Hydrogen Is Beneficial for Athletes

The Role of Hydrogen in Sports Medicine—New Therapeutic Perspectives

Hydrogen therapy helps improve exercise performance. It increases muscle efficiency and significantly alleviates muscle pain. The main reasons for this are hydrogen’s proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Therefore, hydrogen therapy reduces oxidative stress and the resulting damage caused by intense physical exertion.

What Is Hydrogen?

Hydrogen is the most abundant and lightest element in the universe. It is a component of water and organic compounds, as it readily forms covalent bonds with most nonmetals. At standard temperature and pressure, hydrogen is a colorless, tasteless, nontoxic, nonmetallic, and highly flammable diatomic gas. It was discovered in 1766 by the Englishman Henry Cavendish. The two main areas of application for hydrogen are the processing of fossil fuels and the production of synthetic fertilizers. In nature, hydrogen is produced mainly through anaerobic metabolism—the generation of energy by burning carbohydrates in the absence of oxygen. Its ability to neutralize harmful free radicals has long been known. For this reason, it can also be used as an effective antioxidant. Furthermore, hydrogen has anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-allergic effects, and it can also alkalize arterial blood. These fundamental properties establish hydrogen as an important element in medicine.

What is hydrogen used for in sports medicine?

Research shows that hydrogen is also beneficial for athletes. This is due to the fact that it is a safe substance with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Hydrogen not only reduces oxidative stress but also alleviates muscle fatigue during intense physical exertion. It also helps speed up recovery after a workout. Another benefit is its ability to regulate blood pH by acting as an “alkalizing agent.” An “alkalizing agent” is a substance that increases the alkalinity or pH level of a solution.

How is hydrogen administered?

Topically:

• Hydrogen inhalation;
• Direct application to the skin over the site of an injury.
• Parenteral:
• Infusions;
• Injections.
• Enteral:
• Drinking hydrogen-rich beverages;
• Taking tablets.

What are the conclusions?

Thanks to this article, as well as many others like it, it has been confirmed that hydrogen has a beneficial effect on athletes because:

• It regulates blood pH;
• It improves the body’s recovery;
• It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties;
• It improves muscle function;
• It neutralizes harmful free radicals;
• It increases muscle endurance and strength;
• It reduces oxidative stress;
• It reduces muscle fatigue after a workout;
• It reduces pain after an intense workout;
• Helps the body recover more quickly after physical exertion.