Whenever you try a new health supplement or product, you need to be aware of the possible side effects. And while hydrogen water is… water, it’s enhanced and contains more hydrogen than your body is probably accustomed to.
Hydrogen water is regular water that has been infused with hydrogen gas. Hydrogen is critical for the function of the body, and your body naturally produces its own hydrogen in the intestinal tract during digestion. While the added hydrogen offers many health benefits, drinkers still need to be aware of possible negative side effects.
Possible Negative Side Effects of Hydrogen Water
Headaches & Dizziness
Some hear hydrogen water and think it sounds like drinking hydrogen peroxide. This is not the case! As of now, there is a lack of research directly linking hydrogen water to headaches and dizziness. That means scientists haven’t been able to definitively prove that drinking hydrogen water causes these symptoms.
The thing is, people react differently to different substances. Headaches and dizziness can have many different causes, and it’s possible that other factors are at play for some people who experience these symptoms after drinking hydrogen water.
Here are some other common potential causes of headaches and dizziness that you may want to consider:
- Dehydration: Make sure you’re getting enough fluids throughout the day, regardless of whether you’re drinking hydrogen water.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can cause headaches and dizziness. If you're experiencing these symptoms frequently, it's important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying issues.
- Other Dietary Changes: If you recently started drinking hydrogen water alongside other dietary changes, it's possible you've consumed something else that might be causing the headaches and dizziness.
Bloating & Diarrhea
There is a possibility that bloating and diarrhea may be a short-term side effect of drinking hydrogen water, but again, there isn’t any definitive research showing a connection between these symptoms and hydrogen water. In fact, most people don’t experience these side effects at all.
But here are some possible explanations for why some people might experience bloating and diarrhea:
- Change in Gut Microbiome: Hydrogen gas is a natural byproduct of gut bacteria breaking down certain carbohydrates. Put simply, your body is supposed to produce hydrogen gas during digestion. When you introduce hydrogen-rich water, it might temporarily disrupt the delicate balance of your gut microbiome. This can lead to increased gas production, bloating, and potentially looser stools.
- Osmotic Effect: High concentrations of hydrogen in water can create an osmotic effect. This means it draws water into your intestines, similar to how eating a lot of fiber does. This influx of water can lead to looser stools and potential feelings of bloating.
The best way to avoid these side effects is to start slowly. Don’t drink three bottles of hydrogen water your first day—your body won’t have enough time to adjust. Instead, start by drinking one bottle of hydrogen water a day and slowly increase your consumption until you feel you’ve reached the ideal amount.
Overall Harm
If you’re looking for a juicy revelation about the dangers of hydrogen water, you won’t find it here. Here’s the thing: hydrogen water is considered safe. It has an FDA GRAS designation (Generally Recognized as Safe). This designation is applied to certain substances added to food that have widely available scientific data demonstrating its safety for its intended use. In some cases, a long history of safe consumption can also be a factor when administering this designation.
Positive Side Effects of Hydrogen Water
When we talk about side effects, we usually refer to only negative side effects. But positive results are side effects too! So, let’s talk about some of the possible positive side effects of drinking hydrogen water.
Improve Gut Health
By drinking water with additional hydrogen in it, we are feeding good gut bacteria and changing the flora of our gut. During digestion and other gut processes, some molecules can become unstable. These unstable molecules, often called free radicals, have an unpaired electron in their outer shell. Hydrogen water is hydrogen rich, which means it can act as an antioxidant and donate a stable electron to a free radical, preventing them from causing harm.
Strengthened Immune System
The immune system and gut health are like two sides of the same coin, intricately linked and working together to keep us healthy. In fact, 70% of our immune system can be attributed to the health of our gut. So, as you provide your body with additional antioxidants through hydrogen water, you can improve your gut biome, restore good gut bacteria, and effectively bolster your immune system.
Reduced Inflammation
Just as your gut health and immune system are inseparably connected, inflammation is also affected by your gut biome. Beneficial bacteria in your gut helps regulate the immune system’s inflammatory response, preventing excessive inflammation that can damage tissue. As you drink hydrogen water to improve your gut biome, you can simultaneously reduce inflammation.
Some research also suggests hydrogen activates certain signaling pathways in the body that can influence the production of inflammatory molecules. By activating these pathways, hydrogen water can help regulate the inflammatory response.
Increased Energy
One of the most common “side effects” reported from hydrogen-water drinkers is an increase in energy. Fatigue can be caused by various factors, including oxidative stress and inflammation. So, hydrogen water's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects can help to reduce fatigue and increase energy levels.
Myths vs. Facts About Hydrogen Water
“One clinical study reported that molecular hydrogen can help reduce oxidative stress by up to 40% in certain groups.” That’s a massive number! And yet, myths abound. We’re here to separate solid facts from popular myths surrounding hydrogen water, especially when it comes to molecular hydrogen and its actual impact on our health.
Myth #1: Hydrogen Water is Just Regular Water in Disguise
Yes, both are clear liquids. But molecular hydrogen sets hydrogen water apart from your standard tap. The extra hydrogen gas dissolved within the water gives it its antioxidant properties. If you want to ensure you’re getting real hydrogen water, look for reputable brands that verify their molecular hydrogen levels. Check for third-party testing and confirm that the product’s hydrogen concentration meets a minimum threshold of at least 1.0 to 1.5 ppm.
Myth #2: Drinking Hydrogen Water Alone Solves Everything
Molecular hydrogen isn’t magic. Emerging research shows an ever-growing number of benefits like reduced inflammation and antioxidant potential, but it isn’t a cure-all. Hydrogen water empowers the benefits that come from an already balanced diet and regular exercise. Its a piece of a puzzle that includes healthy fats, fiber, sleep, and overall well-being. Life-changing results come from a holistic approach.
Myth #3: There’s No Scientific Basis Behind Molecular Hydrogen
Not true. There is an existing (and growing) body of research on molecular hydrogen. Scientists in Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. continue to publish findings that suggest hydrogen water or hydrogen inhalation therapy may help with everything from oxidative stress to muscle fatigue. Granted, many of these studies are small-scale or in early stages. But combined with the experience of thousands of hydrogen water drinkers everywhere, they’re enough to show that molecular hydrogen has tangible biological effects.
Myth #4: The Same Dose Works for Everyone
We’re unique! Our genetics, diets, and lifestyles differ. Pay attention to how your body responds to hydrogen water and hydration in general. Hydrogen water is safe, and you can track what feels good, or consider consulting a professional if you have specific health goals. That personal trial-and-error process can help you find your personal best.
Best Practices for Hydrogen Water
1. Choose a Reputable Source
All hydrogen water isn’t created equal! Some brands fail to deliver an adequate concentration of molecular hydrogen, while others may be inconsistent from batch to batch. Look for products that provide transparency about their hydrogen levels. Third-party lab testing can serve as a great checkpoint. It’s worth spending a little extra on a product that’s tested and verified.
2. Store It Properly
Exposure to air can cause hydrogen gas to dissipate over time. Make sure to keep your hydrogen water in a sealed container, preferably a BPA-free bottle or one designed specifically to maintain its hydrogen content. If you’ve generated your own hydrogen water with a special machine, drink it soon after production. The fresher, the better!
3. Be Mindful of Timing
You might find you enjoy a morning pick-me-up or prefer a midday refresh. There’s no hard rule here. Some people love having a glass right before a workout to combat oxidative stress from exercise. Others sip it with meals to aid digestion and hydration. Experiment! See what works for you, but stay consistent for at least a few weeks to notice any real differences in energy or gut health.
4. Track How You Feel
This is big. If you’re drinking hydrogen water but not paying attention, you might miss subtle changes. Keep a simple journal or note on your phone. Jot down how many servings you had, when you drank them, and any notable changes in energy, digestion, or overall well-being. It sounds basic, but this feedback loop can help you fine-tune your routine.
Current Research and Scientific Consensus
What We Know So Far
Antioxidant Potential: Several smaller trials have observed that molecular hydrogen may act as a targeted antioxidant, potentially neutralizing harmful free radicals without altering beneficial ones.
Inflammation & Gut Health: Early research in Japan and the U.S. points to hydrogen water’s potential in modulating inflammatory markers and even promoting a healthier gut biome. However, most studies remain pilot or preliminary in scale.
Enhanced Recovery: Some sports-related research has explored whether hydrogen water aids in reducing muscle fatigue after exercise. The findings are encouraging but not universally conclusive.
Why There’s Still Debate
We can’t ignore the limitations of current studies, even as the evidence keeps piling up. Sample sizes have been small, and varying hydrogen concentrations make results hard to compare across experiments. Some individuals might see measurable benefits, while others notice little difference. As a result, mainstream scientific consensus is cautiously optimistic—recognizing the safety of hydrogen water (it has FDA GRAS status).
Of course, hydrogen water has side effects—everything does! But let’s not forget that side effects can also be positive. So, as you consider the possible negative side effects of drinking hydrogen, remember you can avoid any negative side effects by starting slowly and gradually increasing your intake of hydrogen water. And as you incorporate hydrogen water into your everyday routine, you can enjoy a healthier gut, strengthened immune system, reduced inflammation, and increased energy. If you’re ready to try hydrogen water for yourself, check out Echo’s hydrogen water bottle and other hydrogen water products.
FAQs
Who Should Avoid or Limit Hydrogen Water?
In general, hydrogen water is deemed safe. Talk to a healthcare professional first if you have severe gastrointestinal issues or a compromised immune system. Simply adding hydration to your routine may affect pre-existing health conditions. If you’re on certain medications—especially those that impact fluid balance—getting medical clearance is never a bad idea.
Can Hydrogen Water Increase Blood Pressure?
No. There’s no widely accepted evidence tying hydrogen water to raised blood pressure. Some small-scale studies even suggest that molecular hydrogen could support cardiovascular health by acting as a mild antioxidant.
How Long Does It Take to See Results from Hydrogen Water?
Results vary! Some people notice energy and improved digestion within days. Others see benefits over weeks. There’s no exact timeline. Your body chemistry, diet, exercise routine, and overall lifestyle can all play a role.
How Many Times a Day Should You Drink Hydrogen Water?
There’s no universal prescription. One to three servings daily is common in most research contexts, but hydrogen water can be used as a replacement for your plain water intake. Some athletes prefer a serving before or after a workout, while others like a single serving in the morning to start the day feeling refreshed.
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