Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, and the first element on the periodic table. It is literally everywhere – it’s found in the sun, the stars, and water – we can’t see it though because it’s colorless and odorless. H2 is the simplest element in the universe because it has no neutrons. What isn’t commonly known is that H2 is a powerful tool that can be used to fight the ravages of aging. Following are 3 benefits of drinking hydrogen water.
Table of Contents
Benefits Of Drinking Hydrogen Water
1. Hydrogen Neutralizes Free Radicals
Free radicals are unstable molecules that lack an electron. Because of this instability, free radicals are able to alter the chemical structure of cells by damaging DNA and proteins. Free radicals are the result of natural processes in the body, such as nutrient deficiencies, emotional issues, trauma, poor sleep, alcohol consumption, and excessive exercise. They’re also produced by external factors, including environmental pollution, inflammation, smoking, ionizing radiation, and UV radiation from sun exposure.
These damaging free radicals show up in the skin as premature wrinkling, an uneven skin tone, dehydration, a dull complexion, and the breakdown of collagen, the skin’s primary structural protein. They also play a primary role in the progression of inflammatory disorders like autoimmune conditions, diabetes, and even cancer.
Reactive Oxygen Species
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) comprise both free and non-free radical oxygen intermediates that include the harmful hydroxyl radical, and the beneficial free radicals like superoxide, and hydrogen peroxide. ROS are crucial mediators of cell signaling, and are involved in cell proliferation, hypertrophy, and would healing. They are the byproduct of biochemical reactions, such as oxygen metabolism in the mitochondria and various enzymatic reactions. They’re also produced during exercise.
ROS are particularly problematic because they’re derived from oxygen, which has two unpaired electrons instead of one, making them highly reactive. This instability can make them extremely toxic to cell membranes, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Excessive ROS activate inflammatory signaling pathways, and the production of inflammatory proteins, which can lead to premature aging of the skin. Where does hydrogen fit into this equation? Hydrogen neutralizes reactive oxygen species and their damaging effects.
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Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Aging
Oxidative stress and inflammation are the result of an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the cells. They occur when the production of free radicals exceeds their elimination. Free radicals trigger oxidative stress in the cells and tissues, including cells in the skin, that damage cellular proteins, cell membranes, and DNA. This cytotoxic stress is the result of excessive free radicals trying to neutralize themselves.
Inflammation and oxidative stress damage immune function, fuel inflammatory conditions, and are fundamental initiating mechanisms underlying all chronic disease. Hydrogen upregulates the body’s own endogenous antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress, and decrease inflammatory mediators to prevent premature aging of the skin and protect against UV radiation. Drinking hydrogen water promotes the synthesis of collagen in the dermis to reduce wrinkles, ensuring the skin remains plump, supple, and youthful.
2. Hydrogen Is An Antioxidant
Molecular hydrogen (H2) is two hydrogen molecules paired together. H2 is a selective antioxidant that combats oxidative stress in the body by neutralizing free radicals, turning them into water, where they can be eliminated from the body. The term “selective” refers to its ability to target only cyotoxic free radicals, without impacting beneficial signaling pathways, or neutralizing defense enzymes and antioxidants, such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide.
We all know how amazing vitamin C is for the skin. Hydrogen takes this antioxidant capacity to an entirely new level since it is significantly more potent than vitamin C. H2 neutralizes the harmful effects of free radicals by donating its own electrons to stabilize them, thereby preventing further oxidative damage. Due to its small molecular makeup, hydrogen is able to easily enter cells, and their organelles, by penetrating cell membranes.
3. Hydrogen Activates The Nrf2 Pathway
In an ideal world, we would all have adequate antioxidant defenses in our skin to negate free radicals and oxidative stress. Unfortunately, these defenses can become overwhelmed due to toxicity and poor lifestyle habits, exposing our skin to the ravages of free radicals.
This is why drinking hydrogen-infused water and inhaling it at low concentrations can be so therapeutic. Numerous studies have demonstrated molecular oxygen to be non-toxic, even in high concentrations.
The Nrf2 pathway is a transcription factor that regulates oxidative stress and inflammation via the body’s antioxidant system. It acts sort of like a thermostat to defend against aging and free radical damage. It also improves cellular energy production in the mitochondria.
Nrf2 can be activated through calorie restriction and fasting, exercise, and consuming antioxidants found in certain foods. Various compounds, including curcumin, carotenoids, resveratrol, sulforphane, vitamin D, and silybin also boost activity.
Hydrogen As A Neutralizer
Interestingly, hydrogen activates this same internal protection system to regulate and control oxidative stress and inflammation by neutralizing free radicals. Life and health is a balance between the chemical reactions of oxidation and reduction, or the resulting loss or net gain of electrons. When oxidative stress is high, Nrf2 binds with DNA to signal the cells to produce defensive molecules in order to protect themselves, thereby maintaining cellular function, while minimizing oxidative stress.
As stated above, H2 is a selective free radical scavenger, it’s also a selective Nrf2 activator, meaning the pathway is activated only in times of need. This is important because prolonged activation correlates with metabolic changes that promote disease progression via reductive stress, which is the counterpart to oxidative stress. Reductive stress is beneficial, but an overabundance can contribute to cytotoxicity.
The Benefits Of Hydrogen For The Skin
1. Neutralizes free radicals
2. Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress
3. Upregulates the skin’s endogenous antioxidants
4. Promotes collagen synthesis
5. Hydrates the skin
6. Prevents premature aging
7. Protects against UV radiation
8. Protect DNA and RNA
9. Maintains keratin cells in the skin
How To Harness The Amazing Skincare Effects Of H2
Promolife offers an H2 hydrogen system that enables you to inhale H2, as well as infuse water with it. The system includes the hydrogen machine itself, H2 inhalation tubing, an inhalation humidifier, water drain tubing, a bubbler tubing with straw, and a power cord. It’s recommended to use distilled water only in the unit.
The system produces 99.99% H2, has a total run time of two hours, with a maximum output of 570 ml/m, however this may vary depending on temperature and altitude.
The plates are made of titanium and DuPont platinum with SPE coated membranes. The water reservoir is 1.8 liters. The total weight of the unit is 27 pounds, with dimensions of 14.5” x 10.5” x 16.5.” Promolife offers a one-year warranty.
Buy Promolife’s H2 Hydrogen System
You can also purchase a portable hydrogen generator that has an inhalation adapter for inhaling hydrogen. Read the rave reviews here. You’ll be amazed at what people are saying about the benefits of drinking hydrogen water.
Key Points
Hydrogen may be the new fountain of youth! It has impressive antioxidant benefits, boosts hydration and collagen synthesis, and slows down aging by fighting free radicals and oxidative stress in the skin. Having your own hydrogen generator will enable you to drink hydrogenated water and inhale it in the comfort of your own home at your leisure. Learn more here.
Did you know drinking hydrogen-rich water had so many benefits? Let me know your thoughts in the comments:)
References:
(1) US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Modulating NRF2 in disease: Timing is everything
(2) Science Translational Medicine: NRF2 much of a good thing
(3) Accurateclinic.com: ACCURATE SUPPLEMENTS – NRF2 ACTIVATORS
(4) PubMed.gov – National Library of Medicine – National Center for Biotechnology Information: Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant: a review of clinical and experimental studies
(5) Hindawi – Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity: Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: What Polyphenols Can Do for Us?
(6) Promolife: H2 Hydrogen Inhalation and Drinking System
(7) US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: NADPH Oxidase-Derived ROS Induced by Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Mediates Hypersensitivity of Lung Vagal C Fibers in Rats
(8) Science Direct: First line defence antioxidants-superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX): Their fundamental role in the entire antioxidant defence grid
(9) US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Molecular hydrogen: a therapeutic antioxidant and beyond
(10) National Library of Medicine – National Center for Biotechnology Information: Hydrogen-rich electrolyzed warm water represses wrinkle formation against UVA ray together with type-I collagen production and oxidative-stress diminishment in fibroblasts and cell-injury prevention in keratinocytes
(11) Free Radical and Reactive Oxygen Species Core Facility: Free Radicals and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)
(12) VIVO Pathophysiology: Free Radicals and Reactive Oxygen
(13) Intechopen.com: Open access peer-reviewed chapter – Reactive Oxygen Species in Skin Repair, Regeneration, Aging, and Inflammation
(14) US National Library of Medicine NationalInstitutes of Health: Structure and functions of keratin proteins in simple, stratified, keratinized and cornified epithelia
Disclaimer: This article is strictly for informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice.
Wow, I had no idea the numerous benefits of drinking hydrogen water. I know how important water is for every function of the body. I drink at least 2 liters of water everyday and boy do I feel it if I don’t manage to so so. Even though I drink that much my skin never seems to be hydrated adequately. Maybe this is the missing ingredient I have been searching for. I found your post a very interesting and though- provoking read. Thank you for the excellent information.
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for reading and for taking the time to comment. Yes, water is so essential for the body to work right, AND for the skin to look supple. I try to drink enough water throughout the day, but sometimes fall short.
Knowing the many benefits of hydrogen water makes me much more motivated to stay hydrated consistently. Having my own hydrogen generator makes it convenient to supercharge my water throughout the day. It’s one of the best investments I’ve made…
Wow! I never would have guessed that hydrogen water actually has all of these benefits. The fact that I have never taken it before makes me feel like I have been denying myself access to something great. Thank you so much for sharing here. And honestly, this is great to learn. Thank you
Hi Kimberly,
Yes, hydrogen water is fantastic, as is inhaling it. The science on the mechanisms behind how hydrogen works is relatively new – in the last 13 years – so not many people have heard about the benefits. Thanks for reading my post and for taking the time to comment:)
Who wouldn’t kill for a baby face and to remain youthful throughout their lifespan?! I know I would and everyone else that I know. No wonder the skincare and cosmetics industries are billion dollar businesses. This is the first time I’ve heard about the benefits of drinking hydrogen water. It’s a good thing to learn. Thank you!
It’s true – we all want to look our best and that includes looking young. It’s staggering to think of the money that is spent on makeup and skincare. Hydrogen water does a ton of amazing things from the inside out. I look at it like a supplement that should be taken daily. Thanks so much for reading and for taking the time to comment:)