Hydrogen Water Shows Promise for Kidney Disease and Dialysis Patients

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

Read the full abstract on PubMed