H2

The Miracle Molecule

August 01, 20247 min read

Why is Molecular Hydrogen called the “Miracle Molecule”?

Molecular hydrogen has recently emerged as a potential game-changer in health and medicine. It’s potent antioxidant activities help the body regulate inflammation, which is implicated in all forms of disease.

With over 2,000 scientific studies supporting its benefits, molecular hydrogen holds exciting possibilities for the therapeutic management of over 100 different diseases. One of its most fascinating aspects is the ability to tap into our body's innate regenerative powers.

Understanding Molecular Hydrogen

Molecular hydrogen, denoted as H2, is composed of two hydrogen atoms bonded together. Despite being one of the smallest molecules in the universe, its impact on our well-being is profound.

The Science Behind H2

At the cellular level, our bodies constantly engage in oxidative processes. These are normal processes, although they produce free radicals as byproducts. Free radicals, if unchecked, create oxidative stress that can damage cells and contribute to various health issues, including inflammation, aging and numerous chronic and degenerative diseases.

The exact molecular mechanisms of the effects of H2 remain unclear. However, its role as an antioxidant has garnered the most attention due to its ability to uniquely scavenge strong oxidative compounds while preserving other ROS (reactive oxygen species) that have other important roles in the cell. This means it targets only harmful free radicals, leaving beneficial ones unharmed, offering preventive benefits over conventional antioxidants (1).

Molecular hydrogen’s power also lies its small size and neutral charge that allow it to easily penetrate cell membranes and access cellular compartments, where it exerts both protective and reparative effects. For example, mitochondria are the main site of energy production in cells. Molecular hydrogen is believed to enhance ATP production, the primary energy currency of cells, by positively influencing mitochondrial respiration and efficiency (1,2).

H2 was previously considered physiologically inactive in the human body. Nonetheless, it has emerged as a novel medical gas with potentially broad applications.  There’s extensive research showing how H2 mediates oxidative stress and exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects (1-12), supporting the body’s regenerative mechanisms.

Benefits of H2

Here are some key ways that H2 may play a supportive role in health and healing.

  • Antioxidant: Molecular hydrogen is believed to act as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. This can contribute to reducing oxidative stress, a factor implicated in various chronic diseases and aging. (1-12)

  • Anti-Inflammatory: Molecular hydrogen’s anti-inflammatory properties may help mitigate inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to several health conditions and chronic diseases. (1-10, 12)

  • Cellular Energy Production: Molecular hydrogen may influence mitochondrial function, supporting the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of cells. (10)

  • Neuroprotective Effects: Some studies propose that molecular hydrogen may have neuroprotective effects, potentially benefiting brain health and mitigating conditions related to oxidative stress in the nervous system. (10, 13)

  • Metabolic Efficiency: There is emerging research suggesting that molecular hydrogen may positively impact metabolic parameters, including glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. (14)

  • Exercise Performance: Some studies indicate that molecular hydrogen supplementation enhances exercise performance and reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress. (15)

  • Gut Health Support: Molecular hydrogen may influence gut health by modulating the gut microbiota and supporting a balanced microbial environment and mitigating the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation. (16)

  • Skin Health: Antioxidant properties of molecular hydrogen may contribute to skin health by protecting against oxidative damage, potentially benefiting conditions like aging and skin disorders. (17)

How to Get H2

Hydrogen-Rich Water - Water infused with molecular hydrogen is a convenient and popular way of getting H2. In the quest for the safe delivery of hydrogen gas that is active in the body, the CellPower Water Bottle has the most sophisticated technology on the market.

Its features include:

  • A new and innovative proprietary membrane that optimizes pure and safe hydrogen production

  • Meticulously calibrated magnets in the base mimic the magnetic field of the Earth’s core

  • Three unique sets of frequencies beam from above to infuse your water: Energy, Recovery & LumiVitae, infusing the water with a touch of solar vitality.

  • Multi-functional offering 3 cycles to align with your daily rhythms

  • Advanced Electrolysis Technology utilizes platinum-titanium (Pt-Ti) electrodes for effective hydrogen production

  • Innovative world-first membrane operates at a low voltage of 2.3V to deliver the purest hydrogen water

  • Immediate flow channel that releases by-products.

As research on molecular hydrogen continues to unfold, the potential benefits for regenerative health are becoming increasingly evident. Whether you're seeking to enhance your overall well-being or exploring options for managing specific health conditions, the power of molecular hydrogen offers a promising avenue for natural and effective support.

References

1) Ohsawa I, Ishikawa M, Takahashi K, Watanabe M, Nishimaki K, Yamagata K, Katsura K, Katayama Y, Asoh S, Ohta S. Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals. Nat Med. 2007 Jun;13(6):688-94. doi: 10.1038/nm1577.

2) Slezak J, Kura B, LeBaron TW, Singal PK, Buday J, Barancik M. Oxidative Stress and Pathways of Molecular Hydrogen Effects in Medicine. Curr Pharm Des. 2021;27(5):610-625. doi: 10.2174/1381612826666200821114016.

3) Tian Y, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Chen Y, Fan W, Zhou J, Qiao J, Wei Y. Hydrogen, a Novel Therapeutic Molecule, Regulates Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis. Front Physiol. 2021 Dec 20;12:789507. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.789507.

4) Zheng Y, Zhu D. Molecular Hydrogen Therapy Ameliorates Organ Damage Induced by Sepsis. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:5806057. doi: 10.1155/2016/5806057.

5) Nogueira JE, Amorim MR, Pinto AP, da Rocha AL, da Silva ASR, Branco LGS. Molecular hydrogen downregulates acute exhaustive exercise-induced skeletal muscle damage. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2021 Aug;99(8):812-820. doi: 10.1139/cjpp-2020-0297.

6) Ohta S. Recent progress toward hydrogen medicine: potential of molecular hydrogen for preventive and therapeutic applications. Curr Pharm Des. 2011;17(22):2241-52. doi: 10.2174/138161211797052664.

7) Hou Z, Luo W, Sun X, Hao S, Zhang Y, Xu F, Wang Z, Liu B. Hydrogen-rich saline protects against oxidative damage and cognitive deficits after mild traumatic brain injury. Brain Res Bull. 2012;88:560–5

8) Gharib B, Hanna S, Abdallahi OM, Lepidi H, Gardette B, De Reggi M. Anti-inflammatory properties of molecular hydrogen: investigation on parasite-induced liver inflammation. C R Acad Sci III. 2001;324:719–24.

9) Kajiya M, Sato K, Silva MJ, Ouhara K, Do PM, Shanmugam KT, Kawai T. Hydrogen from intestinal bacteria is protective for Concanavalin A-induced hepatitis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2009;386:316–21

10) Barancik M, Kura B, LeBaron TW, Bolli R, Buday J, Slezak J. Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Associated with Effects of Molecular Hydrogen in Cardiovascular and Central Nervous Systems. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 Dec 15;9(12):1281. doi: 10.3390/antiox9121281. PMID: 33333951; PMCID: PMC7765453.

11) Alwazeer D, Liu FF, Wu XY, LeBaron TW. Combating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in COVID-19 by Molecular Hydrogen Therapy: Mechanisms and Perspectives. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2021 Oct 4;2021:5513868. doi: 10.1155/2021/5513868. PMID: 34646423; PMCID: PMC8505069.

12) LeBaron TW, Kura B, Kalocayova B, Tribulova N, Slezak J. A New Approach for the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disorders. Molecular Hydrogen Significantly Reduces the Effects of Oxidative Stress. Molecules. 2019 May 31;24(11):2076. doi: 10.3390/molecules24112076. PMID: 31159153; PMCID: PMC6600250.

13) Wu C, Zou P, Feng S, Zhu L, Li F, Liu TC, Duan R, Yang L. Molecular Hydrogen: an Emerging Therapeutic Medical Gas for Brain Disorders. Mol Neurobiol. 2023 Apr;60(4):1749-1765. doi: 10.1007/s12035-022-03175-w. Epub 2022 Dec 26. PMID: 36567361.

14) Jackson K, Dressler N, Ben-Shushan RS, Meerson A, LeBaron TW, Tamir S. Effects of alkaline-electrolyzed and hydrogen-rich water, in a high-fat-diet nonalcoholic fatty liver disease mouse model. World J Gastroenterol. 2018 Dec 7;24(45):5095-5108. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i45.5095. PMID: 30568387; PMCID: PMC6288656.

15) Kawamura T, Higashida K, Muraoka I. Application of Molecular Hydrogen as a Novel Antioxidant in Sports Science. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2020 Jan 14;2020:2328768. doi: 10.1155/2020/2328768. PMID: 32015786; PMCID: PMC6988658.

16) Xie F, Jiang X, Yi Y, Liu ZJ, Ma C, He J, Xun ZM, Wang M, Liu MY, Mawulikplimi Adzavon Y, Zhao PX, Ma XM. Different effects of hydrogen-rich water intake and hydrogen gas inhalation on gut microbiome and plasma metabolites of rats in health status. Sci Rep. 2022 May 4;12(1):7231. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-11091-1. PMID: 35508571; PMCID: PMC9068821.

17) Artamonov MY, Martusevich AK, Pyatakovich FA, Minenko IA, Dlin SV, LeBaron TW. Molecular Hydrogen: From Molecular Effects to Stem Cells Management and Tissue Regeneration. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023 Mar 3;12(3):636. doi: 10.3390/antiox12030636. PMID: 36978884; PMCID: PMC10045005.

Sara Schaefer PhD is a nutrition and wellness expert, certified practitioner of Energy Kinesiology and Neurological Integration Systems, and founder of Gut Restoration Expert. She merges cellular health and biofield science to help individuals resolve the root causes of dis-ease and restore health and their core.

Sara Schaefer, PhD

Sara Schaefer PhD is a nutrition and wellness expert, certified practitioner of Energy Kinesiology and Neurological Integration Systems, and founder of Gut Restoration Expert. She merges cellular health and biofield science to help individuals resolve the root causes of dis-ease and restore health and their core.

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