What is Hydrogen Water?
What is Molecular Hydrogen or H2?
Hydrogen occupies the first position on the periodic table of elements and so is the lightest, smallest, and simplest element consisting of one electron and one proton. It is estimated that 90% of the visible universe is composed of hydrogen and that hydrogen is present in nearly all the molecules in living things.
Hydrogen exists primarily in the diatomic form as molecular hydrogen (H2) gas. It is colorless, odorless, non-metallic, and tasteless. The single hydrogen atom—atomic hydrogen (H) is neutral and has an unpaired electron. It is extremely unstable. When atomic hydrogen is produced via electrolysis (as with a water ionizer) it immediately reacts with another hydrogen atom to form the more stable molecular hydrogen.
Healing waters around the world (including Nordenau Germany; Tlacote, Mexico; Hit Tenryosui, Japan) contain molecular hydrogen at low levels. The presence of H2 in these waters could be from bacteria and algae producing hydrogen gas, or from the water reacting with alkali-earth metals.
H2 is the subject of an increasing number of scientific research studies and articles. A massive - and growing- number of peer-reviewed articles have been published in scientific journals showing therapeutic effect in over 170 disease conditions. Benefits include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, improved glucose metabolism, stimulation of energy metabolism, athletic performance and recovery, protection against brain trauma and cognitive disorders, and positive impacts on many age-related conditions and symptoms. Some scientific papers refer to electrolytically produced water (ionized water) as hydrogen-rich water.
Hydrogen exists primarily in the diatomic form as molecular hydrogen (H2) gas. It is colorless, odorless, non-metallic, and tasteless. The single hydrogen atom—atomic hydrogen (H) is neutral and has an unpaired electron. It is extremely unstable. When atomic hydrogen is produced via electrolysis (as with a water ionizer) it immediately reacts with another hydrogen atom to form the more stable molecular hydrogen.
Healing waters around the world (including Nordenau Germany; Tlacote, Mexico; Hit Tenryosui, Japan) contain molecular hydrogen at low levels. The presence of H2 in these waters could be from bacteria and algae producing hydrogen gas, or from the water reacting with alkali-earth metals.
H2 is the subject of an increasing number of scientific research studies and articles. A massive - and growing- number of peer-reviewed articles have been published in scientific journals showing therapeutic effect in over 170 disease conditions. Benefits include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, improved glucose metabolism, stimulation of energy metabolism, athletic performance and recovery, protection against brain trauma and cognitive disorders, and positive impacts on many age-related conditions and symptoms. Some scientific papers refer to electrolytically produced water (ionized water) as hydrogen-rich water.
Why H2 Works
H2 EASILY PENETRATES EVERYTHING AND CREATES ENERGY
H2 is the smallest, lightest element. It reaches every cell and organ in the body. Because of its small size and the fact it has a high lipid solubility, H2 can easily diffuse into the mitochondria and other subcellular components. We all know we need oxygen to survive, but few know that hydrogen is the fundamental fuel. Mitochondria are our cells' power plants. Inside the mitochondria, oxygen burns hydrogen releasing energy - in the form of ATP - that runs our bodies!
H2 IS A POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT
Much of the Groundbreaking research focused on H2 as an antioxidant. It has the unique and powerful ability to target and neutralize the damaging reactive oxygen molecules (free radicals) that are toxic to the cells1, while leaving biologically useful radicals unharmed. Thus, H2 protects DNA, RNA and cellular proteins from oxidative stress 2. This has led some researchers to call it the master antioxidant.
H2 ACTIVATES YOUR BODY'S OWN POWERFUL ENZYMES
Research shows H2 also enhances the effect of the body’s antioxidant enzymes–glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase-and proteins that protect the cells3.
H2 CAN FAVORABLY ALTER CELL METABOLISM, SIGNALING AND GENE EXPRESSION
Research has also revealed that H2 can alter cell signaling4, cell metabolism5, and gene expression6. This leads to anti-inflammatory effects, anti-allergic effects, and anti-apoptotic (anti-cell death) effects7.
How to Get the Benefits of H2
You can breathe H2 gas, you can assimilate H2 rich saline intravenously, use it as eye drops, you can bathe in it, you can put it on your skin, you can increase the production of H2 in vivo by intestinal bacteria, or you can drink H2-rich water. Which method is best? Early research suggests that the most easiest and effective approach is to drink H2-rich water. H2-rich water can be produced using electrolysis, magnesium, or bubbling H2 gas into water.
Water ionizers produce H2rich water through electrolysis. This is the same method used to produce molecular hydrogen gas for energy. Our H2 Series ionizers with H2 Infusion Technology are capable of producing levels of H2 saturated water far greater than the level of H2 found in the healing waters of the world and greater than typically produced by other water ionizers.
Water ionizers produce H2rich water through electrolysis. This is the same method used to produce molecular hydrogen gas for energy. Our H2 Series ionizers with H2 Infusion Technology are capable of producing levels of H2 saturated water far greater than the level of H2 found in the healing waters of the world and greater than typically produced by other water ionizers.
H2 Water for Reducing Muscle Soreness
A recent study found that H2 water can positively impact athletic performance in elite highly trained athletes. Both muscle fatigue and lactate were decreased in the control group when they consumed H2 rich water before exercise.
A similar study found that H2 infused water had a beneficial effect on the maximal rate of perceived exertion and lactic acid build-up at critical running speed. It concluded that hydrogen-rich water decreases the physical stress during maximal exercise.
A quote from one of the multiple research papers on this topic says it succinctly: "Adequate hydration with hydrogen-rich water pre-exercise reduced blood lactate levels and improved exercise-induced decline of muscle function." ~K. Aoki, et al Medical Gas Research, 2012.
A similar study found that H2 infused water had a beneficial effect on the maximal rate of perceived exertion and lactic acid build-up at critical running speed. It concluded that hydrogen-rich water decreases the physical stress during maximal exercise.
A quote from one of the multiple research papers on this topic says it succinctly: "Adequate hydration with hydrogen-rich water pre-exercise reduced blood lactate levels and improved exercise-induced decline of muscle function." ~K. Aoki, et al Medical Gas Research, 2012.
H2 Water Protects Against Oxidative Stress
Any increase in activity produces more oxidative stress. Unusually intense activity over a short period of time causes even higher levels of oxidative stress and lactic acid buildup. This causes more fatigue, residual muscle soreness, micro-tears to the muscle fibers, and inflammation. Oxidative stress in any form, no matter it happens, isn’t good.
Scientists have proven that H2 selectively neutralizes free radicals. That meaans it targets the “bad” radicals that are the most toxic to our cells, while leaving the “good” radicals which are crucial to cell physiology and homeostasis.8,9 That makes H2 a unique and novel antioxidant as antioxidants neutralize good and bad.
Scientists have proven that H2 selectively neutralizes free radicals. That meaans it targets the “bad” radicals that are the most toxic to our cells, while leaving the “good” radicals which are crucial to cell physiology and homeostasis.8,9 That makes H2 a unique and novel antioxidant as antioxidants neutralize good and bad.
H 2 Improves Recovery Time and Healing
Proper recovery from an injury or exertion involves more than muscle repair; it takes chemical and hormonal rebalancing, nervous system repair, mental state, and more. H2 has been shown to help maintain homeostasis of enzymes including glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase and others.4 H2 has also demonstrated cell signaling capability critical to neurological function.4,14 It’s also beneficial treating soft tissue injuries.10 Drink H2water. It’s far more than a simple recovery drink focused only repairs muscles.
H 2 Water Can Increase your VO2 max
A recent study5 showed that drinking hydrogen-rich water increased VO2 max, time to exhaustion and total work when compared to the placebo group who were given tap water. The study noted there were no side effects or contraindications.
Hydrogen Water Improves Cellular Hydration
As H2 molecules neutralize oxygen radicals, it converts them to water (O- + H2 > H2O), leading researchers to deduce that H2 improves cellular hydration. It takes something bad and makes it good. That potentially explains why no published study has found any negative effect of consuming hydrogen water. It's 100% natural.
The verdict is in!
Research shows drinking H2 saturated water will help with our fitness activities and athletics. It gives you more energy by improving ATP production. It mitigates fatigue and muscle damage by increasing your glycogen. It can increase VO2Max and improve hydration, all while selectively neutralizing and reducing the damaging effects of oxidative stress. Research also shows it’s effective for a broad range of conditions related to general health including many chronic diseases. Go longer. Go stronger.
The Best Way to Get H 2 Water?
There are natural "healing water" springs, which have been shown to be alkaline, be negatively ionized (-redox) and contain dissolved molecular hydrogen. They are also contaminant free.
Our H2 Series ionizers re-create each of these healthy properties in the water that comes straight from your tap!
First, our proprietary UltraWater™ Filtration Technology cleans the water. In independent EPA-certified lab testing against 249 contaminants, it reduced virtually all of them to 99.9%. Once the water is cleaned up, Ultra Water Solution’s H2 Infusion technology creates the documented benefits of H2. And it’s alkaline and ionized too.
So if you are looking for an easy, safe and natural way to get more enjoyment and benefit out of your fitness pursuits, the magic bullet is here! It’s in the H2!
Our H2 Series ionizers re-create each of these healthy properties in the water that comes straight from your tap!
First, our proprietary UltraWater™ Filtration Technology cleans the water. In independent EPA-certified lab testing against 249 contaminants, it reduced virtually all of them to 99.9%. Once the water is cleaned up, Ultra Water Solution’s H2 Infusion technology creates the documented benefits of H2. And it’s alkaline and ionized too.
So if you are looking for an easy, safe and natural way to get more enjoyment and benefit out of your fitness pursuits, the magic bullet is here! It’s in the H2!
References:
- DOLE, M., WILSON, F. R. & FIFE, W. P. (1975). Hyperbaric hydrogen therapy: a possible treatment for cancer. Science 190, 152-4.
- LEE, M. Y., KIM, Y. K., RYOO, K. K., LEE, Y. B. & PARK, E. J. (2006). Electrolyzed-reduced water protects against oxidative damage to DNA, RNA, and protein. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 135, 133-44.
- SUN, H. Chen, L. Zhou, W. Hu, L. Li, L. Tu, Q. Chang, Y. Liu, Q. Sun, X. Wu, M. Wang, H. (2011). The protective role of hydrogen-rich saline in experimental liver injury in mice. Journal of Hepatology 54, (3) 471-80
- ITOH, T., FUJITA, Y., ITO, M., MASUDA, A., OHNO, K., ICHIHARA, M., KOJIMA, T., NOZAWA, Y. & ITO, M. (2009). Molecular hydrogen suppresses FcepsilonRI-mediated signal transduction and prevents degranulation of mast cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 389, 651-6.
- KAMIMURA, N., NISHIMAKI, K., OHSAWA, I. & OHTA, S. (2011). Molecular Hydrogen Improves Obesity and Diabetes by Inducing Hepatic FGF21 and Stimulating Energy Metabolism in db/db Mice. Obesity.
- NAKAI, Y., SATO, B., USHIAMA, S., OKADA, S., ABE, K. & ARAI, S. (2011). Hepatic oxidoreduction-related genes are upregulated by administration of hydrogen-saturated drinking water. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry 75, 774-6.
- DIXON, B. J., TANG, J. & ZHANG, J. H. (2013). The evolution of molecular hydrogen: a noteworthy potential therapy with clinical significance. Med Gas Res 3, 10.
