Why Breathe Hydrogen?

Breathing molecular hydrogen (H₂) and "drinking it" (typically referring to hydrogen-infused water) are two different methods of delivering hydrogen to the body, and their effectiveness depends on how hydrogen is absorbed, distributed, and utilized. Here's why breathing molecular hydrogen is often considered more effective:

1. **Higher Delivery Efficiency**: When you inhale molecular hydrogen gas, it enters the lungs and diffuses directly into the bloodstream through the alveoli. This allows for rapid and efficient distribution to tissues and organs, including the brain, which is protected by the blood-brain barrier. In contrast, drinking hydrogen-infused water relies on the digestive system to absorb the hydrogen, and much of it may dissipate or be lost before it reaches the bloodstream due to off-gassing in the stomach or intestines.

2. **Greater Dosage**: Breathing hydrogen gas can deliver a significantly higher concentration and total volume of H₂ compared to drinking hydrogen-rich water. Inhalation systems can provide hydrogen at concentrations, whereas hydrogen water typically contains only about 0.5-1.6 parts per million (ppm) of dissolved H₂, and the amount consumed is limited by how much water you can drink.

3. **Bypassing Solubility Limits**: Molecular hydrogen has low solubility in water, meaning that even hydrogen-infused water contains a relatively small amount of H₂. Once ingested, the hydrogen can quickly escape into the air before absorption occurs, especially if the water is exposed to the atmosphere or agitated (e.g., in the stomach). Breathing H₂ avoids this limitation entirely, as it’s delivered in gaseous form directly to the respiratory system.

4. **Targeted Effects via Circulation**: Inhaled hydrogen reaches the bloodstream almost immediately and can circulate systemically, potentially addressing oxidative stress or inflammation in multiple organs more effectively. Studies suggest that hydrogen acts as a selective antioxidant, neutralizing harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inhalation may provide a more consistent and widespread therapeutic effect compared to the localized absorption from the gut.

5. **Practical Evidence**: Research, such as studies on hydrogen inhalation in animal models and some human trials (e.g., for conditions like ischemia-reperfusion injury or lung inflammation), has shown more pronounced effects with inhalation than with hydrogen water. This is likely due to the higher bioavailability and faster onset of action when H₂ is breathed.

That said, drinking hydrogen-infused water isn’t ineffective—it’s just less efficient for delivering significant amounts of H₂. It can still provide benefits, particularly for hydration and mild antioxidant effects.