Hydrogen Water Improves GERD Symptoms and Reduces Acid Reflux
Modulation of the oxidative plasmatic state in gastroesophageal reflux disease with the addition of rich water molecular hydrogen: A new biological vision
Research hubs: Digestive System
- Evidence type
- Controlled trial (non-randomized) · Human study
- Authors
- Sara Franceschelli, Daniela Maria Pia Gatta, Mirko Pesce, Alessio Ferrone, Giuseppe Di Martino, Marta Di Nicola, Maria Anna De Lutiis, Ester Vitacolonna, Antonia Patruno, Alfredo Grilli, Mario Felaco, Lorenza Speranza
- Journal
- Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
- Year
- 2018
- PMID
- 29512923
- Study Type
- Human
- Participants
- 84
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Dose
- ERW (electrolysed reduced water) for 3 months
- Duration
- 3 months
- Funding
- Italian Ministry for the University and Research
- Conflicts of interest
- None declared
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 16 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Italy
TL;DR
Drinking electrolyzed water rich in hydrogen, along with standard medication, may help reduce heartburn and improve the quality of life for people with acid reflux by balancing harmful oxidative molecules in the body.
Key Finding
Adding hydrogen-enriched water to standard GERD treatment reduced heartburn and regurgitation symptoms more effectively than standard treatment alone, and improved markers of oxidative stress in the blood.
Summary
This study tested whether water enriched with molecular hydrogen (created through electrolysis) could help people with GERD (acid reflux disease) when added to their standard treatment. Eighty-four patients took either standard treatment alone or standard treatment plus hydrogen-rich water for 3 months. The researchers measured both symptom improvement and markers of oxidative stress (cellular damage from reactive molecules). Patients who received the hydrogen-rich water showed greater improvements in heartburn and regurgitation symptoms, along with better markers of oxidative balance.
Practical Takeaway
This small study suggests hydrogen-enriched water may support conventional GERD treatment by reducing oxidative stress, though the sample size is modest and the study lacks some reported details. More research with larger groups and longer follow-up would be needed to confirm whether this benefit persists over time and whether it works for different GERD patients. Anyone considering this should discuss it with their doctor, as it appears to work alongside—not instead of—standard GERD medications.
Abstract (excerpt)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a clinical condition characterized by reflux of gastroduodenal contents in the oesophagus, has proved to demonstrate a strong link between oxidative stress and the development of GERD. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been universally accepted as first-line…