Buzz
Explore the possible health advantages of drinking hydrogen water
Hydrogen water, which contains dissolved hydrogen gas, is quickly emerging as a trending wellness drink. While its benefits are still under investigation, early studies point to potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Here’s what scientists have discovered so far and how you can start making hydrogen water at home.
4 Easy Ways to Make Hydrogen Water
- Use a hydrogen water bottle designed to infuse water with hydrogen gas.
- Add a hydrogen-generating tablet to a water bottle and close it securely.
- Insert a magnesium stick into a sealed water bottle and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Create hydrogen water by sealing a magnesium rod and malic acid inside a test tube placed in water.
Instructions
4 Simple Ways to Make Hydrogen Water at Home
Try a ready-made hydrogen water bottle. Open your hydrogen bottle, pour in filtered or bottled water up to the max line, seal the lid, and power it on as per the instructions. Once the process completes, open the lid and enjoy.
- You’ll notice hydrogen bubbles forming as the device operates.
- These bottles work using electrolysis: one electrode creates oxygen, vented outside, and the other releases hydrogen into your water.
- Larger options like hydrogen pitchers and countertop machines are also available—they work similarly but can produce more hydrogen water per use.
Use hydrogen tablets in a sealed water bottle. Drop a hydrogen-generating tablet into a container you can seal. Fill it completely with cold water and tightly close the lid. Wait as directed—typically about 5 minutes—while it dissolves.
- Cool water slows the reaction but helps retain more hydrogen.
- Tablets are a reliable method for getting a consistent hydrogen concentration.
Mix malic acid and a magnesium stick for a higher H2 yield. Add 1 gram (about 1/4 tsp) of food-grade malic acid into a test tube with a magnesium stick. Fill the test tube with filtered water and seal it using a cork pierced at the center with a needle. Place the test tube into a glass bottle filled with water, freeze it for 30 minutes, then shake it gently for 2 minutes before drinking.
- Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling malic acid to avoid skin or eye irritation.
- Pressure will build up from hydrogen gas—open with care.
- If the cork pops off, the water remains safe to drink since malic acid is food-safe and commonly used in preservation.
Activate hydrogen with magnesium rods. Insert a magnesium rod into a sealed glass or stainless steel bottle filled with filtered water. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
- This method usually yields around 1 ppm of hydrogen in the water.
- To minimize hydrogen loss, use a non-porous, airtight container—double-walled stainless steel bottles work best.
How long does homemade hydrogen water stay effective?
Consume your freshly made hydrogen water within 10–15 minutes. While hydrogen dissolves well in water, it escapes quickly. For maximum benefit, drink it soon after preparation.
- If storing it, use a tightly sealed stainless steel bottle—just know that the hydrogen content will gradually decrease over time.
What are the effects of drinking hydrogen water?
Initial research highlights several possible benefits of hydrogen water. Although further studies are needed, early findings suggest it may offer perks like:
- Neutralizing free radicals to lower oxidative stress
- Providing anti-inflammatory effects
- Improving cholesterol levels
- Reducing fatigue in dialysis patients
- Enhancing athletic performance and post-workout recovery
- Elevating overall mood
Is it safe to drink hydrogen water?
Hydrogen water appears to be safe, but caution is advised. The FDA classifies hydrogen water with less than 2.14% H2 as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS). However, consider the following risks:
- Many hydrogen tablets and machines haven't been FDA-tested, and some companies have received warnings for making unsupported health claims.
- It’s hard to accurately measure H2 concentration when making it at home.
- Certain DIY methods may alter the water’s pH to unsafe levels.
FAQs
Can baking soda and water generate hydrogen? No—mixing baking soda with water results in a reaction that releases carbon dioxide (CO2), not hydrogen gas.
Is tap water okay for making hydrogen water? Yes, but since tap water can carry impurities or trace metals, filtered water is the better option.
Is hydrogen water actually more beneficial than plain water? While definitive conclusions are pending, early studies suggest potential advantages. These include enhanced kidney function in dialysis patients, improved cardiovascular health, and boosted endurance and recovery for athletes.
Is the buzz around hydrogen water justified? While hydrogen water may offer certain health perks, the idea that it’s a miracle solution is likely overstated. If it makes you feel better, it’s generally safe to drink—but don’t rely on it as a replacement for proven medical treatments or healthy lifestyle choices.
Warnings
- DIY electrolysis setups for producing H2 gas are widely shared online, but there’s currently no safe or effective method to compress that gas and infuse it into drinking water.
