Hydrogen Water Scam: Why some people think it is?

Debunking Hydrogen Water: 5 Reasons for Skepticism

You don't need to be a scientist to be skeptical when something seems dubious. This is precisely the case with one of the latest wellness trends: hydrogen water. Let's explore the top 4 reasons why many people consider hydrogen water to be a scam:

1. It seems counterintuitive

If you've had basic chemistry education, you know that water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen (H2O). So when you hear the term "hydrogen water," your first reaction might be, "Wait! Isn't hydrogen already in water?"

Let's break this down step by step:

• Yes, hydrogen is a component of water molecules.
• Oxygen is also part of water molecules.
• However, can you breathe underwater because there's oxygen in H2O? No, because in water, hydrogen and oxygen are bonded together in a stable molecule.
• This is similar to how we can have carbon dioxide gas dissolved in water to make carbonated drinks (soda), even though oxygen (from CO2) is already part of the water molecule.

To clarify, "hydrogen water" refers to water with additional hydrogen gas (H2) dissolved in it. While it may sound counterintuitive due to our familiarity with water's chemical formula, it is technically possible to have extra hydrogen dissolved in water, just as we can have other gases dissolved in liquids.

Even if it sounds dubious it's still best to consult the medical and scientific literature.

Here is an example:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5806445/

2. It sounds dangerous

Apart from water composition, most people also know about the hydrogen bomb and the highly toxic hydrogen cyanide. Fortunately, hydrogen can also be useful. It's naturally present in our bodies as part of the DNA molecule and produced by bacteria in the gut. Lately, scientists have been trying to understand the mechanisms by which hydrogen can help neutralize free radicals in human cells. While the research is still ongoing, the future looks promising.

Keio University Hospital (Tokyo, Japan)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5891106/

3. It's trending

When something suddenly becomes trendy in the wellness industry, it's natural to be skeptical. Hydrogen water is no exception. Here's why its trendiness raises eyebrows:

• Rapid popularity: Hydrogen water has quickly gained attention in health and wellness circles, often a red flag for fad products.
• Celebrity endorsements: Like many trendy health products, hydrogen water has been promoted by celebrities and influencers, which doesn't necessarily correlate with scientific validity.
• Marketing hype: Companies selling hydrogen water often make bold claims about its benefits, promising everything from improved athletic performance to anti-aging effects.
• Lack of long-term studies: While some preliminary research exists, there's a scarcity of long-term, large-scale studies on hydrogen water's effects on human health.
• Historical context: The wellness industry has a history of promoting trendy products that later turn out to be ineffective or even harmful (e.g., weight loss pills, detox teas).

It's important to approach trendy health products with a critical eye. While popularity doesn't automatically invalidate a product, it also doesn't guarantee its effectiveness. As with any health trend, it's crucial to look beyond the hype and examine the scientific evidence.

For a balanced perspective on hydrogen water research, consider this review from the Journal of Clinical Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7404609/

4. Never heard of it before

If it's not common knowledge, it must be fake. Right? Maybe not so fast. The National Library of Medicine, an official website of the United States Government, contains many scientific studies, peer reviewed and double blinded clinical trials that you can consult for free.

Click on the image to see for yourself.

We encourage you to visit the Molecular Hydrogen Institute's website and attend their virtual conference. This event provides a platform for leading researchers to share their work with other hydrogen experts and enthusiasts.

5. Low concentrations (PPM)

As soon as you understand that PPM means Parts Per Million, you might think, "Wow, that's nothing!" Our best model, the 6000 Pro, for example, produces 6 PPM of molecular hydrogen. This means there is 6 mg of gas per 1 liter of water. This is because 1 liter of water has a mass of approximately 1,000,000 mg.

When it comes to quantities, we are used to measuring the power of a substance by its size. Think about one shot versus one bottle of whiskey. Which one is more effective?

Many pills, for example, are made a certain size not because of how much active ingredient they contain but because of how humans will perceive them as effective.

But let's get back to PPM. Let's look at these examples where very low concentrations can have a profound effect on humans.

1. Chlorine (Cl2):
   • Used for water disinfection
   • As low as 0.1-0.3 ppm can be detected by smell
   • 1-3 ppm can cause eye and respiratory irritation
   • 30 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health
2. Fluoride (F-):
   • Added to water for dental health
   • Optimal concentration for dental benefits: 0.7-1.2 ppm
   • Above 4 ppm can cause dental fluorosis
   • Long-term exposure to 8+ ppm can lead to skeletal fluorosis
3. Lead (Pb):
   • No safe level of lead exposure
   • EPA action level: 0.015 ppm
   • Even at 5 ppb, can cause developmental issues in children
4. Mercury (Hg):
   • EPA maximum contaminant level: 0.002 ppm
   • Chronic exposure at low levels can cause neurological issues
5. Nitrates (NO3-):
   • Dangerous especially for infants
   • EPA maximum contaminant level: 10 ppm
   • Can cause methemoglobinemia ("blue baby syndrome") at levels above 10 ppm
6. Arsenic (As):
   • WHO and EPA standard: 0.01 ppm
   • Long-term exposure even at low levels increases cancer risk
7. Cyanide (CN-):
   • Highly toxic
   • EPA maximum contaminant level: 0.2 ppm
   • Can be fatal at concentrations as low as 0.5-3.5 ppm
     
     These examples demonstrate that various substances can have significant biological effects at concentrations similar to or even lower than those discussed for dissolved hydrogen gas.

To conclude this article, it's important to emphasize that Ocemida, as a company, is not making exaggerated claims about hydrogen water being a miraculous cure-all. While we've presented reasons for skepticism, we also acknowledge that scientific research on hydrogen water is ongoing.

Ocemida's approach is to provide information based on current scientific understanding, without overstating potential benefits. We believe in transparency and encourage consumers to:

1. Approach health trends critically, including hydrogen water.
2. Consult with healthcare professionals before making significant changes to their health routines.
3. Stay informed about emerging research from reputable scientific sources.
4. Understand that no single product or supplement is a substitute for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

At Ocemida, we're committed to honest communication about our products. While some studies suggest potential benefits of hydrogen water, we recognize that more research is needed to fully understand its effects. Our goal is to provide a product that aligns with current scientific knowledge, while always prioritizing consumer safety and well-being.

Remember, maintaining good health involves a holistic approach. Whether or not you choose to incorporate hydrogen water into your routine, it should be seen as a potential complement to, not a replacement for, proven health practices like regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management.