Hydrogen or hydrogen-rich water has gained great popularity due to its health benefits of improved athleticism and great hydration. However, although it is generally considered a safe drink, in rare cases you can experience certain side effects that you need to be aware of.
Before you make it a regular drink, explore the articles and learn about the negative side effects of hydrogen water!
Is hydrogen water safe to drink due to its health benefits?
Yes, some studies have shown the health effects of hydrogen or hydrogenated water, but broader research is needed before appropriate conclusions are reached. Recognised as a safe (GRAS) drink US Food and Drug Administration This means that it is approved for human use and does not cause any harm to your health.
However, there is currently no industry-wide standard for the amount of hydrogen that can be injected into water. Therefore, concentrations may vary significantly. Furthermore, the amount of hydrogen water safely consumed is unknown. So it’s the best idea to take it with caution, as it can lead to some minor side effects.
Potential hydrogen-negative side effects
It is generally safe to drink, but there are a few exceptions and potentially some hydrogen water risks.
1. Gastrointestinal problems
the study Some individuals report that they may experience gastrointestinal problems such as heartburn, bloating, low abdominal pain, and stomach pain with daily consumption. This is mainly because hydrogen gas in the stomach is formed rapidly, causing disproportionate gut flora and problems with digestive systems.
2. Interactions with drugs
The antioxidant effects of hydrogen water can interact with several drugs used to treat inflammation and oxidative stress. This can reduce its effectiveness or individual metabolism. Although no conclusive evidence is available, it is recommended that you always discuss it with your doctor before adding hydrogen water to your regular regimen.
3. Hydrogen overload
The risk of drinking excess hydrogen can lead to the accumulation of hydrogen in the body. This can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. That’s an unusual risk, but you should have moderately hydrogen water.
4. Electrolyte imbalance
Some hydrogen water brands, especially those that have been altered with minerals, can affect the balance of the body’s electrolytes if consumed for a long time. Excessive amounts of the product can lead to problems such as muscle cramps and weakness.
5. Risk of hyponatremia
Hydrogen water itself does not cause hyponatremia, but taking it in excess can lead to it. This condition can overburden the kidneys’ ability to drain excess fluid, which dilutes the sodium content in the blood. Consult your doctor immediately if you are consuming symptoms of hyponatremia, such as headaches, muscle weakness, cramps, or nausea.
Potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water
These are the general health benefits of drinking hydrogen water.
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Keeps your body hydrated. Hydrogen-rich water can increase water absorption that will help your body stay hydrated effectively.
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Improve exercise ability: Research shows reduced muscle fatigue and increased durability after exercise when taken before exercise. Some evidence shows that cycling performance was improved only with trained cyclists.
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Reduce inflammation: Some people have discovered a reduction in inflammation because hydrogen acts as an antioxidant and prevents the risk of problems such as arthritis, allergies, and diabetes.
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Improve Metabolic Health: Reduce the chances of metabolic syndrome by lowering cholesterol levels and improving good cholesterol levels.
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Supports skin health: Antioxidants present in hydrogenated water can not only damage the environment, but also prevent skin aging.
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Improve your mood: Helps to improve mood by lowering inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
Notes: Early research is promising, but larger and longer studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
How much hydrogen water is safe per day?
There is no official recommendation of how much you can drink, but medium amounts are 1-2 liters. However, the exact amount will vary depending on the person’s health and goals.
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Inactive Lifestyle: Start with one 10 ounce bottle per day.
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Active Lifestyle: Drink more if you hike or exercise regularly to maintain your body’s hydration level.
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Athlete Lifestyle: For college-level or professional athletes, start for 3 days with 16 ounce bottles per day, slowly increasing to 3-4 16 ounce bottles per day.
Timing: Drink hydrogen water 30 minutes before you engage in training or competition to support hydration and prepare for physical activity.
Safe practices for consuming hydrogen water
Follow these tips to safely drink hydrogen-rich water:
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Consumption moderately: Drink in a reasonable amount of 1-2 liters a day to prevent digestive discomfort and electrolyte imbalances.
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Choose high quality products: Use reputable, tested hydrogen water brands to ensure excellent effectiveness.
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Storage properly: Place in a tightly sealed container to avoid loss of molecular hydrogen as it may disappear if exposed to air.
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Pair with a healthy lifestyle: Combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise to get complete health benefits.
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Avoid as a major method: do not use it as a quick fix to improve hydration, energy, or health.
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Beware of the timing: Have food to combat exercise-induced oxidative stress before exercise, and to aid in hydration and digestion. So, see what works for you.
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Consult your doctor if necessary. If you have health issues or are taking medication, consult your doctor before adding hydrogen water to your regular regimen.
Hydrogen water replacement
If you don’t find hydrogen water that is beneficial for your health, seek out these alternatives.
Alternative
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explanation
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advantage
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Normal water
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No hydrogen or minerals added.
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Low cost support for hydration
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Electrolyte water
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Electrolytes such as magnesium, sodium and potassium have been added.
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It helps to restore minerals after dehydration and exercise.
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Coconut water
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Coconut water is rich in electrolytes.
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It softens and replenishes the electrolyte.
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Alkaline water
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It has a high pH that can balance the acidity of the body.
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Maintains acid-base balance and supports hydration.
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Mineral water
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Water containing natural minerals such as magnesium and calcium.
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It provides important minerals for several physical functions.
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Myths and Facts about Hydrogen Water
This is a common myth surrounding hydrogen water, along with facts.
mythology
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fact
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Hydrogen water can treat all health problems.
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Hydrogen water may have health benefits, but it is not a cure. It works effectively with an effective lifestyle.
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Hydrogen water is scientifically proven for the treatment of diseases.
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Although there are several promising studies, additional longitudinal studies are needed for conclusive evidence of its effectiveness in treating diseases.
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Hydrogen water is like regular water.
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They are clear liquids, but hydrogen-rich water has additional hydrogen gases that provide antioxidant effects.
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All hydrogen water brands are equally effective.
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This is not the case because some people may contain molecular hydrogen in amounts that are claimed by the manufacturer or are high.
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Hydrogen water can restore all the antioxidants that have been lost.
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Hydrogen water has antioxidant properties, but does not mean that it can restore all the antioxidants your body needs to improve health.
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Final thoughts
Potential hydrogen water negative side effects. From gastrointestinal problems to electrolyte discomfort, excessive amounts or regular take can lead to certain risks. Therefore, you should be aware of them and take moderate hydrogen water, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are using medications. Always seek the help of a professional before including hydrogenated water in your daily regimen.
Remember that mitigation is key to minimizing negative effects!
FAQ
Is hydrogen water suitable for the liver?
Yes, it can reduce liver inflammation and protect against liver damage.
Does hydrogen water cause weight loss?
Hydrogen water can improve metabolic health that can help you lose weight, but there is not enough scientific evidence that it can cause weight loss.
Does hydrogen water increase bowel movement?
It can alleviate constipation by improving stool frequency and consistency and relieving defecation.
Should I drink hydrogen water on an empty stomach?
Yes, you should, as absorption will help you maximize the benefits of hydrogen water easily.
Is hydrogen water suitable for the kidneys?
Yes, it helps to lower oxidative stress in the kidneys and protects against kidney damage, especially in people with chronic kidney disease.