You’ve probably heard of alkaline water, but have you heard of hydrogenated water? If not, you’re probably wondering what it is. Hydrogenated water is water that has been infused with molecular hydrogen, making it more hydrogen-rich. It’s believed to have several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it’s often talked about in line with alkaline water.
In this article:
What is Hydrogenated Water?
Unlike regular filtered water, hydrogenated water is made by dissolving hydrogen gas into it. This added hydrogen is believed to aid in athletic performance and give drinkers anti-inflammatory effects. Adding extra hydrogen to the water doesn’t change its taste or smell; it merely enhances the hydrogen density.
How Does Hydrogenated Water Work?
Making hydrogenated water means dissolving hydrogen gas bubbles into the water. Scientifically, this is achievable since hydrogen bubbles are small and dissolve easily. Once the hydrogen is dissolved, the water can be consumed. Dr. Mitchell Rosner, a kidney doctor at UVA Health, told The New York Times that it’s believed these additional hydrogen molecules are able to interact with a person’s cells as an antioxidant.
Hydrogenated water is most effective when paired with already filtered, purified water to ensure absorption of the additional hydrogen without additional contaminants. Leaf Home Water Solutions’ home water filtration systems can help by providing clean, foundational water and are a great starting point for anyone interested in making hydrogenated water at home.
Potential Health Benefits of Hydrogenated Water
A study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that there are reportedly a myriad of health benefits to consuming hydrogenated water. However, this study also indicates that more research needs to be done to fully sustain the health claims.
Some of the potential benefits of hydrogenated water are said to include:
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- Antioxidant properties: neutralizing free radicals or unpaired molecules living in the body
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- Decreasing athletic fatigue
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- Healthier skin
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- Improved exercise recovery
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- Protection against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s
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- Reduced inflammation
Who Can Benefit From Hydrogenated Water?
While experts are still researching the health claims, there are indications that hydrogen-rich water can be beneficial for:
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- Anyone looking to reduce inflammation
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- Athletes for recovery and reducing muscle fatigue
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- Health-conscious homeowners looking to enhance their water quality and hydration routine
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- Runners looking for improved race times
According to the NIH, some benefits have been noted for certain conditions when those individuals consumed hydrogenated water. These include cardiac fibrosis, diabetes, hepatic injury, and radiation-induced disease.
Beyond introducing hydrogenated water into your day-to-day wellness, it is also important to drink well-filtered water. A high-quality water filtration system from Leaf Home Water Solutions can help you achieve those hydration goals from the comfort of your home.
How to Get Hydrogenated Water at Home
Although you can buy pre-made hydrogenated water, there are several ways to make it at home as well. There are hydrogen water bottles that make the infused water for you, for example, or you can buy a range of supplements that create the hydrogenated effect.
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- Hydrogen tablets: Magnesium tablets that infuse water with hydrogen through a chemical reaction
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- Magnesium sticks: Infuse the water with hydrogen through a chemical reaction
Is Hydrogenated Water Safe?
While there isn’t much research to demonstrate many definitive health benefits, there hasn’t been any indication that hydrogenated water is unsafe or has negative side effects either.
Dr. Rosner told The New York Times he doesn’t believe there are downsides. He continued that hydrogen-infused water is safe as long as the hydrogen isn’t more than 2.14 percent of the drink—which is hard to figure out because it isn’t included in product labels. Even so, there are currently no known disadvantages to consuming hydrogenated water.
Myths and Misconceptions About Hydrogenated Water
We know that hydrogenated water is safe to drink without any real downsides. However, there are some prevailing misconceptions about it.
It isn’t a miracle cure for anything. Research indicates that it may have some health benefits, but there is nothing to say that it will cure an illness or make someone a much better athlete.
How Leaf Home Water Solutions Can Help with Hydrogenated Water
Leaf Home Water Solutions can help homeowners improve the quality of their water, which is an essential step toward making hydrogenated water a part of a healthy lifestyle should you choose to make it at home. Learn more about how clean water can become a part of your wellness routine on our blog.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make hydrogenated water?
You can make hydrogenated water with a hydrogen water bottle, magnesium sticks, or hydrogen tablets. The sticks and tablets use magnesium, which creates a chemical reaction with the water, infusing it with hydrogen.
Is hydrogen water good for the kidneys?
Hydrogen water may reduce oxidative stress in the kidneys. Oxidative stress is one of the leading causes of the progression of kidney disease. However, overconsumption of water is bad for the kidneys. But as long as you aren’t drinking over a liter per hour, you should be okay.
Is distilled water the same as hydrogenated water?
No, distilled water is just purified water that has had everything else removed. Whereas hydrogen water is water that has been infused with additional hydrogen. You also should not make hydrogen water with distilled water because the lack of ions in the distilled water makes it hard for the additional hydrogen to populate.
Which is better, alkaline or hydrogen water?
Neither is necessarily better than the other because both offer different health benefits. Hydrogen water is believed to have antioxidant qualities, which can, for example, allow athletes a faster recovery time. Alkaline water is known for its digestive health properties, improving hydration during exercise, and balancing a person’s pH levels.
