Health Hotline Magazine | July 2024

MOLECULAR HYDROGEN THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH? By Lindsay Wilson

A gas in its free form, molecular hydrogen (we’ll call it hydrogen for simplicity) was discovered to have significant antioxidant properties in 2007. Since then, a growing body of scientific research is showing that it has beneficial effects on pretty much the entire human body, including the reproductive, urinary, respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems, as well as skin health and metabolic health. In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, it is also anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic (prevents cell death), and positively influences gene expression. It has been studied in the treatment of a diverse range of human disease, from neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, to cancer and osteoporosis. It also promotes healthy aging. Before we dive into the science to see exactly why this super nutrient is so unique, let’s take a look at some of its researched benefits. Protection from head to toe, hydrogen is the way to go With its multiple modes of action, as well as its ability to penetrate cell nuclei and the blood-brain barrier, hydrogen is proving to be invaluable to human health. Since its antioxidant properties were discovered in 2007, there have been at least 1,000 studies published on hydrogen and various diseases, with very promising results. Some of the potential benefits of hydrogen being explored in both animal and human studies include: • Neuroprotective, including protecting the brain from damage after traumatic brain injury or stroke, and protection from cognitive impairment as well as neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. • Improving markers of metabolic syndrome, including body weight, glucose, insulin, and triglyceride levels. • Supporting cardiovascular health. • Preserving kidney function. • Protecting against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. • Improving athletic performance by improving measures such as time to exhaustion, perceived exertion, and delayed onset muscle soreness. • For skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis and for preventing UV-induced skin damage. Molecular hydrogen is a supplement like no other. The lightest of all elements and the simplest of all molecules—hydrogen is made of just two protons and two electrons—its effect on human health is extraordinary. It’s likely a supplement you’ve never heard of, but I guarantee once you learn about this super nutrient, you’ll want to include it in your routine.

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