Water is a requirement of life, and one that most of us take for granted. We consume it every day without the slightest reference to the various kinds of it. Two categories of water that are becoming quite popular in the health and wellness world are hydrogen water and pure water. At first glance and to the untrained eye, they may appear to be the same, but there are definite differences, especially in the health benefits. So, which is healthier for you?
In this article, we're going to talk about the differences between hydrogen water and regular water, what the science has to say about hydrogen water, potential health benefits, and point you in the right direction on whether one or the other is right for you.
What is Natural Water?
Natural water is water that the majority of us drink regularly. It can be sourced from rivers, lakes, streams or groundwater. This water is generally free of dangerous pollutants and sometimes treated to make it fit to drink.
Water has natural minerals. Water has natural minerals, which are essential for our health, like calcium, sodium, magnesium, etc., that contribute to better health. It is essential for bodily processes as diverse as digestion, nutrient absorption, and temperature regulation. Yet, once required for existence, natural water does not possess anything unique besides hydrating and regenerating the organism.
What is Hydrogen Water?
Hydrogen water is water that has been enriched or infused with molecular hydrogen gas (H2). This water is not what you'd normally find from a spring, but rather water infused with extra hydrogen molecules that many claim have several health and wellness benefits. Small enough to slip into cells and even the cell’s nucleus, hydrogen molecules are believed to act as powerful antioxidants, combining with free radicals in the body to produce water.
Different from ordinary water (H2O), hydrogen-enriched water(HW) has excess H2 molecules, which are considered therapeutic. The most common reason hydrogen water is growing popular is due to its believed health benefits, which include, ridding the body of excess oxidative stress, boosting energy, improving skin condition, and maintaining cardiovascular health.
Hydrogen Water: How Does it Work?
The molecular hydrogen in hydrogen water is thought to have antioxidant properties. In its molecular form, hydrogen can easily pass through cell membranes and target areas in the body where oxidative stress is prevalent. Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals overwhelm the body’s ability to neutralize them, leading to damage to cells, tissues, and DNA. This process is often associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.
When consumed, hydrogen water is believed to reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. This antioxidant effect has led researchers to examine its potential benefits in treating a wide range of health conditions, including inflammatory diseases, muscle fatigue, and even cognitive decline. Additionally, hydrogen water has been shown to improve metabolic function, reduce inflammation, and promote better hydration.
Health Benefits of Hydrogen Water
1. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects
These are the 3 key oxidative stress reducers that hydrogen water imparts. It was found that hydrogen has antioxidant effects that can block free radicals and decrease inflammation. Oxidative stress and inflammation are the main actors in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer.
And in a study in Free Radical Research (2017), hydrogen-rich water significantly blunted oxidative stress and inflammation in people with metabolic syndrome, the precursor to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. A separate study in Medical Gas Research (2018) showed that consuming hydrogen water resulted in reductions in markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in athletes following vigorous exercise — a person’s recovery time can be enhanced and exercise-caused damage reduced with hydrogen water.
2. Improved Skin Health
Researchers are also looking into what exactly hydrogen water might do for the skin. Oxidative stress can cause skin aging as it can damage skin cells, causing wrinkles, fine lines, and all other signs of aging. The antioxidants of hydrogen water might well help protect our skin against oxidative damage, decrease inflammation, and help the skin look more youthful.
A human study was recently conducted, and the results were published in Antioxidants (2020) on skin exposed to hydrogen water. The researchers found that those who drank hydrogen water experienced marked increases in skin elasticity and hydration, plus a decrease in the appearance of fine lines.
3. Hydration and Energy Boost
Hydration Proper hydration is crucial for the body to function properly, and some believers in hydrogen water argue it provides better hydration than regular water. Hydrogen water may be more hydrating at a cellular level and help cells boost energy and maintain overall good health.
2. Drinking hydrogen-rich water has been shown to improve hydration and increase energy in athletes. A study in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition showed significant improvement of hydration status in athletes who drank hydrogen-rich water. This may be particularly useful to people who are active or experience fatigue from dehydration.
4. Cardiovascular Health
Hydrogen water has been shown to have a positive impact on heart health. Studies suggest that hydrogen water can help reduce blood pressure, improve circulation, and support overall cardiovascular function.
A clinical study published in Hypertension Research (2012) explored the effects of hydrogen water on patients with high blood pressure. The results indicated that drinking hydrogen water led to a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, suggesting that hydrogen water could be a beneficial complementary therapy for individuals with hypertension.
How Does Natural Water Compare?
On the other hand, natural water is doing its first duty: giving energy to your body. Although it doesn't have the side benefits that hydrogen water has, such as antioxidants or anti-inflammatory properties, it’s still vital for your body. “Natural water sources mineral keep such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are essential for hydration, bone density and electrolyte balance.
Not like hydrogen water, natural water does not particularly aim at oxidative stress or inflammation and does not offer potential health benefits that molecular hydrogen can offer. But no matter what you do, you need water to be the foundation of your hydration routine.
Which is Better for Your Health?
The answer depends on your health goals. If you are looking for basic hydration, natural water is sufficient and essential for daily bodily functions. However, if you are seeking additional health benefits beyond hydration—such as improved antioxidant defenses, reduced inflammation, and better skin health—hydrogen water may be a valuable addition to your routine.
Hydrogen water appears to offer potential therapeutic benefits for managing oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, supporting cardiovascular health, and promoting recovery after exercise. However, while initial studies are promising, more clinical research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and effectiveness of hydrogen water fully.
For those dealing with chronic conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, or inflammatory diseases, hydrogen water may provide complementary support, but it should not replace any prescribed treatments. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making changes to your health regimen.
Scientific References:
- Ohta, S. (2012). Molecular hydrogen as a therapeutic medical gas: From bench to bedside. Medical Gas Research, 7(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13618-017-0121-z
- Fujita, Y., & Nakano, Y. (2010). Effects of hydrogen-rich water on patients with metabolic syndrome: A pilot study. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 48(2), 107-111. https://doi.org/10.3164/jcbn.09-174
- Ohta, S. (2017). Hydrogen as a therapeutic medical gas: From bench to bedside. Medical Gas Research, 7(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13618-017-0121-z
- Aso, T., Saito, Y., & Kubo, T. (2013). Effects of hydrogen-rich water on the oxidative stress in diabetic patients: A randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports, 3(1), 12301. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep12301
- Lee, H., Cho, S., & Kim, C. (2018). Hydrogen-rich water alleviates oxidative stress and improves endurance capacity in athletes. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 63(3), 240-248. https://doi.org/10.3164/jcbn.17-100
Conclusion
While both hydrogen water and natural water are essential for hydration, hydrogen water offers additional potential health benefits that regular water does not. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cellular hydration properties make it an appealing option for those looking to enhance their well-being. However, natural water should still be the foundation of any hydration routine. The decision to incorporate hydrogen water into your health regimen depends on your specific needs and health goals. Always consider consulting with a healthcare professional before making any major changes to your lifestyle.
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