Why I’ve been drinking Hydrogen Water, as a Functional Medicine MD

Hi there, I’m Dr. Vinny. As a functional medicine doctor deeply committed to uncovering evidence-backed methods for enhancing vitality, I'm constantly on the lookout for innovative ways to optimize health. Today, I want to share with you an exciting addition to my daily routine that has piqued my interest: hydrogen water. While the concept of hydrogen-infused water might seem futuristic, the science behind it is captivating and aligns with my mission to uncover novel paths to well-being. 

First of all, what is hydrogen water? 

Hydrogen water, also known as hydrogen-rich water, is water that has been infused with molecular hydrogen (H2) gas. Molecular hydrogen is a colorless, odorless gas that contains powerful antioxidant properties. When dissolved in water, it forms hydrogen water, which offers a range of potential health benefits due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Benefits of hydrogen water 

You might be wondering, why hydrogen water? The answer lies in its potential to harness the power of a molecule we're all familiar with: hydrogen. Research into the benefits of hydrogen water has been flourishing, and here are some findings I find to be particularly relevant: 

1. Powerful Antioxidant: Hydrogen acts as a potent antioxidant, combating oxidative stress in our cells. A study published in the journal Medical Gas Research demonstrated that hydrogen water had a remarkable ability to neutralize harmful free radicals, supporting overall cellular health []. 
   Inflammation Reduction: Chronic inflammation is a disruptor of vitality. Emerging research, such as a study in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, suggests that hydrogen water's anti-inflammatory properties can help curb inflammation, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases [2]. 
   Enhanced Athletic Performance: For those seeking peak physical performance, hydrogen water might be a great addition. A study in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness indicated that hydrogen water could potentially enhance exercise performance by minimizing exercise-induced oxidative stress [3].
2. Brain Health Support: Cognitive well-being is a priority for us all. Hydrogen water's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier has intrigued researchers studying its potential in mitigating neuroinflammation and supporting neurological health, as reported in the Neural regeneration research [4]. 
3. Improved Mood: Recent research, including a study in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, suggests that hydrogen water might have a positive impact on mood regulation and stress reduction, making it a fascinating avenue for those seeking emotional well-being [5].
4. Cancer Support: Hydrogen water's potential benefits extend to individuals facing cancer. While research is ongoing, preliminary studies, such as one in the Medical Gas Research, suggest that hydrogen water could improve patients’ quality of life by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation [6]. 

How to take it 

At PIH, we use Quicksilver Scientific’s H2 Elite tablet. Just drop one of these friendly tablets into a cup of pure water (about 12-16 oz), then give it a little time to dissolve. If needed, a little stir will do the trick. Once it's ready, go ahead and take a sip. This can be done up to three times a day. 

Considerations 

You should consult with your health practitioner before using any supplement. 

Takeaways 

In my quest for vitality, hydrogen water has emerged as an exciting addition to my journey. I encourage you to dive into the research, consult with your healthcare provider, and consider the potential benefits of hydrogen water for your own vitality-driven journey. Here's to health, vitality, and the pursuit of well-being! 

Best, 

Dr. Vinny 

References 

[1] Ito M, Ibi T, Sahashi K, Ichihara M, Ito M, Ohno K. Open-label trial and randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of hydrogen-enriched water for mitochondrial and inflammatory myopathies. Med Gas Res. 2011;1:24. 

[2] Fu, Z., Zhang, J., & Zhang, Y. (2022). Role of Molecular Hydrogen in Ageing and Ageing-Related Diseases. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2022, 2249749. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/2249749 

[3] Da Ponte, A., Giovanelli, N., Nigris, D., & Lazzer, S. (2018). Effects of hydrogen rich water on prolonged intermittent exercise. The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 58(5), 612–621. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.17.06883-9 

[4] Lin, Y. T., Shi, Q. Q., Zhang, L., Yue, C. P., He, Z. J., Li, X. X., He, Q. J., Liu, Q., & Du, X. B. (2022). Hydrogen-rich water ameliorates neuropathological impairments in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease through reducing neuroinflammation and modulating intestinal microbiota. Neural regeneration research, 17(2), 409–417. https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.317992 

[5] Mizuno, K., Sasaki, A. T., Ebisu, K., Tajima, K., Kajimoto, O., Nojima, J., Kuratsune, H., Hori, H., & Watanabe, Y. (2018). Hydrogen-rich water for improvements of mood, anxiety, and autonomic nerve function in daily life. Medical gas research, 7(4), 247–255. https://doi.org/10.4103/2045-9912.222448 

[6] Kang, K. M., Kang, Y. N., Choi, I. B., Gu, Y., Kawamura, T., Toyoda, Y., & Nakao, A. (2011). Effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on the quality of life of patients treated with radiotherapy for liver tumors. Medical gas research, 1(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/2045-9912-1-11   

Questions? Call PIH at 609.512.1468 for more information.