Molecular hydrogen could be the latest major breakthrough in biomedicine, with more than 300 studies showing the beneficial effects of this new agent published in the last decade. Professor Sergei M. Ostojic, MD, PhD
What if there was a natural way to reduce pain and inflammation? To increase energy, cognitive functions, athletic performance and recovery? To neutralize harmful free radicals and support the bodyโs production of enzymes and antioxidants? And also to hydrate the cells and support the health and well-being of the whole body?
Scientists have discovered that hydrogenated water (water with dissolved molecular hydrogen) has all these properties and even more. Molecular hydrogen has become an important area in medical scientific research.
In recent years, more and more people are consuming alkaline water or ionized alkaline water and enjoying its benefits. However, until a few years ago it was not known that one of the elements that makes ionized alkaline water have beneficial properties is that it is also hydrogenated, (contains dissolved molecular hydrogen).
Hydrogen โ one of the healing elements in healing waters
There are well-known water sources around the world that have healing or healing properties. Researchers recently discovered molecular hydrogen (H2) in water samples from Nordenau (Germany), Tlacote (Mexico) and Hita Tenryosui, Japan.
The existence of dissolved molecular hydrogen (H2) in these springs (and others) could be the result of the reaction of water with alkaline minerals in the soil, or it could be produced by certain hydrogen-producing bacteria and algae. Regardless of the source of hydrogen, research on molecular hydrogen (H2) and its benefits seems to explain the therapeutic properties of these hydrogenated waters.
What is molecular hydrogen?
Hydrogen is the lightest and simplest element in the Periodic Table of the Elements, and the first to appear in this table. Molecular hydrogen (H2) is also the smallest molecule, consisting of only two electrons and two protons. Due to its very small size, hydrogen is able to enter sub-cellular structures such as mitochondria, which makes it extremely bioavailable. It may even cross the blood-brain barrier. It is colorless, odorless, non-metallic, non-toxic and tasteless.
Molecular hydrogen research
Research on the health benefits of molecular hydrogen (H2) has advanced rapidly in recent years thanks to studies by researchers around the globe. More than 600 scientific articles on the impact of molecular hydrogen (H2) on human, animal or isolated cells have been published.
These researches have found that molecular hydrogen (H2) regulates over 200 biomolecules and brings improvements in 166 diseases and disease models, which affect almost all organs in the human body.
Molecular hydrogen (H2) acts on human metabolism in three main areas:
- H2 rapidly converts toxic free radicals (hydroxyl OH-) into water (H2 + 2 OH -> 2 H2O);
- H2 maintains homeostasis of antioxidants. In other words, the bodyโs own antioxidants are maintained at optimal levels and activated.
- H2 supports cellular signaling (the mechanisms of communication within the cell), cellular metabolism, and genetic expression. It has an impact on inflammation, obesity and the mechanisms of aging.
Molecular hydrogen is safe and natural
Molecular hydrogen (H2) is not a foreign substance to the body, as it is a drug. Your body produces small amounts of H2 by bacteria in the digestive tract that digest plant fibers, which then diffuse into the blood.
Research shows that the introduction of molecular hydrogen into the body in higher concentrations than it can produce is much more efficient. In fact, the ingestion of hydrogenated water has been used in most studies and is the most effective way in which hydrogen brings strong beneficial effects in the body.
Hydrogen (H2) research is rapidly moving from theory to practical applications. Water ionizers and hydrogenated water generators allow doctors and consumers to benefit from the health benefits of molecular hydrogen.
โEffects have been reported in all organs, covering 31 categories of diseases that can be divided into 166 models of diseases, human diseases, pathologies associated with treatments, and pathophysiological conditions of plants with a predominance of diseases caused by oxidative stress and diseases. inflammatory. โ Medical Gas Research 2015; 5:12
Methods of hydrogen administration
There are several ways in which molecular hydrogen can be administered:
- hydrogen gas inhalation
- hydrogenated water consumption (water with dissolved molecular hydrogen)
- injections with saline solutions rich in molecular hydrogen
- eye drops with saline rich in molecular hydrogen
- bath in hydrogenated water
- increase in the volume of hydrogen produced by intestinal bacteria
- tablets that produce hydrogen after ingestion
- local application
All these methods have therapeutic effects.
Of the above methods, the one that has proven in research so far to be the most effective in most cases has been hydrogenated water.
Although hydrogenated water does not bring such a high concentration of hydrogen into the body as other methods, it is probably the easiest method and is also very effective. Why? Probably because the inhalation of hydrogen or the production of hydrogen by bacteria in the intestine is continuous (and thus reaches homeostasis), while in the case of hydrogenated water the body receives hydrogen intermittently, which seems to be more effective.
There is a consensus at the moment that hydrogenated water is not only the easiest way to introduce molecular hydrogen into the body, but it is also the most efficient.
Of the above methods, the one that has proven in research so far to be the most effective in most cases has been hydrogenated water.
Although hydrogenated water does not bring such a high concentration of hydrogen into the body as other methods, it is probably the easiest method and is also very effective. Why? Probably because the inhalation of hydrogen or the production of hydrogen by bacteria in the intestine is continuous (and thus reaches homeostasis), while in the case of hydrogenated water the body receives hydrogen intermittently, which seems to be more effective.
There is a consensus at the moment that hydrogenated water is not only the easiest way to introduce molecular hydrogen into the body, but it is also the most efficient.
What is hydrogenated water
Hydrogenated water or hydrogen-rich water (also called hydrogen-enriched water) simply means ordinary water (H2O) that contains dissolved hydrogen (H2). For example, there are carbonated waters or carbonated beverages that contain dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2). Or there are hydrogen peroxide, which contains dissolved oxygen (O2). In the same way, we can have water that contains dissolved hydrogen.
One way you can get hydrogenated water is to take a hydrogen tank and insert the end of the hose that comes out of it into a glass of water. There are many other ways to get hydrogenated water, but the above can help you understand what hydrogen water is. It is simply water that contains dissolved hydrogen.
What does all of the above mean to you? How can hydrogenated water help you, and where can you get it? You can find the answers below.
The benefits of molecular hydrogen
โIt is no exaggeration to say that the impact of hydrogenated water in therapeutic and preventive medicine may be enormous in the futureโ Free Radical Research 2010
Why molecular hydrogen (H2) is a super-antioxidant
Chronic oxidative stress has been identified as one of the major causes of aging and modern chronic diseases. Everyone knows that there are many antioxidants available. However, they achieved only limited success in medical tests. Molecular hydrogen has certain specific advantages, which makes researchers propose it as a new antioxidant with superior preventive and therapeutic applications.
H2 is the smallest molecule. Other antioxidants such as Vitamin C or Vitamin E have very large molecules by comparison. They must also be digested, absorbed in the intestine, transported and finally absorbed by the cells. H2 penetrates the stomach walls quickly and acts inside the cells immediately. H2 is able to reach every part of the cell much faster, protecting DNA, RNA and proteins from the oxidative stress that damages them.
Each H2 molecule neutralizes two free radicals. It easily separates into two atoms that neutralize free radicals created by our daily oxidative stress. This process results in water, which hydrates the cells.
H2 is selective and targets only โbadโ free radicals. Oxygenated radicals are extremely harmful. However, our body also produces โgoodโ free radicals, which are useful for the body. Other antioxidants only partially neutralize free radicals, both good and bad. Worse, these antioxidants can themselves become free radicals once they have done their job. Molecular hydrogen (H2) acts selectively only on bad free radicals and, unlike other antioxidants, completely neutralizes them.
Molecular hydrogen โ perhaps the best anti-aging supplement
The modern lifestyle has greatly increased the oxidative stress on our body, leading to alarming percentages of chronic diseases and poor health. As a population, we are in imbalance and aging. We need something to alleviate the degradation of the body that occurs due to aging. Science makes it clear: water with molecular hydrogen is a strong and effective foundation for better health, general well-being and for slowing down the aging process.
H2 reduces inflammation and pain. As we age, we have more pain. H2 has been shown to be a powerful anti-inflammatory. It can also alter activated genes that create a state of continuous inflammation.
H2 supports an optimal level of cognitive functions. The brain is 2-4% of body mass but consumes 20-40% of the oxygen you breathe. Because 2-5% of the oxygen you breathe turns into free radicals, your brain is severely damaged by oxidative stress. H2 neutralizes excess free radicals that occur in the brain.
H2 supports the health of each cell. Research shows that H2 improves cellular communication, cellular metabolism and the process of gene expression. This could explain its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-apoptotic (cell death prevention) effects.
H2 activates the production of our own antioxidants. H2 triggers the activation of antioxidant enzymes in the body (eg glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, etc.) and / or proteins that protect the cell. Each of these enzymes neutralizes a certain type of free radical, and together they work together to keep cells healthy.
Hydrogenated water: your secret weapon if youโre a sportsman
Performance athletes and people who do sports for pleasure or to be in good physical shape are subjected to higher oxidative stress than sedentary people. They are also more vulnerable to the effects of chronic dehydration.
H2 helps increase energy levels. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is the fuel that creates energy inside cells during exercise. Research shows that H2 increases ATP production, and thus helps you maintain a high level of energy and achieve better performance.
H2 improves performance and reduces recovery time. When you train, the level of lactic acid increases, which leads to fatigue, muscle degradation, low endurance, low performance and results. Research done on athletes has shown that hydrogen lowers lactic acid levels which leads to better performance and faster recovery.
H2 reduces oxidative stress. When we train we use more oxygen which causes more free radicals to be generated which leads to higher oxidative stress. H2 easily enters intracellular compartments helping to protect them from harmful cytotoxic oxidizing radicals.
H2 improves hydration. When molecular hydrogen molecules (H2) combine with a free radical that they neutralize, water (H2O) results, which increases cellular hydration. Molecular hydrogen infused water is also more easily absorbed by the body than regular tap water.
In conclusion, whether you work or play, you are old or young, healthy or sick, molecular hydrogen (H2) offers everyone a wide range of important benefits. Most supplements have only one mechanism of action. Hydrogenated water or H2 tablets have several mechanisms of action. There is already solid scientific documentation that proves its therapeutic benefits.
If you are interested in optimizing your health and well-being, enjoying more energy and greater mental clarity, and increasing your athletic performance, what are you waiting for? Give your body the opportunity to feel good and function to the fullest naturally. Join the H2 revolution. Do what is scientifically proven to work. Drink hydrogenated water.
Letโs see now how to get hydrogenated water.
Methods of producing hydrogenated water
There are several ways to produce hydrogen water:
- water electrolysis (for example in a water ionizer or hydrogenated water generator)
- reaction of water with alkali metals (eg magnesium โ Mg)
- introduction of hydrogen gas into water
How can you have hydrogenated water in your home
The easiest way to drink molecular hydrogenated water is to buy a water ionizer or a hydrogenated water generator. Both produce water with dissolved molecular hydrogen. The only difference between them is that the water ionizers also change the pH of the water (they make it more alkaline), and the hydrogenated water generators do not change the pH of the water.
So there are two types of hydrogenated water that the two types of devices produce:
- Hydrogenated alkaline ionized water (produced by water ionizers)
- Hydrogen ionized water (produced by hydrogen generators)
Important:
The concentration of hydrogen dissolved in water produced by different models of water ionizers varies greatly, from less than 0.05 ppm to over 2.5 ppm, depending on the water source, water flow, device model and how much the electrodes are well cleaned.
Water ionizers were designed decades before the importance of molecular hydrogen was discovered. Therefore, they have been designed and optimized to obtain high pH values, not high hydrogen concentrations.
Usually, on a normal water source and at a maximum flow rate of water, the concentration of hydrogen in the water from a water ionizer is between 0.1 ppm and 0.7 ppm. When the water is adjusted to flow very slowly through the device, the hydrogen concentration increases, but also the resulting pH is high, which makes the taste of the water less pleasant.
The ability to produce high concentrations of molecular hydrogen at reasonable pH levels (below 9.5) is an important aspect to consider when choosing a water ionizer. Look for an ionizer model that has been optimized to produce as high a hydrogen concentration as possible at a pH of less than 9.5.
Water ionizer or hydrogenated water generator? Alkaline water or not?
Both water ionizers and hydrogenated water generators produce hydrogenated water. What is the difference between them? The first has a higher pH between 8 -10, while the second has a neutral or slightly alkaline pH (7-7.5).
Which one should you choose? Did I answer this question in detail in the article Water Ionizer or Hydrogenated Water Generator?
Sources:
http://www.molecularhydrogenfoundation.org/how-to-get-the-benefits-of-molecular-hydrogen/
http://www.molecularhydrogenfoundation.org/frequent-qa/