Description
What is hydrogen-alkaline water?
Hydrogen-alkaline water (also known as alkaline-reduced water) is a type of mineral-rich water with notable health benefits. This form of electrolyzed water is produced from minerals such as magnesium and calcium. It has supersaturated hydrogen, high pH, low dissolved oxygen (DO), extremely high dissolved molecular hydrogen (DH), and extremely negative redox potential (RP) values. The higher the negative oxidation-reduction potential, the greater the antioxidant benefits.Â
The primary difference between alkaline-reduced water and regular water is its pH level. The pH of regular water is neutral (around 7) while the pH of most alkaline waters is around 8-9. Rich in alkalizing minerals such as calcium and magnesium, this functional water may be used as a therapeutic strategy for improving health and reducing the risk of disease.Â
Why use hydrogen water?
Hydrogen-alkaline water has been the subject of worldwide attention for the last four decades. Studies indicate that it may assist with gastrointestinal disorders, chronic inflammation, cardiovascular health, gout, arthritis, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and many other health issues. Other reports show that hydrogen-alkaline water may support energy, weight management, athletic performance, and stress management.Â
The antioxidant benefits are particularly notable. ‘Active hydrogen’ produced in reduced water during electrolysis is shown to scavenge H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide). It also suppresses single-strand breakage of DNA by active oxygen species.Â
Benefits of hydrogen water
May improve gastrointestinal health
Mineral water rich in electrolytes is shown to control gastric acid output and intestinal transit time, improving IBS symptoms such as functional dyspepsia. In addition, carbonated water helped to reduce hunger and improve digestive symptoms such as heartburn. Drinking sulfur-rich mineral water over a three-week period helped to increase bowel regularity and reduce overall constipation, one of the major symptoms of IBS.
A Korean study suggested that drinking ARW for eight weeks improved overall symptoms in
patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS. Quality of life and abdominal pain scores decreased to a greater extent among those who drank ARW regularly compared to those who did not.
May help manage inflammationÂ
Female football players who consumed hydrogen-rich water for two months were found to have significantly reduced inflammatory mediators (interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α levels) and significantly increased overall antioxidant capacity and hemoglobin levels. The hydrogen-rich water also improved the diversity and abundance of their gut flora.
Supports healthy hydration
Alkaline water is believed to have a more rapid absorption rate in the body, which means it may hydrate more effectively than regular water. Mineralization and alkalization properties of mineral water are important factors influencing acid-base balance and hydration in athletes. One study found that athletes hydrated with alkaline, low-mineralized water were better hydrated during high-intensity interval training. They also showed increased urine pH, a significant decrease in specific urine gravity, and more efficient lactate utilization after intense exercise.
May protect against oxidative stressÂ
Alkaline and electrolyzed water has been shown to help suppress levels of free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic disease.
Alkaline-reduced water is known to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce blood glucose levels. Reduced water was found to suppress single-strand breakage of DNA induced by reactive oxygen species by enhancing superoxide anion radical dismutation activity. This effect was explained by changes in the ionic product of water of the reduced water.
Removes pesticides from foods
Washing foods such as kumquat and cucumber in alkaline electrolyzed water with a high pH value removed effects of pesticide more effectively than other washing solutions. The alkaline water was even more effective in removing pesticide residues when fruits and vegetables were washed for 15 minutes or more.
May support healthy weight management
Participants in a study who did not drink alkaline water were found to have significantly higher waist circumference and fasting blood glucose than those who did drink alkaline water. The triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio was significantly lower among alkaline water drinkers, while HDL was similar between both groups. This was attributed to the non-alkaline water drinkers having higher serum triglycerides.
May support healthy sleep
Non-alkaline water drinkers had poorer sleep quality and significantly shorter duration of sleep, while those drinking alkaline water regularly had significantly longer sleep duration of approximately 70 minutes per day.
May support cardiovascular health
The total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats drinking ARW were found to be significantly lower than those of the control group. These results suggest that long-term ingestion of ARW resulted in a reduction in the levels of glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol in the blood.
Regular alkaline water drinkers were found to have significantly lower body weight and body fat percentage. They also had significantly higher muscle strength than non-alkaline water drinkers.
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