FAQ - Hydrogen Water
Q. Doesn’t water already have hydrogen in it because water is H2O?
The water molecule has two hydrogen atoms, chemically bound to the oxygen atom. This is different from the hydrogen gas molecule (H2), which is just two hydrogen atoms bound only to each other.
Here’s an example: we need oxygen (O2) to live, so why can’t we just get our oxygen from drinking water, H2O? It’s because the oxygen is chemically tied up in the water molecule. We need available oxygen gas, (O2) that is not bound to other atoms or molecules. In the same way, in order for the dissolved hydrogen gas (H2) to benefit us, it must be in an unbound form, and therefore available for therapeutic benefit.
Q. When was hydrogen’s therapeutic benefits first discovered?
The earliest account of hydrogen gas having medicinal properties was in 1798, for things like inflammation. But, it didn’t become a popular topic among scientists until 2007, when an article about the benefits of hydrogen was published in the prestigious journal of Nature Medicine by Dr. Ohta’s group.
Q. I thought that if water is “hydrogen rich”, then it must be acidic?
Great question! If the water is rich in positive hydrogen ions (H+), then yes it IS acidic. But in this case, we’re talking about neutral hydrogen gas (H2), which is two hydrogen atoms tied together.
It can be confusing to hear “hydrogen water” because we usually think of hydrogen (meaning the hydrogen ion, H+) as acidic, and that is basically the definition of pH. The p stands for potential or power, meaning a mathematical exponent (in this case a logarithmic function), and the H stands for the hydrogen ion, which is just a proton and no electron. So pH literally means the logarithmic concentration of the hydrogen ion.
But when we say “hydrogen water” we are referring to dihydrogen or molecular hydrogen, which is a neutral gas that is dissolved in the water.
Q. I read that if you add hydrogen to water, then it makes hydrogen peroxide?
Water has the chemical formula H2O, and hydrogen peroxide has the chemical formula H2O2, which by comparison contains an extra oxygen, not hydrogen. So it does not, indeed it cannot, form hydrogen peroxide. The fact is, hydrogen gas does not bind to or react with the water molecules, and it just dissolves into the water. It does not create some novel molecule like H4O, which would in fact be chemically impossible to form. Therefore, hydrogen water and hydrogen peroxide are completely different substances.
Q. Since hydrogen gas doesn’t dissolve very well in water, how can there even be enough for it to be beneficial?
It is true that hydrogen is not very water soluble as it is a neutral, non-polar molecule with a solubility of 1.6 mg/L (or 1600ppb), which is relatively low. But when we consider that molecular hydrogen is the lightest molecule in the universe, we really need to compare the number of molecules as opposed to the number of grams. For example, if a single molecule weighed 2 mg (which is impossible, but used as an example), then having just one of those molecules in a liter of water would give you 2 mg/L, but there would only be one molecule. For reference, vitamin C (176.2 g/mole) weighs 88 times more than hydrogen gas (2 g/mole). Therefore, hydrogen water at a concentration of 1.6 mg/L would have more “antioxidant” molecules than 100 mg of vitamin C, as there are more total molecules in 1.6 mg of hydrogen compared 100 mg of vitamin C. That is, 0.8 mmoles of H2 vs. about 0.6 mmoles of vitamin C.
But more importantly, hundreds of scientific studies clearly show that these concentrations of hydrogen are effective.
Q. Won’t any dissolved hydrogen gas immediately escape out of the water?
Yes, it does immediately start coming out of the water, but it doesn’t just vanish immediately. Depending on the surface area, agitation, etc., the hydrogen gas can stay in the water for a few hours or longer before it drops below a therapeutic level. This is much like carbonated water or soda that contains carbon dioxide gas (CO2), but because it does leave, it is best to drink the water promptly before it goes “flat”.
Q. Isn’t hydrogen gas explosive?
Yes, it is VERY explosive. Hydrogen is the most energy-dense molecule by mass. But, when the gas is dissolved in water it is not explosive at all, just like if you mixed gunpowder in water it wouldn’t be explosive either. Even when it is in the air, it is only flammable above a 4.6% concentration by volume, which is not a concern when talking about hydrogen-rich water.
Q. Is hydrogen safe?
Yes. Hydrogen gas has been shown to be very safe at concentrations hundreds of times higher than what is being used for therapy. A good example of its safety is that hydrogen gas has been used in deep sea diving since 1943 (at very high concentrations) to prevent decompression sickness. Studies have shown no toxic effects from hydrogen when at very high levels and pressures of 98.87% H2 and 1.26% O2 at 19.1 atm.
Furthermore, hydrogen gas is natural to the body because after a fiber-rich meal, our gut bacteria can produce liters of hydrogen on a daily basis (which is yet another benefit from eating fruits and vegetables).
In short, hydrogen gas is very natural to our bodies, not like a foreign or alien substance that can only be synthesized in a chemistry lab.
Q. Won’t the hydrogen be lost from the hot water?
If you heat the water without boiling it, it will keep its hydrogen and electric charge. Our units are all calibrated to maintain hot water just below its boiling point to ensure no hydrogen is lost.
Q. What is the pH of hydrogen water?
Depending on water source conditions, the pH can range from 7.5-8.5. Production of Hydrogen water raises the pH of water by half a point making the water slightly alkaline.
Q. Normal water has hydrogen, what makes this different?
In normal water, two hydrogen atoms are bound to Oxygen (H2O) making it difficult for our bodies to enjoy the benefits of Hydrogen. In hydrogen rich water, molecular hydrogen gas (H2O) is dissolved into water creating free, active hydrogen atoms that are accessible to our bodies. Molecular Hydrogen, small and soluble, has the potential to quickly circulate into many locations of our body, including the hard to reach powerhouses of our cells.
Q. Don’t we get H2 when we drink H2O?
Everything contains hydrogen. It is the most abundant element in the universe. However hydrogen is usually bound to other atoms and molecules and therefore not available purely as H2.
Just as we don’t get oxygen from H2O, we don’t get H2 from water. This is because H2 and O2 in H2O are not available because they are chemically bound to the water molecule. When used therapeutically hydrogen is dissolved into water in its molecular form, H2.
Q. Why is drinking hydrogen-rich water recommended?
Because hydrogen is a very powerful antioxidant that helps to neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which is a cause of most of illnesses and premature ageing. As well as hydrogen, which is the smallest element in the universe, it penetrates parts of the body where other antioxidants cannot reach, such as the neurons and the cell nuclei.
Q. Does hydrogen water taste different from normal water?
When you drink it you will notice it has a more atomised, lighter taste, so it does have a subtly different flavour.
Q. Since hydrogen gas is so volatile, how can it stay dissolved in water long enough to offer any benefit?
Just as carbonated drinks start to gas off as soon as the lid is removed, H2 will start to escape immediately. Similarly, it takes time for all of the dissolved H2 to escape from water. For best results, hydrogen-rich water should be consumed as fresh as possible, or stored in an air tight glass or metal container (aluminium or stainless steel) that is filled to the brim.
Q. Can I drink hydrogen water instead of eating antioxidant foods?
No. Even if you drink hydrogen water, vitamins and antioxidant minerals in food are necessary, because they have other vital functions, apart from the antioxidants themselves.
Q. Where is the KempSmart H2 manufactured?
It is made in South Korea with the most advanced Japanese technology. These two countries are the most advanced in the world in the field of hydrogen-rich water.
Q. What are the potential benefits of drinking hydrogen rich water?
Depending on your home, work and lifestyle choices, there are many potential ways that hydrogen rich water may enhance your health and wellness.
It has been documented through hundreds of studies that molecular hydrogen may have the potential to improve athletic performance and recovery, energy levels, jet lag, hangovers, anti-aging, allergies, skin irritation, inflammation chronic diseases such as many chronic diseases such cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, neurological, pulmonary diseases. Hydrogen water has been proven as effective antioxidant therapy.
Q. When will I start noticing the effects of hydrogen water?
Right from the start you will notice you have more energy, are better hydrated, with improved general well-being, better digestion and better quality rest. But if you are talking about important improvements, you will only notice these after a few weeks or even months, if you manage to reduce oxidative stress, which is the cause of most illnesses and premature ageing.
Q. Are there any calories in hydrogen water?
No. hydrogen water has zero calories.
Q. Can hydrogen water help me to lose weight?
The body refuses to convert energy into food when our oxidation levels are high, because burning fat causes even more oxidation. The antioxidant charge of hydrogen water helps us to lower the level of oxidation, enabling the metabolism to transform fat into energy. However, the body never loses fat deposits unless we burn more calories than we consume.
Q. Is it possible to consume an excessive negative antioxidant charge by drinking hydrogen-rich water?
The answer is no. The problem occurs when there is a lack of negative charge. When there is too much, the electrons are discharged through the skin. The problem is that we discharge too much, causing oxidation.
Q. Is it possible to take an overdose of hydrogen-rich water?
No. However long you hydrogenate the water, it is impossible to overload it with hydrogen. Once it becomes saturated, any excess just evaporates. What’s more, however much hydrogen saturated water you drink, you’ll never reach the recommended maximum.
Q. Does it have any effects when applied to the body, the skin and scalp?
Yes. It eliminates free radicals from the skin. Hydrogen water can be applied with a cloth or directly to the skin and left to work for a few minutes.
Q. Can babies, pregnant women and the elderly drink hydrogen water?
Yes. The only effect of hydrogen-rich water is to help to maintain a suitable oxidation level for good health. It has no contraindications.
Q. How much hydrogen water should I drink a day?
The recommended daily water intake is between two and three litres. We recommend that you drink only hydrogen water, although anything more than one glass a day will be highly beneficial for regulating your oxidation level.
