The world of longevity is constantly expanding. Researchers are continuously seeking out methods to, essentially, uncover the fountain of youth and effectively address age-related concerns. One compound gaining traction because of its anti-aging potential is hydrogen (H₂).
Anti-Aging with Hydrogen
At 70 years old, Dr. Jeffrey Gladden, MD, FACC is a distinguished authority in the field of longevity and preventive medicine. In his mid-50s and with a background in interventional cardiology, Dr. Gladden embarked on a quest to discover the secrets to anti-aging living, and since then, he has dedicated his time to optimizing life’s energy, longevity, health, and performance.
Dr. Gladden took to Instagram to share his routine that includes taking a hydrogen tablet. Admittedly, all I know about hydrogen is its presence in a glass of water. However, I’m not exactly a longevity expert well-versed in cardiovascular health.
Let’s delve into the science behind hydrogen and how it may hold the key to helping us live forever.
Longevity Benefits of Hydrogen
1. Antioxidant effects
A major contributor to aging and age-related disorders, oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. To combat oxidative stress and neutralize free radicals, it’s best to introduce your body to antioxidants. Enter hydrogen.
Dr. Jeffrey Gladden
According to research, hydrogen was found to directly target and neutralize free radicals. This thus slows down the aging process and reduces the risk for chronic conditions.
2. Anti-inflammation
Yes, your body needs inflammation as the immune system uses it to defend the body from bacteria and viruses. Yet, as I’ve realized with my love for chocolate, too much of a good thing is horrible for your health.
Once chronic, inflammation can cause the body to attack itself. It may even worsen with age, raising the risk for another precursor for chronic diseases; inflammaging.
Now, studies have found that hydrogen not only reduces the release of proinflammatory cytokines, but also inhibits several inflammatory pathways.
3. Cellular Health
We’re all made of trillions of cells, so cellular health is particularly important. Thankfully, hydrogen works to promote better cellular health in two ways.
The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell, which may explain why mitochondrial dysfunction is seen as one of the hallmarks of aging. Yet, hydrogen may help to prevent and improve mitochondrial function.
The second way in which hydrogen can promote cellular health is by preserving telomeres. Telomeres are the protective caps at the end of a chromosome, and their shortening has been associated with cellular aging. This why telomere attrition is considered one of the hallmarks of aging.
One study found that hydrogen therapy extended the mean telomere length by ~4%. This suggests that hydrogen may preserve telomere length and thus encourage cellular health.
4. Heart health
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. So, of course, prioritizing a healthy heart is necessary for improved longevity.
Admittedly, studies are limited to animal experiments. Those studies showed that hydrogen can protect the heart from permanent damage to the heart muscle due to inadequate oxygen supply. It can also ease thickened heart muscles and heart failure.
5. Anti-cancer effects
I doubt there’s anyone out there that hasn’t been impacted by cancer in one way or another. Yet, with hydrogen, yet, this could change in the future.
According to studies, hydrogen not only assisted other anti-cancer therapies, but also ease the side effects of other anticancer therapies, thus improving quality of life in cancer patients.
Using Hydrogen Therapy
There are a few ways in which you can incorporate hydrogen therapy into your life, and they include;
- Hydrogen tablets
Dr. Mercola H2 Molecular Hydrogen
- Hydrogen water
ZIHUOFAN Hydrogen Water Bottle Generator
- Inhalation of hydrogen gas
Want to know more?
Hydrogen therapy may represent a fresh landscape for anti-aging therapies. Yet, another potential longevity tool that also deserves our attention is nanomedicine. Harnessing the power of nanomedicine, Dr. Louis Hawthorne came up with the concept of nanots – virus-sized engineered absorptive particles that may promote longevity.
References
Fu, Z., Zhang, J., & Zhang, Y. (2022). Role of Molecular Hydrogen in Ageing and Ageing-Related Diseases. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/2249749
Zufayri Mohd Noor, M. N., Alauddin, A. S., Wong, Y. H., Looi, C. Y., Wong, E. H., Madhavan, P., & Yeong, C. H. (2023). A Systematic Review of Molecular Hydrogen Therapy in Cancer Management. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP, 24(1), 37-47. https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2023.24.1.37
