Claims of hydrogen water benefits have made waves in the wellness community, promising a range of health benefits that sound almost too good to be true. Hydrogen water bottles are becoming common sights at Pilates and yoga studios, gyms, and among celebrity athletes.
But are these hydrogen water benefits evidence of a revolutionary health elixir, or just another fad? Let’s break it down.
What is Hydrogen Water?
Simply put, hydrogen water is water that has extra hydrogen molecules added to it. The method behind hydrogen water benefits is to infuse the water with molecular hydrogen (H2) without altering its taste or appearance.
This process can be achieved through methods like dissolving hydrogen gas into water under pressure or using a hydrogen-generating stick or tablet. More commonly now, people are using hydrogen water bottles, such as the Echo Water products.
How Hydrogen Water Benefits Your Health
Proponents of hydrogen water claim it has several health benefits, primarily due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties:
- Antioxidant Properties: It’s suggested that hydrogen molecules can act as antioxidants, neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body and potentially reducing oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: By mitigating oxidative stress, hydrogen water might help reduce inflammation, which is linked to various chronic diseases.
- Improved Metabolic Syndrome: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition in 2017 hinted at hydrogen water’s positive impact on metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
- Enhanced Athletic Performance: Research from Medical Gas Research in 2019 indicated potential benefits for athletes, suggesting hydrogen water might alleviate exercise-induced oxidative stress.
Is there Scientific Evidence that Hydrogen Water Benefits are Real?
The short answer is that evidence for hydrogen water benefits seems “promising.” The scientific community was initially divided, but there is increasing evidence of the reality of hydrogen water benefits.
A recent study which reviewed over 20 of the highest quality studies into hydrogen water benefits states: “Although preliminary results in clinical trials and studies are encouraging, further research with larger sample sizes and rigorous methodologies is needed to substantiate these findings.“ (Dhillon et al, 2024)
So why can’t we just say that hydrogen water is effective if there are “encouraging” results? This is because there’s a narrow definition for what can be counted as scientific evidence. For something to be scientifically verifiable there needs to be:
- a significant number of peer-reviewed, high quality articles
- studies involving a large, diverse number of individuals
- a traceable cause-effect relationship that
- can be repeated in other trials
When we’re dealing with how increased hydrogen in drinking water will affect different people, it is difficult to get identical responses because, not surprisingly, people have very different chemistries with different responses to hydrogen.
When we’re dealing with how increased hydrogen in drinking water will affect different people, it is difficult to get identical responses because, not surprisingly, people have very different chemistries with different responses to hydrogen.
On the other hand, anecdotal evidence is what you may rely upon based on word of mouth. There are a number of people who report increased energy and slower recovery times based on their use of hydrogen water. And many people have conducted their own personal experiences with hydrogen water and mapped their progress.
Scientific debate about Hydrogen Water
Unlike fad health trends, there are numerous scientific studies regarding the effectiveness of hydrogen water. In fact, you can find over 1,000 scientific articles here.
There has been, and will continue to be, debate within the scientific community about whether (and how) hydrogen water works. These debates can be divided like this:
- Positive Insights: Some studies and reviews, such as the 2020 review in the International Journal of Biological Sciences, suggest potential therapeutic strategies for various diseases thanks to hydrogen water’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Conflicting Evidence: A 2018 review in the European Journal of Nutrition found limited and conflicting evidence, emphasizing the need for more rigorous research before definitive claims can be made.
- Skepticism from Authorities: The National Institute of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements notes that there is insufficient scientific evidence to support hydrogen water’s use for any specific health-related purpose.
Addressing Misconceptions
Is hydrogen water too good to be true? Here are some common concerns:
- Is it a Fad? Like many health trends, hydrogen water has garnered skepticism. While preliminary research is intriguing, it’s essential to approach claims with caution and consider scientific backing.
- Safety Concerns: Current evidence suggests that moderate consumption of hydrogen water is safe, and drinking excessive amounts may not provide added benefits.
- Taste and Health Impact: Hydrogen water is tasteless and similar to regular water. However, its purported health impacts remain a topic of debate.
Best Hydrogen Water Bottles
There are a number of options out there, but there’s really no competition when it comes to the best hydrogen water bottle. The company Echo Water has been at the forefront of Hydrogen water from the beginning, and they offer a number of different ways to have hydrogen water on the go or instantly available at home.
If you’re interested in gifts for fitness instructors and health enthusiasts, check out our Great Pilates Gifts.
Christmas Discount for Echo Water
You can get a discount on Echo Water to be sure you’re getting the best rate available.
During the holiday season, you can get an amazing discount on the leading hydrogen water products.
Clicking our link gives you an instant 20-50% discount on all Echo Hydrogen water products! (November 1 – December 3)
You’ll see this discount applied when you go to checkout!
All your items will receive the 20-50% discount when you purchase. Also, you can get free, fast shipping!
Dosage and Consumption
For those interested in trying hydrogen water, moderation is key. Hydration is crucial, and incorporating hydrogen water into your routine should complement a balanced diet and lifestyle. Be aware that therapeutic doses and long-term effects require further investigation.
Conclusion
While hydrogen water shows promise, it’s essential to maintain a healthy dose of skepticism. Continued research and scientifically-backed evidence are necessary before we can fully endorse its purported benefits.
If you’re curious about hydrogen water, approach it as a supplement rather than a cure-all, and consult with healthcare professionals if you have specific health concerns.
Sources
Dhillon, Gagandeep et al. “Hydrogen Water: Extra Healthy or a Hoax?-A Systematic Review.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 25,2 973. 12 Jan. 2024, doi:10.3390/ijms25020973 Link.
Sergej M. Ostojic, “Hydrogen-rich water as a modulator of gut microbiota?”,
Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 78, 2021, 104360, ISSN 1756-4646, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2021.104360. Link.
