Hydrogen Water and its Benefits

 

What is Hydrogen Water?

The chemical formula for water is H2O (two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom). Hydrogen water is simply water with more hydrogen (H) added to it. The concept seems to have started in Japan, where it is referred to as shin'nooru solution.

The whole idea is that extra hydrogen amps up antioxidant activity. Molecular hydrogen has been shown to be more selective than other antioxidants by neutralizing only harmful reactive oxygen species (such as free radicals) rather than both harmful and helpful ones. The extra antioxidants can help you tap into a host of potential benefits:

Enhances Energy and Exercise Performance

One small study found that participants who drank hydrogen water 10 to 30 minutes before exercise had increased endurance and lower levels of fatigue as measured by maximal oxygen consumption, visual analogue scales, and Borg’s scale (which measures intensity of physical activity). 

Another small study found that hydrogen water increased attention and alertness among sleep-deprived individuals who normally relied on caffeine.

Lowers Inflammation

According to one small study, healthy adults over age 30 who consumed 1.5 liters of hydrogen water per day for four weeks had greater antioxidant capacity, and therefore reduced inflammatory responses.

Also, from another small study, it was found that nearly half of the 20 study participants with the inflammatory disease rheumatoid arthritis achieved remission after drinking hydrogen water daily for four weeks.

Boosts Skin Health

One small study noted that eight weeks of bathing in hydrogen water led to significant skin improvements, with 25 percent of the participants seeing at least a 75 percent improvement.

Improves Metabolic Health

A small study found that drinking hydrogen water for 10 weeks helped participants with a risk of metabolic syndrome lower their total and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and improved their “good” HDL cholesterol levels.

Greater Quality of Life

Participants in one small study who drank 300 milliliters (about 10 ounces) of hydrogen water twice a day for four weeks experienced improved mood and anxiety levels, suggesting that hydrogen water could be beneficial to quality of life and good health.

While all this sounds promising, many of the studies above were quite small. High-quality studies with large sample sizes and control groups that look at long-term effects, are needed to determine if hydrogen water truly offers a health benefit. As a nutritionist said, “When it comes to water, best to not overthink it. Plain water is just as hydrating. Staying hydrated is important as it can prevent dehydration and the mood swings and unclear thinking that go with it while helping your body maintain a normal temperature and body weight.”