Hydrogen Water Side Effects You Need To Know
If you’re considering drinking hydrogen water or you’ve recently started consuming it, you should be aware of any potential side effects.
Hydrogen water is essentially regular water infused with extra hydrogen molecules by a hydrogen generator. This process of increasing the hydrogen in water enhances its potential therapeutic antioxidant benefits.
Hydrogenized water may also help mitigate inflammatory responses in the body, potentially offering additional health benefits beyond hydration and antioxidant support.
Before you make hydrogen water part of your daily routine, take a moment to understand the possible side effects, how to avoid them, and whether too much of a good thing could become a problem.
Key Takeaways:
- What It Is: Water infused with extra molecular hydrogen for antioxidant support.
- Top Risks: Digestive upset, diarrhea, headaches, potential BP changes, unreliable antioxidant boosts, cost.
- Safe Dose: Start low (200–300 mL/day), max ~1 L; monitor tolerance.
- Who Should Avoid: Pregnant women, those on BP meds, or with severe GI disorders.
- Bottom Line: Mild, rare side effects if used sensibly—yet benefits often outweigh risks.
Possible Hydrogen Water Side Effects
As with any health supplement, hydrogen water may cause side effects in some individuals. Hydrogen water side effects are generally uncommon and mild, especially when you consume it in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Severe side effects are rare and often associated with excessive intake or underlying health conditions. Overall, most individuals can safely incorporate hydrogen water into their routine with proper moderation and monitoring.
Let’s take a closer look at three side effects associated with hydrogen water:
1. Bloating or Gas (Especially in Those with IBS)
While studies have shown that drinking hydrogen water can be beneficial to people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it can pose challenges for some individuals with IBS or other gastrointestinal sensitivities. The presence of molecular hydrogen in the water could exacerbate symptoms such as gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.
Other studies suggest that hydrogen water may offer beneficial effects on gut health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are known contributors to digestive disorders like IBS.
However, individual responses can vary, and some people may experience worsened symptoms despite these potential hydrogen water benefits.
If you have IBS or a similar condition, approach hydrogen water consumption cautiously and monitor how your body responds. Start with small amounts and gradually increase your intake while paying close attention to any changes in your digestive health.
2. Diarrhea
Another potential side effect associated with hydrogen water is diarrhea, particularly when consumed in excessive amounts or too quickly. Diarrhea can occur as a result of the body's difficulty in processing excess hydrogen efficiently. This is often accompanied by loose stools and gastrointestinal discomfort.
If you find yourself experiencing diarrhea after drinking hydrogen water, it may be helpful to reduce your intake or slow down the pace at which you consume it. You can potentially avoid this side effect by allowing your body more time to adjust to the hydrogen content.
Diarrhea can also occur as a result of other factors, such as dietary changes or underlying gastrointestinal conditions. If you experience persistent or severe diarrhea after consuming hydrogen water, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues and determine the best course of action.
3. Headaches
Although relatively uncommon, headaches have been reported as a potential side effect of hydrogen water consumption. These headaches may arise due to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances caused by excessive intake.
Hydration is essential for overall health, and maintaining adequate fluid balance is important. Ensuring proper hydration and electrolyte replenishment can help minimize the risk of headaches associated with hydrogen water consumption. Additionally, paying attention to your body's signals and moderating your intake can also help prevent this side effect.
It's also worth considering other factors that may contribute to headaches, such as stress, fatigue, or caffeine consumption. If you experience persistent headaches after drinking hydrogen water, consider potential underlying causes and make any necessary adjustments to your lifestyle or hydration habits.
Other Reported Negative Effects
Some reports suggest there may be other possible risks, such as:
Possible Changes in Blood Pressure
Some believe that hydrogen water may affect vascular function, which could influence blood pressure regulation. Molecular hydrogen is thought to have vasodilatory effects, which means it could help blood vessels relax.
For most people, this may be beneficial. However, if you already have low blood pressure (hypotension), this could lead to symptoms like dizziness, light-headedness, or fatigue.
Potential Impact on Antioxidant Production
Your body produces its own antioxidants (like glutathione and superoxide dismutase) to neutralise harmful free radicals.
There is a theory that excess antioxidant intake (from any source) could interfere with the body’s own natural antioxidant defences, though more studies are needed.
Not Everyone Notices a Difference
Some people simply don’t respond to hydrogen water. This might depend on factors like:
- Individual metabolism
- Age
- Existing health conditions
- Gut microbiome diversity
- Level of oxidative stress in the body
If you're already in good health with a balanced diet and lifestyle, the benefits may be minimal.
Hydrogen Water Can Be Expensive
Another possible drawback is cost. Hydrogen water can be expensive, especially if you're purchasing daily bottles or a premium hydrogen generator. However, instead of purchasing cans, pouches or pills of hydrogen water every day, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to buy a hydrogen water pitcher.
A 24-pack of hydrogen water cans can cost anything from $35 to over $40, depending on the brand. A water pitcher at Piurify costs $269.99 – making it a great option for long-term hydrogen water consumption.
Can You Drink Too Much Hydrogen Water?
Yes, you can drink too much hydrogen water. As with most things, moderation is key. Drinking too much hydrogen water may increase your risk of side effects such as:
- Loose stools or frequent bowel movements
- Temporary bloating
- Dehydration or mineral imbalance (if replacing plain water without considering electrolytes)
It's best to limit your intake to 1–2 servings a day and ensure you're getting a balanced diet alongside it.
Who Should Avoid Hydrogen Water?
Hydrogen water is generally well-tolerated, but there are a few scenarios where caution is advised:
- Those on prescription medication (especially diuretics or blood pressure medications)
- People with chronic kidney issues or electrolyte imbalances
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals (due to lack of long-term studies)
If in doubt, speak to a healthcare provider before adding hydrogen water to your routine.
How to Combat Potential Side Effects
While side effects associated with hydrogen water are relatively rare and typically mild, take proactive measures to mitigate any discomfort. The following tips can help you have a positive experience with hydrogen water and enjoy its many potential benefits.
Start With Lower Doses
When introducing hydrogen water into your routine, start with small doses and gradually increase consumption as tolerated. This approach allows your body to adjust to the influx of molecular hydrogen and minimizes the likelihood of experiencing adverse reactions. Listen to your body's signals and adjust your intake accordingly to find the optimal balance for you.
Consult With Healthcare Providers
Before you start incorporating hydrogen water into your routine, consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or concerns about potential interactions with medications. Your doctor can provide personalized guidance based on your individual health status and help you navigate any potential risks or contraindications.
Stay Informed With the Latest Research
Stay informed about the latest research and developments in the field of hydrogen water studies. As scientific understanding continues to evolve, new insights into its therapeutic long-term effects and potential side effects may emerge. Stay ahead of the latest findings so you can make informed decisions about how hydrogen water fits into your overall wellness plan.
Potential Positive Side Effects of Hydrogen Water
While more peer-reviewed research is needed, early studies from sources such as PMC suggest promising health outcomes from hydrogen water.
With its exceptional antioxidant capacity, molecular hydrogen water helps neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Studies suggest that hydrogen water may enhance antioxidant status, protect against cardiovascular diseases, improve athletic performance, and contribute to overall well-being.
Additionally, hydrogen water shows promise in addressing specific health conditions such as metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory diseases.
Reported benefits include:
- Powerful antioxidant support – neutralises harmful free radicals
- Potential for reduced inflammation – beneficial for joint health and gut function
- May improve energy levels and recovery – popular among athletes for post-exercise recovery
- Hydration support – molecular hydrogen may help the body absorb water more efficiently
Read our blog on the benefits of hydrogen water for more.
Make the Most Out of Hydrogen Water
While plain water remains a staple for hydration, many individuals are now turning to hydrogen water for its additional health benefits and refreshing taste. And the best part? Side effects are incredibly rare, and when they do occur, they're usually mild and short-lived. With options like hydrogen bottled water and the Piurify water hydrogenator, it’s time to give it a try!
With its powerful antioxidant properties and growing body of research supporting its benefits, hydrogen drinking water could be just the thing you need to take your wellness journey to the next level. Start slowly, listen to your body, and don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.