In a world where we have information and media at our finger tips its not uncommon to come across various health and wellness trends concepts that promise enhanced well-being and vitality.
Sometimes it’s challenging to to know which health trends are supported by research and which are simply a trendy fad.
One of these concepts is called circulating the internet is called “oxygenated water” also known as oxygen water. With claims like improved hydration, increased energy and other potential health benefits its definitely worth diving into the science behind this trend to separate fact from trendy fad.
In this article, we’ll explore what oxygenated water is, how it’s made, potential benefits, and its place in the world of hydration and wellness.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Oxygen water is purified water with infused oxygen molecules
- There is limited research to support the health claims that oxygen water companies promote
- Oxygen water is still a great way to stay hydrated!
Table of Contents
🚰 Understanding Oxygenated Water
Oxygenated water, also known as “oxygen water,” is water that has been infused or enriched with molecular oxygen (O2). It’s as simple as adding oxygen to purified water.
However, unlike ordinary water that contains a mixture of dissolved gases, oxygenated water has a higher concentration of dissolved oxygen molecules suspended within it.
The idea behind this concept is pretty simple – to provide the body with additional oxygen. Oxygen is essential for various physiological processes, so if we could enhance oxygen consumption then the though is this may be beneficial.
🔎 How is Oxygen Water Made?
Oxygenated water can be produced through a variety of methods. However, many companies use a process known as electrolysis during the bottling process for bottled water.
This is a process in which an electric current is passed through water, leading to the separation of water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen gases. The oxygen produced can then dissolve in the water, increasing its oxygen content.
✅ Claimed Benefits of Oxygenated Water
Proponents of oxygenated water suggest that drinking oxygenated water can offer several potential benefits including enhancing recovery after exercise, flushing out toxins in the body and speeding up alcohol metabolism.
Let’s dive into the science!
Enhance Recovery After Exercise
If you are an athlete and drink oxygenated water this may help improve blood lactate clearance. When we participate in moderate to high intensity exercise, blood lactate levels rise. These levels rise as a result of energy production.
When we engage in this strenuous exercise and blood lactate levels continue to rise. This results in increased muscle and blood acidity due to increase in hydrogen ions. This can lead to muscle fatigue and ultimately impact athletic performance.
The body’s ability to adjust and clear lactate is important for endurance exercise and overall exercise performance.
A 2017 study found that lactate clearance after exercise improved in trained runners that drank oxygenated water before, during and after the 5000m time trial run. However, there were no significant differences in overall athletic performance.
However, there is limited data in this area and therefore more research is needed to determine if there are any exercise benefits associated with drinking different types of oxygenated waters.
Improve Alcohol Metabolism
Drinking water with infused oxygen has also been thought to accelerate alcohol detoxification or alcohol metabolism.
When our bodies break down alcohol it requires a significant amount of oxygen. Our liver’s go through a lot when processing alcohol and sometimes this results in oxygen deficit in the liver.
One small study of 15 men showed that dissolved oxygen in drinks (water and alcoholic drinks) sped up the process of removing blood alcohol content from the bloodstream.
However, once again more research is needed.
🔬 Scientific Perspective
While the potential benefits of oxygenated water are intriguing, it’s important to note that scientific research in this area is limited.
The human body is adept at maintaining oxygen balance, and additional oxygen intake through water might not necessarily lead to substantial changes in overall health or well-being.
📑 Conclusion
Oxygenated water presents a fascinating intersection of science, health, and wellness. While the idea of enhanced hydration, increased energy, and detoxification sounds promising, it’s essential to approach these claims with a critical mindset.
As of now, the scientific evidence supporting the significant health benefits of oxygenated water is lacking.
Staying hydrated is unquestionably important for optimal health, but instead of seeking out oxygenated water, focusing on a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient water intake remains the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle.
As research continues, we may gain a better understanding of the potential advantages of oxygenated water. Until then, it’s wise to approach this trend with cautious curiosity and prioritize evidence-based wellness practices.
However, feel free to pay for the price tag of oxygenated water if it helps you better meet your daily water goals!
❔ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Benefits of Oxygen Water?
While oxygen water proponents suggest that it has a variety of health benefits including improving blood lactate clearance, enhancing blood alcohol metabolism, improve cardiovascular health, increase energy and more, there is still little research on this topic.
More research is certainly needed to support the claimed benefits. Nevertheless, oxygen water still helps keep you hydrated! So, at the very least if you prefer oxygen water it still can help you meet your daily fluid needs!
What is Oxygen Water Made of?
Oxygen water is made of purified water and oxygen molecules.
How do you Make Oxygen Water for Drinking?
Typically, oxygen water is made during the bottling process. Companies will add oxygen to purified water during this process through various techniques including electrolysis.
