Hydrogenized Water

What Is Hydrogenized Water?

Hydrogenized water refers to regular drinking water infused with additional molecular hydrogen gas (H₂). This hydrogen-rich water typically contains hydrogen concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 10 parts per million (ppm). The terms hydrogenized water, hydrogen water, hydrogen-rich water, and hydrogen-infused water all describe this same product - water containing dissolved molecular hydrogen that acts as an antioxidant in the body.

Hydrogenized water differs from ordinary H₂O molecules. While water naturally contains hydrogen bonded to oxygen, hydrogenized water contains additional free hydrogen molecules that can move independently through the body and provide antioxidant benefits.

The Science Behind Hydrogen-Rich Antioxidant Water

Molecular hydrogen in hydrogenized water functions as a selective antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals while preserving beneficial cellular signaling molecules. This unique antioxidant:

• Penetrates cell membranes easily due to its tiny molecular size
• Crosses the blood-brain barrier efficiently
• Reaches critical cellular components including mitochondria and nuclei
• Selectively neutralizes hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite, two particularly damaging oxidative species

The scientific community began focusing on hydrogen as a therapeutic agent following a groundbreaking 2007 study published in Nature Medicine, which demonstrated hydrogen's remarkable potential to protect tissues against oxidative damage.

Potential Health Benefits of Hydrogenized Water

Powerful Antioxidant Properties

Hydrogen-infused water delivers molecular hydrogen that selectively reduces cytotoxic oxygen radicals, particularly hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻), without disrupting beneficial signaling molecules. A comprehensive 2014 review in the journal Scientific World documented hydrogen's effectiveness as a selective antioxidant with significant therapeutic potential.

This makes hydrogenized water a true "antioxidant water," providing protection against oxidative stress throughout the body.

Inflammation Reduction

Multiple studies indicate hydrogenized water may reduce inflammation markers by:

• Suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine production
• Modulating gene expression of inflammation-related molecules
• Reducing oxidative stress that triggers inflammatory cascades

A 2019 study published in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology demonstrated hydrogen therapy significantly reduced inflammatory biomarkers in subjects with chronic inflammatory conditions.

Metabolic Health Benefits

Research indicates hydrogen-rich antioxidant water might improve:

• Insulin sensitivity
• Lipid profiles
• Weight management efforts

A 2018 study in the Journal of Lipid Research showed hydrogen-infused water consumption improved lipid metabolism in animal models with metabolic syndrome.

Exercise Performance and Recovery

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts report benefits from hydrogenized water for:

• Reduced exercise-induced fatigue
• Decreased post-workout muscle soreness
• Improved recovery times after intense exercise

A 2020 study in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine found decreased lactate levels and improved performance metrics in athletes consuming hydrogen-rich water before high-intensity exercise.

Additional Potential Benefits

Early research suggests hydrogen-infused antioxidant water may support:

• Neuroprotection and brain health
• Skin vitality and appearance
• Digestive system health
• Kidney function

These areas continue to attract research interest, though more extensive clinical studies are needed for definitive conclusions.

Methods to Create or Obtain Hydrogenized Water

Several methods exist to create or obtain hydrogen-rich antioxidant water:

Hydrogen Water Generators

These specialized devices use electrolysis to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, with the hydrogen being dissolved back into the water. High-quality generators can produce hydrogen-rich water with concentrations of 2.8-5.5 ppm.

Hydrogen Tablets/Magnesium Sticks

Metallic magnesium reacts with water to produce hydrogen gas: Mg + 2H₂O → Mg(OH)₂ + H₂

These products typically use magnesium with a catalyst to accelerate the reaction. Tablets can produce hydrogenized water with concentrations of 1.2-1.6 ppm depending on water temperature and volume.

Commercial Hydrogenized Water

Pre-packaged hydrogen-rich water comes in specially designed containers that prevent the hydrogen from escaping. Look for aluminum pouches or special glass bottles with internal hydrogen-retaining layers for maximum effectiveness.

Practical Considerations for Hydrogenized Water Use

Optimal Consumption Patterns

For maximum therapeutic benefits from hydrogen-rich antioxidant water, research suggests:

• Drinking 0.5-1 liter of hydrogenized water (4-5 ppm) daily
• Consuming hydrogen-infused water 30-60 minutes before meals or exercise
• Drinking directly from the source, as hydrogen dissipates quickly
• Consuming multiple smaller servings throughout the day rather than one large serving

Storage Considerations

Hydrogen molecules escape rapidly from water:

• Consume hydrogen-rich water immediately after production when possible
• Use air-tight containers with minimal headspace
• Store hydrogenized water in aluminum or specialized containers designed for hydrogen retention
• Keep refrigerated to slow hydrogen dissipation
• Avoid opening and closing containers repeatedly

Safety Profile of Hydrogenized Water

General Safety

Hydrogen gas has an excellent safety profile when dissolved in water:

• Non-toxic and naturally occurring
• Not reactive with normal cellular processes
• Does not accumulate in the body
• No reported serious adverse effects from hydrogen-rich water consumption
• Classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for food use

Reported Side Effects

While rare, some users report:

• Mild headaches when first starting consumption (typically transient)
• Mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some sensitive individuals
• Temporary increase in energy or alertness (similar to mild caffeine effect)

A comprehensive 2017 safety review in Medical Gas Research concluded that hydrogen administration appears to have no significant adverse effects across multiple delivery methods.

Comparison with Other Enhanced Waters

Hydrogenized Water vs. Alkaline Water

Some hydrogen-infused water products may also be alkaline, but the therapeutic properties appear to come primarily from the hydrogen content rather than the pH level.

Different Types of Antioxidant Water

Current State of Research on Hydrogen-Rich Antioxidant Water

The scientific community's interest in hydrogenized water has grown substantially since 2007, with hundreds of studies published. Key research developments include:

• Over 1000 peer-reviewed articles on molecular hydrogen therapy across various conditions
• Multiple clinical trials showing promise for metabolic, inflammatory, and neurological conditions
• Research conducted at institutions including Nippon Medical School, Forsyth Institute, and universities worldwide

However, important limitations exist:

• Many studies have small sample sizes
• Some research lacks proper controls or blinding
• Long-term effects remain largely unstudied
• Optimal dosing protocols are still being established

Frequently Asked Questions About Hydrogenized Water

What are the side effects of hydrogen water?

Side effects of hydrogenized water are minimal. Some people report temporary mild headaches or slight gastrointestinal discomfort when first consuming it. No serious adverse effects have been documented in research studies. 

How can I make hydrogen-rich water at home?

You can make hydrogenized water through several methods:

1. Using a hydrogen water generator that employs electrolysis
2. Dissolving hydrogen-producing tablets in water
3. Using magnesium sticks specially designed for hydrogen water production

DIY methods like adding baking soda produce negligible hydrogen concentrations below therapeutic thresholds.

Is hydrogen-infused water good for kidneys?

Some preliminary research suggests hydrogen-rich water may support kidney function by reducing oxidative stress. A 2018 study in Scientific Reports indicated hydrogen water reduced inflammation markers in kidney tissues of research subjects with chronic kidney disease. However, more human clinical trials are needed before definitive claims can be made.

Which is better, alkaline or hydrogenized water?

The choice depends on your specific health goals. Hydrogen-rich antioxidant water has more substantial research supporting its antioxidant properties, while alkaline water has less robust evidence for its claimed benefits. Some products combine both features. The therapeutic effects of hydrogenized water appear primarily linked to the molecular hydrogen content rather than pH level.

What does hydrogen-rich water do to the gut?

Preliminary research suggests hydrogenized water may support gut health by:

• Reducing inflammatory markers in the intestinal lining
• Supporting balanced gut microbiota composition
• Potentially protecting against oxidative damage in the digestive tract

A 2020 study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found hydrogen-infused water helped maintain intestinal barrier function in animal models of colitis.

What are the health risks of hydrogen?

Molecular hydrogen in hydrogenized water is considered extremely safe. It is non-toxic, does not react with cellular components, and excess hydrogen simply diffuses out of the body. No significant health risks have been identified in research studies. Hydrogen gas itself (not in water) can be flammable at high concentrations in air, but this is not a concern with hydrogen-rich water.

What does hydrogenized water taste like?

Most people describe hydrogen-infused water as tasting similar to regular water with a slightly sweeter or smoother mouthfeel. The hydrogen itself is odorless and colorless, with minimal impact on taste. The perceived sweetness some report may result from hydrogen's effect on taste receptors rather than actual sweetness.

Does adding baking soda to water make hydrogenized water?

No, adding baking soda to water does not create therapeutic levels of hydrogen-rich water. While the reaction between baking soda and acidic components can produce some hydrogen gas, the concentration is far below the 0.5-1.6 ppm considered therapeutic. Specialized equipment or tablets are needed to achieve meaningful hydrogen concentrations in true hydrogenized water.

Does hydrogen-rich antioxidant water help with weight loss?

Some preliminary research suggests hydrogenized water may support weight management by:

• Potentially improving metabolism and energy utilization
• Reducing oxidative stress that contributes to metabolic dysfunction
• Supporting healthy inflammatory responses

A 2016 study found hydrogen-infused water consumption reduced body weight gain in animal models fed high-fat diets. However, human studies specifically on weight loss are limited.

How many times a day should you drink hydrogenized water?

Research suggests consuming hydrogen-rich water 2-3 times daily may be more effective than a single large serving, due to hydrogen's rapid clearance from the body. Most studies showing benefits used protocols of 0.5-1 liter total daily consumption split into multiple servings. Drinking hydrogenized water 30-60 minutes before meals or exercise appears particularly beneficial.

What is the best drink to restore kidney function?

While no single drink can restore kidney function, several options may support kidney health:

1. Plain water remains essential for proper kidney function
2. Hydrogen-rich water shows preliminary promise for reducing kidney inflammation
3. Cranberry juice (unsweetened) may support urinary tract health
4. Green tea contains antioxidants that may benefit kidney health

People with kidney disease should consult healthcare providers before using any therapeutic beverages.

Does hydrogen affect blood pressure?

Some research indicates the molecular hydrogen in hydrogenized water may help normalize blood pressure through:

• Reducing oxidative stress in vascular tissues
• Supporting healthy endothelial function
• Modulating inflammation that affects blood vessel tone

A 2019 study found hydrogen-rich water supplementation helped reduce blood pressure in rats with mild hypertension. However, people with hypertension should not substitute hydrogen-infused water for prescribed medications.

Conclusion

Hydrogenized water represents an exciting and emerging area of research with promising potential benefits for various aspects of health. As a powerful antioxidant water, hydrogen-rich water offers unique properties that conventional antioxidant supplements cannot match. While the current evidence suggests safety and several possible therapeutic applications, the field continues to develop with new studies regularly published.

Consumers interested in hydrogen-rich antioxidant water should:

1. Approach claims with appropriate skepticism
2. Consider the quality and concentration of hydrogen delivery methods
3. View hydrogenized water as a potential complement to, not replacement for, conventional medical care
4. Stay informed as research evolves

As with any health intervention, consulting healthcare providers about incorporating hydrogen-infused water into your wellness routine is advisable, particularly for those with existing health conditions.