Hydrogen Water vs. Alkaline Water: Key Differences

Hydrogen water and alkaline water are both ionized forms of a classic: good old H2O. But there are significant differences between the two, and a variety of distinct health benefits that you may only find with hydrogen-enriched water. 

In this blog post, we explore hydrogen water vs alkaline water – the key differences, similarities, and which is best. 

 

What Is Hydrogen Water?

The idea of hydrogen water may seem confusing at first, given that the chemical makeup of regular water already contains two hydrogen atoms. However, the hydrogen atoms in regular water are bound to oxygen. 

Hydrogen water, or hydrogen-rich water, contains dissolved molecular hydrogen (H₂) gas that mixes with the water molecules.

Properties:

• pH is usually neutral, around 7 (so it’s not acidic or alkaline).
• Hydrogen molecules are extremely small, allowing them to penetrate cells easily, which may contribute to cellular antioxidant effects.

Benefits of Hydrogen Water 

Studies show that both alkaline and hydrogen water have moderate health benefits. Alkaline water, in particular, may improve sleep and blood pressure in post-menopausal women, improve acid buildup during exercise, and help with heartburn. 

Some other benefits may include: 

• Reductions in total cholesterol levels
• Improved cardiovascular health, particularly in patients with angina
• Increased kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease
• Reduced appearance of wrinkles and improvements in skin conditions
• Lowered inflammatory responses
• Positive effects on mood and lowered anxiety
• Reduced fatigue during exercise and increased muscle power
  
  

Antioxidants like molecular hydrogen are essential for neutralizing free radicals and may help prevent some of the worst damage these molecules can cause. Molecular hydrogen water's antioxidant effects likely contribute to its many health benefits. 

Learn more in our blog post about the benefits of hydrogen water – or check out our studies page for information on the science behind these benefits. 

 

What Is Alkaline Water?

Similar to hydrogen water, alkaline water is infused with additional molecules. However, instead of extra hydrogen, alkaline water typically contains alkaline minerals such as calcium or magnesium. 

Properties:

• pH is higher than neutral water (usually 8–9).
• Contains dissolved minerals that may contribute to taste and potentially health benefits.
  

 

PH Scale Explained 

The term "alkaline" refers to water with a pH greater than 7. Normal tap water usually has a neutral pH of around 7 – and alkaline water can range from 8 to 9 or higher. The mineral content raises the pH, making the water less acidic.

Benefits of Alkaline Water

Alkaline water may:

• Improve sleep and blood pressure in post-menopausal women
• Reduce acid buildup during exercise and relieve muscle fatigue
• Help with acid reflux and heartburn symptoms

 

Similarities Between Hydrogen Water and Alkaline Water 

Hydrogen water and alkaline water are created differently, but they do have some things in common: 

• Both are forms of ionized water – they have been altered more than your typical tap or bottled water.
• Both are regularly consumed for wellness benefits – they’re commonly linked with hydration, exercise recovery, and overall health.
• Both can be made at home – with a hydrogenator or a water ionizer/mineral filter. Learn about creating hydrogen water at home in this blog post.  
• Both are widely available pre-packaged – from bottled water brands to specialist wellness retailers.
• Both may benefit athletes – hydrogen water through reduced fatigue and antioxidant effects, and alkaline water through buffering lactic acid.
• Both are considered safe for most people – when consumed in moderation, neither poses health risks for healthy adults. Learn how much hydrogen water you should drink a day. 

 

Differences Between Hydrogen Water and Alkaline Water

Although hydrogen water and alkaline water are both types of ionized water, they are distinct products that have different chemical compositions and impact your health in different ways.

 

 

Chemical Composition and Production

Hydrogen water is typically made using a process called electrolysis. During electrolysis, a water ionizer is used to pass an electrical current through water. The electricity excites the water molecules, forcing them to split into individual atoms of hydrogen and oxygen.

Splitting the oxygen and hydrogen atoms apart allows them to recombine into new molecules. During this process, hydrogen will combine with itself to form hydrogen gas. This hydrogen gas mixes with the water molecules that weren't split during electrolysis, leaving you with hydrogen-enriched water. 

Alkaline water can also be made using electrolysis or by dissolving minerals, like calcium or magnesium, into the water. The mineral content raises the pH of the water, making it slightly more basic (or alkaline) than regular tap water. Hydrogen water, on the other hand, actually has around the same neutral pH as tap water. 

Suitable Uses for Each Type of Water

Despite their differences, both hydrogen water and alkaline water are excellent sources of hydration. The National Academy of Medicine recommends that healthy adults drink anywhere from 9 to 13 cups of liquids each day — more if you’re sick, exercising, or in a hot climate. 

Alkaline water may be beneficial for people with acid reflux or severe heartburn, as its higher pH may help neutralize stomach enzymes that produce acid and buffer excessive acid already present in the stomach. 

However, alkaline water, such as proton pump inhibitors, is not recommended for people already using medication to block stomach acid production. The water may interact poorly with these medications and cause significant issues. 

Alkaline water may also have some benefits for athletes who experience substantial lactic acid buildup, a common reason behind muscle cramping during exercise. One thing to note, though, is alkaline water's increased pH may cause it to have a bitter or unpleasant taste. 

Hydrogen water also seems to benefit athletes, particularly athletes who train intensively, without the side effect of bad taste. Hydrogen water may also prevent lactic acid buildup before cramps happen and reduce fatigue during exercise. 

Hydrogen water may benefit a wide variety of people, ranging from:

• People looking to boost their heart, kidney, and liver health
• Individuals seeking to increase the amount of antioxidants in their diet
• Anyone looking to boost their mood or lower their anxiety

 

Cost and Accessibility

Both hydrogen water and alkaline water are readily available pre-packaged, although costs may vary depending on brand, location, and type. 

Hydrogen water can also be made right at home with an easy-to-use water hydrogenator. Water hydrogenators save money in the long run, reduce the amount of single-use plastics, and provide a constant source of hydrogenated water right from home. 

 

Which Is Better – Alkaline Water or Hydrogen Water?

Hydrogen water and alkaline water each have benefits, but they’re not the same.

• If you want antioxidant support, improved recovery, and overall wellness, hydrogen water may be the better choice.
• If you want to help balance stomach acid or manage heartburn, alkaline water may be more suitable.
  
  

Overall, studies have shown that both hydrogen and alkaline water may positively impact overall health, ranging from improvements in exercise performance to reduced inflammatory responses and improved organ function. 

 

Make the Right Choice With Piurify

At Piurify, we deliver the health benefits of hydrogen water directly to your home. 

The Piurify Water Hydrogenators, available both as a hydrogen pitcher and as a portable hydrogen water bottle, give you the flexibility to infuse your water with antioxidant hydrogen wherever your day takes you.

Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of hydrogenated water and how Piurify products can help you stay hydrated, healthy, and energized.