Is Hydrogen Water Good for You? The Science Behind the Hype

Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes

Recent podcasts and promotions of hydrogen water from well-known biohackers Ben Greenfield and Dave Asprey have created a buzz around the world. Claims about hydrogen water's healing properties have made it a significant trend in scientific research and the wellness industry.

What further fuels this trend is the endorsement of popular athletes like LeBron James and Novak Djokovic. These athletes have discussed and used hydrogen-rich water as part of their daily routine for improved performance. Altogether, it has raised the greatest question of the decade:

What is hydrogen water? Is hydrogen water actually good for your health, or is it just hype? Is it 100% safe to replace your regular water with hydrogen-infused water? Here's what science says about the so-called' miracle hydrogen water.

What is Hydrogen Water? Is It Different From The Water We Drink?

Remember carbonated or sparkling water that contains CO2 dissolved in it? Hydrogen water is similar to it; the difference is that it contains hydrogen gas, not carbon dioxide. It is also called hydrogen-rich water or hydrogen-induced water and is referred to as HRW. In other words:

Your regular drinking water contains two hydrogen molecules and one oxygen molecule, with the chemical formula H₂O. However, hydrogen water is hydrogen-rich water produced by combining H₂O and hydrogen gas (H₂).

Wait, Is It Possible To Dissolve Explosive Hydrogen Gas in Regular Water?

We all learned in high school that hydrogen is an explosive gas that burns with a popping sound, which might leave you wondering: How is it possible to add H₂ to regular water so that it remains safe to drink?

In laboratories, electrolysis converts regular water into hydrogen-rich water. Since H2 isn't readily soluble, the entire process takes place under high pressure. The presence of electricity splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, allowing hydrogen to dissolve directly in the surrounding water.

The modern and commercial method involves using elemental magnesium for generating hydrogen water. When magnesium reacts with water, it produces hydrogen gas, infusing regular water with molecular H2.

Mg + 2H₂O → Mg(OH)₂ + H₂

The process is also called open cup technology and is more popular, convenient, and effective.

Find Out: 5 Reasons Why Hydrogen Water is the Wellness Trend You Need to Try

Is Molecular Hydrogen Water Safe For Drinking?

Molecular hydrogen is explosive only when its atmospheric concentration exceeds 4.6%. Neither the molecular hydrogen tablets nor hydrogen water can exceed this threshold. Thus, you need not worry about the safety of hydrogen water. It's 100% safe for human consumption and doesn't affect your health.

The Origins and Evolution of Hydrogen Water

To determine whether hydrogen water is good for you, it's essential to understand where it comes from and why it's popular.

Due to limited documentation, it's hard to trace the exact discovery of hydrogen-infused water. The trend probably gained attraction through legendary "healing springs" such as Nordenau in Germany, Lourdes in France, Tlacote in Mexico, and Nadana in India. Water from these springs has had the potential to cure chronic illnesses since ancient times.

When studied, scientists found that something common in these springs—elevated levels of H₂. Despite regional boundaries, the water from these springs can neutralize harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). This finding raised curiosity at the global level. In 2007, Dr. Shigeo Ohta from Japan conducted groundbreaking research, showing that H₂ can combat oxidative stress and support the treatment of various chronic diseases.

Inspired by Dr. Shigeo Ohta, Japan was the first country to produce hydrogen water and use it for health-related purposes. In particular, in the United States, HFactor was the first commercial hydrogen water product to be launched in 2017. At present, multiple brands sell hydrogen water and molecular hydrogen tablets.

Mechanism Of Action: How Hydrogen Water Works

To date, there are more than 400 studies revolving around the ROS-scavenging power of hydrogen water. What's the exact mechanism of action through which hydrogen-rich water exhibits potential therapeutic effects? Due to limited trials and human-based studies, the precise mechanism of action of molecular hydrogen is still under investigation. However, the current research suggests that it is primarily because of the following pathways:

ROS and Free Radicals' Selective Neutralization

Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are unstable biological molecules that can be beneficial or harmful. One major drawback of conventional antioxidants is that they oxidize both beneficial and harmful ROS despite their vitality. However, molecular hydrogen H₂ exhibits selective antioxidation by targeting the most toxic free radicals.

It neutralizes highly reactive species, like hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite, that damage DNA, lipids, and proteins. At the same time, it doesn't interfere with essential ROS like superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide, which play vital roles in cell signaling and the immune response.

Inflammatory Signaling Pathway Modulation

Studies show that molecular H₂ blocks the activation of NLRP3, a signaling complex. NLRP3, at abnormal levels, can lead to excessive inflammation, triggering the release of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β.

Additionally, molecular H₂ also inhibits the NF-κB pathway, which is a primary regulator of the inflammatory response. It lowers the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, which further contributes to overall cellular health.

Gene Expression Regulation

Studies show that H₂ can influence gene expression by activating the Nrf2 pathway. Nrf2, expanded as Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, regulates antioxidation and detoxification genes in the body. It activates the synthesis of Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Catalase (CAT).

Additionally, H₂ also improves mitochondrial health and energy production by increasing PGC-1α, a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, which in turn increases the number of mitochondria.

Scientifically-Backed Health Benefits of Hydrogen Water

If you explore the internet, you will find numerous claims about the health benefits of hydrogen water. However, not everything is rooted in science. Here are the scientifically backed health benefits of hydrogen water to date.

Fight Free Radicals

The imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body often leads to oxidative stress, which can interfere with cellular metabolism. While molecular hydrogen isn't a potent antioxidant itself, it can help with 'selective antioxidation' by balancing redox homeostasis. Studies show that H₂ neutralizes harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite, without affecting the beneficial ones. Thus, it combats oxidative stress, promoting overall cellular health.

Enhance Athletic Performance

Recently, popular athletes have opened up about adding hydrogen water to their regime to improve endurance, reduce fatigue, and accelerate muscle recovery. Studies show that H₂ reduces blood lactate levels, which contribute to muscle soreness and fatigue, allowing for a faster recovery after exercise. Additionally, intense exercise produces excess ROS, and H₂ neutralizes harmful free radicals, improving athletic performance and endurance.

Prevent Neurodegeneration

You might be astonished to learn that more than 50 million people worldwide are affected by neurodegenerative diseases. What's worse, this silent threat increases with age. Clinical studies have shown that H₂ exhibits neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress and neuronal death. It enhances brain-derived neurotrophic factors that are vital for neuron survival and cognitive function.

Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disorders

Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to severe diseases, including cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Further, mitochondrial diseases can impact the body's ability to produce energy. Emerging research shows that H₂ can directly influence mitochondrial function. Thanks to the smaller size of H₂, it penetrates deeper into mitochondrial membranes. Additionally, by lowering oxidative stress, H₂ optimizes the electron transport chain, improving ATP synthesis.

Rejuvante and Repair Skin

HRW bathing could serve as a complementary therapeutic approach for managing psoriasis and parapsoriasis. However, limited human research confirms the exact mechanism, which may be due to hydrogen's properties combating oxidative stress. Additionally, by reducing free radical-related damage, drinking hydrogen water may help alleviate the symptoms of aging skin.

Lesser-Known Potential Therapeutic Effects of Hydrogen Water

Beyond the health benefits mentioned above, hydrogen water is also believed to have therapeutic potential. However, most of these findings are based on animal studies, and human research is still limited. With further studies in the future, we may gain stronger evidence supporting hydrogen water’s role in the following:

Gastrointestinal Disorders

According to recent global data, gut health is on the rise. This critical concern affects a significant portion of the population and results in 8 million deaths annually. An animal-based industry highlights that mice treated with H₂ have shown alterations in the composition of their gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in improving digestive health. However, again, it's hard to define an accurate human response without dedicated clinical studies.

Also Read: Relationship between Gut Health and Weight Loss.

Cardiovascular Dysfunction

According to animal-based investigations, drinking molecular hydrogen can be beneficial for heart health in diet-induced obesity. In mice, molecular hydrogen water has been shown to reduce cardiac hypertrophy potentially. Additionally, capillaries and arterioles within the heart tissue dilated, reducing vulnerability to cardiovascular diseases.

Sperm Motility

Clinical studies suggest that H₂ treatment can significantly increase the forward motility of damaged sperm samples when sperm suspension from patients is exposed to H₂ (in gaseous form). It has substantially increased the forward motility of damaged sperm samples. Additionally, the improvement was sustained for 2.5 hours post-treatment, even after the removal of dissolved hydrogen. It suggests that molecular hydrogen can enhance human sperm motility, but only in cases where function is compromised.

Talking about sperm motility, find out the impact of Geranylgeraniol on testosterone levels.

The Flip Side – Any Risks or Drawbacks?

According to current research and studies, there are no such risks or drawbacks associated with drinking hydrogen water regularly. Moreover, it is more like drinking regular water. Thus, excess drinking might pose the risk of hyponatremia or the risk when your kidneys can't get rid of excess water. Again, there's a bright side! Hyponatremia is rare and usually occurs in athletes.

Should You Try Hydrogen Water?

You may try hydrogen water since there are no significant side effects associated with molecular hydrogen. A few individuals also reported GIT disturbances. For best results, consider consulting a medical professional first. There are different ways to include hydrogen-rich water in your regimen.

You can choose hydrogen water bottles or generator equipment that can quickly produce hydrogen-infused water. To make it quick and effective, try H₂ Molecular Hydrogen Water Tablets by Wellness Extract. The tablets can infuse water with 8 ppm of hydrogen using magnesium and electrolytes. The best part is that you don't need a special container to store it.

However, you need to understand that, due to limited human trials, uncertainties remain regarding the health potential of hydrogen water.

Final Verdict: Is Molecular H₂ Therapeutic

In the current scenario, there's still uncertainty about the therapeutic claims of H₂. Even the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't approved the use of molecular hydrogen as a cure or treatment. However, it doesn't overshadow H₂'s ability to neutralize harmful free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). As a "selective" antioxidant, hydrogen water can effectively combat oxidative stress, promoting overall cellular health and growth.

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 (FAQ)

Q1. Can I make hydrogen water at home?

You can buy molecular hydrogen tablets or buy systems that allow you to make hydrogen water at home with the necessary ingredients.

Q2. Should you drink hydrogen-rich water on an empty stomach?

No valid studies mention how to use hydrogen water. You can add it to your regimen like regular water.

Q3. Are hydrogen water and sparkling water the same?

No sparkling water contains carbon dioxide dissolved in it, while hydrogen water contains dissolved hydrogen in it.

Q4. What are the side effects of starting hydrogen water?

Initially, individuals may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, bloating, and diarrhea. However, no proven research establishes a direct link between these symptoms and drinking hydrogen water.

Q5. How to start hydrogen-rich water?

You can add hydrogen-rich water to your regimen like regular water. However, start consuming hydrogen water in smaller quantities and gradually increase it over time. You can also seek recommendations from health experts.

References

1. Ohta, S. (2011). Recent progress toward hydrogen medicine: potential of molecular hydrogen for preventive and therapeutic applications. July 2011. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21736547/

2. Kajisa, T., Yamaguchi, T., Hu, A., et al. (2017). Hydrogen water ameliorates the severity of atopic dermatitis-like lesions and decreases interleukin-1β, interleukin-33, and mast cell infiltration in NC/Nga mice. August 2017. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5654027/

3. Ohta, S. (2014). Molecular hydrogen as a preventive and therapeutic medical gas: Initiation, development and potential of hydrogen medicine. April 2014. Available: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261919820

4. Ohsawa, I., Ishikawa, M., Takahashi, K., et al. (2007). Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals. June 2007. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17486089/

5. Ge, L., Yang, M., Yang, N.-N., et al. (2017). Molecular hydrogen: a preventive and therapeutic medical gas for various diseases. November 24, 2017. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5731988/

6. Drink HRW. (n.d.). Hydrogen Water Benefits Simplified. Available: https://drinkhrw.com/hydrogen-water/hydrogen-water-benefits-simplified/

7. Dhillon, G., Buddhavarapu, V., Grewal, H., et al. (2024). Hydrogen Water: Extra Healthy or a Hoax?—A Systematic Review. January 12, 2024. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10816294/

8. Zhou, Q., Li, H., Zhang, Y., et al. (2024). Hydrogen-Rich Water to Enhance Exercise Performance: A Review of Effects and Mechanisms. October 2024. Available: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/14/10/537

9. Zhu, Q., Wu, Y., Li, Y., et al. (2018). Positive effects of hydrogen-water bathing in patients of psoriasis and parapsoriasis en plaques. May 23, 2018. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29795283/

10. Wong, H. K. (2021). Parapsoriasis Treatment & Management. October 7, 2021. Available: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1107425-treatment

11. Ohta, S. (2015). Molecular hydrogen as a novel antioxidant: overview of the advantages of hydrogen for medical applications. January 21, 2015. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25747486/

12. Aoki, K., Nakao, A., Adachi, T., et al. (2012). Pilot study: Effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on muscle fatigue caused by acute exercise in elite athletes. July 12, 2012. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3395574/

13. Masuda, H., Sato, A., Miyata, K., et al. (2021). Drinking Molecular Hydrogen Water Is Beneficial to Cardiovascular Function in Diet-Induced Obesity Mice. April 23, 2021. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8146054/

14. Nakata, K., Yamashita, N., Noda, Y., & Ohsawa, I. (2015). Stimulation of human damaged sperm motility with hydrogen molecules. January 10, 2015. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4300028/