In recent years, hydrogen water has gained popularity as a potential health elixir. However, it has raised numerous questions among consumers. Is hydrogen water good for you? What are its benefits and potential negative side effects? In this article, we will explore the truth about this beverage.
Let’s find out whether you should make it a part of your daily routine.
What is Hydrogen Water?
Hydrogen water is pretty simple. It’s just regular water with extra hydrogen molecules in it. Hydrogen (H2) is a clear, odorless, and safe gas that naturally combines with other stuff to make different things. Water itself is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
The special thing about this beverage is how people put the hydrogen into it. They usually do it by adding hydrogen gas to pure water. Some folks think the hydrogen in regular water isn’t as easy for our bodies to use. Those who like hydrogen water say that adding extra hydrogen molecules makes “free” hydrogen that the body can soak up more easily.
If you’re wondering where to buy hydrogen water, many popular hydrogen water brands offer it in bottles or cans. It is also available as hydrogen water tablets and hydrogen water pills, which can be added to plain or carbonated water. For those who prefer a DIY approach, there are machines from IonBottles or Tyent that can help. You can utilize these machines to easily make hydrogen-infused water at home.
Nutrition Information
Hydrogen water is basically a no-calorie drink with no major nutrients. So, its nutrition is quite similar to plain water. It has zero calories, no carbs, no fat, and no protein.
But, some companies might add tiny amounts of vitamins and minerals to make it more nutritious. These extras could be things like vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium carbonate, and magnesium sulfate.
The exact types and amounts of these vitamins and minerals can change from brand to brand. They’re usually not a big source of nutrition, so you shouldn’t depend on them for your nutrient intake.
Is Hydrogen Water Good for You?
Health Benefits Of Hydrogen Water
- Anti Inflammatory Properties
One of the key advantages of hydrogen water is its ability to potentially reduce inflammation. Studies indicate that this beverage may help combat chronic inflammation in the body. It does this by lowering the production of inflammatory molecules like cytokines and activating pathways that fight inflammation.
- Boosts Energy
Hydrogen water can help boost your energy levels by reducing oxidative stress in your cells’ powerhouses, called mitochondria. Let’s see how it works.
Our cells contain tiny powerhouses called mitochondria, responsible for generating the energy our body needs. But these energy producers can get stressed due to oxidative stress.
Hydrogen water comes to the rescue by reducing this oxidative stress in the mitochondria. When stress is reduced, your mitochondria can work better, giving you more energy.
- Manages Weight
If you’re looking to lose weight and improve your health, consider adding hydrogen water to your daily routine. This special water has potential benefits for weight loss and blood sugar control.
One way it helps is by boosting your metabolism. When you drink it, it can kickstart thermogenesis, which is the process that burns calories and produces heat in your body. This helps your body use more energy, which is important for losing weight.
Additionally, a study in the International Journal of Obesity found that hydrogen water may help control blood sugar. Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for weight management and overall health. By regulating blood sugar, hydrogen water may reduce the chances of sudden spikes and crashes, which can lead to overeating and weight gain.
- Enhances Athletic Performance & Recovery
Many studies suggest that drinking hydrogen water before and after exercise can boost athletic performance and speed up recovery. When we work out, our muscles make lactic acid, which can make us feel sore and tired. Hydrogen water can help lower lactic acid production, enabling us to exercise harder and longer, as long as it matches our fitness goals.
Moreover, this beverage can help reduce post-workout inflammation. This is especially appealing for athletes seeking an advantage. By adding hydrogen water to their routine, they might see improved performance and quicker recovery.
- Improves Skin Health
Hydrogen-rich water also claims to offer benefits in the realm of skin health. It can reduce signs of aging and enhance skin quality by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. This particular benefit can be especially appealing to individuals with dry skin.
- Aids Digestion
Another intriguing potential advantage of hydrogen-rich water is its role in aiding digestion. The additional hydrogen may assist in breaking down food molecules more efficiently. This, in turn, can improve nutrient absorption and overall digestion. Individuals who often experience bloating may find relief by drinking hydrogen water before their meals.
- Prevents Disease
Hydrogen water may have antioxidants, which are important for preventing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can happen due to everyday body processes and external factors like sun exposure and chemicals from industries. If oxidative stress continues for a long time, it can cause different diseases, such as cancer and other life-threatening conditions.
Some initial studies also suggest that hydrogen water might have anti-inflammatory properties. This could lower the chances of heart disease and other severe health problems. Although we need more research to be sure about these benefits, the early results are quite interesting.
- May Benefit Those With Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a health issue marked by high blood sugar, too much belly fat, high cholesterol, and increased triglyceride levels. Some research suggests that hydrogen water might help reduce oxidative stress and improve metabolic syndrome risk factors.
In a 10-week study with 20 people showing signs of metabolic syndrome, they were told to drink 30–34 ounces (0.9–1 liter) of hydrogen-enriched water every day. The results were good. People had lower “bad” LDL and total cholesterol, higher “good” HDL cholesterol, more antioxidants, and less inflammation (like TNF-α). This shows that beverage might help folks with metabolic syndrome.
Hydrogen Water Negative Side Effects
Experts generally believe that there is no potential side effect of hydrogen rich water, and it’s safe to drink. However, they emphasize the importance of moderation. Drinking excessive amounts of hydrogen water can pose risks to your health.
One significant concern is hyponatremia. Is hydrogen water good for kidneys? Yes, it is. However, if you drink too much water, your kidneys cannot eliminate excess water from your body. This will lead to a dilution of sodium levels in your blood. Severe hyponatremia can be life-threatening. Therefore, it’s essential to consume hydrogen water in moderation and not to replace all your water intake with it.
Aside from the risk of hyponatremia, there are very few reported negative side effects associated with hydrogen water. Nevertheless, you should still consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying medical conditions.
Should You Drink Hydrogen Water?
Is hydrogen water something you should consider adding to your daily routine? Well, the answer isn’t black and white; it hinges on your unique circumstances and preferences.
Firstly, it’s reassuring to know that the FDA has given this beverage the green light for consumption, so you can rest assured that it’s generally safe. However, like with many things in life, moderation is key. The optimal dosage of hydrogen water remains a bit of a scientific puzzle. Nonetheless, for most healthy adults, a daily intake of around 1 liter should be well within the safe range.
But here’s an interesting twist – hydrogen has a tendency to naturally dissipate. To maximize the potential benefits of hydrogen water, it’s essential to consume it within about 30 minutes of opening the container. This way, you ensure that you’re getting the highest concentration of hydrogen possible, making your hydration choice as effective as can be.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the answer to the question, “Is hydrogen water good for you?” may still be open. We will need more rigorous research to confirm whether this beverage is truly beneficial. However, this beverage is still a promising complementary element of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Ultimately, the truth about hydrogen water may become clearer as further research emerges. Until then, stay hydrated and prioritize your well-being above all else.
