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May 06, 2024

Does hydrogen water really boost your health? Perhaps, but research is limited

Proponents say the drink reduces inflammation, slows the aging process and increases energy. a jefferson health dietitian looks at the science behind these claims..

Companies market water bottles, pitchers and tablets to infuse water with more hydrogen. Proponents say hydrogen-rich water has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as other health benefits. Studies are limited.

Hydrogen-infused water has become increasingly popular, with companies selling often pricey water bottles that inject the gas into the liquid. Pitchers that add hydrogen to water with the push of a button and hydrogen tablets that can be dropped into a glass of water also are being hawked.

Proponents of hydrogen-enriched water claim it provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, slows the aging process and increases energy. Other sources indicate these promises are premature, and not backed by robust research.

Plus, H2O already has hydrogen in it. So what does adding more hydrogen actually do?

PhillyVoice asked that question – and many others – to Emily Rubin, the director of clinical dietetics at Thomas Jefferson University's Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.  Here is what she had to say.

PhillyVoice : What is hydrogen water?

Emily Rubin : Hydrogen water is essentially water infused with hydrogen gas, purportedly enhancing its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. … Hydrogen, a colorless, odorless and harmless gas naturally binds with other elements like oxygen, nitrogen and carbon to form various compounds, including water and table sugar. While water molecules typically consist of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, some proponents argue that enriching water with extra hydrogen offers benefits beyond those of plain water. It's believed that the body may struggle to absorb hydrogen effectively from plain water due to its bonding with oxygen. Certain companies assert that by adding extra hydrogen, these molecules become "free" and more readily accessible to the body.

Nutritionally, hydrogen water aligns with regular water, containing no calories, carbohydrates, fats or proteins. Its mineral and vitamin composition may vary by provider and source, with some brands adding trace amounts of vitamins A and C, calcium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, potassium and sodium sulfate.

PV: Does hydrogen water have anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties?

ER : In one study lasting eight weeks, 49 individuals undergoing radiation therapy for liver cancer were divided into two groups. At the study's conclusion, participants who drank the hydrogen water exhibited reduced levels of hydroperoxide, a marker of oxidative stress, and maintained higher antioxidant activity post-radiation treatment compared to the control group.

However, a recent four-week study involving 26 healthy individuals found that consuming 20 ounces of hydrogen-rich water daily did not lead to a decrease in oxidative stress markers, including hydroperoxide, when compared to a placebo group.

Further research is necessary to determine whether hydrogen consumption can mitigate oxidative stress effects in both healthy individuals and those with chronic conditions.

PV: Does hydrogen water increase energy?

ER : Only calories provide energy, not water. If you are dehydrated, water and electrolytes may provide energy.

PV : Does hydrogen water help improve muscle recovery?

ER : Only two small research studies support these claims. A study involving 10 male soccer players revealed that those who consumed 51 ounces of hydrogen-enriched water showed lower blood lactate levels and reduced muscle fatigue post-exercise compared to a placebo group. Similarly, a small two-week study involving eight male cyclists demonstrated that individuals who drank 68 ounces of hydrogen-enriched water daily exhibited increased power output during sprinting exercises compared to those consuming regular water. However, given the novelty of this research area, further studies are necessary to fully comprehend the potential benefits of hydrogen-enriched water for athletes.

PV : Is there an overall study examining the potential benefits of hydrogen water that you think is solid?

ER : Hydrogen Water: Extra Healthy or a Hoax?  reviewed 25 articles covering its effects on exercise capacity, liver function, cardiovascular health, mental well-being, COVID-19, oxidative stress and anti-aging research. While early findings from trials are positive, larger studies with robust methods are needed for validation.

Various factors influence the effectiveness of hydrogen-rich water, including its hydrogen concentration, methods of hydrogenation and duration of use. These factors can lead to varying outcomes, making it challenging to compare results across studies due to differences in hydrogen levels and quality. While many reviewed studies show promising results, it's important to note that most were conducted on animals, and some had small sample sizes, affecting the reliability and generalizability of findings. Future research should focus on larger trials to enhance statistical power and validity. Additionally, many studies have primarily examined short-term benefits and overlooked long-term effects. Some trials lacked a placebo control group, making it difficult to attribute observed results solely to hydrogen-rich water.

To fully understand the benefits of hydrogen-rich water, we require well-designed human studies with large sample sizes and long-term trials. Continued research may uncover hydrogen-rich water's potential as a supplementary therapeutic option in the future.

PV: Are there adverse effects to drinking hydrogen-infused water?

ER : Hydrogen water holds a Generally Recognized as Safe status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, indicating its approval for human consumption without known harmful effects. Nevertheless, it's essential to note the absence of an industry-wide standard regarding the permissible amount of hydrogen that can be infused into water. Consequently, concentrations may significantly differ among products. However, its main drawbacks are its higher cost compared to tap water and the inconvenience of purchasing it.

PV: Do people tend to over-hydrate these days?

ER : There is a push to over-hydrate via social media. Consumers need to be careful. When you consume too much water, it can lead to a condition known as hyponatremia or "water intoxication." Excessive water intake can cause cells throughout your body, including brain cells, to swell. This swelling exerts pressure within the brain, resulting in symptoms such as confusion, drowsiness and headaches. Severe hyponatremia can lead to seizures, coma or death.

The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine have established guidelines for adequate daily fluid intake, recommending approximately 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) for men and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for women. These recommendations encompass fluids obtained from water, other beverages and food, with roughly 20% of daily fluid intake typically sourced from food and the remainder from drinks. While the common advice to drink eight glasses of water daily is easy to recall and a reasonable target, individual fluid needs can vary. For most healthy individuals, staying hydrated can be achieved by drinking water and other fluids whenever thirst arises, with some requiring fewer than eight glasses per day while others may need more.

Monitoring the color of your urine can indicate hydration levels. Pale yellow to tea-colored urine suggests proper hydration, while clear urine may indicate excessive water intake. Urinating more frequently than usual (more than 10 times a day) may indicate overhydration. Pay attention to your body's cues as thirst is a natural indicator of hydration needs.

Courtenay Harris Bond PhillyVoice Staff

[email protected]

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More From Forbes

How to complete the it’s in the water task in ‘gray zone warfare’.

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Gray Zone Warfare's quests are getting tougher.

After you discover the Ban Pa town in Gray Zone Warfare you will unlock a pretty annoying quest that can take a bit of figuring out. It’s called It’s In The Water and requires you to find three pretty tricky locations in the town, but this is where you need to go to complete it.

The It’s In The Water task in Gray Zone Warfare is given to you by Lab Rat after completing the first quest in the area that requires you to discover the village. She asks you to take three water kits to the village and collect water samples from three different areas, only giving you vague instructions on what to look for. But once you know where you are heading it’s a pretty easy task to complete.

The first thing to make sure you do is collect the three kits that Lab Rat gives you after accepting the quest. You will need to have these on you in order to collect the samples from each location. Your best bet is to keep them in your secure container so you don’t lose them if you die, but if you do lose one then a new one only costs $100 from Lab Rat.

Once you have your three kits in your inventory it’s time to head to Ban Pa, with the India 1 landing zone being slightly better placed to get to the three areas. But you will need to head right through the town so it makes little difference if you go to India 2.

Landing at India 1, the first location is the mound of dirt which can be found by the shoreline in map square 206, 137. The mound is just in front of the first hut on the beach, and it’s easy to spot as there is a small part of it that is an almost vertical drop. Simply interact with the mound to collect the sample and that part of the task is complete.

Best Nintendo Switch Games: It’s Mario’s World, We’re Just Visiting

Next, you’ll want to head to the town well, which can be found in the middle of Ban Pa in map square 205, 137. The well is north of the main road through the town and in a fairly open courtyard area. It has a wooden pallet and fuel can on top of it which makes it a little less obvious than it should be. Again you need to interact with the well to complete that part of the task.

Finally, you’ll need to head to one of the buildings on the shoreline in the south of the village, but instead of looking for a bird as the task suggests you need to find a birdhouse on a pole that is covered in blood. It’s in the map square 205 136 and you can find it outside one of the last houses in the village on the shoreline. The bird box is out in the front garden, right next to the entryway from the road. Simply go up to it and interact with the final sample.

This is all you need to do, so you can then extract and hand in the task to Lab Rat who will hand you your rewards.

This quest is the same for all three factions, which you can now change between after the latest Gray Zone Warfare patch .

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Aqua Finance misled people about financing for home water treatment systems

At some point, most of us will rely on financing to buy the things we need or want. But what happens when financing terms aren’t clear? Or you’re told to expect a monthly payment amount, but end up paying more? That’s not only illegal, but it costs you money and can hurt your credit.

The FTC says that’s what happened to customers of Aqua Finance, Inc. (“AFI”), a finance company offering  loans for people to buy home water treatment systems through a network of door-to-door dealers. The lawsuit says the company’s dealers frequently misled people about AFI’s financing terms, provided paperwork that didn’t clearly explain the financing, targeted older adults and Spanish speakers, and pressured people to sign financing documents they didn’t understand. This led to people paying more than they could afford and caused some to miss payments. And, the FTC says, AFI shared account details with  credit bureaus , reporting missed payments and inaccurate information about people’s loans. Reporting negative information hurts people’s  credit .

Here's advice for anyone looking to finance a purchase:

• Resist the pressure to act immediately.  If someone pressures you to sign documents without clearly explaining the terms, it’s a red flag. Before signing, take your time and talk to someone you trust.
• Ask questions and get details in writing. What are the terms of the financing? How much interest will I pay? What is the annual percentage rate — and will it ever go up? How long will a loan take to pay off? Get specific details of the financing in writing. 
• Check your  credit report before you finance. Your credit rating plays a big role in how much you’ll pay to borrow money.  Mistakes reported on your credit report could lower your credit rating.

If you've experienced aggressive sales tactics or been misled on financing terms, report it to the FTC at  ReportFraud.ftc.gov . 

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I am a victim of Aqua, somehow my signature showed up 9 times for refinance and I only signed once. I tried to reach out and could not get any assistance.

Good advise, we are desperate and get targeted. Instead. instead of alerting the public why the government don't take severe action with these kind of scammers?

I am part of the people that was involved under Aqua Finance. I want to know what my next steps are as victim of this fraud.

inforative article, will pass on

I am a customers of Aqua Finance, Inc.

I'm a victim of Aqua Finance, I wish to know the next steps for this fraud. Thank you

My interest rates changed. I was told I was being charged interest by the day. It looks like I will be paying 25 thousand dollars on 10 thousand loan. Aqua finance needs to be investigated and shutdown

My husband, with onset Dementia, signed up for this, lock, stock and barrel. Tried to cancel, couldn't.

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• Kitchen & Household

An Italian Chef Weighs in on the 9 Biggest Pasta Myths and Misconceptions

Is fresh always better than dried? Does throwing linguini against a wall prove it's ready? And should you really rinse noodles after they're cooked? We asked a pro about these pasta-making myths.

When it comes to making pasta, sometimes it's about throwing a noodle against a wall and seeing if it sticks -- literally. Many amateur cooks are practically clueless when it comes to perfecting the art of making the classic Italian dish, accepting pasta-making myths as facts and ruining the crave-worthy carb in the process. 

The bucatini blasphemy stops here. We've recruited Filippo De Marchi, chef at NH Collection Venezia Murano Villa 's De Majo Restaurant & Terrace , to lend us his culinary expertise and put an end to the mush that often passes as macaroni. 

"Cooking pasta isn't difficult at all. It's all about timing and the right water-to-pasta ratio," he says. "Don't fall into the trap of believing in myths. Just trust your instincts and follow the simple instructions."

So we've rounded up nine of the most popular pasta-making myths we could find and implored De Marchi to either support or debunk each one. 

Myth #1: Throwing pasta against a wall to see if it sticks will prove it's done

Answer: FALSE

"This isn't the best way to check for doneness," argues De Marchi. "The texture of the pasta can change when it hits the wall, and it doesn't give an accurate indication of whether it's properly cooked."

Instead, it's more accurate to scoop out a single strand and taste it. You'll then be able to tell if it's achieved that perfect al dente texture. 

Myth #2: Adding olive oil to pasta water will keep noodles from sticking

Answer: FALSE 

Olive oil in your water isn't the best fix for sticky pasta.

Olive oil is a necessary addition to most pasta dishes, but save it for the plate. 

"The oil just floats on top of the water and doesn't coat the pasta effectively," says De Marchi. "The best way to prevent sticking is to use plenty of water, stir the pasta regularly during the first few minutes of cooking and make sure to use the right size pot for the amount of pasta you're cooking.

"This way, the pasta has enough space to move around and cook evenly," he adds. 

Myth #3. Fresh pasta is always better than dry pasta

Fresh pasta has good PR but some dried pasta is just as tasty.

It's all about personal preference. Fresh, dry, frozen -- chefs aren't here to dictate what your taste buds like and don't like. 

"Fresh pasta has a softer texture and cooks quickly, making it perfect for delicate sauces," says chef. "On the other hand, dry pasta has a firmer texture and holds up well with hearty or thicker sauces."

De Marchi also compares it to choosing between two great actors for a movie role. "The choice depends on the character they're portraying," he says, "just like the choice between fresh and dry pasta depends on the dish you're making." 

Myth #4: You should leave the lid off of the pot while the pasta is cooking

Answer: TRUE

Stopping your pot from boiling over can be as easy as putting a wooden spoon across the top.

"Leaving the lid off the pot while the pasta is cooking is the way to go," advises De Marchi. "This prevents the water from boiling over and helps control the cooking process. Plus, it allows the steam to escape, which helps prevent the water from foaming up and making a starchy mess." 

As recommended, be sure to also pick an appropriately sized pot so that your pasta cooks evenly. 

Myth #5. Pasta should always be served al dente

Answer: TRUE 

Cooking "al dente" is one pasta rule to always follow.

Go al dente or go home, at least according to most Italian chefs. 

"Serving pasta al dente, which means 'to the tooth' in Italian, is the way to go. It's that perfect balance between being cooked through while still retaining a slight firmness," says De Marchi. "Overcooked pasta can be a real downer to a dish, so aiming for that al dente texture ensures your pasta will be just right."

The easiest way to ensure an al dente outcome, every time, is to follow the cooking instructions on the back of the box, starting with the lowest number in the range of proposed minutes. This will give you enough time to run a taste test and determine if it needs to be cooked a little bit longer. 

Myth #6: Adding salt helps to speed up the boiling process

Salt won't get your pasta water boiling any faster.

Salt plays an important role in boiling water, but not when it comes to heat. Instead, it is essential to add salt so that the pasta can absorb its flavor. 

"If you're cooking without enough salt, the pasta can end up tasting a bit bland," warns De Marchi, whose signature dish at NHC Murano Villa is a spaghetti alle vongole. The seafood dish, which hails from the region of ocean-adjacent Venice, is a combination of vongole (typically clams, garlic, white wine, and chili flakes), sea asparagus and lemon zest. 

Myth #7. Drain pasta until it is completely dry

Some pasta water will help the sauce adhere.

There is a reason why salted pasta water is held in such high regard. Not only does it contain a delicious brine to enhance sauces, but it also helps the sauce adhere to the pasta itself. 

"This creates a more cohesive and flavorful dish," argues De Marchi. "A little moisture can go a long way in making your pasta dish extra tasty." 

Myth #8. You should run cooked pasta under fresh water before serving

Running your pasta under water removes much of the starchy goodness.

If you want to subject yourself to a potential injury via a rolling pin or wooden spoon by Nonna, run your cooked pasta under fresh water. 

"This can remove the [aforementioned] starchy coating that helps the sauce adhere to the pasta," says de Marchi. "The residual heat from the pasta [actually] helps the sauce to marry with the pasta, creating a more flavorful and cohesive dish.

"Think of it like a beautiful marriage  — you want the sauce and the pasta to come together and live happily ever after, not to undergo a cold shower right before serving." 

Myth #9. You should pre-cook sheets of lasagna

Not all lasagna recipes require precooked noodles.

"Pre-cooking lasagna sheets isn't always necessary, especially if you're using a sauce with plenty of moisture," he says. "In fact, many lasagna recipes call for using the sheets directly without pre-cooking, allowing them to absorb liquid from the sauce and cook during the baking process."

Set it, forget it, and let the magic happen in the oven. Pasta is not something to overthink or stress over. It's simple preparation makes it all the more enjoyable.

Can An Electric Water Heater Save You Money Or Will It Cost More?

W hether you're building a new house, moving into an old house, or upgrading your existing home, choosing a water heater is a critical decision that will affect not only the comfort of you and your family but your monthly expenses as well. Like other household utilities, hot water is something we have come to expect. When we take a shower or turn on the dishwasher, we don't want to have to think about hot water; we want it to just  be  there. Most people will pay significantly more for hot water they don't have to worry about. Dependable performance is key.

The way to get this reliability is to carefully consider your situation and do some research before making your decision. You will need to think about the number of people living in your home, the climate in your region, and your local utility rates -- where they are now and where they are likely to go over the life of your new heater.

Read more: 12 Smart Gadgets You Didn't Know Existed

Up-Front Costs

In an apples-to-apples comparison of models with the same size tank, an electric water heater will have a lower purchase price than a gas heater. This is not a cut-and-dry decision, though, because the price range for either type can run from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, depending on the size, quality, features, and even the maker's reputation. Then there are tankless models, which heat water on the fly as it is demanded. This type of water heater costs far more to purchase (twice as much or more) and offers diminished capacity, making it a poor choice for large households. It also costs more to install and repair. They seem to work best in an office where dishwashing and bathing won't be part of its workload. Its only claim to fame is that a tankless water heater will last twice as long as a tank model.

Installation costs could favor electric or gas, depending on what power sources are already in place. If your home is set up for 240-volt electricity, installing an electric water heater will be relatively simple. The same goes for an existing gas line. As soon as you make a change requiring a new gas or electric line to be run, you will have to think about the labor costs of doing so, which will be very specific to your region.

Running Costs

Despite their higher price and inefficiency, gas heaters are cheaper to run in most regions over the heater's life because natural gas costs less than electricity in most places. Gas can sometimes cost only one-third of the equivalent amount of electricity. Over a 10-year lifespan, that would more than make up for the greater cost of purchase and installation.

Repair and maintenance will be more of an issue with a gas heater due to moving parts and the open flame that heats the tank, causing wear and tear on other parts as part of normal operation. Electric water heaters have maintenance needs, particularly calcification of the heating elements, but these are easily cleaned or replaced, so they are not as costly. Overall, the slightly higher repair costs with a gas heater are more than made up for by the savings in running it.

It's not really a cost issue, but while we're discussing maintenance, it should be noted that electric water heaters have one major advantage and one major disadvantage when compared with gas models. The advantage is that they do not require a pilot light, which can go out sometimes (and does not always relight on the first try); this, in turn, can introduce the possibility of a gas leak if your safety valve does not function properly. The disadvantage is that an electric water heater will not function during a power outage, while a gas water heater will continue to heat water.

Conclusions

Clearly, between purchase, installation, running costs, and maintenance, the calculation of gas vs. electric is complex and governed by your individual circumstances. Here's an example: If you have a four-member household where hot water is being used all day (showers, dishwashing, laundry), in the Northeast, where gas is much cheaper than electricity, then it's a no-brainer -- you should use a gas-powered water heater, preferably with a large tank. Your heavy usage will overcome the system's inefficiency.

But if you live alone or with just one other person, and water usage is easily scheduled (or you live in an area where gas lines have not been run), the efficiency of a tankless electric water heater can result in a lower bill than a gas water heater would yield in the same circumstances, because you are not spending hours a day heating water you do not need.

In the end, for most homeowners, electric water heaters will have a higher total cost of ownership than gas-powered units. Reasons people might opt for an electric water heater include fears over the safety of natural gas, a desire to use solar power to heat water, or the unavailability of natural gas.

Read the original article on SlashGear .