The health food aisles at grocery stores and supermarkets have many different types of water products for sale,
such as purified and alkaline water. One newer water product you might have noticed lately is hydrogen water. It
usually comes in a fancy bottle and costs more than most sports drinks.
What is so special about hydrogen water? According to the packaging, hydrogen water offers consumers a wide
range of health benefits. What are these benefits? Are they for real?
Let’s examine hydrogen water more closely to see if it is better water to drink.
What Is Hydrogen Water?
The chemical formula for normal water is H₂O, which signifies that water molecules have two hydrogen atoms and
one oxygen atom bonded together. However, if you infuse normal water with additional hydrogen molecules, it
becomes hydrogen water.
The theory is that adding more hydrogen to water can make it a robust antioxidant with anti-inflammatory
properties and the ability to reduce oxidative stress and enhance athletic performance.
Do you think hydrogen water can really do these things?
What Does Hydrogen Water Do for You?
Many people believe that hydrogen water provides several health benefits to support long-term wellness. These
benefits include:
- Anti-inflammatory properties to reduce bodily inflammation
- Eliminates free radicals
- Reduces oxidative stress
- Faster muscle recovery following exercise and workouts
- More energy and focus
- Anti-aging benefits
- Healthier and smoother skin
Okay, so let’s see what the science says about hydrogen water and its connection to these health benefits.
Hydrogen Water Benefits Backed by Research
1. Acts as an Antioxidant
The first big health claim is that hydrogen water is a powerful antioxidant. This claim is attributed to a few
minor scientific studies showing that molecular hydrogen can eliminate harmful free radicals in the body. It can
even neutralize
hydroxyl
radicals , the most severe free radicals known to increase aging and the risk of chronic disease.
According to a Nature Medicine study published in 2010, hydrogen gas caused rodents and a few human participants
to experience anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. That is certainly a good sign, but it doesn’t fully
prove anything yet.
2. May Reduce Inflammation
Some older research studies found that drinking hydrogen water can reduce inflammation. Since inflammation
increases the risk of developing chronic conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis, reducing inflammation can
lower your risk of developing these conditions.
According to a
Scientific Reports study , human participants had fewer signs of oxidative
stress and inflammation after drinking hydrogen-rich water for about a month.
3. Improves Exercise Recovery
A few research studies reveal that hydrogen water can reduce muscle fatigue and speed up recovery time after a
workout for athletes and gym enthusiasts.
4. Possible Support for Metabolic Health
According to a small clinical trial, participants with metabolic syndrome experienced lower blood sugar and
cholesterol levels after drinking hydrogen-rich water for approximately 10 weeks. That is encouraging news,
although more research needs to be done to confirm this.
So, Is Hydrogen Water Good for You?
Hydrogen water appears to benefit athletes, gym enthusiasts, or those suffering from inflammation. You may even
find that it gives you more energy, too.
However, you should not expect any miracles from drinking hydrogen water. Only a limited number of scientific
studies were conducted on the benefits of hydrogen water. Additional testing is necessary on more human
participants to have more conclusive information regarding the health benefits of hydrogen water.
Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to try out hydrogen water to see how it makes you feel. You may find it gives you a
health boost or makes you feel slightly better. If that happens, purchasing the water will be worth the extra
expense.
For optimal hydration and health, it’s essential to consume clean, contaminant-free water.
Reverse osmosis systems are among the most effective home filtration methods,
removing up to 99% of contaminants, including lead, fluoride, and chlorine . The Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis
System X12 offers advanced filtration with a tankless design, UV sterilization, and NSF certifications, ensuring
high-quality water for your household.
Incorporating hydrogen water into your routine may offer additional health benefits, but it’s essential to
ensure your water is first purified to remove harmful substances. Combining clean water with hydrogen infusion
could be a beneficial approach to enhancing your hydration and overall well-being.
How to Choose the Right Hydrogen Water?
Not all hydrogen water products are the same. Here are some tips on how to choose the right hydrogen water
product for you:
Check the Hydrogen Concentration
It is best to choose a hydrogen water product with a minimum of 1.6 parts per million (ppm) of hydrogen gas
because most clinical studies use this level of hydrogen gas in the water.
Sealed Packaging Is Key
Purchasing hydrogen water in cans or pouches rather than plastic bottles is recommended because the hydrogen gas
can easily escape through the tiny cracks in plastic bottle lids. Also, pay attention to the expiration date on
the products. Don’t choose any product that has already expired.
Should You Buy a Hydrogen Water Machine?
A hydrogen water generator may be a solid investment if you drink hydrogen water daily. This machine can produce
hydrogen-rich water whenever you want and will save you money in the long run because you won’t need to keep
buying hydrogen water at the store.
Please do your research first before investing in a particular hydrogen water machine. The reason is that some
of the cheaper machines don’t infuse the proper amount of hydrogen gas into the water, which means you won’t get
the health benefits you desire.
Final Verdict: Is Hydrogen Water Worth It?
Let’s review the pros and cons of hydrogen water:
- Possibly speed up muscle recovery and reduce fatigue after workouts
- Possible powerful antioxidant to eliminate free radicals and reduce inflammation
- Safe and easy to consume
- No known side effects
- It may improve metabolic health
- More expensive than ordinary water products
- The true health benefits are still not 100% certain
- Some hydrogen water products have inadequate hydrogen levels
Real Talk: What Americans Think About Hydrogen Water
Hydrogen water fits the perfect American health trend in the United States. It is an attractive product with
several potential health benefits and some scientific studies to support these claims. If you want to recover
faster after a workout, increase your energy, and look younger, you can potentially experience all these health
benefits from hydrogen water.
Keep in mind that hydrogen water is not a miracle beverage. It can help support a healthy lifestyle but cannot
overcome negative lifestyle habits like poor nutrition and lack of exercise. So, ensure you still eat right and
exercise before adding hydrogen water to your daily diet.