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Hydrogen water, also known as hydrogen-rich water or hydrogen-infused water, has gained popularity in recent years. The research on hydrogen water began with the publication of the first hydrogen gas biology paper in 2007 in the journal "Nature Medicine." Common knowledge tells us that hydrogen gas is not soluble in water. In chemistry experiments during high school, we collected hydrogen gas using displacement of water, assuming that hydrogen gas is insoluble in water. However, hydrogen gas can indeed dissolve in water, although its solubility is relatively low. At 20°C, the solubility of hydrogen gas in water, calculated in terms of molar concentration, is 0.92 mmol/L at 101.325 kPa. The challenge lies in how to increase and maintain the concentration and stability of saturated hydrogen water, which is a scientific research problem in the field of hydrogen medicine.
The invention of nanoscale gas-liquid mixing technology in China overcomes the scientific challenge of low solubility of hydrogen gas in water. This physical method allows water to uniformly envelop hydrogen molecules, facilitating a stable combination of hydrogen gas and water. This method has the advantages of high hydrogen gas concentration and good stability.
It is well-known that the human body is composed of cells, and diseases can ultimately be attributed to cellular damage. Aging is also caused by cell aging or cell death. The main culprit behind cellular dysfunction and aging is the excess of oxygen free radicals. How are oxygen free radicals generated? Oxygen enters the body through respiration and is transported to cells by red blood cells in the bloodstream. To produce energy within cells, sugars and fats are burned and consumed. During this process, oxygen also undergoes combustion, and 2% of it becomes reactive oxygen species. Due to factors such as food additives and chlorinated drinking water, the imbalance of intestinal microbial flora can lead to abnormal fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in the excessive production of reactive oxygen species. In addition, intense physical exercise, ultraviolet radiation, smoking, alcohol consumption, electromagnetic radiation, high stress levels, exposure to bacteria, viruses, air pollution, radiation, X-rays, chemotherapy drugs, dyes, and other factors can also generate large amounts of reactive oxygen species in the body.
Hydrogen gas is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic gas. Its unique properties make it advantageous in biological applications. One notable characteristic is its strong penetrability, allowing it to easily enter various parts of cells, including the cell nucleus and mitochondria. This is a crucial feature that underlies hydrogen gas's potential for treating diseases.
While hydrogen water has gained attention for its potential health benefits, it is important to critically evaluate the scientific evidence and not fall into the realm of pseudoscience. Further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic properties and potential applications of hydrogen water in improving human health.
The saying "water determines physical constitution" highlights the importance of water for life and health. However, only a few people truly comprehend the significance of water for their well-being, leading some to refer to water as the "forgotten nutrient." According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of diseases in developing countries and one-third of human deaths are attributed to water-related issues. Professor Li Fuxing, the Director of the Chinese Health Drinking Water Professional Committee, suggests that the water we consume and use in our daily lives can indeed affect our lifespan. Good water quality is crucial for longevity. Hydrogen-rich water is not only clean and energizing but also contains small molecular clusters of water, facilitating deep absorption of negative ions by 80%, purifying the blood, promoting smooth blood circulation, enhancing metabolism, preventing various diseases, and improving human health.
With the diversification of market demands and the growing awareness of health-conscious consumers, the focus on the health elements of products is increasing alongside the desire for simple thirst-quenching and heat relief. As a result, the future development of drinking water will gradually shift from mere hydration and heat relief to a focus on health, nutrition, and beauty. Hydrogen-rich water beverages are expected to become the new favorite and mainstream trend in the beverage market. The hydrogen ions in hydrogen-rich water can neutralize excess reactive oxygen species in the body (H₂+O=H₂O), promoting cellular metabolism. It is safe, environmentally friendly, and has no known side effects or contraindications. The industrialization of hydrogen-rich water aligns with the development trend of the food industry in China, which emphasizes "nutrition, hygiene, and convenience."
Since the discovery of the biomedical effects of hydrogen molecules, various commercial products related to hydrogen-rich water have emerged. Before purchasing hydrogen-rich water, it is essential to understand that the mechanism of action is not solely based on the water itself or the effects of weak alkalinity, negative potential, or ion characteristics. The real active component is the hydrogen gas contained in the water. This point must be clarified first. When selecting hydrogen-rich water, pay attention to the following:
Don't be misled by the name of hydrogen-rich water. Not all products labeled as hydrogen-rich water necessarily contain a significant amount of hydrogen gas. The key factor is how "rich" the water is in terms of hydrogen gas. The concentration of hydrogen gas in hydrogen water is typically expressed in parts per million (PPM). The saturation concentration of hydrogen gas in water is approximately 1.6 PPM. Hydrogen-rich water with a concentration above 1.6 PPM is considered supersaturated. However, most products on the market (hydrogen sticks, hydrogen water machines, electrolysis machines, and many bottled or bagged hydrogen-rich waters) have concentrations below 0.8 PPM. The therapeutic effects are significant when the hydrogen concentration is above 1.0 PPM, while concentrations below 1.0 PPM may not have noticeable therapeutic effects. To achieve supersaturated hydrogen concentrations, special processes and packaging methods are required. Hydrogen-rich water produced through these methods can reach concentrations of 3-5 PPM or even higher. The claimed concentrations of hydrogen-rich water vary greatly, from 0.1 PPM to 5 PPM. It is important not to rely solely on the product's advertising claims and to base the decision on actual test data. Third-party hydrogen concentration testing is the preferred method for verification.Various methods for generating hydrogen-rich water include:
Hydrogen sticks or hydrogen water sticks: These devices, introduced from Japan, utilize the reaction between magnesium and water to produce hydrogen gas. By placing the stick in a container filled with drinking water, small hydrogen gas bubbles will be generated around the stick. The effectiveness is slightly better when used in a closed container, as hydrogen gas can easily escape when used in an open container. Additionally, the magnesium particles are prone to oxidation, resulting in a decrease in effectiveness over time. The hydrogen concentration produced depends on factors such as the number of uses, container seal, and reaction time. Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent the growth of bacteria inside the stick.
Hydrogen-rich water machines with filtration systems: These machines typically contain filter cartridges with activated carbon, magnesium particles, or tourmaline. When water flows through the filter cartridge containing magnesium particles or a microelectrolysis cartridge with tourmaline, a small amount of hydrogen gas is released along with the water flow. These hydrogen-rich water machines are essentially home water purifiers equipped with either metallic magnesium particle filters or microelectrolysis cartridges with tourmaline. Similar to the magnesium sticks, the magnesium particles in the filter cartridge are prone to oxidation, resulting in a decrease in effectiveness over time. Moreover, the contact time between the water flow and the filter cartridge is limited, resulting in very low hydrogen gas content.
Electrolysis-type hydrogen-rich water machines: These machines use electrolysis to produce hydrogen-rich water. Often referred to as electrolysis machines, they have been recognized and promoted by the National Health Administration in Japan for several decades. In the past, the therapeutic effects of electrolyzed water were believed to be due to its weak alkalinity and small molecular cluster structure. However, since the discovery of the medical effects of hydrogen molecules, the current understanding is that the therapeutic effects of electrolyzed water are primarily attributed to the effects of hydrogen gas. Electrolysis-type hydrogen-rich water machines can be categorized into two types: those directly connected to tap water pipes, utilizing filter cartridges (such as PP cotton and activated carbon) for water purification before electrolysis, and those that allow clean drinking water to be directly electrolyzed in a separate device. The hydrogen production of electrolysis-type machines depends on factors such as the electrodes, electrolysis time, and electrolysis chamber structure. When selecting, the hydrogen concentration in the water should be the main consideration. Third-party hydrogen concentration testing is recommended to verify the claims.
Hydrogen molecules are prone to escape, so attention should be given to packaging and storage methods when purchasing hydrogen-rich water. Glass bottles and aluminum bottles are effective for sealing hydrogen gas. Bagged water packaging often includes an aluminum film as a sealing material. Bottled and bagged water each have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice should be based on individual needs. The long-term storage stability favors bottled water. Storing bottled hydrogen-rich water with the bottle cap facing downwards helps maintain stable hydrogen content.
The essence of hydrogen-rich water lies in the medical effects of hydrogen molecules, with water acting as the carrier. Nevertheless, water quality is still crucial. The requirements for water quality include safety, hygiene, and activity. Pay attention to the production time and choose recently produced products. Even with proper packaging and storage methods, hydrogen gas may slowly leak over time.
Hydrogen is a chemical element found at the top of the periodic table. It has strong penetrability. Therefore, current devices for storing hydrogen-rich water use aluminum foil packaging because aluminum foil provides better sealing, preventing the tiny hydrogen molecules from permeating the packaging material. Alternatively, aluminum cans can be used.
Academic figures such as Zhong Nanshan, Wu Mengchao, Wang Hongyang, Xia Zhaofan, and Wang Zhongcheng have actively participated in the research on hydrogen medicine. In a speech at the World Pulmonary Congress on April 16, 2016, Academician Zhong Nanshan stated that "hydrogen molecules primarily target chronic diseases and have a fundamental strengthening effect on antioxidant stress. They are not simply for repair but contribute to the recovery of the body. The concept is to treat the cause rather than the symptoms."
Regarding hydrogen-rich water, Professor Sun Xuejun from the Second Military Medical University, a leading figure in hydrogen water research in China, believes that "based on the currently available data and information, it has been found that hydrogen-rich water has a definite effect on over 80% of elderly patients with constipation. It also shows significant effects on the side effects of malignant tumor treatment, uremia, arteriosclerosis, and metabolic syndrome patients. If these phenomena are confirmed, hydrogen gas will undoubtedly make immeasurable contributions to the control of chronic diseases in humans."
In his book "Water of Life: Hydrogen-rich Water Detoxification," renowned Japanese medical doctor Lin Xiuguang writes, "Hydrogen-rich water, which contains abundant H₂ (molecular hydrogen), enters our bodies, and active oxygen will be decomposed and eliminated by H (atomic hydrogen), also known as active hydrogen. In other words, after hydrogen-rich water enters our bodies, it gradually eliminates the continuously generated active oxygen."
