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Why I Changed My Mind About Hydrogen Water (with Tyler LeBaron) — Whalespan

Content›Video›Why I Changed My Mind About …

Why I Changed My Mind About Hydrogen Water (with Tyler LeBaron)

Paul Saladino2h 1m · 2025-07-28

Claims Made

260

Claims Supported

173

Support Rate

67%

Support rate

173 of 260 claims supported

173 supported87 partial / not

Claims from this content

187

✓Well SupportedThe speaker aims for at least one gram of protein per pound of body weight daily, currently consuming 1.1-1.3 grams per pound.✓Well SupportedConsuming fermented foods increased gut microbiota diversity in humans living in the industrialized world.◐Partially SupportedEating organ meats may provide signaling molecules like peptides that survive digestion and offer benefits beyond basic micronutrients.✓Well SupportedAn estimated 85% of the population may have metabolic disease.Well Supported

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A. Volkovreader

4h

Bookmarking — the dossier-vs-overview split is the right call. Most of the time I want overview; sometimes I want receipts.

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N. Park

2d

Would love a "what would change this verdict" RSS feed. Sign me up if it exists.

✓

Following a ketogenic diet and fasting protocol can maintain alertness and support training by consuming carbohydrates only when glycogen is depleted.

✓Well SupportedInterventions with fermented foods, but not fiber, increased alpha diversity of the gut microbiome.

✓Well SupportedThe speaker prioritizes protein and essential fats, consuming carbohydrates as the remaining portion of their caloric intake.

◐Partially SupportedThe ideal pharmacological dosing for hydrogen water would be in milligrams of hydrogen per kilogram of body weight, but this is not yet established.

✕Not SupportedReductionist approaches to nutrition often fail to replicate the effects seen with whole foods due to the interplay of multiple nutrients.

✓Well SupportedUsing portable red lights (zero flicker LEDs) after dark can protect circadian rhythm.

◐Partially SupportedDrinking hydrogen water immediately after the tablet rises to the surface maximizes hydrogen intake.

✕Not SupportedLinus Pauling held nonsensical views regarding hyper-doses of vitamin C.

◐Partially SupportedAchieving a minimal therapeutic level of inspired hydrogen (FiH2) of approximately 1% requires a high volume of hydrogen gas per minute.

◐Partially SupportedThe Hadza people did not coat meat in herbs and oils before cooking or eat a high-fiber diet during observed periods.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen can regulate autophagy by decreasing inflammation.

◐Partially SupportedDrinking hydrogen water for 6 months improved glucose levels, led to weight loss, and improved BMI in subjects with metabolic dysfunction.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen molecules from drinking hydrogen water may not reach distal organs as effectively as inhaled hydrogen gas.

✕Not SupportedAlcohol-based mouthwash negatively impacts the oral microbiome and is not a solution for bad breath, which may stem from gut dysbiosis.

◐Partially SupportedMany individuals lack the oral bacteria necessary to convert dietary nitrates into nitrites, hindering nitric oxide production.

◐Partially SupportedConsistent daily intake of hydrogen is the most important factor for its benefits, with pre-workout consumption potentially offering acute effects.

◐Partially SupportedDrinking hydrogen water is associated with weight loss, reduced fat mass, and improved BMI.

✕Not SupportedData on the health benefits of antioxidants in humans is generally poor, and they can negatively impact exercise performance and mitochondrial biogenesis.

✕Not SupportedUltra-processed foods lack essential nutrients and contain artificial additives, preservatives, refined sugars, and added oils.

✓Well SupportedThe speaker engages in daily lifting and aims for six hours of exercise per week, split between three cardio sessions and three strength sessions.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen acts as a mild exercise mimetic by inducing GLUT4 transporter translocation.

✓Well SupportedExercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation are crucial signals that mediate beneficial adaptations to exercise.

◐Partially SupportedDrinking hydrogen water may improve the gut microbiome.

◐Partially SupportedTyler LeBaron competes in local 5K, half marathon, and marathon races.

◐Partially SupportedDrinking hydrogen water prevented Parkinson's disease development in rats, while 24/7 hydrogen inhalation did not.

◐Partially SupportedAge-related dysregulation of nitric oxide production can lead to its production in the wrong places or at the wrong times.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen induces mitochondrial regeneration and rejuvenation.

◐Partially SupportedHypobaric (low) pressure therapy should not be confused with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

✕Not SupportedMany hydrogen inhalation devices are either oxyhydrogen or of very low quality, requiring careful selection.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen gas from drinking hydrogen water reaches peak concentration in the body within 5-10 minutes.

✕Not SupportedExcess antioxidant supplementation may not resolve cellular stress and could potentially exacerbate problems in certain cellular compartments.

◐Partially SupportedIn animal studies, inhibiting the PI3 kinase pathway with a drug can prevent GLUT4 transporter translocation induced by molecular hydrogen.

◐Partially SupportedConsuming carbohydrates and protein after morning cardio replenishes glycogen and supports muscle recovery.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen does not donate electrons and remain stable like polyphenols or vitamin C due to its reaction kinetics.

◐Partially SupportedTherapeutic hydrogen inhalation uses mixed gas tanks or rooms with precise, non-flammable hydrogen concentrations (1-4%) for consistent dosing and safety.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen gas may modulate mitochondrial superoxide production to prevent harmful spillover into hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite.

◐Partially SupportedUsing molecular hydrogen as a pre-treatment before hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be more effective than post-treatment or acute dosing.

◐Partially SupportedConsuming about 50% of daily calories earlier in the day and tapering off with a lighter dinner can improve sleep quality.

◐Partially SupportedThere appears to be a dose-dependent effect with hydrogen water, and no evidence suggests higher concentrations are less effective.

✓Well SupportedFree radicals are beneficial when they exist for the appropriate duration, location, and concentration.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen gas from tablets forms bubbles and is best consumed when the water is cloudy white.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen can activate the NRF2 pathway, which induces the transcription of over 200 cytoprotective enzymes and proteins.

✕Not SupportedInhaling oxyhydrogen carries a risk of explosion and combustion.

◐Partially SupportedHydroxyl radicals can be formed through the Fenton reaction or from superoxide via peroxide and are highly reactive at the site of production.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen is selective in its radical scavenging, reacting only with hydroxyl radicals, which prevents reductive stress.

◐Partially SupportedAlkaline ionized water machines can cease to dissolve hydrogen gas due to calcium depositions on the plates without frequent cleaning.

◐Partially SupportedThe beneficial effects attributed to alkaline ionized water are due to molecular hydrogen, and there are improved methods for creating water richer in hydrogen.

✓Well SupportedImportant supplements include Vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen should be taken by individuals seeking to increase nitric oxide to attenuate negative effects and potentiate beneficial ones.

◐Partially SupportedCriticism of hydrogen water often stems from a misunderstanding of chemistry, confusing molecular hydrogen with hydrogen ions or pH.

◐Partially SupportedHigh levels of nitric oxide can lead to the formation of peroxynitrite, indicated by elevated nitrotyrosine levels.

◐Partially SupportedThe Inhale H2 device is precise, non-flammable, and suitable for clinical studies, addressing limitations of other hydrogen devices.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen can reduce hydroxyl radicals by suppressing superoxide levels.

◐Partially SupportedExcessive free radicals lead to oxidative stress, which can damage DNA, cell membranes, and proteins, potentially causing DNA mutations and cancer.

◐Partially SupportedElectron movement is fundamental to biological processes including oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, free radicals, and inflammation.

◐Partially SupportedNitric oxide produced by iNOS and nNOS can be problematic and often should be decreased.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen's direct reaction with hydroxyl radicals is likely not a significant antioxidant mechanism due to the hydroxyl radical's high reactivity.

◐Partially SupportedPeroxynitrite, formed from high levels of nitric oxide and superoxide, is a powerful oxidant that can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen water produced by tablets may have a lower dissolved hydrogen concentration than pressurized methods and is best consumed when cloudy white.

◐Partially SupportedOne hydrogen water tablet provides more hydrogen than typically used in most clinical studies, and there appears to be a dose-dependent effect for hydrogen water.

◐Partially SupportedA device provides a precise, consistent, therapeutic, and non-flammable dose of hydrogen via an inflatable bag.

◐Partially SupportedHumans do not possess the hydrogenase enzyme but have genetic hallmarks for it.

◐Partially SupportedAncestors consuming 100-200g of fiber per day would have produced significant amounts of hydrogen gas.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen gas, in conjunction with nitric oxide, can attenuate negative effects and potentiate beneficial effects of nitric oxide, including increasing cGMP levels.

◐Partially SupportedThe liver-protective benefits of lactulose in rats were mediated by hydrogen gas production in the gut.

✕Not SupportedMarketing of hydrogen water often focuses on concentration rather than the actual dose consumed.

✕Not SupportedMany hydrogen water devices are not legitimate or do not function as advertised.

◐Partially SupportedMinerals like calcium can reduce the effectiveness of proton exchange membranes in hydrogen water bottles, but citric acid can clean them.

◐Partially SupportedDrinking hydrogen water may be more effective than inhalation for certain benefits, potentially due to mechanisms involving second messenger systems.

◐Partially SupportedMany individuals are not achieving a therapeutic dose of hydrogen due to insufficient flow rates or device limitations.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen tablets are preferred for consistent dosing due to high dose and magnesium benefits.

◐Partially SupportedUsing hydrogen water tablets in the evening can be beneficial for sleep and provides magnesium.

◐Partially SupportedModulating oxidative stress can help reverse fundamental signaling pathologies that drive metabolic dysfunction.

◐Partially SupportedThe fundamental chemistry of life is based on electron flow (redox) and proton/hydrogen ion transfer (acid-base chemistry).

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen gas may increase the NRF2 pathway, activating genes for endogenous antioxidants and helping cells regain control over oxidant regulation.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen has been shown to be more effective or similar to metformin in improving metabolic parameters in animal studies.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen water products should be certified by IHSA and tested by H2 Analytics.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen is taken throughout the day and via inhalation therapy for its safety and positive trends, despite no immediate perceived benefits.

◐Partially SupportedTrace amounts of metals like lead and chromium in magnesium hydrogen tablets are not a concern if the product is certified and tested.

◐Partially SupportedIntermittent hydrogen gas inhalation was effective in preventing Parkinson's disease development in rats, whereas 24/7 inhalation was not.

◐Partially SupportedCombining drinking hydrogen water and inhaling hydrogen gas is recommended because they have different pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

◐Partially SupportedA 2% concentration of inhaled hydrogen gas was effective in animal studies and a Lancet study for postcardiac arrest syndrome.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen alters gene expression and prepares the body to handle upcoming stress, suggesting consistent daily intake is beneficial.

◐Partially SupportedInhaling hydrogen gas allows it to reach all cells in the body via diffusion, including muscles, extremities, and the brain.

◐Partially SupportedDrinking alkaline ionized water fresh is due to the transient nature of dissolved hydrogen gas.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen tablets should be dissolved in room temperature water, not cold water, to maximize benefits.

◐Partially SupportedElectrolysis of water produces hydrogen gas, which has therapeutic properties.

◐Partially SupportedDifferent isoforms of nitric oxide synthase have distinct roles, with eNOS supporting cardiovascular health and iNOS potentially involved in immune responses that can lead to oxidative stress.

◐Partially SupportedTyler LeBaron's PhD research focused on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases using molecular hydrogen as a treatment.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen can be inhaled or dissolved into water.

◐Partially SupportedAn animal study showed that hydrogen increased FGF-21 secretion, raising energy expenditure and preventing weight gain in mice on a hydrogen water regimen.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen has the potential to improve human health across various aspects.

◐Partially SupportedReplacing all body water with deuterium would be lethal due to altered water structure and hydrogen bonding angles affecting passage through aquaporins.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen has been studied for Parkinson's disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer's, and dementia.

◐Partially SupportedProtein synthesis may be higher in the morning, prompting a desire to replenish glycogen after a 14-hour fast.

◐Partially SupportedTyler LeBaron estimates his fat intake to be around 25% of his total calories, but this can vary up to 40% depending on protein sources.

◐Partially SupportedPeroxynitrite is potentially more damaging than the hydroxyl radical due to its greater stability and ability to diffuse to critical cellular locations.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen can activate the NRF2 pathway, increasing endogenous antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase.

◐Partially SupportedThe concentration of hydrogen produced by gut bacteria does not reach microMolar levels in the blood.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen protects pancreatic beta cells from oxidative stress and toxins, promoting insulin secretion.

◐Partially SupportedTyler LeBaron's daily protein intake is around 150-200 grams.

◐Partially SupportedStructured and unstructured water with the same mineral composition show no difference in surface tension, boiling point, or freezing point depression/elevation, indicating no structural difference.

◐Partially SupportedOxidative stress and free radicals are at the root of most pathologies.

◐Partially SupportedOxygen is essential for life but slowly oxidizes the body, causing free radical damage.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen (H2) is a neutral molecule composed of two electrons and two protons, and its effects involve redox chemistry.

◐Partially SupportedThe endoplasmic reticulum requires oxidizing power for correct protein folding, and a lack of it can impair function.

◐Partially SupportedTyler LeBaron's biological age is assessed to be in his mid-20s using aging assessment methods.

◐Partially SupportedThe presence of a biological mechanism does not guarantee a beneficial primary outcome in clinical research.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen saturation in water is 1.66 mg/L at standard pressure.

◐Partially SupportedWater molecules must maintain a bond angle of 104.45° to pass through aquaporins.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen water is of interest for longevity and potentially reversing sickness.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen water can be consumed throughout the day whenever possible.

◐Partially SupportedHeavy metals and Tylenol are harmful because they produce free radicals that create oxidative stress.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen is a measurable property that can be optimized in water.

◐Partially SupportedThe speaker maintains a consistent wake-up time of 6:00-6:30 AM, even after going to bed as late as 3:00 AM.

✕Not SupportedSynthetic antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C can increase cancer risk and mortality, especially in smokers.

✕Not SupportedLow levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes can be problematic for regulating free radicals.

◐Partially SupportedRedox homeostasis, the balance between oxidation and reduction, is crucial for health.

◐Partially SupportedReductive stress can occur and is not necessarily a state to be eliminated entirely.

✕Not SupportedThere is no scientific evidence to support the existence or benefits of microclustered or structured water, as shown by X-ray diffraction and light scattering experiments.

✕Not SupportedClaims about the benefits of alkaline ionized water are not supported by chemistry, as water is not a pH buffer and can be easily neutralized.

◐Partially SupportedMost water within human cells is structured and integrated with cellular components.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen gas may have been involved in the genesis of life as an energy source catalyzed by iron at deep-sea hydrothermal vents.

◐Partially SupportedA minimum inspired hydrogen concentration (FiH2) of approximately 1% is required to reach minimal therapeutic levels during inhalation.

◐Partially SupportedThe free radical theory of aging posits that free radicals contribute to aging.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen inhalation sessions of 20 minutes to an hour or longer are suggested, with potential for multiple sessions daily.

◐Partially SupportedJapanese centenarians have higher levels of breath hydrogen compared to younger individuals who do not become centenarians.

◐Partially SupportedFiber intake can selectively stimulate hydrogen-producing bacteria in the gut.

◐Partially SupportedThe speaker aims for 6 to 7 hours of sleep per night for recovery from intense training.

◐Partially SupportedOxidative stress can inactivate IRS1, contributing to insulin resistance in diabetes and obesity.

◐Partially SupportedMitochondrial dysfunction, leading to the production of ceramides and dioscerols, can trigger insulin resistance.

◐Partially SupportedConsuming approximately 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight daily from clean meats and fish with low mercury levels is a target.

◐Partially SupportedNitric oxide produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is beneficial for the systemic cardiovascular system.

◐Partially SupportedExcess reactive oxygen species contribute to metabolic dysfunction in diabetes and obesity.

◐Partially SupportedA small percentage of the population lacks hydrogen-producing bacteria, and environmental factors like antibiotic overuse can reduce their numbers.

✕Not SupportedMarketing of alkaline ionized water in the late 1990s promoted alkaline pH as beneficial, despite research not supporting this mechanism.

✕Not SupportedThe concept of H4O water is chemically impossible.

✕Not SupportedDrinking very high pH alkaline ionized water may pose potential concerns for the microbiome and potassium levels.

◐Partially SupportedMitochondrial dysfunction where oxygen extracts electrons incorrectly can create free radicals, causing oxidative stress and damage.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen increases PGC1 alpha levels in conditions of mitochondrial deficiency, leading to increased energy production.

◐Partially SupportedThe body has endogenous antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen may have a modulating role in selectively eliminating harmful oxidative radicals like the hydroxyl radical.

◐Partially SupportedDissolving hydrogen gas into water does not alter the water's chemical structure or affect its pH, with the water acting solely as a carrier for the hydrogen.

◐Partially SupportedLife exists through oxidation and reduction (redox), involving electron flow similar to a battery.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen dissolved in water has a half-life of approximately two hours after opening before the gas dissipates.

◐Partially SupportedMolecular hydrogen can help regulate nitric oxide production by activating eNOS and suppressing iNOS and nNOS.

✕Not SupportedAntioxidant supplements in pill form may not replicate the health effects of consuming whole plants.

◐Partially SupportedSufficient mitochondrial ATP production is necessary for pancreatic beta cells to release insulin for glucose uptake into muscle cells.

◐Partially SupportedWater is a life-giving solvent and a perfectly redox-balanced molecule.

✕Not SupportedIncreased hydrogen-consuming bacteria could be detrimental by increasing methanogenic and sulfate-reducing bacteria.

◐Partially SupportedConstituting active NRF2, which overactivates genes controlling oxidative stress, can lead to problems like cardiomyopathies.

◐Partially SupportedFree radicals like nitric oxide, superoxide, and peroxide are valuable when they exist for the appropriate duration, location, and concentration, but problematic when these conditions are not met.

◐Partially SupportedThe human body requires certain oxidative and free radical species for signaling and hormetic effects.

✕Not SupportedHigh doses of synthetic antioxidants like vitamin E can be detrimental because the body requires a homeostatic balance between oxidation and reduction.

✕Not SupportedHyperbaric chambers should not be filled with pure oxygen due to flammability risks, requiring safety measures like wearing cotton clothing or being naked.

◐Partially SupportedTechniques for stairwell running include catching up to the person in front and using the handrail for assistance.

◐Partially SupportedTyler LeBaron exercises for approximately three hours every day.

◐Partially SupportedPre-treatment with hydrogen may modulate sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous activity, oxidative stress, and inflammation, preparing the body for exercise.

◐Partially SupportedExercise tends to increase breath hydrogen levels due to increased hydrogen production by the gut microbiome.

◐Partially SupportedThe speaker engages in high-intensity exercise within 30-45 minutes of waking up.

◐Partially SupportedLactulose and similar carbohydrates may offer cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection through hydrogen gas production.

◐Partially SupportedIndividuals with Parkinson's disease and cognitive impairments tend to have fewer hydrogen-producing gut bacteria.

✕Not SupportedInhalation of hydrogen gas did not show noticeable benefits in one study.

✕Not SupportedLactulose supplementation did not show significant benefits in one study.

◐Partially SupportedThe hydrogenase enzyme is saturated at very low concentrations of molecular hydrogen, so adding more hydrogen does not accelerate the growth of hydrogen-consuming bacteria.

✕Not SupportedUsing a nasal cannula for hydrogen therapy can be dangerous and cause explosions.

✕Not SupportedHigh doses of antioxidants are not always beneficial.

✕Not SupportedInhaling oxyhydrogen gas is not therapeutic and is potentially dangerous.

✕Not SupportedAttempting higher hydrogen flow rates with some devices increases the risk of explosion.

◐Partially SupportedIntermittent exposure to hydrogen, such as from drinking hydrogen water, may be more beneficial than constant exposure, similar to hormetic signaling like exercise.

◐Partially SupportedOxygen steals electrons from food molecules during cellular respiration to drive ATP production.

◐Partially SupportedOxidation is the loss of electrons, and reduction is the gain of electrons.

◐Partially SupportedRedox chemistry is fundamental to life and energy production.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen may help prevent weight gain by increasing the secretion of hepatic growth factor FGF-21, which increases energy expenditure.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen may promote mitochondrial biogenesis, unlike vitamin C which does not blunt it.

◐Partially SupportedViagra functions as a PDE5 inhibitor, blocking the breakdown of cyclic GMP signaled by nitric oxide.

◐Partially SupportedTyler LeBaron consumes a high amount of carbohydrates, which he considers important for his elite-level endurance training.

◐Partially SupportedClinical studies show improvements in the microbiome and short-chain fatty acids with hydrogen water, not increased hydrogen-consuming bacteria.

◐Partially SupportedIndividuals with more hydrogen-producing bacteria in their gut tend to be healthier.

◐Partially SupportedHydrogen influences over 200 human and animal disease models by addressing oxidative stress, inflammation, cellular stress resilience, epigenetics, and hygiene.

◐Partially SupportedHigher concentrations of dissolved hydrogen in water can be achieved by increasing pressure, according to Henry's Law.

◐Partially SupportedAging is characterized by redox dysregulation, involving both oxidative and reductive stress.

◐Partially SupportedMilligram per liter (mg/L) is a clearer unit than parts per million (ppm) for hydrogen concentration in water.