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When molecular hydrogen gas (H2) is added to water, the result is hydrogen-rich water, otherwise known as hydrogen water. This process can be done in a few ways, from allowing a hydrogen tablet to dissolve into your water before you drink it to directly dissolving the gas into the water. The gas is dissolved into the water either way, resulting in a hydrogen-rich solution. This hydrogen water has many beneficial properties, which are thought to be due to its ability to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, though its anti-inflammatory properties likely also play a large role.
Hydrogen water has antioxidant properties that help protect the body from the negative effects and damage caused by reactive oxygen species, or ROS. The antioxidant effects of hydrogen water are thought to be caused by its ability to scavenge hydroxyl and other harmful free radicals. Once the antioxidants come into contact with these radicals, they neutralize them and stop them from causing any further damage. If free radicals run rampant, the cells of your body are damaged. If the oxidative stress, or overabundance of harmful radicals, is too high, the very DNA in otherwise healthy cells could be damaged, increasing your risk of a host of diseases. While cancer is among such diseases, it is far from the only one. Drinking hydrogen-rich water has been shown to increase antioxidant capacity, thereby reducing oxidative stress and improving your health without you even realizing it.
Hydrogen water has anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms in people suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Normally, inflammation is a good thing. It is your body’s response to injury and germs. The inflammation you want to reduce is chronic inflammation, which is caused by your body sending out inflammatory cells despite the fact that there is no need to. Arthritis results from inflammatory cells attacking your joints.
The anti-inflammatory properties of hydrogen water help reduce the production of inflammatory cells, known as pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can be helpful in relieving chronic inflammation. However, these cells are actually helpful in most cases. Drinking hydrogen water while your body is inflamed from healing from sickness or injury could slow the healing process. Always consult with your doctor and monitor your hydrogen water consumption during these times.
Hydrogen water has a wide range of potential benefits you may want to capitalize on. For some, the most important benefits are improved physical performance and mental health. Reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome is the main appeal to others. All of these benefits are likely caused by the reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation you’ll experience by increased hydrogen in your body as a result of drinking hydrogen water.
Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts say that hydrogen water increases energy, reduces inflammation, and reduces recovery times after workouts. Hydrogen water is known to have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, which work together to not only minimize overall inflammation but also decrease soreness. Reducing oxidative damage and inflammation will also aid in recovery, as these are the typical causes for exercise-induced muscle fatigue.
One study discovered that those who drank hydrogen-rich water 10 minutes before exercise said they had reduced fatigue and an increase in endurance while exercising. This may be caused by molecular hydrogen aiding cellular metabolism, resulting not only in increased energy production but also in more efficient energy use.
Believe it or not, hydrogen water may be able to help you age better. It improves your cellular function in many ways, leading to healthier aging. Pair this with the antioxidant effects of hydrogen water that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases, many of which contribute to aging, like heart disease and cancer, and you can begin to see the possibilities. Healthy cell function also improves skin health, which not only makes you look better but also encourages healthy aging. Hydrogen water may help you more than you realize if looking and feeling young is important to you.
Keeping your liver healthy is vital to leading a happy, healthy life, and hydrogen water can help you do just that. Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver has a wide range of benefits, as you can probably imagine, but there are more hidden benefits as well. Hydrogen water has been shown to reduce liver fat in those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Drinking hydrogen water may also help ease the symptoms of liver disease and reduce the risk of liver damage. Those undergoing dialysis have also reported less severe symptoms and a reduced risk of complications as a result of drinking hydrogen water. These are just a few of the lesser-known benefits of hydrogen-rich water.
COVID-19 patients may be able to enjoy some of the potential health benefits that come with drinking hydrogen water. The anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce muscle soreness and bring down fevers, while the antioxidant effects help protect your cells from harmful free radicals. Both of these work together to reduce the severity of your symptoms. They may even be able to help reduce your chance of getting the virus in the first place, though more research is required to know for sure.
