What Is Hydrogen Water anyway? Hydrogen water is water that contain hydrogen atoms. When the hydrogen atoms are put together in the presence of water, a chain reaction takes place that produces heat. Hydrogen (H2} is the most abundant atom in the world; this sparked the interest of many researchers in its potential medical uses and eventually lead to some groundbreaking medical breakthroughs.
The Health Benefits of Hydrogen Water The oxygen atom is the one in charge of giving out the energy needed for an atom to split. When the hydrogen atoms of water split, they give off an incredible amount of heat energy in the form of heat. The heat energy is very useful in our bodies as it helps us to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Our body uses ATP to power many of the important systems in our bodies such as our muscles, cells and nerves.
Our body produces ATP by breaking down food that we eat, the same way that our bodies break down oxygen in order for us to breathe. So when we take in hydrogen water, our bodies are able to replenish the supply that is used and create ATP from the stored hydrogen molecules. The process that occurs when we take in the hydrogen water is called oxidation. The hydrogen molecules are oxidized when inside of our bodies due to the presence of oxygen molecules.
Hydrogen was first investigated by James Wright and Michael J. Harwicz in their doctoral studies in Chicago Illinois. They performed experiments using mice as their experimental subject. They found out that the mice did not die when exposed to a certain chemical; instead, they developed progressive pulmonary toxicity (as in their lungs). The only reason behind this is that the mice were exposed to high levels of oxidative stress (oxidative stress being the primary cause of the development of the pathology mentioned). This was further supported by the results of the biochemical and immunological studies which showed that the mice treated with H2O2 had high levels of oxidants (reduced glutathione levels) and low levels of antioxidants (glutathione).
The scientists then tested the effects of hydrogen water on these two parameters in human beings. In this study, human subjects were divided into two groups. One group was treated with water that was hydrogenated while the other group was given plain water. When the two groups were fed with identical diets, the results showed that the treated mice had higher liver enzyme levels than the untreated ones.
Another study done on humans also supports the use of hydrogenated water for human consumption. This study did not involve any live human subjects but laboratory mice which were making to undergo an extended stay in a metabolic chamber (where they would have to ingest glucose). When the mice ingested glucose, their blood glucose levels increased significantly more than the controls. The increase in glucose concentrations was attributed to the increased sensitivity of the mice’s bodies to insulin and other molecules that are produced by the pancreas and liver.
There are still other medical trials ongoing. However, the results of these clinical studies have not been able to determine any clear-cut conclusions as to whether hydrogen water can be helpful or not for human consumption. It is believed by many scientists that further investigations are needed to determine whether these clinical trials are correct. If further studies are concluded showing that hydrogen water has no significant effects on any of the above mentioned physiological factors, doctors may still advise against its use. For instance, if one has a history of allergic reactions to glucose, it may still be advisable to avoid consuming glucose in large quantities.
Scientists are still searching for more effective ways of treating diabetes and other diseases with a long-term effect. One method which has been tested for a long-term is using regular water instead of hydrogen water. Although this method proved successful in reducing patients’ sugar levels, it did not address other issues such as regulating electrolytes in the blood. Therefore, scientists are still lacking findings which prove hydrogen water’s efficiency as a short-term treatment for diabetes. In conclusion, hydrogen water appears to be an interesting medical solution, albeit one that has its own limitations when it comes to long-term use.