WHAT IS MOLECULAR HYDROGEN?
With every breath of air we inhale, our bodies are being attacked by toxic free radicals (unstable molecules with unpaired electrons) through the molecular process of oxidative stress, also known as “oxidation.” We are also exposed to these damaging free radicals through a variety of external factors including: exposure to UV radiation, air pollution, toxins, sleep deprivation, stress, cigarette smoke, electromagnetic fields from electronic devices, poor nutrition, exercise, and more. In an attempt to neutralize themselves, these destructive free radicals attack the nearest stable molecule and “steal” its electron. As a result, the “attacked” molecule turns into a free radical and sets off a chain reaction throughout the body.
Although our body is typically equipped to handle free radicals to a certain extent, excessive amounts and the lack of proper antioxidants within the body will lead to seriously damaging consequences including: oxidative stress, chronic inflammation throughout the body, joint pain, neurodegenerative disease, premature aging, etc. Moreover, free radical damage and inflammation are the root of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and more.
Fortunately, our body has a way to wage war on these free radicals: antioxidants. As our body’s first line of defense, these powerful molecules work to prevent or slow down the damage to our cells by stopping free radicals in their tracks. However, not all antioxidants have been shown to be effective, and many studies have shown that supplemental antioxidants can be seriously damaging and further exacerbate the risk of disease.
MOLECULAR HYDROGEN WORKS IN 3 DISTINCT WAYS:
H2 is a unique antioxidant in that it is selective, scavenging only the most toxic and damaging free radicals (sources of inflammation, DNA damage, and chronic disease) while avoiding those which are essential in cell signaling (the communication between cells) and proper immune functioning. Thus, H2 effectively works to reduce excessive oxidative stress ONLY under conditions leading to the destruction and damage of our cells. Additionally, as the smallest molecule in the universe, H2 can easily penetrate any cell membrane, including brain cells, neutralizing certain intracellular free radicals that other antioxidants are unable to reach.
H2 helps the body trigger its own antioxidant and cell-protective chemicals, naturally boosting the immune system. For example, H2 activates the NRF2 pathway, the body’s own self-defense system against free radicals, but only when there is an assault (such as a toxin or an injury). In turn, by modulating the expression of antioxidant proteins, H2 naturally boosts the body’s immune system, which may help to effectively combat the onset of numerous diseases and conditions. H2 also has the capacity to reduce the formation of free radicals by down-regulating the NADPH oxidase system (a system responsible for generating the reactive oxygen species (ROS).
H2 helps to improve cell signalling (the communication between cells), which has beneficial metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cell death properties. While the exact mechanisms behind these processes require further research, H2 has been shown to successfully regulate the expression of over 200 biomolecules, including over 1,000 variations of gene expression. For example, H2 has been shown to down-regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.