In the world of modern medicine, alternative and natural therapies have gained popularity as people use them to seek optimal health and wellness. One such treatment is molecular hydrogen therapy.
Molecular hydrogen therapy is an innovative health approach that channels the power of hydrogen throughout the body. Hydrogen is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants. Through molecular hydrogen therapy, patients can leverage this antioxidant effect, which has numerous positive health outcomes, including a reduction in oxidative stress, reduced inflammation and improved wound healing.
Currently, researchers continue to explore the therapy’s full potential. However, in several human and animal trials, hydrogen therapy has shown promise in treating a wide range of conditions, including chronic wounds, Alzheimer’s disease, and COVID-19.
Interested in learning more about what molecular hydrogen therapy is, its advantages, and how it works? This guide offers a brief over of the therapy and provides examples of how it aids the body’s natural healing.
What is Molecular Hydrogen?
Molecular Hydrogen, or H2, is a colorless and odorless molecule with antioxidant properties. It is called dihydrogen because it consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded together.
Molecular hydrogen is the gaseous form of hydrogen. When in this state, it’s safer to administer than pure hydrogen, which is unstable and highly flammable. Ultimately, an advantage of molecular hydrogen is that it’s one of the smallest atoms. Therefore, it can penetrate deep into cells to neutralize harmful free radicals and cleanse.
What is Molecular Hydrogen Therapy?
Molecular hydrogen therapy refers to using hydrogen to trigger the body’s natural healing responses. Generally, there are four main ways to increase hydrogen in the body:
- Inhalation – Breathing hydrogen created by a molecular hydrogen generator
- Hydrogen Water – Drinking water infused with hydrogen
- Hydrogen Bathing – Bathing in hydrogen-infused water (which helps treat skin conditions)
- Hyperbaric Hydrogen – Treatments in a pressurized hydrogen capsule
Of these treatment types, hydrogen inhalation offers numerous benefits, and it can help to maximize hydrogen absorption in the body.
A Closer Look at Molecular Hydrogen Inhalation
Hydrogen inhalation therapy has been popular in Japan and Korea for decades. However, it’s become increasingly used in the U.S. and Europe. Essentially, patients breathe in hydrogen through a nasal cannula.
Here’s a look at how hydrogen inhalation is administered:
- Duration: Typically, the therapy lasts for approximately 15 minutes. Patients may typically do 2-3 treatments per week for up to 6 weeks.
- Results: Studies show that hydrogen therapy increases the presence of hydrogen in the blood and brain tissue. However, studies have yet to establish a definite timeline for this antioxidant therapy to stay active in the system. According to one study, the effects of molecular hydrogen begin to disappear after 8 hours or 18 – 24 hours.
- What does it do to the body: Molecular hydrogen treats the body in three ways – anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-ageing. This helps to reduce cellular damage and chronic pain, and it triggers a natural healing response in the body.
Benefits of Molecular Hydrogen Therapy
Hydrogen therapy offers numerous health benefits. For example, a landmark 2007 study showcased hydrogen’s powerful antioxidant effects. Additionally, hydrogen is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
Here are some of the key benefits of this type of therapy:
1. Antioxidant Properties
Molecular hydrogen delivers exceptional antioxidant properties that directly target and neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
Free radicals occur naturally in the body, and we can generally neutralize them. However, an imbalance can occur if our bodies begin to increase production of free radicals due to problems in the body or environmental factors (e.g., smoking, air pollution, or chemicals).
An imbalance of free radicals can damage the cells. This damage is thought to be the primary cause of various health issues, including aging, inflammation, and chronic diseases.
2. Reduces Inflammation
Molecular hydrogen regulates inflammatory cells. It suppresses or reduces pro-inflammation (inflammation-causing agents) and promotes the production of anti-inflammatory molecules (responsible for reducing swelling).
Inflammation can result from the immune system reacting during an injury. For example, when you cut your finger and it swells, it is a sign of the immune system sending out inflammatory cells. Inflammation can occur even in the presence of chronic illnesses such as arthritis.
Chronic inflammation can be a result of excessive drinking, chronic stress, heart disease, abdominal pain, and more. Hydrogen therapy can reduce or potentially reverse this inflammation.
3. Supports Cellular Health
Molecular hydrogen can effectively promote healing in the cell energy centers called mitochondria. When molecular hydrogen enters the cells, it reduces free radicals and helps maintain cellular function. By stimulating cellular function, molecular hydrogen therapy helps to improve wound healing and can potentially treat conditions caused by cellular dysfunction (including some cancers).
4. Enhances Cognitive Function
Molecular hydrogen delivers neuroprotective effects and improves brain functions. Studies show that molecular hydrogen inhalation may even help reduce the effects of brain injury.
As a result, hydrogen therapy may be a potential treatment for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injury.
5. Promotes Skin Health
Molecular hydrogen therapy promotes anti-aging agents and reverses the aging process. A study on the role of hydrogen-infused water and anti-aging concluded that it has favorable effects and improves skin health.
Its potential to rejuvenate and hydrate the skin has gained immense popularity. Molecular hydrogen reactivates the oxygen levels that lead to clean, wrinkle-free skin, for example. It also improves the appearance, health, and elasticity of the skin.
How Does Molecular Hydrogen Therapy Work?
Molecular hydrogen therapy works primarily by managing oxidative stress and inflammation through these steps:
1. Inhalation Process
Molecular hydrogen inhalation introduces hydrogen into the body through a ventilator, face mask, or by consuming hydrogen-infused water.
2. Body Cleansing
The hydrogen travels into the cells and targets areas that may be inflamed or where cellular dysfunction is occurring.
3. Neutralizing Free Radicals
Molecular hydrogen neutralizes the harmful free radicals required for cellular functionality.
4. Balancing Redox Status
It helps maintain a balance between oxidative stress and its defense mechanism. Molecular hydrogen protects against cell damage and supports overall health.
5. Cellular Signaling
Molecular hydrogen helps reduce inflammation, improves cell functions, and stimulates cellular production. This influences positive, healthy living and well-being.
Is Molecular Hydrogen Therapy Right for You?
Molecular hydrogen inhalation therapy is a promising natural healing approach that combats illnesses. It introduces a pure form of molecular hydrogen in the body. This improves cell structure, reduces oxidative stress, and promotes overall well-being.
With continuous research, studies are ongoing to understand molecular hydrogen’s full mechanisms and potential benefits. Studies have suggested that it positively impacts various health conditions, and the hydrogen inhalation therapy machine can do wonders!
It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting sessions with this therapeutic approach. Also, you can research molecular hydrogen therapy for your wellness routine to ensure it is safe and meets your needs.
We understand this is relatively new. Thus, if you are unaware of its benefits and want to understand its function, do contact us!
