Delve into the science behind molecular hydrogen and how it relates to oxidative stress and wellness.
How does molecular hydrogen fit into the conversation about free radicals, oxidative stress and antioxidants?
Molecular hydrogen has been studied as a unique antioxidant.
In experimental models, molecular hydrogen has been reported to reduce markers of oxidative stress by reacting with certain reactive oxygen species.
Molecular hydrogen has been reported to reduce certain markers of oxidative stress by reacting with highly reactive free radicals.
Oxygen is essential for life but in certain forms it can also be harmful. When oxygen molecules break apart they create unstable atoms called free radicals, which have unpaired electrons. These act like tiny wrecking balls in our bodies, damaging cells, proteins, and even DNA as they steal electrons from these structures. While free radicals play a natural role in our bodies, it’s all about balance. Too many can lead to harm or even speed up aging.
When free radicals damage cells we call this oxidative stress. This can lead to inflammation and health problems like cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and heart disease, and other illnesses. Certain environmental factors increase oxidative stress—like unhealthy foods, smoking, drinking alcohol, and exposure to pollution. Even normal activities like breathing and exercising expose us to some level of oxidative stress.
You can combat the free radicals in your body with antioxidants. We get these molecules in two ways. 1) Our bodies naturally produce some (but not enough to fully prevent damage), and 2) we get antioxidants from what we consume. While plant-based, whole foods and antioxidant supplements like vitamin C and glutathione are excellent sources of antioxidants, hydrogen (H₂) has been studied as a particularly small and potentially selective antioxidant.
The body is incredibly complex. You can’t just label cells as ALL “good” or ALL “bad.” Antioxidants, while important, need to be in balance. You’ve heard that it’s possible to have “too much of a good thing,” right? If you take too many over-the-counter antioxidant supplements, it could throw off the body’s balance. You see, most antioxidants don’t just attack HARMFUL free radicals, they go after ALL free radicals, even the ones our body needs. Some free radicals play an important role in helping our bodies recycle and repair.
Some research suggests that, unlike many conventional antioxidant supplements, molecular hydrogen may interact preferentially with certain highly reactive free radicals while having less effect on other signaling molecules. This has led some researchers to describe it as a potentially “selective” antioxidant in experimental settings.
Hydrogen therapy began gaining attention in the scientific community in 1975 when researchers from Baylor University and Texas A&M conducted a groundbreaking study. They discovered that exposing mice with skin tumors to hydrogen gas for two weeks resulted in a significant reduction in tumor size. This early study was one of the first to suggest that hydrogen could have therapeutic benefits. However, the results were not widely pursued at the time, and the potential for hydrogen as a treatment remained relatively unexplored for several decades.
Interest in hydrogen therapy surged again in 2007, when a team of Japanese researchers published a study on the therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogen in Nature Magazine. The study by Dr. Ohta from Japan reported that inhaling 2%-4% molecular hydrogen gas had a significant positive impact in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion recovery. They observed that hydrogen seemed to react with toxic free radicals, but didn’t react with other beneficial radical oxygen species such as nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide. In short, hydrogen neutralized only the most harmful free radicals in the body, while leaving other necessary molecules intact. This study spurred a wave of new research on hydrogen’s potential protective effects and its interactions with oxidative stress and inflammation-related pathways.
The Lourdes Hydrofix has been introduced at the Central Tanaka Acupuncture Clinic in Japan , which specializes in the treatment and rehabilitation of dementia, Alzheimer’s, cerebral palsy, and other conditions. The clinic director, Dr. Yoshihiro Tanaka, believes that brain-related diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, and depression may be positively influenced by approaches that support blood flow to the brain and address oxygen deficiency and the accumulation of free radicals. These perspectives reflect his clinical experience and are not medical claims by Holy Hydrogen.
Before inhaling hydrogen gas from the Lourdes Hydrofix, the temperature of the patient’s right foot was approximately 28.8°C / 83.84°F.
After inhaling hydrogen gas from the Lourdes Hydrofix for 30 minutes, the temperature rose to 34.1°C / 93.38°F. An increase of more than 5°C/41°F.
“Thermography results in our clinic suggest that hydrogen gas inhalation using the Lourdes Hydrofix may be associated with increased skin temperature in the extremities, which we interpret as a possible indicator of increased peripheral blood flow. Based on our observations, some patients with conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, and depression have reported changes in how they feel, although experiences vary from person to person. Therefore, we believe that hydrogen gas inhalation using the Lourdes Hydrofix may serve as a gentle adjunct to our overall care approach without putting additional strain on the body.” – Dr. Tanaka
These observations and opinions are those of Dr. Tanaka and his clinic and are shared for informational purposes only. They do not constitute medical claims by Holy Hydrogen, and the Lourdes Hydrofix is not approved as a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, cerebral palsy, or any other medical condition.
Current research suggests that molecular hydrogen can diffuse quickly through tissues and cell membranes. Many studies focus on how it may interact with oxidative stress pathways and redox balance. This research is ongoing, and while findings are encouraging, no specific health results are guaranteed.
Molecular hydrogen works primarily as a selective antioxidant that specifically targets harmful hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite while preserving beneficial reactive species needed for cellular signaling. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, enhances mitochondrial function, influences gene expression, and activates various biological pathways that promote cellular homeostasis.
Research suggests molecular hydrogen may offer multiple wellness benefits, including: reducing oxidative stress, decreasing inflammation, improving cellular energy production, supporting brain function, enhancing metabolic health, improving exercise capacity and recovery, supporting cardiovascular health, and potentially aiding in various health conditions from metabolic syndrome to neurological disorders.
Yes. Hydrogen gas is a naturally occurring element in the body. After consuming high-fiber meals, intestinal bacteria can produce liters of hydrogen daily. This is another benefit of eating fruits and vegetables—they promote the natural production of hydrogen in your gut.
Yes. Hydrogen gas has been shown to be very safe, even at concentrations hundreds of times higher than those used in therapy. Molecular hydrogen has been given GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by the FDA and has been successfully used in many clinical trials with no toxic side effects.
Most studies report few adverse effects at typical usage levels, but responses can vary from person to person. Some users report changes in energy, sleep, or digestion when they add hydrogen to their routine. If you experience any discomfort, stop using the device and consult your healthcare provider.
Molecular hydrogen can be administered through several methods: drinking hydrogen-rich water, inhaling hydrogen gas, injecting hydrogen-rich saline (medical setting only), or applying hydrogen topically. Hydrogen-rich water is the most common and accessible method for general use.
Hydrogen dissolved in water and hydrogen gas for inhalation are the same molecule (H₂), but they are delivered in different ways. Drinking hydrogen-rich water delivers hydrogen through the digestive system; inhalation delivers hydrogen through the lungs. Which method to use, and how often, is a personal choice and should be guided by comfort and any advice from your healthcare provider.
Current research suggests that molecular hydrogen can diffuse quickly through tissues and cell membranes. Many studies focus on how it may interact with oxidative stress pathways and redox balance. This research is ongoing, and while findings are encouraging, no specific health results are guaranteed.
Some users report feeling changes in their energy or overall comfort soon after starting hydrogen-rich water or gas. Others notice more subtle or gradual differences, and some may not notice any change at all. Experiences are personal, and we cannot predict or guarantee results.
The Lourdes Hydrofix Premium Edition is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, including cancer. If you have a serious medical condition or are undergoing treatment—especially chemotherapy, radiation, or other intensive therapies—please consult your oncologist or healthcare team before using hydrogen devices. Any use in such contexts should be supervised by qualified medical professionals.
Some people choose to use hydrogen-rich water on their skin as part of their self-care or cosmetic routine. This is a personal choice. We do not make any dermatological or cosmetic treatment claims, and results vary from person to person.
Have more questions? Check out our research page!
Please note this discount is only available when you purchase The Lourdes Hydrofix Premium Edition
