Hydrogen water is regular water infused with extra molecular hydrogen (H2) gas, making the hydrogen more bioavailable for the body to absorb. It is believed to have several potential health benefits primarily due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
What Hydrogen Water Does for You
- Antioxidant Effects: Hydrogen water can reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful free radicals, which may slow aging processes and reduce cellular damage linked to diseases like cancer
- Anti-inflammatory Benefits: It may lower inflammation markers, which helps in reducing risks related to heart disease, liver dysfunction, and other inflammatory conditions
- Heart Health: Drinking hydrogen water has been shown to help decrease cholesterol and blood glucose levels, improve body mass index (BMI), and enhance arterial function, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes: Some studies indicate hydrogen water can improve lipid profiles (lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, raise HDL cholesterol), reduce blood sugar levels over time, and improve insulin resistance, aiding in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes management
- Physical Endurance and Recovery: Consuming hydrogen water before exercise may reduce muscle fatigue by lowering lactic acid buildup, enhance muscle performance, and speed recovery after workouts
- Mental Health: Hydrogen water may improve mood and reduce anxiety, possibly by lowering inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain
- Liver Function: It may help improve liver health by reducing oxidative damage and inflammation, beneficial for conditions like hepatitis B and fatty liver disease
- Potential Anti-Cancer Effects: Early research suggests hydrogen water might reduce oxidative damage linked to cancer development and may assist in tumor reduction when combined with other treatments, though more research is needed
- Other Benefits: Some evidence points to improved gut health and immune function, as well as possible benefits for people undergoing dialysis
Summary
Hydrogen water offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may support heart health, metabolic function, exercise performance, mental well- being, liver function, and possibly cancer treatment. However, most evidence is preliminary, often from small or animal studies, and hydrogen water should not replace established health practices
. Overall, hydrogen water is considered safe with minimal side effects and may be a promising supplement to support general health and wellness.
