Hydrogen Water Shows Promise for Kidney Disease and Dialysis Patients
- Authors
- Masaaki Nakayama, Shigeru Kabayama, Mariko Miyazaki
- Journal
- Antioxidants
- Year
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.3390/antiox13010090
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Body System
- Renal
TL;DR
Scientists found that a special type of water created through electrolysis might help protect kidneys and reduce harmful stress in the body of people with kidney disease. This could be a simple and safe way to prevent kidney damage from getting worse and reduce heart problems in people who need dialysis treatment.
Key Finding
Animal studies and preliminary clinical reports suggest electrolyzed hydrogen water may reduce oxidative stress in dialysis patients and potentially decrease cardiovascular complications, though the evidence remains limited and requires further investigation.
Summary
This article reviews research on electrolyzed hydrogen water (water treated with electricity to add hydrogen gas) as a potential treatment for chronic kidney disease, a serious condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Studies in animals and some human patients suggest that drinking this water may reduce harmful oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules) in the kidneys and body, and may lower the risk of heart problems in dialysis patients, but the authors note that more rigorous clinical testing is needed.
Practical Takeaway
While early evidence suggests electrolyzed hydrogen water may have antioxidant properties relevant to kidney disease, this is a perspective article reviewing existing research rather than a definitive clinical trial. The studies cited are mostly small or conducted in animals, so anyone with chronic kidney disease should discuss any new water treatment with their nephrologist before use, as it should complement—not replace—standard medical care.
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is globally on the rise, has become an urgent challenge from the perspective of public health, given its risk factors such as end-stage renal failure, cardiovascular diseases, and infections. The pathophysiology of CKD, including dialysis patients, is deeply associated with enhanced oxidative stress in both the kidneys and the entire body. Therefore, the introduction of a safe and widely applicable antioxidant therapy is expected as a measure against CKD. Electrolyzed hydrogen water (EHW) generated through the electrolysis of water has been confirmed to possess chemical antioxidant capabilities. In Japan, devices producing this water have become popular for household drinking water. In CKD model experiments conducted to date, drinking EHW has been shown to suppress the progression of kidney damage related to hypertension. Furthermore, clinical studies have reported that systemic oxidative stress in patients undergoing dialysis treatment using EHW is suppressed, leading to a reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular complications. In the future, considering EHW as one of the comprehensive measures against CKD holds significant importance. The medical utility of EHW is believed to be substantial, and further investigation is warranted.