What is Molecular Hydrogen Therapy?
Molecular hydrogen therapy involves the administration of molecular hydrogen (H₂) to the body. H₂ is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas with unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be administered through various methods, including:
- Hydrogen-rich water: Drinking water infused with molecular hydrogen.
- Inhalation: Breathing hydrogen gas.
- Hydrogen-rich saline: Intravenous administration of saline solution infused with molecular hydrogen.
- Topical applications: Applying hydrogen-infused creams or lotions.
This therapy is gaining traction as a potential complementary treatment for various health conditions due to its ability to selectively neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
How Does Molecular Hydrogen Work?
The therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogen stem from its unique molecular properties:
- Selective Antioxidant: H₂ selectively targets and neutralizes harmful free radicals, such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻), which contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation. Unlike many other antioxidants, H₂ doesn't eliminate beneficial reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play important roles in cellular signaling.
- Anti-inflammatory: H₂ can modulate inflammatory pathways by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators. This helps to dampen the inflammatory response in the body.
- Cell Signaling Modulation: H₂ can influence cell signaling pathways, affecting gene expression and cellular functions. It can promote cellular homeostasis and resilience.
- Improved Gut Microbiome: Some studies suggest that H₂ may positively influence the gut microbiome, promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and reducing the abundance of harmful ones.
Potential Benefits for Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colon and rectum. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a significant role in the pathogenesis of UC. Molecular hydrogen therapy may offer several potential benefits for individuals with UC:
- Reduced Inflammation: By reducing oxidative stress and modulating inflammatory pathways, H₂ may help to alleviate the chronic inflammation associated with UC.
- Improved Gut Health: H₂ may promote a healthier gut environment by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria and reducing inflammation in the gut lining.
- Symptom Relief: Some individuals with UC may experience a reduction in symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding with H₂ therapy.
- Mucosal Healing: By protecting the gut lining from oxidative damage and promoting cellular repair, H₂ may support mucosal healing in the colon.
Disclaimer: It's important to note that while the potential benefits of molecular hydrogen therapy for UC are promising, more research is needed to confirm these effects and determine the optimal dosage and administration methods.
Current Research Findings
Several studies have investigated the effects of molecular hydrogen therapy on IBD, including UC. While the research is still in its early stages, some key findings include:
- A study published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases showed that hydrogen-rich water improved disease activity and reduced oxidative stress in patients with UC.
- Another study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that hydrogen gas inhalation reduced inflammation and promoted mucosal healing in a mouse model of colitis.
- A review article in Medical Gas Research highlighted the potential of H₂ as a therapeutic agent for various inflammatory diseases, including IBD.
These studies suggest that molecular hydrogen therapy may have a beneficial impact on UC by reducing inflammation, improving gut health, and promoting mucosal healing. However, larger, well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and determine the long-term efficacy and safety of H₂ therapy for UC.
How Would I start Hydrogen Therapy?
Introducing hydrogen therapy into your daily life, is very easy, you can breathe in the molecular hydrogen while watching Netflix, or working on your laptop, and to make molecular hydrogen water, you simply put the diffusion stone into a glass of water for 2 to 3 minutes and then the glass of water is infused with molecular hydrogen and then drink. To find out more about our hydrogen machines please click the link at the bottom of the page.
Combine with Other Therapies
Molecular hydrogen therapy may be more effective when combined with other therapies, such as going gluten free, avoiding coffee and alcohol, avoiding any foods that cause a food intolerance, irritation and sensitivities, avoiding process foods, going low carb and stress management techniques. On top of that the other health supplements that may work well togther with our Hydrogen Therapy, to help reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis are: -
- With Breakfast a Tributyrin health supplement this helps to repair and strengthen the lining of the intestine.
- In the evening take 25g of Apigenin and Mag Glycinate health supplement (If you take too much of either can loosen the bowl moment, the right amount can be very beneficial). Plus take an Omega 3 6 & 9 oil and 4000ml of D3 (Vit D3 can substantially help the immune system, some therapists recommend up to 30000 IU a day, if there is a flare up.)
- Make your own fermented veg, this helps with a healthy gut flora.
- Make Bone both soups, this helps to strengthen the intestinal wall.
- Make your own l reuteri yogurt, this helps with a healthy gut flora.
The Most Important Thing!
The good thing is that the intestine does heal relatively quickly, yet it still takes time, the time frame to look for is around 12 weeks, with steady progress over that time. Please be aware that the number one thing that has the biggest impact on healing the intestine, is if you eat foods that irritate the gut, the healing is set back and you can go back to the beginning, please beware this is the key thing, if you do not pay attention to what you eat, you are wasting your time and money on these other things that can help that final 20%. Food sensitives are often different for different people. The way I like to work this out is to be really aware and notice what happens if I eat this. You can also get food intolerance tests, yet I think your bodies whispers is the best way. If there is a good food test out there, please let me know. And finally keep your stress down to the minimum, harder said than done, healing ulcerative colitis, is not an easy road, even if you get to 70% better that is an achievement, if you can stabilize their and even go further, you're a health warrior.
Summary
Molecular hydrogen therapy is emerging as a promising complementary approach for managing ulcerative colitis. Its unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce inflammation, improve gut health, and alleviate symptoms associated with UC. While current research findings are encouraging, larger clinical trials are needed to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of H₂ therapy for UC. If you're considering trying molecular hydrogen therapy, consult with your healthcare provider to determine if it's right for you and to develop a personalized treatment plan.
