Feb 4, 20252 min read

Kidney, Liver and Mental Health

Kidney Health

The kidneys filter waste products and regulate fluid and electrolyte balance. Oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to chronic kidney disease. In patients undergoing hemodialysis, drinking hydrogen‑rich water improved blood urea nitrogen and overall renal function[1]. Another study reported that using dialysis solutions enriched with hydrogen reduced fatigue during dialysis sessions and on non‑dialysis days[2]. Animal experiments show that hydrogen water can protect kidneys against cisplatin‑induced nephrotoxicity by restoring redox equilibrium and reducing inflammation[3]. These findings are promising but preliminary; hydrogen water should not replace conventional therapies.

Liver and Metabolic Conditions

Hydrogen water’s antioxidant properties may help protect the liver. In a trial on patients with chronic hepatitis B, consuming 1.2–1.8 litres of hydrogen water twice daily improved liver function and reduced hepatitis B virus DNA levels[4]. People with non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease who drank hydrogen water for eight weeks experienced decreases in body weight and body mass index and showed less fat accumulation in the liver[5]. These studies suggest that hydrogen water could serve as an adjunct therapy for metabolic and liver disorders, though larger randomized trials are needed to confirm efficacy.

Mental Health and Mood

Mental well‑being is influenced by inflammation and oxidative stress. A study of adults who drank hydrogen‑rich water for four weeks found improvements in mood and reductions in anxiety[6]. In another trial involving women with panic disorder, psychological therapy combined with 1.5 litres of hydrogen water per day for three months led to significant reductions in pro‑inflammatory cytokines (IL‑6, IL‑1β, IL‑12 and TNF‑α) compared with placebo[6]. Although psychological outcomes were similar between groups, the reduced inflammatory markers suggest that hydrogen water may provide physiological benefits.

Aging and Longevity

As people age, telomeres shorten and oxidative damage accumulates. A six‑month study in adults over age 70 found that drinking hydrogen water was safe and improved factors associated with aging, such as pain levels, brain metabolism and lower‑limb strength[7]. Another randomized controlled pilot trial reported that six months of hydrogen water increased telomere length relative to placebo[8]. Although preliminary, these results imply that hydrogen water might support healthy aging by reducing oxidative stress; replication in larger populations is required.

References

Hemodialysis patients experienced improved renal function[1].
Hydrogen‑enriched dialysis solutions reduced fatigue[2].
Hydrogen water protected kidneys against cisplatin‑induced nephrotoxicity in animals[3].
Study on mood and anxiety improvements[6].
Hepatitis B study showing improved liver function[4].
NAFLD study showing weight and BMI reductions[5].
Anti‑aging study in adults over 70[7].
Pilot trial showing increased telomere length[8].