Studies

Hydrogen water, also known as hydrogen-rich water, is regular H₂O that has been infused with dissolvedmolecular hydrogen (H₂) gas. This means it contains extra hydrogenmolecules that may offer antioxidantand cell-protective benefits.Similar to carbonated water, whichcontains dissolved carbon dioxide (CO₂), hydrogen water simply has hydrogen gas (H₂) infused into it.Studies suggest that hydrogen water may help reduce oxidative stress, support hydration, and promote overallwellness.

Drinking hydrogen-rich water may offer several
potential benefits, including:

Powerful
Antioxidant Properties
– Hydrogen acts as a selective antioxidant, helping to neutralize harmful free
radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

Supports
Brain Health – Some
studies suggest it may improve cognitive function and protect against neurodegenerative
diseases.

Enhances
Athletic Performance & Recovery – Helps reduce lactic acid buildup, muscle fatigue,
and post-workout soreness.

Boosts Energy Levels – May improve mitochondrial function, increasing
natural energy production.

Hydrogen’s therapeutic
benefits were first discovered in 1975
by researchers at Baylor University and
Texas A&M. They conducted a study that showed hydrogen gas could have potential anti-tumor effects in mice when
used in a hyperbaric hydrogen-oxygen chamber. However, the major breakthrough
in hydrogen medicine came in 2007, when Dr. Shigeo Ohta and his team
in Japan published a groundbreaking study in Nature Medicine demonstrating that hydrogen gas is a selective antioxidant capable of reducing
oxidative stress and protecting cells from damage. Since then, extensive
research has explored hydrogen’s potential benefits for brain health, athletic performance, skin health, and overall well-being.

 

 

I assumed that if water contains a high concentration
of hydrogen, it would naturally be acidic. 

 

That’s a great question! If water contains a high
concentration of hydrogen ions (H+), it is indeed acidic. However, in the case
of hydrogen-rich water, we are referring to molecular hydrogen (H₂), which
consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded together as a neutral gas.

The term "hydrogen water" can sometimes be
misleading because many associate hydrogen with acidity due to the role of
hydrogen ions (H+) in pH. The term "pH" itself stands for
"potential of hydrogen," referring to the concentration of hydrogen
ions in a solution. The more H+ ions present, the lower the pH, making the
water more acidic.

However, hydrogen water contains molecular hydrogen (H₂), which is a neutral gas dissolved in the water. It does not release hydrogen
ions (H+), so it does not alter the acidity of the water. Instead, it remains
at a stable pH, usually neutral or
slightly alkaline, depending on the water’s mineral content.

 

Yes, hydrogen gas begins to escape from the water as
soon as it is exposed to air, but it doesn’t disappear instantly. Factors like
surface area and movement affect how long it remains dissolved, often lasting
for a few hours before dropping below a beneficial level. Similar to carbonated
beverages that retain carbon dioxide (CO2) for a period, hydrogen water is best
consumed quickly before it loses its potency.

What is the “pH’ ?

 

“pH” stands for "potential of hydrogen" and is a measure of how acidic or
basic (alkaline) a solution is. It is based on a scale
from 0 to 14, where:

The pH level is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in the solution.
More hydrogen ions mean a lower pH (acidic), while fewer hydrogen ions mean a
higher pH (alkaline).

No, drinking regular water (H₂O) does not provide
molecular hydrogen (H₂) in a usable form. The hydrogen in water is chemically
bound to oxygen, forming a stable compound. Molecular hydrogen (H₂), on the
other hand, is a free-floating gas that, when dissolved in water, can be
absorbed by the body and provide potential health benefits.

Drinking hydrogen-rich water is suggested because it
contains dissolved molecular hydrogen (H₂), which may offer antioxidant
benefits by helping to neutralize harmful free radicals. Research indicates
that hydrogen-infused water could support cellular health, reduce oxidative
stress, and promote overall well-being.

Hydrogen water has no distinct taste and is similar to
regular water. Since hydrogen gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it
does not alter the flavor of the water in any noticeable way.

Hydrogen gas does start escaping from water
immediately, but it doesn’t disappear instantly. Factors such as temperature,
surface area, and agitation affect how long it stays dissolved. With proper
containment, hydrogen can remain in water for several hours before its
concentration drops below a beneficial level. To maximize its effects, it’s
best to consume hydrogen water soon after it’s generated.

 Drinking hydrogen water can complement a diet rich in antioxidants, but it should not be
considered a complete replacement for consuming antioxidant-rich foods.
Hydrogen water has been shown to act as a selective
antioxidant, helping to neutralize harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS)
without interfering with beneficial signaling molecules. However, whole foods
like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds provide essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients that hydrogen
water alone cannot replace.

For optimal
health benefits, it's best to incorporate both hydrogen water and antioxidant-rich foods into your daily routine.