Hydrogen Water: Health Hype or Wellness Game-Changer?

Here we go, another week, another health trend. The new kid on the block this week is drumroll… Hydrogen Water.

Talked about in the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, hydrogen water, sure enough, is sold out everywhere, and everyone is trying to get their hands on the new golden egg in the wellness landscape. With a wide range of health benefits, hydrogen water is rapidly gaining celebrity status.

The godfather of hydrogen water? Say hello to your man, Gary Brecka, the human biologist, biohacker, and longevity expert, who says that the only water he will drink is hydrogen water. So, is this new functional beverage just another health trend, or is hydrogen water the real deal?

What’s Hydrogen Water?

In simple terms, hydrogen water is just your regular water infused with additional molecular hydrogen gas (H₂)¹. The added hydrogen in water is different from the hydrogen already in the H₂O molecule. The star here is molecular hydrogen (H₂), a super-light, invisible, and tasteless gas that makes up most of the universe.

The idea behind hydrogen water is that these free H₂ molecules might be more useful to the body than the hydrogen already locked into water, potentially offering health benefits that plain water doesn't.

Benefits of Hydrogen Water:

This functional water has many reportable benefits, including:

• Improved exercise performance
• Reduced fatigue during and after exercise
• Better recovery
• Reduction of oxidative stress
• Increase overall antioxidant capacity

According to Naomi Goldbaum, the founder, co-director, and registered nurse at IV Health,  "Hydrogen water has promising benefits backed by emerging research — but it's not a miracle cure. Its impact is subtle and supportive, best used as a complement to a healthy lifestyle, not a standalone solution." 

It’s important to note that further scientific research is needed. Many human studies suffer from small sample sizes and relatively short durations, which can limit the ability to detect modest effects or assess long-term outcomes. ¹ But it’s safe to say that hydrogen water appears to be safe for human consumption.

How to Make Hydrogen Water:

1. Direct Infusion: Hydrogen gas is added to purified water under pressure, then sealed in airtight containers (like cans or pouches) to keep the hydrogen from escaping. Aluminium containers work best because hydrogen can leak from plastic or glass over time.
2. Electrolysis: This method uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is then dissolved back into the water. Many home hydrogen water machines use this method. Advanced machines use a special filter (called a PEM) that keeps out things like chlorine and ozone, making the hydrogen water purer, especially when using tap water. The machine can get damaged without this filter, and the water could be unsafe.
3. Hydrogen Tablets: These tablets usually contain magnesium, which reacts with water to release hydrogen gas. It's a simple and portable way to make hydrogen water on the go.

Who Is Hydrogen Water Beneficial to?

There have been many promising results for hydrogen water. However, human research is limited and in small numbers, so further research is needed. Many people use hydrogen to decrease the effects of oxidative stress and improve athletic performance. As Becka said in the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, hydrogen water is the only water he consumes.

Johannes Hock, president of Artificial Grass Pros, uses hydrogen water and thinks it can make a difference, depending on how you use it. “I usually drink it first thing in the morning or during training when hydration really matters. One or two servings a day are plenty if you're aiming to support recovery or digestion”.

It’s also valid to note that the amount of hydrogen water you need to drink daily to reap the benefits is still unknown.

Is It Just Hype, Or Does It Provide Real Benefits?

We can’t say that hydrogen water is a miracle in the wellness industry, as extensive research studies need to support its potential benefits. However, drinking it won’t hurt your health.

Registered nutritionist and director of a coaching collage, Leanne Cooper, says that hydrogen water can be helpful for some health benefits, “the reality is we live in a world full of factors that cause oxidative stress on the body and stretch our body's resources to maintain balance against toxins and the like, so there is some early evidence HRW may be useful for a wide range of health challenges the have inflammation or oxidation at their core.”

So here you have it. Hydrogen Water, are you in or out of this new health trend?

Where Can I Buy Hydrogen Water?

Nutrition Warehouse stocks Healr H2 Hydrogen Water Tablets by Healr

Reference

1. Hydrogen Water: Health Benefits and Side Effects - WebMD, accessed April 17, 2025, https://www.webmd.com/diet/hydrogen-water-health-benefits
2. Hydrogen Water: Miracle Drink or Overhyped Myth? - Healthline, accessed April 17, 2025, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hydrogen-water