What is Hydrogen Therapy

What is Hydrogen Therapy?

Hydrogen therapy is a method that uses the properties of hydrogen to assist in improving the body's condition, primarily through inhaling hydrogen gas, drinking hydrogen-rich water, or topically applying hydrogen-rich products.

1. Core Principle of Hydrogen Therapy

The main basis of hydrogen therapy lies in hydrogen’s selective antioxidant property.

- Hydrogen can specifically scavenge harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body, such as hydroxyl radicals, which are one of the key factors leading to cell damage, inflammation, and aging.

- Unlike other antioxidants, hydrogen does not affect ROS that are beneficial to the human body, thus avoiding disruption of normal physiological functions.

- Hydrogen molecules are small in size, allowing them to easily penetrate cell membranes, the blood-brain barrier, and other structures, reaching various tissues and cells in the body to exert their effects.

2. Common Application

Forms of Hydrogen Therapy Currently, hydrogen therapy is mainly applied in three categories, each suitable for different scenarios and needs:

- Hydrogen inhalation: High-concentration hydrogen is generated via specialized equipment and directly inhaled into the lungs. This form is suitable for scenarios requiring rapid hydrogen supplementation.

- Drinking hydrogen-rich water: Hydrogen is dissolved in water to form hydrogen-rich water, which is ingested through daily drinking. This method is convenient to operate and easy to adhere to long-term.

- Topical application: This includes products like hydrogen-rich gels and hydrogen-rich baths. Hydrogen penetrates local tissues through skin contact, and is mostly used to alleviate skin issues or local inflammation.

3.What Are the Efficacy Benefits of Hydrogen Inhalation?

1. Assists in regulating inflammation-related discomfort: Some studies have shown that hydrogen may inhibit excessive inflammatory responses, thereby providing a certain degree of auxiliary relief for physical discomfort associated with chronic inflammation (such as pain caused by joint inflammation, and cough with phlegm caused by respiratory inflammation).

2. Reduces the burden caused by oxidative stress: Harmful free radicals generated during human metabolism can cause oxidative stress, which may lead to issues like fatigue and poor skin condition. Hydrogen can specifically scavenge these free radicals, helping to improve fatigue caused by oxidative stress or assisting in maintaining the body's normal oxidative balance.

3. Aids in post-exercise recovery: Post-exercise muscles produce lactic acid and free radicals, which may result in muscle soreness and slow recovery. Studies have indicated that inhaling hydrogen may help reduce post-exercise muscle soreness and shorten recovery time by reducing free radical damage.

4. Key Precautions

- Cannot replace formal medical treatment: Hydrogen therapy is currently used more as an auxiliary measure. It cannot replace formal medical treatments such as medication or surgery. Especially for diseases, it is essential to follow the advice of medical professionals first.

- Effects vary by individual: Due to differences in physical constitution and health status among individuals, the improvement effects of hydrogen therapy may vary.