Hydrogen Water Shows Promise for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment
- Authors
- Nai-Ying Shen, Jian-Bin Bi, Jing-Yao Zhang, Si-Min Zhang, Jing-Xian Gu, Kai Qu, Chang Liu
- Journal
- World Journal of Gastroenterology
- Year
- 2017
- DOI
- 10.3748/wjg.v23.i8.1375
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Body System
- Gastrointestinal
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-rich water (HRW) significantly improved symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice by reducing inflammation and stress in cells.
Key Finding
In mice with inflammatory bowel disease, hydrogen-rich water reduced colon damage, weight loss, and inflammatory markers compared to untreated mice, with effects appearing to depend on activation of a protective protein called heme oxygenase-1.
Summary
Researchers gave mice with inflammatory bowel disease (a condition causing colon inflammation) either hydrogen-rich water or regular water for 7 days. Mice receiving hydrogen-rich water showed less weight loss, less colon damage, and lower levels of inflammatory molecules compared to untreated mice. The study suggests hydrogen-rich water may work by reducing harmful molecules called free radicals and turning on protective proteins in cells.
Practical Takeaway
This mouse study suggests hydrogen-rich water may have potential benefits for inflammatory bowel disease, but it is early-stage research in animals only. Human studies would be needed to determine if these results apply to people with IBD. Anyone with inflammatory bowel disease should consult their doctor before trying hydrogen water as a treatment.
Abstract (excerpt)
Aim: To investigate the therapeutic effect of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to explore the potential mechanisms involved. Methods: Male mice were randomly divided into the following four groups: control group, in which the mice received equivalent volumes…