water. However, there are molecular hydrogen tablets that are more convenient and affordable than generators.

Hydrogen Water vs. Alkaline Mineral Water: Which is Better

Here comes the final question: Which is better, hydrogen water or alkaline water? Both alkaline and hydrogen-rich water have unique properties and health advantages. The choice depends on your needs and lifestyle. Choose hydrogen water for a strong antioxidative boost that also supports radiant skin, enhanced energy levels, and quick muscle recovery. Alkaline water has limited health benefits, mainly for acid reflux.

Moreover, there is uncertainty about the benefits of alkaline water in the scientific world. Some scientists believe that alkaline water doesn't have any health benefits. Why? Our body doesn't need any external source to regulate the pH. Additionally, the stomach is highly acidic and may neutralize alkaline water. However, alkaline water is safe and doesn't show any significant side effects. Therefore, you may consider it based on other studies.

Is There Any Alternative?

If you are still confused about choosing between alkaline and hydrogen water, we have good news for you! You can choose both alkaline water and hydrogen water with Alkaline Hydrogen Water Ionizers. These advanced machines can infuse both molecular hydrogen and alkaline minerals into regular water, giving you the advantages of both worlds. Therefore, if you don't want to choose, you can go for both hydrogen-rich and alkaline pH water. However, remember that it can be an expensive deal!

Quick Recap

Whether you choose alkaline or hydrogen water depends on your requirements and lifestyle. One is a selective antioxidant that supports overall cellular vitality, and the other may help balance acid reflux. Whatever you pick, one thing is sure: you'll get a great source of hydration at the end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is hydrogen water better than alkaline water?

Yes, hydrogen water is more beneficial than alkaline water. It has numerous health advantages, including reduced inflammation, improved energy levels, and enhanced muscle recovery.

Q2. What are the side effects of alkaline water?

Studies have shown that alkaline water has no significant side effects. However, overdrinking may lead to excess alkalinity in the body and kidney stones.

Q3. What are the side effects of hydrogen water?

Hydrogen water is generally safe for human consumption, with no significant side effects. However, at first, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal irritation and headaches.

Q4. Which is affordable: hydrogen water vs. alkaline water?

Molecular hydrogen tablets are affordable compared to ionizers, and they have greater health benefits.

Q5. What is the healthiest drink for kidneys: hydrogen water vs. alkaline water?

For the kidney, choose hydrogen-rich water. Studies have shown improvement in hydrogen water, particularly in dialysis patients. On the other hand, alkaline water may build up kidney stones due to the presence of alkalinizing minerals.