In January 2023, my friend and colleague Taylor Morgan Christie, P.A., and I began the “Functional Medicine Meetup Group” in Northwest Arkansas. You may remember her from a previous “Speaking with the Specialist” segment on gut health. For almost two years now, we have been gathering every few months with like-minded practitioners from across the area to build community, learn, and network with one another. It has been such a treat to watch it grow and evolve from 8 people to over 100 so quickly! Each time, we have someone present on a topic that they are especially passionate or knowledgeable about. Last night at our meeting, we got to hear from Pharmacist Amy Robertson on molecular hydrogen water!
Since this topic is high on my list of blog ideas, I asked her if she would mind me recording her presentation to share here, and she happily agreed! It was a great lecture and demonstration with Q&A’s throughout. I will put some of the highlights below in print, but I promise you that watching this video will be well worth your time!
Key Points
- Proper hydration is the foundation of health.
- The human body is comprised of 70% water.
- 75% of people are chronically dehydrated. It is not just they aren’t drinking enough water, but also not drinking the right kind of water.
- Tap water and bottled water both have issues, such as contaminants and microplastics.
- Click here for a great EWG resource to look up the water in your area. Below are the results from where I live.
- To avoid the potentially harmful effects of tap water, the first step is filtration.
- There are many options, such as whole-house filtration, under-the-sink filtration, reverse osmosis (that is remineralized), countertop filter system or pitcher, and high-quality spring water bottled in glass.
- Activation of water with molecular hydrogen is how to get the most benefit from your water. This can be done by electrolysis (countertop machine or portable bottles) or by adding hydrogen tablets to the water.
- The first published study on the benefits of molecular hydrogen was in 2007, but many more have been done since then.
- The four main benefits are reducing oxidative stress, reducing cellular stress, reducing inflammation, and improving energy levels.
- We measured the Oxidative Reduction Potential (ORP) of several drinks and types of water to determine if they cause oxidative stress (bad) or if they are antioxidants (good). Some that tested +ORP/bad were Sprite, Gatorade, Topo Chico, Aquafina, Smart Water, Essentia Alkaline Water, Mountain Valley Sparkling Water and reverse osmosis water. The ones that tested -ORP/good were water from Amy’s Kangen Hydrogen Water machine, my Got Hydro hydrogen water bottle and Dr. Holland’s Echo bottle.
- Click here to be taken to “The Molecular Hydrogen Institute” website, an unbiased resource for research articles, education and awareness.
- The safety of molecular hydrogen has never been refuted in any clinical study.
- Hydrogen gas is natural to our body. Our gut bacteria produce hydrogen gas when breaking down fiber.
- Hydrogen is the smallest element in the universe, making it very easy to spread throughout the body and into cells.
- 1 in 3 homes in Japan have a hydrogen water device.
- You can get detox symptoms if you drink too much too quickly, such as headache and fatigue. So start slow and increase gradually.
- One glass of hydrogen water is equivalent to eating 2 lbs. of blueberries, 48 carrots, or 10lbs. of broccoli in terms of antioxidant properties!
I’m so grateful that Amy was willing to share her wisdom, excitement, and personal experiences with us! She’s a very good teacher. Now I am even more dedicated to integrating this simple but powerful practice into my daily life. Cheers!
If you’d like to connect with Amy to learn more about hydrogen water and the Kangen water system she uses and distributes, here is a link to do so! You can also find her @amyrobertsonwellness on Instagram. And here is the link to my Evolv water bottle!
Although I am a nurse and coach by trade, I am not a doctor or an expert, and the information I provide on this blog is for educational purposes only. Each person is unique and their needs and circumstances vary, so I always recommend that you consult your medical provider before making any changes.