What is Molecular Hydrogen?
Molecular hydrogen (H₂) may be new to consumers in terms of a health product, like CalerieHealth™ Alpha Hope, but it’s been the subject of hundreds of studies. Researchers have been examining how H₂ works in the body and its potential benefits for human health for many years.
Basics of Hydrogen
Hydrogen is a small, neutral molecule that can cross the blood-brain barrier and other cell membranes in the body. Hydrogen is also produced by intestinal bacteria, but the amounts vary significantly between individuals and have probably evolved over time.
Hydrogen is incredibly abundant in the world, so you may be wondering why it’s getting so much attention now. Using hydrogen in supplemental form for health purposes has only recently gained more widespread attention.
What is Molecular Hydrogen?
Molecular hydrogen, or H₂, is an odorless, colorless gas that exists in trace amounts in the air. It’s also been captured for use in health supplements intended to be added to water.
Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) is regular water with hydrogen added. H₂-containing supplements, like CalerieHealth™ Alpha Hope, are a unique and emerging example of how simply molecular hydrogen can be utilized to target your health. Just drop a tablet of CalerieHealth™ Alpha Hope into your regular water and allow it to dissolve, becoming HRW.
Molecular hydrogen when consumed as a supplement acts as an antioxidant in the human body with many potential health benefits.
What is an Antioxidant?
Antioxidants like H₂ work to protect your cells from oxidative damage, the underlying causes of many diseases. They also act directly on your body’s internal antioxidant pathways to improve your innate defense.
We’re exposed to substances called free radicals every day simply as a result of participating in the world. Free radicals can wreak havoc on your body by causing oxidative damage to your cells. They’re found in things like cigarette smoke and food, but also produced by internal and environmental stressors. Boosting your consumption of antioxidants is one way to combat free radical damage.
Molecular Hydrogen Benefits as an Antioxidant
While human research is still growing, available information is promising around how antioxidant properties of H₂ can benefit your health from the inside out.
H₂ helps combat oxidative damage throughout your body. Adding more hydrogen to your body may help increase protection of your cells.
Existing data on the antioxidant effects of H₂ shows promise in the following ways:
Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory
Animal studies have shown that hydrogen gas has anti-inflammatory effects. There are human studies that show H₂ can reduce joint pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Protects Organs
Molecular hydrogen offers protective effects to organs, including the brain, liver, pancreas, eyes, lungs, and heart, through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics.
Supports Healthy Mitochondria, DNA, and Cell Modulation
In one 2011 study, drinking 1 Liter of HRW per day for 12 weeks improved mitochondrial dysfunction among people with certain inflammatory diseases. It also appears to protect DNA against radiation damage, and promotes healthy gene expression and normal cellular processes.
Protects Against Metabolic Conditions
One 2011 study found that drinking HRW stimulated energy metabolism in lab and animal models, increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing cholesterol and blood sugar. The authors concluded that H₂ may help work against metabolic syndrome.
Supports Brain Health and Mood
One study found that hydrogen could reduce brain damage among patients with Parkinson’s. And in a 2018 study, researchers found that HRW could improve quality of life by supporting central nervous system function related to mood and anxiety.
Molecular hydrogen as a health product may be new to consumers, but the evidence behind how it works in the body has been studied for a long time. With all of the potential health benefits, this is just the beginning for H₂ supplements and HRW like CalerieHealth™ Alpha Hope.