When it comes to health, one tried and true recommendation is to drink plenty of water. But while plain tap water offers a host of benefits, two types of enhanced water can possibly do so much more. Alkaline water and hydrogen-infused water are two different types of H2O that boast a long list of miracle-like results. If that last sentence made you feel a bit skeptical, we understand.
With so many passing fads making their rounds through the world of health and wellness, how can you know which to trust?
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about alkaline water and hydrogen water. By learning about the differences between the two, their benefits and the science behind each type of water, you can decide if alkaline or hydrogen water is right for you.
To truly understand alkaline water, let’s get down to the basics — pun intended.
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 being highly acidic and 14 being highly basic. When something is alkaline, it means that it has a pH that is greater than 7 (neutral).
We can’t discuss alkalinity and alkaline water without mentioning alkalis. Alkalis are compounds that can neutralize acids. There are four major players when it comes to alkalis:
Alkaline water has these four amazing electrolyte minerals. Given the benefits these minerals offer, it makes sense that drinking alkaline water would promote health and healing, right? Possibly, but there are a few caveats that come with this logic.
You will learn more about that in a bit. But first, let’s take a look at how alkaline water is created.
Unlike plain tap water, alkaline water has a higher pH that, in theory, neutralizes acids in the bloodstream. Decreasing acidity supposedly offers benefits that we will talk about in a bit.
Alkaline water is created through electrolysis. Electrical currents are sent through the water, usually through the use of two plates. One plate sends positive electrical currents. The other uses negative electrical currents. This process results in a separation of ions, which is why alkaline water is also called “ionized water” by certain corporations. For a deeper dive into this process, see our guide on alkaline electrolysis explained.
Note that this process does not create water containing the four minerals mentioned in the previous section. Companies often add these minerals to the water ahead of time. This supports the conductivity during electrolysis.
There are many claims when it comes to the benefits of drinking alkaline water, including:
The list goes on. But is there science behind these supposed benefits?
As far as acid reflux, there is some science attached to the claim that drinking alkaline water reduces symptoms. According to a study published in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, drinking alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 can relieve symptoms of reflux disease. The higher pH destroys pepsin, one of the main causes of acid reflux.
Another study shows that drinking alkaline water may balance blood sugar levels. Finally, an alkaline diet may increase bone health, according to research published in Osteoporosis International.
Recent research has also investigated alkaline water’s effects on blood viscosity. A randomized controlled trial found that high-pH alkaline water may reduce blood viscosity more effectively than standard purified water after exercise-induced dehydration [1]. However, it’s important to note that the body’s pH is tightly regulated by the kidneys and lungs, maintaining blood pH within a very strict range of 7.35-7.45 regardless of dietary intake.
There are some promising health benefits of alkaline water. However, the few studies on the benefits of alkaline water and an alkaline diet do not address the many claims made about alkaline water by corporations and celebrities.
Also, there are risks involved with drinking a great amount of alkaline water.
A study that used rat pups as test subjects found that feeding the rats this type of water led to stunted growth. Another study (also involving rats) found that alkaline water can damage myocardial tissue.
The big selling point that comes with creating a more alkaline environment within the body is a decrease in acid. Diseases like cancer thrive in an acidic environment.
However, just because this is true doesn’t mean that drinking lots of alkaline water can reduce your chances of getting cancer. There is no scientific evidence to show that alkaline water prevents or cures cancer or any other life-threatening disease.
It is also important to note that an acidic environment isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Yes, too much acidity can put you at risk for health issues. But acid exists in the body for a reason. For example, stomach acid is necessary for breaking down food properly. This acid is essential to ridding the body of wastes and killing harmful bacteria.
Too much alkalinity in the body can lead to a condition called alkalosis. Alkalosis can lead to many side effects, including:
Drinking alkaline water isn’t likely to cause alkalosis. However, it should be noted that — when it comes to a debate over whether you want more acidity or alkalinity in the body — it’s better to drop any type of either/or mentality.
Now that you know a good deal about alkaline water, let’s move on to hydrogen water.
Hydrogen Water and Alkaline Water differ in a single, major way. While Alkaline Water seeks to use higher pH to treat issues in the body, Hydrogen Water fights the basis of all illness, aging, and disease – oxidation stress and inflammation. For a detailed look at this distinction, see our hydrogen vs regular water comparison. You may also find our Kangen water comparison helpful when evaluating your options.
Every breath you take can lead to oxidative stress. We need to take in oxygen in order to survive. But oxidation also leads to the production of free radicals.
Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules that contain unpaired electrons. Because electrons prefer to be in pairs, these molecules work their way through other cells in order to find an electron. This interaction leads to things like cell damage and cell death.
Oxidative stress is the cause or contributor to every human disease. When free radicals cause oxidative stress, you may experience things like:
Studies show that molecular hydrogen protects the body against oxidation stress. It does this by neutralizing free radicals. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that hydrogen-rich water consumption can reduce inflammatory responses and prevent apoptosis of peripheral blood cells in healthy adults, with evidence showing decreased frequency of CD14+ monocytes and reduced oxidative DNA damage [2].
Without hydrogen, the periodic table (and life as we know it) would be nonexistent. Despite being a leader in the chemistry world, hydrogen doesn’t like to stand alone.
It is a molecule that easily and instantly bonds with other molecules. When two hydrogen molecules pair up, the result is H2 gas, otherwise known as molecular hydrogen.
Although small, this tiny antioxidant is armed with several huge health benefits. Research shows molecular hydrogen can help with the healing of a variety of ailments.
Companies have taken notice, which is why many molecular hydrogen-based products like hydrogen water are available for purchase.
Molecular hydrogen possesses unique characteristics that set it apart from other therapeutic compounds. As the smallest molecule in existence, H2 has exceptional bioavailability, allowing it to penetrate cell membranes, enter mitochondria, and even cross the blood-brain barrier [3]. This remarkable ability enables hydrogen to reach and protect tissues that many other antioxidants cannot access, including the brain and other critical organs.
Recent comprehensive reviews of molecular hydrogen therapy have identified multiple mechanisms of action, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-allergic effects [4]. The molecule’s ability to selectively neutralize hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite—two of the most damaging reactive oxygen species—without affecting beneficial signaling molecules makes it particularly valuable as a therapeutic agent.
You know that the formula for water is H2O. And now you know that the formula for molecular hydrogen is H2.
As noted, free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules with an unpaired electron.
When molecular hydrogen enters the body, it goes searching for these free radicals. When H2 and free radicals come together, the formula for H2O is complete and the result is harmless water. It’s as simple as that.
Plenty of hydrogen exists in plain water. However, in regular H2O, the hydrogen in chemically bound to the oxygen. Because of this, the hydrogen in water cannot provide benefits aside from hydration.
There are different ways to create hydrogen water. One way is by dropping magnesium tablets into the water. These tablets release hydrogen into the water seamlessly. However, there is a caveat to this method. Along with delivering more magnesium than a typical person needs, you need to consume a lot of hydrogen water in order to reap the rewards if you go this route. You may not be able to consume enough in a day to see the benefits right away.
Another method involves electrolysis, which is the same method used to create alkaline water. An electric current is used to break apart the hydrogen and oxygen molecules which allows hydrogen gas to permeate the water without an excessive amount of magnesium. Using an ionizer for this process, the resulting product is still lacking when it comes to therapeutic purposes because an insufficient amount of hydrogen gas is dissolved in the water in a short period of time. Additionally ionizers leave something to be desired when it comes to taste due to drinking the water that is ionized around the metallic electrodes.
The last, and best, option is to infuse a glass or pitcher of water with molecular hydrogen produced by a hydrogen gas generator. In less than 10 minutes you can infuse several times more consumable molecular hydrogen in a glass of water than through ionization or magnesium tablets. Learn more about achieving optimal hydrogen concentration in your water.
Generators like the true molecular hydrogen generator pump enormous amounts of molecular hydrogen into water. This method infuses more hydrogen into one glass of water than ionizers, mostly due to ionizers being very dependent on water quality, condition of the electrodes, and temperature. The resulting hydrogen-infused water from the generator tastes great, with no metallic aftertaste or excessive magnesium.
In addition to H2, the HydroGenie infuses water with oxygen — a fact that makes the HydroGenie stand out from other machines.
This unique combination is known as Brown’s Gas, or oxyhydrogen — learn more about what Brown’s Gas is and how it supports therapeutic applications.
When you use this method to consume hydrogen water, H2 can do exactly what it needs to do in the body without side effects.
For those seeking portable hydrogen water solutions, the clinical-grade hydrogen infusion device offers a convenient way to produce hydrogen-rich water on the go, making daily consumption of molecular hydrogen more accessible than ever.
By neutralizing free radicals, molecular hydrogen corrects damage done to the cell while preventing additional free radicals from being produced.
But there are many, many more hydrogen water benefits. Numerous studies have found molecular hydrogen is effective when it comes to healing. Here are just a few that you can expect when consuming hydrogen water:
Emerging clinical research has revealed promising effects of hydrogen-rich water on liver health, particularly in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated that regular consumption of hydrogen water can significantly reduce liver fat accumulation and improve liver enzyme profiles [5].
In one randomized controlled trial, patients consuming 1 liter of hydrogen-rich water daily for 28 days showed a significant reduction in liver fat content, with baseline measurements decreasing from 284.0 ± 118.1 mM to 256.5 ± 108.3 mM. Additionally, serum aspartate transaminase levels dropped by 10%, indicating improved liver function [5].
Another eight-week study involving 30 subjects with NAFLD found that hydrogen water was well-tolerated with no adverse effects, while showing beneficial trends in decreased weight and body mass index. The study also revealed trends toward improved lipid profiles and reduced lactate dehydrogenase levels [6].
One of the most exciting areas of hydrogen water research involves its effects on brain health and cognitive function. The ability of molecular hydrogen to cross the blood-brain barrier sets it apart from many other antioxidants that cannot effectively reach neural tissue [3].
Studies on ischemia-reperfusion injury in animal models have shown that hydrogen-rich water improves cognitive ability and induces antioxidative, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects in the brain [7]. The research demonstrated that hydrogen treatment attenuated pyknotic cells in critical brain regions including the corpus callosum, striatum, and cortex, while behavioral tests revealed improved cognitive function and reduced anxiety levels.
Research on blood-brain barrier integrity has shown that hydrogen treatment can protect against barrier disruption through reduction of oxidative stress and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activation [8]. This protection is particularly significant given that blood-brain barrier breakdown is associated with numerous neurological conditions including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases.
There are no known risks involved in drinking hydrogen water or consuming molecular hydrogen. A 2024 systematic review of multiple clinical trials found minimal to zero adverse effects from drinking hydrogen water, with the therapy being well-tolerated across diverse populations [4]. Importantly, repeated administration of H2 does not cause tolerance, making it suitable for long-term daily consumption.
For a balanced overview of the advantages and potential considerations, see our guide on the pros and cons of hydrogen enriched water.
If you want to truly experience the positive effects of hydrogen water, it needs to be created with a generator. Many models cost well above $3,000.
However, you can purchase the HydroGenie for under $2,000. The HydroGenie, made right here in the United States, lasts for years and years. When you purchase a HydroGenie, you are purchasing pain relief, increased longevity, increased energy and overall improvement in your health.
If you’re comparing options, our Brown’s Gas machines buyer’s guide breaks down what to look for in a quality hydrogen generator.
The HydroGenie is a versatile machine. You can use it to consume hydrogen water, but it offers two additional methods of consumption, inhalation through cannula and direct application to skin and joints through a cup or mask.
Stay hydrated and improve your health by using the HydroGenie to create hydrogen-enriched water. Molecular hydrogen is available in blood at the fingers in as little as 30 seconds after drinking.
In the video below, Tyler LeBaron of the Molecular Hydrogen Institute details the benefits of consuming molecular hydrogen by drinking hydrogen water.
But this is just one method you can use. The HydroGenie offers two other methods for consuming molecular hydrogen.
Using this method, molecular hydrogen is available immediately. The amount of hydrogen you inhale in one minute is 10 times the amount you consume when drinking as much as three liters of hydrogen water.
As you inhale, the powerful molecule is sent directly into the bloodstream. You can inhale molecular hydrogen using a nasal cannula.
Mary Lou’s energy was restored after using this method. Take a look at her testimonial below to learn more.
This method is ideal for acute pain. Using an application cup or mask. Experience pain relief in as little as 10 minutes.
Trish Lovelace experienced miracle-like benefits using this method. Check out her testimonial below.
For optimal benefits, research suggests consistent daily consumption of hydrogen-rich water over extended periods. Clinical trials have used varying protocols, from 1 to 1.5 liters per day, with treatment durations ranging from 4 weeks to 6 months showing progressive improvements in various health markers [4].
The key to maximizing therapeutic effects is maintaining adequate hydrogen concentration in the target tissues. Studies have shown that higher hydrogen concentrations and longer duration of exposure correlate with better clinical outcomes [3]. Using a quality hydrogen generator ensures consistent, therapeutic levels of molecular hydrogen in every glass.
We developed the HydroGenie so that people just like you can enjoy a myriad of health benefits at an affordable price.
If you would like to learn more about how the HydroGenie has transformed people’s lives, check out what our customers have to say.
Purchase your own HydroGenie today to enjoy the miracle-like benefits of molecular hydrogen. If you have any questions, our friendly staff is at the ready to offer any information you may need. Contact us at (646) 849-9099.
Browse our full selection of hydrogen therapy devices and accessories in the shop.