Molecular hydrogen is the smallest molecule in the world, but do not be deceived by its size, molecular hydrogen or H2 can be considered one of the most effective antioxidants available that we have. As the first element, hydrogen has been part of the evolution of the cosmic origin. The use of molecular hydrogen to support health has been well studied in both clinical trials and animal studies, and some recent studies involve many topics of interest. The multiple benefits of hydrogen have shown effects affecting detoxification routes, brain health, healthy aging and longevity, affecting post-exercise recovery, and exercise imitation on the body. Let's further explore these concepts as well as the benefits and applications of hydrogen supplementation to achieve optimal health.
Today, research shows that the benefits of molecular hydrogen are widely spread as a powerful antioxidant that supports cognitive health and exercise performance, promotes healthy metabolism, and helps activate the body's natural detox system.
Molecular hydrogen or diatomom hydrogen consists of two combined hydrogen atoms, consisting of two electrons and two protons, to form a neutral-charged molecule. Due to its lipid soluble and permeability, molecular hydrogen is able to pass through the blood-brain barrier and diffuse through the cell membrane to influence the cytoplasm (intracfluid), mitochondria (energy source of cells) and nucleus ("brain")).
In human bodies, hydrogen is a natural byproduct of microbiome fermentation and the development of microbes in the gut; however, production may vary by factors such as personal environment, diet, and overall health. The symbiotic relationship between intestinal health and immune health continues, as studies suggest that molecular hydrogen favors intestinal fermentation and intestinal health, and even promotes the growth of the intestinal flora. Beneficial short-chain fatty acids.
Hydrogen gas and detoxification
It is well known that hydrogen acts like an adaptation primitive that promotes overall balance in the body and supports a healthy inflammatory response. A number of studies show the therapeutic benefits of molecular hydrogen, used primarily to regulate inflammation and activate the natural detoxification process of the body. The use of molecular hydrogen has also proved protective, as it supports the human body's natural antioxidant pathway expression by activating Nrf2. Another study showed that the use of molecular hydrogen increases antioxidant enzyme activity and reduces TNF-α levels and peroxide levels. In a 4-week randomized, water-added, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study, antioxidant enzymes were increased. Participants were evaluated at baseline and 4 weeks later, and the men receiving hydrogen-rich water showed increased serum levels for two endogenous antioxidants, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione as compared to a placebo that only received tap water.
In addition to antioxidant and detoxification effects, hydrogen shows prospects for multiple benefits rather than one-way as some conventional methods. An example includes the effects of hydrogen on supporting healthy inflammatory mediators, such as NF-kB,, a family of transcription factors that support apoptosis and growth. It is shown that the activation of this signaling pathway (the duration, speed, and time of activation also works) can produce positive benefits to the system.
Dynamic simulation effect of hydrogen
Isn't it good to have a supplement that offers some of the same benefits as exercise without having to sweat?
Exercise is often considered nearsighted, but it has different meanings for everyone, varying greatly in terms of intensity, type of activity / movement, and frequency and duration. While the physical consumption of weekend fighters or elite athletes has beneficial effects, it also creates space for the activation of stress hormones and other signaling pathways.
Careful observation of clinical studies suggests that molecular hydrogen mediated the same beneficial metabolic pathways that are activated through healthy and sustained motion, helping us further understand that hydrogen is a "motion simulator." This means the biological effects of hydrogen simulation motion. Not only can hydrogen simulate many effects of motion, it is also found to help facilitate recovery.
We all know that exercise is good for us, but do you know that it causes a temporary surge in stress hormones and reactive oxygen (ROS)? This reaction is known in nature as "hormonal effects", a biological reaction in which things that have negative effects at long and high doses have opposite beneficial effects at low doses in a short time. In the case of exercise, short-term increases in stress hormones and active oxygen help to stimulate the beneficial effects associated with physical consumption. Interestingly, molecular hydrogen has been found to have similar biological effects similar to motion!
Hydrogen and brain health
It was also found that the benefits of hydrogen can affect our brain and cognitive health. In an animal study that observed the memory and motor function after the injection of hydrogen, the use of hydrogen (via an aqueous salt solution) has been shown to support healthy memory. Autophagy is a natural and automatic cleaning process that ensures proper cellular and tissue health. Display is also activated by molecular hydrogen. Animal studies using hydrogen therapy have revealed the activation of the autophagy pathway. Another interesting study highlights the neuroprotective effect of hydrogen by protecting mitochondrial function.
Are the benefits of hydrogen exceed its neuroprotection in the brain? Interestingly, the adaptive properties of hydrogen highlight its role in supporting the steady state in vivo. Two studies of interest showed the therapeutic effect of hydrogen therapy on the HPA axis. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study included four weeks of hydrogen; participants experienced decreased tension and increased mood. Second, an animal study showed that hydrogen supports the HPA axis during mild pressure, most significantly that this effect is persistent as recovery to pressure increases after administration time. As a single intervention, molecular hydrogen has been shown to support normal digestive function after a nervous attack. The protective effect of hydrogen (with a neutral charge) may be attributed to its unique transmembrane diffusion ability, going directly into the cells and organelles.
Methods of increasing hydrogen in the body include:
Drinking hydrogen dissolved in water
Inhalation of hydrogen at low concentrations (1-4%)
Bathing in hydrogen water
Hyperbaric hydrogen chambers
Intravenous injection of hydrogen-rich saline
Increasing hydrogen production by intestinal bacteria. Turmeric, for example, has been shown to increase hydrogen production by intestinal bacteria.
Hydrogen may be small but plays an essential role in energy production and life for nearly every living molecule. While scientists continue to do more research on the long-term effects of molecular hydrogen for our health, the significant research already completed on H2 shows how beneficial it can be for our health and longevity.
In the brain, do the benefits of hydrogen go beyond its neuroprotective effects? Interestingly, hydrogen’s adaptogenic properties highlight the role it has in supporting homeostasis in the body. Two studies of interest showed the therapeutic effects of hydrogen therapy on the HPA axis. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study, which included hydrogen for 4 weeks; participants felt a decrease in feelings of nervousness and an increase in mood. Secondly, an animal study showed hydrogen supporting the HPA axis during mild stress and most notable, the effects were long-lasting as resilience to stress increased beyond the time of administration. As a single intervention, molecular hydrogen was shown to support normal digestive function after episodes of nervousness. The protective effects of hydrogen (which is neutrally charged) may be attributed to its unique ability to diffuse across membranes, directly into cells and organelles.
