Research
Brief History on Hydrogen
Ever wondered where the name “Hydrogen” was derived from? The name “Hydrogen” is derived from the Greek words “Hydro” (water) and “genes” (forming), as hydrogen is one of the two water forming elements. The French word “Hydrogene” was used to describe “hydrogen gas” and the name was coined by French scientist Antoine Lavoisier, who is also known as the Modern father of chemistry.
Though one of the very first publications linking Hydrogen and Medicine was issued in the 18th century, it was not until 2007 when a team of Japanese scientists led by I. Ohsawa et al discovered that Hydrogen gas when inhaled could act as a therapeutic antioxidant and protect the body cells from Free Radicals. The research and findings were first published in Nature Medicine (2007). The landmark publication sparked the interest in its potential health benefits worldwide and led to some breakthrough research. Since then, over 1,000 studies have been conducted on Hydrogen and its benefits for over 170 human diseases and essentially every organ of the human body.
In 2013, the Molecular Hydrogen Institute (MHI) was founded and established by Tyler LeBaron. MHI is the foremost authority on the science of molecular hydrogen and its main objectives are to advance, promote, educate and publicize hydrogen research, and maintain the integrity of hydrogen research and hydrogen products.
Molecular Hydrogen (H2) is a naturally occurring molecule consisting of two hydrogen atoms. Based on its composition of two atoms, it is the smallest and the most abundant molecule in the Universe. Being the smallest molecule allows hydrogen to penetrate through the human body cells and tissues, including the blood brain barrier.
Hydrogen is a colourless, odourless, non-toxic gas with a multitude of therapeutic benefits for human diseases. Amongst some of the benefits are as a powerful antioxidant (and selective anti-oxidation), anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis (anti-cell death) and anti-allergy. There are various methods of using hydrogen ~ via ingestion, inhalation, injection, spraying onto the skin or absorbed through a bath.
What Is Molecular Hydrogen (H2) and
How Does It Work in My Body?
The Danger of Free Radicals
Free radicals are rogue molecules that have the ability to harass and even destroy other molecules in your cells by stealing electrons from innocent molecules, and cause instability in these molecules, then they become free radical themselves, disrupting other molecules in the vicinity. In this way, free radical can start a chain reaction in the body’s tissues, causing damage that can destroy the structure and function of cells in your tissues. This revolution of unmanaged free radicals in your tissues is known as oxidative stress.
Research has shown that if you allow these free radicals to get out of hand and cause oxidative stress, they will stimulate nociceptors and cause aches and pain. The presence of oxidative stress in myofascial tissues can easily generate an inflammatory response in muscles and joints. In chronic muscle and joint disorders, the presence of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in your tissues is inseparable. Therefore, to correctly deal with chronic muscle and joint problems, it is a requirement to learn how to manage the metabolic factor of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
By Greg Fors, in his book title, Why We Hurt: A Complete Physical & Spiritual Guide to Healing Your Chronic Pain.
Molecular Hydrogen a Potential “Novel” Antioxidant
Scientific studies have shown that molecular hydrogen has antioxidant properties which help to neutralise toxic free radicals which are responsible for premature aging. Dr. Shigeo Ohta and his team of researchers found that molecular hydrogen has high potential as a “novel” antioxidant owing to the unique properties of hydrogen.
Hydrogen as an antioxidant prevents oxidative stress and cell damage, but it does not interfere with the metabolic redox reactions or reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are required for cell signalling. There are no reported adverse effect from consuming hydrogen. Hydrogen suppresses chronic inflammation, which is known to accelerate aging. Hydrogen’s ability to rapidly diffuse into tissues and cells, including passing through the blood brain barrier, which most antioxidant compounds cannot, increases its neuroprotective effects.
- They are both natural to the body.
- They are both neither artificial nor synthetic.
- They are both promoting wellness.
How is Molecular Hydrogen different to antioxidants in foods?
- Molecular Hydrogen only scavenges the bad free radical.
- Molecular Hydrogen leaves no waste product after neutralizing a free radical.
- Molecular Hydrogen also increases our body’s own antioxidant systems.
- Molecular Hydrogen also acts as a signalling molecule, thus having many other benefits.
- Molecular Hydrogen is the smallest molecule, which can easily enter the cells. ( Note: H2 only weight 2g/mole vs vitamin C at 176.2 g/mole)
- Molecular Hydrogen has no known toxic effects at high intakes.
Which gets rid of more free radicals: Vitamin C or Molecular Hydrogen?
Based on stoichiometry, one molecule of vitamin C can theoretically neutralize two free radicals, which is the same for Molecular Hydrogen. However, some of the used vitamin C molecules can be rejuvenated by the bodies and be used again, which is not the case with Molecular Hydrogen. On the other hand, Molecular Hydrogen can upregulate powerful antioxidant enzymes in the body, thus providing further protection, a function which vitamin C cannot do. Interestingly, vitamin C intake at high levels may actually prevent this upregulation from occurring.