Hydrogen Water: Is It Worth All the Hype?

Posted onAuthorDavid Bradley

Hydrogen-water-benefits-image

Hydrogen Water: Is It Worth All the Hype?

In a world where wellness trends come and go, hydrogen water has emerged as the latest craze. But what exactly is hydrogen water, and is it truly worth all the hype it’s receiving?

Let’s dive into the science, benefits, and potential drawbacks if any of this trending elixir.

Understanding Hydrogen Water

Hydrogen water, simply put, is water infused with molecular hydrogen (H2) gas. This gas is odorless, tasteless, and colorless, apparently making it imperceptible to our senses.  Maybe it’s just me, but I’m drinking it now and I totally notice a difference.  The taste is super slightly sweet and it seems to have more viscosity than plain tap water or filtered water.

The process of making hydrogen typically involves dissolving hydrogen gas into water under high pressure, resulting in this beverage that is touted for its potential health benefits.

How Does it Work?

When consumed, hydrogen water purportedly acts as a powerful antioxidant. Molecular hydrogen has been shown to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, thereby reducing oxidative stress. This process is believed to contribute to various health improvements.  [more on that later]

The Science Behind It

Over 1000 studies have investigated the effects of hydrogen water on human health. Research suggests that it may possess anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and neuroprotective properties. Additionally, some studies indicate potential benefits for athletic performance and recovery.

Here’s one that I really liked:

The Effects of 24-Week, High-Concentration Hydrogen-Rich Water on Body Composition, Blood Lipid Profiles and Inflammation Biomarkers in Men and Women with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial [source]…

Supplementation with high-concentration HRW significantly reduced blood cholesterol and glucose levels, attenuated serum hemoglobin A1c, and improved biomarkers of inflammation and redox homeostasis as compared to placebo (P < 0.05). Furthermore, H2 tended to promote a mild reduction in body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio.”

Benefits of Hydrogen Water

Proponents of hydrogen water claim a wide array of benefits, including:

  • Improved Hydration: Hydrogen water may enhance cellular hydration due to its small molecular size, allowing for better penetration into cells.
  • Antioxidant Support: By combating oxidative stress, hydrogen water could help protect cells and tissues from damage.
  • Enhanced Athletic Performance: Some athletes endorse hydrogen water for its potential to boost endurance and reduce fatigue.
  • Anti-Aging Effects: The antioxidant properties of hydrogen water may contribute to a youthful complexion and overall vitality.

Potential Drawbacks

While hydrogen water appears promising, it’s essential to consider potential drawbacks:

  • Cost: Commercially available hydrogen water can be expensive compared to regular tap water or other beverages.  My EchoGo+ was $249 and their pitcher costs anywhere from $700 – $1200 depending on whether or not it’s on sale.  This is one of my chief complaints with most health and wellness products.  There’s a premium.  Meaning if you don’t have the means, it’s incredibly difficult and requires real commitment and creativity to eat and be healthy.
  • Taste and Accessibility: Some consumers find the taste of hydrogen water off-putting, and access to it may be limited in certain areas.
  • Environmental Impact:  I don’t know about you, but I’m working on eliminating as much plastic as I can.  Unavoidable in many cases, but hey, a little bit of something is better than a whole lot of nothing.  The production and packaging of hydrogen water may have environmental implications, including energy consumption and plastic waste. As consumers become increasingly eco-conscious, the environmental footprint of hydrogen water could be a concern for some individuals.  Which is one of the main reasons I went with the EchoGo+ because they use BPA free plastic.  From their website, “The EchoGo+ is made out of food grade polycarbonate plastic…  PC plastic is very touch material, which allows your Echo Water Bottles to last longer while also helping reduce long-term waste from traditional disposable water bottles.  This plastic is environmentally friendly.”

Is it Safe?

Overall, yes.  Hydrogen water is considered safe for consumption, with minimal risk of adverse effects when consumed in moderation. However, because…  DISCLAIMER ALERT:  individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking medication should consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into their routine.

Conclusion…  It’s up to you!

In conclusion, hydrogen water has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, ranging from improved hydration to antioxidant support. While the science behind it is promising, more research is always welcome to fully understand its efficacy and long-term effects. Ultimately, whether hydrogen water is worth the hype depends on individual preferences, health goals, and budget considerations.

There’s some real opinions out there on this topic.  On you side you have my pragmatic guy Mike Dolce who is clearly not a fan…

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mike Dolce (@thedolcediet)

And then you got my buddy Gary Brecka on the flip side who is all about it…

My thoughts?  There is no quick fix.  There is no short cut.  The hack is there is no hack.  That being said, there are actual studies out there showing efficacy and if it gives this 51 year old body a leg up, I’m willing to give it a try…  which I have been doing now since mid February of this year.  I fully intend to report back later on my findings and full experience with my EchoGo+.

FAQs

1. Can hydrogen water cure diseases?  No.  While hydrogen water may offer health benefits, it’s not a cure-all for diseases. It should be viewed as a complementary addition to a balanced lifestyle and wellness program.  It is NOT the Holy Grail.

2. How much hydrogen water should I drink per day? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It’s recommended to start with small amounts and monitor how your body responds. Personally, I’m going about a half gallon a day.

3. Can I make hydrogen water at home?  Yes, all you need is the EchoGo+.

5. Are there any side effects of drinking hydrogen water? Generally, hydrogen water is well-tolerated, with few reported side effects. However, excessive consumption could potentially lead to bloating or gastrointestinal discomfort.