benefits of drinking hydrogen water — does it really work?

benefits of drinking hydrogen water — does it really work?

1 hour ago 1
Nature

Drinking hydrogen water may offer several potential health benefits, but most of the research is preliminary and more extensive studies are needed to confirm them. Some of the suggested benefits include reduced inflammation, improved athletic performance, better aging by reducing oxidative stress, improved mood and mental health, and possible heart health improvements. It may also help reduce side effects of radiation therapy, improve metabolic health, and aid in liver and oral health. However, the extent of these benefits compared to regular water is still uncertain, and many findings come from small or limited studies.

Key Benefits of Hydrogen Water

  • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties: May reduce inflammation and oxidative stress which contributes to aging and various diseases.
  • Athletic performance: Some studies show improved endurance and reduced fatigue, particularly in trained athletes.
  • Metabolic and heart health: May help reduce LDL cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and improve markers related to metabolic syndrome.
  • Radiation therapy support: Drinking hydrogen water during radiation treatment for liver cancer improved quality of life in a small study.
  • Mental health: Potential improvements in mood and anxiety reduction through reduced inflammation.
  • Other potential areas: Enhanced oral health, liver function, and wound healing in preliminary small-scale studies.

Does It Really Work?

Hydrogen water shows promise but is not yet conclusively proven to be a miracle or essential health drink. Many benefits overlap with those of good hydration and antioxidant intake. The evidence is mixed with some studies showing benefits while others found no significant effects. Therefore, it may provide some health advantages, especially through its antioxidant effects, but more high-quality, large-scale clinical trials are necessary to establish its efficacy and safety compared to regular water.

In summary, hydrogen water could be beneficial for some health aspects, particularly inflammation, oxidative stress, and exercise recovery, but it is not definitively proven to produce strong or consistent improvements across all populations. It is generally safe but more research will clarify its place in health and wellness.

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