Hydrogen Water vs. Alkaline Water: Which One Is Right for You?

Summary

With wellness trends and health awareness on the rise, you've probably heard people raving about hydrogen water vs alkaline water, each claiming to be the ultimate key to better health. In fact, 20% to 30% of older adults are affected by dehydration, and for many, plain water isn't doing enough.

So, should you be drinking alkaline water to balance your body's pH, or are hydrogen water's antioxidant properties the real game-changer? The truth is that both have their unique benefits, but only one has a stronger scientific backing. 

In this blog, we'll break down the real research, and help you figure out which water—hydrogen water vs alkaline water—actually deserves a place in your daily routine.

What is Hydrogen Water? 

Hydrogen water is not another fleeting wellness trend. It's backed by growing scientific research and is gaining attention for its potential health benefits. 

Unlike alkaline water, which focuses on pH levels, hydrogen water contains dissolved molecular hydrogen (H₂), a powerful antioxidant that can easily penetrate cells and fight oxidative stress.

Hydrogen water is created by infusing regular water with molecular hydrogen using electrolysis. This process splits water molecules, releasing hydrogen gas that dissolves into the water—without altering its pH or mineral balance. 

High-quality hydrogen water machines and portable bottles use platinum-coated electrolysis plates to ensure pure, effective, and long-lasting infusion.

While alkaline water remains controversial, hydrogen water has a stronger foundation of scientific studies exploring its effects.

Potential Benefits of Hydrogen Water

Scientists have been digging into how hydrogen water affects the body, and the findings are promising. Here's what research has uncovered so far:

1. Powerful Antioxidant Properties

• Oxidative stress contributes to aging and various chronic diseases. Molecular hydrogen is a selective antioxidant, meaning it specifically targets harmful free radicals without interfering with beneficial ones.
• A study found that drinking hydrogen-rich water reduced oxidative stress in adults. It can also reduce inflammation and improve antioxidant activity in healthy adults. 
  

2. Improved Athletic Performance and Recovery

• Athletes are turning to hydrogen water for its potential to speed up recovery and reduce fatigue.
• A study found that athletes who drank hydrogen water experienced less muscle fatigue after intense exercise. 
• Hydrogen water also helped reduce lactic acid buildup, allowing for better endurance during workouts
  

3. Supports Brain Health

• The brain is highly susceptible to oxidative stress, which plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
• A study found that hydrogen water improved cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
  

4. Supports Gut Health

• A healthy gut is the foundation of overall well-being, and hydrogen water may support digestive health.
• A study found that hydrogen-rich water helped balance gut bacteria and reduced inflammation in the digestive tract. 
• It also showed improved symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in mice.
  

5. It May Reduce Inflammation and Cell Damage

• Some theories suggest that molecular hydrogen can penetrate cell membranes faster than regular water molecules, potentially aiding in hydration at a cellular level.
• A 2020 randomized, double-blind, controlled trial found that hydrogen-rich water lowered inflammatory markers and reduced apoptosis (cell death) in healthy adults. This suggests it may help protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
  
  

Is Hydrogen Water Safe? Research Says Yes

Many wellness trends can lack scientific backing, however, hydrogen water has been tested—and the results are surprisingly positive. Hydrogen-rich water has been studied for its safety, with research suggesting it is generally well-tolerated with minimal risks

Hydrogen Water Shows No Adverse Effects

• A study examined the effects of hydrogen-rich water on patients undergoing radiotherapy for liver tumors.
• Those who drank hydrogen-rich water for six weeks experienced reduced oxidative stress and reported a better quality of life.
• Importantly, no adverse effects were reported during the study period.
  

Safe Even for Individuals with Chronic Conditions

• A 2012 study investigated hydrogen water's impact on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 
• Daily consumption was associated with lower oxidative stress and reduced inflammation, and no adverse effects were reported.
  

Most Studies Show No Toxicity

• A 2015 review analyzed 321 scientific studies on molecular hydrogen and its biological effects. 
• The findings indicated that hydrogen water is non-toxic, even at high concentrations, and may offer protective health benefits at the cellular level.
  
  

How to Drink Hydrogen Water: Easy Ways to Get Started

If you're looking to incorporate hydrogen water into your routine, there are a few simple ways to do it:

• Portable Hydrogen Water Bottles: Some specialized bottles, like Dr. Water Hydrogen Water Bottles, generate hydrogen-rich water on demand, making it a convenient and effective option for daily use. They come in different sizes and employ top-notch technology to give you the best quality hydrogen water.
• Buy Pre-Bottled Hydrogen Water: Many brands now offer ready-to-drink hydrogen water stored in aluminum pouches or cans to prevent hydrogen from escaping.
  
  
• Use a Hydrogen Water Machine: These devices dissolve molecular hydrogen into water using electrolysis, ensuring a fresh and potent dose with every glass.
  
• Try Hydrogen Tablets: Drop a hydrogen tablet into a glass of water, and within minutes, you'll have hydrogen-rich water ready to drink. However, these can have some unpleasant aftertaste.
  
  

While hydrogen water focuses on delivering powerful antioxidants at a cellular level, alkaline water takes a different approach, shifting pH balance to counter acidity in the body. 

But does this difference make one superior to the other? Let’s break down what alkaline water brings to the table.

What Is Alkaline Water?

Alkaline water has a pH above 8, making it less acidic than regular drinking water. While standard water sits at a neutral pH of 7, alkaline water carries extra minerals that give it a higher pH. 

Natural alkaline water picks up minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium as it flows through springs, boosting its pH. 

Artificially, ionization machines transform regular water by using electrolysis. It splits water molecules into acidic and alkaline components using an electric current. 

Some bottled alkaline waters get their boost from added minerals instead. Many people drink it to help balance acidity in their diet, but its benefits are still up for debate.

Potential Benefits of Alkaline Water

Alkaline water has gained significant attention in recent years and is often touted as a superior alternative to regular drinking water. 

Researchers have investigated its potential benefits, and while it's not a miracle cure, scientific studies suggest that it may offer some measurable health benefits.

It Could Help with Acid Reflux

• A 2017 study found that drinking alkaline water, combined with a Mediterranean diet, was just as effective as leading acid reflux medications.
• The reason? Alkaline water appears to deactivate pepsin, the enzyme that triggers acid reflux symptoms. In simpler terms, it leads to less burn and more relief.
  

Possible Support for Bone Health

• A 2021 study examined how alkaline water affects bone density in postmenopausal women.
• Women who drank alkaline water—along with their prescribed calcium, vitamin D, and osteoporosis medications—saw greater improvements in spinal bone density than those who didn't.
• This doesn't mean alkaline water can replace traditional bone health treatments, but it might serve as a helpful addition to an overall bone-strengthening strategy.
  

Improved Digestive Health

• A small Japanese study explored how alkaline electrolyzed water affects stool consistency in 60 participants.
• Those who drank alkaline water experienced slight improvements in stool consistency, hinting at possible digestive benefits.
  

Supports Post Workout Recovery

• A study found that alkaline water rehydrated the body more effectively than regular water after exercise in athletes.
• This could be a game-changer for athletes or anyone who loses a lot of fluids, offering faster recovery and better hydration.
  

Could It Slow Down Aging? Maybe.

• A 2020 study on mice uncovered something intriguing—alkaline water improved markers of DNA aging.
• Before you start hoarding bottles of alkaline water, remember: This was in mice, not humans. However, it raises an interesting question: Could alkaline water play a role in slowing aging?
• More studies are needed, but it's a fascinating glimpse into the potential long-term effects of what we drink.
  
  

Is Alkaline Water Safe to Consume?

While alkaline water is often promoted for its potential health benefits, it's essential to consider possible risks associated with its consumption. Scientific research is largely preliminary. In fact, some studies have identified several areas of concern:

1. Impaired Digestion

The stomach's acidic environment is crucial for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. Consuming highly alkaline water may neutralize this stomach acid, which can lead to digestive issues. 

The American Council on Science and Health emphasizes that stomach acidity is vital for digestion and extracting nutrients. Therefore, altering this acidity could be harmful.

2. Skin Irritation

Regular intake of highly alkaline water has been linked to skin issues such as dryness and irritation. UCLA Health notes that consuming water with a high pH can cause the skin to become itchy, dry, and irritated.

3. Limited Long-Term Safety Data

Scientists are still figuring out the long-term effects of drinking alkaline water, and so far, there aren't any clear answers. One older study from 2001 found that rats who drank alkaline water for an extended period grew more slowly than expected. 

While this doesn't directly translate to humans, it raises questions about how alkaline water might affect the body over time. It's something to keep in mind until more research is done.

How to Drink Alkaline Water: Simple Ways to Get Started

If you're still curious about trying alkaline water, the good news is that you have plenty of options. You can buy it, make it at home, or use specialized tools to adjust the pH of your water. Here's how you can incorporate it into your routine:

• Buy It Pre-Bottled: The easiest option is to grab alkaline water from a store. Many brands offer bottled alkaline water with varying pH levels, usually between 8 and 10.
• Use an Alkaline Water Filter: Specialized water filters can raise the pH of regular tap water using mineral cartridges or electrolysis. These are a great long-term option if you plan to drink alkaline water regularly. However, proceed with caution.
• Try a Water Ionizer: If you're serious about alkaline water, a home water ionizer machine can separate acidic and alkaline components through electrolysis. 
• Make It at Home with Baking Soda: A simple DIY method is adding 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to a gallon of water and mixing it well. 
• Add Lemon (Yes, Really!): It sounds counterintuitive since lemons are acidic, but once metabolized, they can have an alkalizing effect on the body. Squeezing fresh lemon into your water is a natural way to support an alkaline diet.
• Use pH Drops: If you want a quick fix, pH drops can instantly raise the alkalinity of your water. Just follow the instructions on the bottle for the right amount.
  

Alkaline water might have some benefits, but it's not without risks—especially for those with certain health conditions. 

Like anything in your diet, balance is key. Drinking it in moderation and checking with a healthcare professional can help you stay on the safe side. 

Hydrogen Water vs. Alkaline Water: A Quick Comparison

Dr. Water Hydrogen Products: A Smarter Alternative

If you're looking to incorporate pure hydrogen water into your daily routine, Dr. Water's product line, especially the HydroKettle and HydroStanley, offers cutting-edge solutions. 

They serve and suit several lifestyles and can be a better way to hydrate. With these, you get good-quality hydrogen water right from the comfort of your home.

• HydroKettle: Perfect for family use, this hydrogen water generator lets you create warm, high-quality H₂-infused water anytime, anywhere. It is also perfect for home and office use, ensuring you always have access to antioxidant-rich hydration.
• HydroStanley: A high-capacity (32oz) and high-quality hydrogen water bottle built for travel, workouts, and daily hydration. Its advanced SPE + PEM technology ensures pure hydrogen infusion without unwanted byproducts.

Both products deliver high hydrogen concentrations for maximum health benefits, making it easier than ever to stay hydrated and enjoy hydrogen water's many benefits.

Conclusion

If you suffer from acid reflux, alkaline water may help. But if you want superior antioxidant benefits hydrogen water is more suited for you. Ultimately, science leans more toward hydrogen water for its proven health benefits. But whichever you choose, always ensure you're drinking high-quality, contaminant-free water to support your best health.

Unlike alkaline water, which has mixed scientific backing, hydrogen water is supported by multiple peer-reviewed studies highlighting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and recovery benefits. If you're looking for a scientifically backed way to support your health, hydrogen water might be the smarter choice.

Get yourself a hydrogen water bottle today and hydrate smarter!