One of the biggest trends we're seeing in the wellness world today is hydrogen water, which is very similar to alkaline water that had its own fifteen minutes of fame a few years ago. The difference? Hydrogen water is definitely here to stay. It's more than a health buzzword; it's the key to unlocking a healthy gut microbiome. With more Americans than ever suffering from gut disorders like IBS and leaky gut, or even just bloating, let's take a deep dive into why hydrogen water is the MVP of gut microbiota.
First, What Is Hydrogen Water?
Hydrogen water is essentially exactly what we all understand water to be, but with hydrogen gas (H2) added to it. This enhancement is tasteless, odorless, and colorless, which means you get all the benefits of hydrogen water without unpleasant additions - it's like drinking out of the tap without the risk of chemicals or fluoride.
Understanding the Function of the Stomach
Your stomach is a critical organ in your body's digestive system, which is mainly responsible for the mechanical and chemical breakdown of everything you consume. The stomach, located between the esophagus and the small intestine, is something you likely never give much thought to - unless you have chronic gut issues.
When food enters the stomach, it immediately begins mixing with gastric juices, which are composed of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. It's here that the stomach and its acids kill bacteria and other potentially harmful pathogens that could have been consumed with your food. Once the initial phases of digestion are completed, the food moves further down to your small intestine where digestion will continue (and nutrient absorption happens too).
How Hydrogen Water Helps Stomach Health
Chances are, you've only dabbled with hydrogen for your health by pouring hydrogen peroxide in your ears or on wounds, but by consuming hydrogen water, molecular hydrogen enters your body and goes to work as a powerhouse antioxidant to fight off free radicals. Free radicals are the cause of oxidative stress which not only damages your DNA, but increases inflammation - the root of most health issues.
With molecular hydrogen in your body, there are countless positive effects for virtually every part of the body, but especially your stomach. Studies suggest that molecular hydrogen reduces tissue damage and restores blood flow. This is critical when it comes to conditions of the stomach.
Main Stomach Benefits
The benefits of hydrogen water consumption are many when it comes to the stomach, but there are three areas where the most benefits are seen:
Promoting Healthy Gut Microbiome: Studies have shown that hydrogen can influence gut microbiota composition, which promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the stomach and boosts gut health. A health gut microbiota is essential for proper digestive function and indirectly benefits the stomach by improving digestion as well as nutrient absorption.
Beating Gastritis: Gastritis is a condition where inflammation in the stomach lining is either acute or chronic. The anti-inflammatory properties of hydrogen water mentioned above help reduce the inflammation that's associated with gastritis which can provide much-need relief from debilitating symptoms.
Reducing Discomfort: While some people deal with symptoms like indigestion, mild abdominal pain and bloating from time to time, others suffer chronically. Hydrogen water is able to alleviate these symptoms due to its ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress within the gastrointestinal tract.
How to Get Hydrogen Water
If incorporating hydrogen water into your daily routine seems intimidating, don't let it be! There are easy ways to integrate this miraculous water into your lifestyle. You can get a water ionization machine or buy hydrogen water online and in some health food stores. There are even tablets you can add to create hydrogen water at home or on the go. The truth is, drinking hydrogen water is just as easy as drinking from the tap but with all the added benefits for your stomach and overall health!
What Are You Waiting For?
Whether you suffer from chronic issues with your gut or occasional, the benefits of hydrogen water are so vast, why not invest in a water ionization machine to start living your best life and feeling your best too? For improving your stomach health, hydrogen water is a no-brainer. Its antioxidant properties boost your stomach's functions, hydration levels and so much more.
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