Molecular hydrogen has been shown to have antioxidant properties, capable of selectively neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. This property may help reduce oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer.
Some research suggests that hydrogen therapy may also delay aging, enhance physical resilience, and relieve anxiety and pain, contributing to an overall improvement in quality of life.
Understanding Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress
The body
produces free radicals during metabolic processes, primarily as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species. These highly reactive molecules, with their unpaired electrons, can cause oxidative stress when present in excess. Oxidative stress is a major factor in the development of many diseases.
For example, when the body metabolizes nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to generate energy, some of the oxygen in cells is converted into ROS. The hydroxyl radical, a particularly harmful free radical, can lead to oxidative stress when produced excessively. This damages cellular lipids, proteins, and DNA, triggering chronic inflammation. Both oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are linked to chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. That is why researchers are increasingly focused on finding natural antioxidants that are biologically active.
The Discovery of Hydrogen as an Antioxidant
In 2007, professor Shigeo Ohta and his team at Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan first discovered hydrogen’s potential as both a preventive and therapeutic antioxidant. Their
research suggested that hydrogen can selectively reduce ROS within cells, thereby protecting against oxidative damage.
Hydrogen’s ability to selectively neutralize toxic free radicals allows it to eliminate harmful hydroxyl radicals by converting them into water. This process appears to have little adverse effects on the body and does not affect other ROS that are essential for normal physiological functions.
A systematic review conducted in January by a team of U.S. researchers indicated that hydrogen’s mechanism of action differs from conventional medications. The review suggested that hydrogen therapy might improve various conditions, including cardiovascular disease and cancer, while also enhancing liver function in hepatitis B patients and kidney function in dialysis patients.
Combating Inflammation With Hydrogen Therapy
Inflammation is a key mechanism of the body’s immune response, involving interactions between immune cells that release pro-inflammatory cytokines to boost immune activity.
Chronic inflammation can damage cells and tissues, potentially leading to diseases.
In animal models of inflammation, hydrogen has been shown to reduce chronic inflammation by inhibiting mitochondrial oxidative processes and the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, a mechanism that can trigger inflammation. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation underlie many diseases, making it challenging to identify the root cause of specific health conditions. People often experience persistent symptoms such as headaches, leg pain, digestive problems, or insomnia, even when standard treatments may not yield noticeable improvement. These ongoing health issues could be rooted in chronic inflammation, and hydrogen therapy may offer a natural treatment option for those struggling with such conditions.
Yen Hai-Yan, chairwoman of AY Health Management Consultant Co., Ltd. in Taiwan, was introduced to hydrogen therapy by a doctor friend after suffering from insomnia and gastroesophageal reflux for years. Just over two months of hydrogen inhalation therapy, Yen experienced significant improvements in her long-standing issues with insomnia and gastroesophageal reflux, she shared on a YouTube program.
Similarly, a relative of Yen’s had suffered from severe headaches for more than a decade, despite consulting multiple medical professionals and trying numerous treatments without finding an effective relief. He also started hydrogen therapy, and within a month, the headaches were completely resolved and have not recurred since.
Improving Cancer Outcomes With Hydrogen Therapy
The human gut microbiota produces a substantial amount of hydrogen daily, which serves as a natural barrier against diseases such as tumors. While the exact anti-tumor mechanisms of hydrogen remain unclear,
some research has shown that hydrogen might suppress cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by scavenging ROS and inhibiting ROS-dependent signaling pathways. Additionally, by scavenging ROS and reducing oxidative stress, hydrogen may play a key role in modulating immune function.
Hydrogen’s immunomodulatory properties can prevent T-cell exhaustion and enhance T-cell anti-tumor function, leading to further improvements in prognosis.
A 2018 study in Japan administered hydrogen therapy to 42 patients with stage-four lung cancer. The researchers found that hydrogen therapy could extend the overall survival of the patients. Specifically, patients receiving hydrogen therapy had a median survival time of 28 months, almost triple the survival time of those undergoing immunotherapy.
Other Potential Benefits
One of the advantages of hydrogen therapy is its suitability for daily use, which can help delay aging, improve mood, and boost physical resilience, thereby enhancing overall quality of life.
Some studies have explored hydrogen therapy’s potential benefits for various conditions, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: A small study suggested that consuming water with high concentrations of hydrogen daily for four weeks might reduce oxidative stress and improve symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Exercise performance: A 2019 study in Japan showed that drinking hydrogen-rich water before exercise can reduce fatigue and enhance endurance for both athletes and nonathletes by stimulating the production of antioxidant enzymes.
- Mood and anxiety: Another study suggested that drinking hydrogen-rich water for four weeks might improve mood, anxiety, and overall emotional well-being. This is because oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can impair central nervous system function, which negatively affects mood.
Proper Use of Hydrogen Therapy
Currently, there are several methods of administering hydrogen therapy, including inhaling hydrogen gas, drinking hydrogen-rich water, taking hydrogen baths, injecting hydrogen-saturated saline, and applying hydrogen saline drops to the eyes.
There are various methods for producing hydrogen-rich water. Hydrogen gas can be pressurized and dissolved directly into the water or generated through chemical reactions. At present, electrolysis remains the most commonly used method for producing hydrogen-rich water. It uses an electric current to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen gases.
While hydrogen therapy can help regulate the body and improve certain conditions, it is not a cure-all. If any discomfort arises during its use, it is crucial to stop the therapy or reduce the dosage immediately. People with specific health conditions should consult a physician before starting the therapy.
