As wellness products gain popularity nowadays, the same is true for healthy drinks. Hydrogen water and alkaline water are so popular that every influencer is talking about them. However, it is often confusing to know the difference between hydrogen water and alkaline water and which one is better. Both types of water offer unique properties and benefits.
Keep reading this blog to know:
What is hydrogen water? What are the benefits of hydrogen water? What is alkaline water and its benefits? How are hydrogen water and alkaline water different from each other? In this article, we’ll break down all these questions in detail.
What is Hydrogen Water?
As the name suggests, hydrogen water is regular water enriched with additional molecular hydrogen.
Molecular hydrogen is the smallest and lightest molecule, making it easy for the body to absorb. It is renowned for its antioxidant properties, which may help neutralize harmful free radicals. You can easily make this water by using hydrogen water tablets, H2 water machines or simply buy bottled hydrogen water.
What is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water is similar to molecular hydrogen water machine, infused with additional molecules. However, instead of extra hydrogen, alkaline water typically contains extra alkaline minerals such as calcium or magnesium. These minerals help balance the body’s pH levels.
What are the Key Differences Between Hydrogen Water and Alkaline Water?
- Composition: The composition of hydrogen water and alkaline water is entirely different. Hydrogen water contains molecular hydrogen gas dissolved in water and is also a potent antioxidant.
However, alkaline water is infused with minerals to boost pH levels and create a more alkaline environment.
- pH Level: The pH level of hydrogen water is neutral, similar to that of regular water. Alkaline water has a higher pH, making it more alkaline than regular tap water.
- Antioxidant Properties: Hydrogen water has a more substantial antioxidant potential, which offers a defense against oxidative stress and helps neutralize harmful free radicals.
However, the antioxidant potential of alkaline water is indirect, primarily attributed to its alkaline minerals.
- Potential Benefits: Hydrogen water and alkaline water are both popular for their health benefits. While they work in different ways, let’s explore the benefits of each one separately.
- Ease of Making: The easiest way of making H2 water at home is by using hydrogen water tablets while to make alkaline water you can DIY method (add baking soda to the water). But this method adds sodium to water, so it may not be suitable for those on a sodium restricted diet.
- Cost of Making: Hydrogen water is usually cheaper to make at home (using hydrogen water tablets or buy readymade bottle). Alkaline water machines are more expensive
What are the Health Benefits of Hydrogen Water?
- Boost gut health: Did you know that a balanced and happy gut means a healthier you?
The study involved 20 healthy adults who drank hydrogen-rich water. The researchers observed that hydrogen water helped increase the number of beneficial gut bacteria and reduced some harmful bacteria.
It also helps to keep your digestive system balanced and promotes better overall gut health.
- Improves muscle recovery: Intense workouts can lead to fatigue and muscle soreness. However, drinking hydrogen-rich water before or during exercise may help reduce fatigue and also enhance energy production in the cells.
A narrative review highlights that hydrogen-rich water helps reduce fatigue, improve endurance, and lower muscle damage and inflammation after intense workouts.
- Supports blood sugar: Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial. Clinical trials have shown that daily consumption of hydrogen water helps regulate blood sugar and improves lipid metabolism in individuals with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.
- Protects skin cells and damage: Your skin faces daily environmental stressors.
The researchers conducted an experimental study using human skin cells called keratinocytes in a lab setting. They exposed the cells to dehydration and observed signs of oxidative stress and cell damage.
However, when they treated the cells with hydrogen-rich water, they successfully reduced the oxidative stress and prevented cell death.
- Reduces anxiety and enhances mood: Did you know that mental health is a key to a healthy life?
The study involved 26 healthy adults and showed that those who consumed hydrogen water experienced lower levels of anxiety and better mood compared to the placebo group. Additionally, their autonomic nerve function improved, indicating a better ability to manage stress in daily life.
- Enhanced Cognitive Function: Preliminary research indicates that hydrogen-rich water might have neuroprotective properties. A study published in Medical Gas Research in 2017 found that Parkinson’s disease patients who drank hydrogen-rich water for 48 weeks showed improvements in their symptoms compared to those who drank placebo water.
What are the Health Benefits of Alkaline Water?
- May help neutralize acid in the body: Alkaline water helps reduce acidity caused by diet (e.g., coffee, processed foods), which may help reduce acid reflux and improve digestion.
The study found that alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 can help neutralize pepsin, the enzyme that causes acid reflux. It suggests it may benefit people suffering from GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).
- Supports bone health: Alkaline water may help preserve bone density, especially in aging women. The study shows that postmenopausal women who consumed alkaline mineral water (rich in calcium and bicarbonate) had reduced bone resorption, which means less bone loss over time.
- Hydration and performance: According to some anecdotal reports and small studies, alkaline water may be absorbed more quickly in the body, leading to better hydration after intense workouts.
A study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that drinking electrolyzed alkaline water enhanced post-exercise hydration and improved blood flow by reducing blood viscosity more effectively than regular water.
- Potential antioxidant effects: Alkaline water may have mild antioxidant properties due to the added minerals, but it doesn’t directly neutralize free radicals.
Hydrogen Water vs. Alkaline Water: Which is Better
- Both types of water offer unique advantages; However, hydrogen water stands out for its scientifically supported antioxidant and cellular benefits.
- Multiple peer-reviewed studies support the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and metabolic benefits of hydrogen water.
- Alkaline water may help with hydration, acid balance, and potentially bone health, but the clinical evidence is still emerging and less robust.
- Hydrogen water goes beyond just balancing pH—it helps reduce oxidative stress, improves recovery, supports gut and skin health, and may even enhance mood and cognitive function.
- Alkaline water may help with hydration, acid balance, and potentially bone health, but the clinical evidence is still emerging and less robust.
Let’s make it easy:
- Alkaline water = is good for balancing acid and staying refreshed.
- Hydrogen water = is great for recharging your body at the cellular level.
Conclusion:
So, now you do not need to stay confused about all these types of water. If you’re aiming for a healthier lifestyle, it’s essential to keep hydrated, eat well, and follow a good wellness routine.
Alkaline water is helpful, especially if you deal with acid reflux or want a little mineral boost. It can also support digestion and hydration.
But hydrogen water goes further. It may help boost your energy, reduce tiredness, support healthy skin and digestion, and even lift your mood and sharpen your mind. Some studies even say it might help with blood sugar and kidney health.
So, why wait? Give your body extra support with hydrogen water.
Smart hydration = Better health. Cheers to feeling your best!!
