Positive Health Online

What is Molecular Hydrogen?

Molecular hydrogen (H2) is a gas composed of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded together. It is the smallest molecule in existence and is also referred to as dihydrogen or hydrogen gas.[1]

Molecular hydrogen has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Research has also found it to be a powerful antioxidant that is capable of neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. Additionally, molecular hydrogen has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, and anti-apoptotic properties, making it a promising candidate for various health applications. [2]

Molecular hydrogen can be produced through various methods, including water electrolysis, reaction of magnesium with water, and bacterial fermentation.

Common Uses of Molecular Hydrogen

1. Health and wellness:Molecular hydrogen is often used as a dietary supplement to support overall health and wellness. It is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
2. Sports and fitness:Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts use molecular hydrogen to enhance performance, speed up recovery, and reduce muscle fatigue. It is believed to work by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation caused by strenuous physical activity. [3]
3. Skincare:Molecular hydrogen is sometimes added to skin care products due to its potential anti-aging and skin-protective effects. It is believed to help neutralize free radicals that can damage skin cells and accelerate aging. [4]
4. Water purification:Molecular hydrogen helps to reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses by neutralizing harmful bacteria and viruses and can therefore be used as a safe and effective alternative to traditional water purification methods such as chlorine.

How Molecular Hydrogen Helps Reduce Inflammation

Antioxidant Activity

Molecular hydrogen is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which is a key contributor to chronic inflammation. By reducing oxidative stress, molecular hydrogen can help prevent cellular damage and inflammation.

Inhibiting Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

Molecular hydrogen has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are signaling molecules that contribute to the inflammatory response. By reducing cytokine production, molecular hydrogen can help to alleviate inflammation.

Suppressing Inflammatory Enzymes

Molecular hydrogen can also suppress the activity of enzymes that promote inflammation, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). By inhibiting these enzymes, molecular hydrogen can help to reduce inflammation.

Activating the Nrf2 Pathway

Molecular hydrogen has been shown to activate the Nrf2 pathway, which is a key regulator of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses in the body. By activating this pathway, molecular hydrogen can help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. [5]

Regulating Gene Expression

Molecular hydrogen has been shown to regulate the expression of genes that are involved in inflammation and oxidative stress. By modulating gene expression, molecular hydrogen can help to reduce inflammation and promote cellular health. [6]

Evidence-Based Studies on Molecular Hydrogen for Inflammation

A large number of studies have confirmed that molecular hydrogen has a therapeutic effect on many diseases via inhibiting excessive inflammatory cells and factors.

Molecular Hydrogen: A Promising Adjunctive Strategy for the Treatment of COVID-19

A recent study conducted in 2021 by the Academician Zhong Nanshan in China on the treatment of patients with COVID-19 by inhalation of a mixed gas composed of hydrogen and oxygen had very promising results.

The study concluded that hydrogen acts on a variety of pathways to exert its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the treatment of chronic inflammatory lung diseases. Therefore, it may alleviate the severe pulmonary symptoms of COVID-19. [7]

Hydrogen-Rich Water Reduces Inflammatory Responses

A study published back in 2020 aimed to investigate the effects of HW consumption on oxidative stress and immune functions in healthy adults.

A group of test subjects was divided up with one half given 1.5 liters of plain water and the other 1.5 liters of hydrogen water per day to be consumed over a 4-week period.

The most notable findings showed transcriptional networks of inflammatory responses to be significantly down-regulated in the group given hydrogen water suggesting that hydrogen water does in fact increase antioxidant capacity thereby reducing inflammatory responses in healthy adults. [8]

5 Ways to Use Molecular Hydrogen

The following 5 methods listed below will help you conveniently incorporate this powerful ‘miracle’ molecule into your everyday life aiding in better overall health and wellness.

1. Molecular hydrogen water:One of the most common ways to use molecular hydrogen is by drinking hydrogen-rich water. Hydrogen water is believed to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can support overall health and wellness. Simply add a HydroTab to a glass of water and you will have an easy, convent way to incorporate hydrogen water into your daily routine. [9] 
2. Inhalation:Molecular hydrogen can also be inhaled through a hydrogen inhaler or a hydrogen gas bag. Inhaling hydrogen gas is believed to be an effective way to deliver molecular hydrogen to the body, as it can be quickly absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream. [10]
3. Topical application:It’s also very beneficial to apply molecular hydrogen topically to the skin in the form of hydrogen-rich creams or gels. This can help to promote skin health and protect against oxidative damage. [11] 
4. Hydrogen baths:Taking a hydrogen bath is another way to use molecular hydrogen for overall health and wellness. A hydrogen bath involves soaking in hydrogen-rich water, which can help to relax the body and reduce inflammation.
5. Supplements:Molecular hydrogen supplements are also available in the form of tablets or capsules. These supplements are designed to deliver molecular hydrogen directly to the body, where it can be quickly absorbed and used to support overall health and wellness.

https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/ 

HydroTab

HydroTab molecular hydrogen water tablets are made from a proprietary blend of pure magnesium and malic acid offering one of the quickest, most convenient ways to turn your own water supply hydrogen-rich.

Simply drop a HydroTab into a glass of water and wait until it has fully dissolved into millions of nano H2 bubbles – then drink straight away for maximum effect.

HydroTabs are far more potent than even high-end electronic water ionizers with the highest concentration of molecular hydrogen on the market at 10 Parts per Million (PPM) in 500ml of water.

https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/products/hydrotab-molecular-hydrogen-water-tablets

A round of Hydro Tabs features include:

• High concentration
• 10 PPM of molecular hydrogen
• Fast-dissolving
• Quick & easy
• Ready to drink in under 2 minutes

To Conclude

Harnessing the healing power of molecular hydrogen offers a natural and effective way to reduce inflammation.

This remarkable compound has been shown to possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising tool for maintaining overall health and well-being.

By incorporating molecular hydrogen into our daily routines through supplementation or hydrogen-rich water, we can tap into its potential to naturally alleviate inflammation and promote a healthier body. 

Embracing this natural remedy may be a key step towards a more balanced and vibrant life. But remember It is important to first seek proper guidance before partaking in any method of hydrogen therapy from your healthcare provider.

Further Information

This article was submitted by Roddy MacDonald of Water for Health Ltd, specialist suppliers of innovative water filtration and energizing products, along with quality nutritional support.

https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/