The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place · Dr. Jeff Sankoff

Ep. 165: Hydrogen Water: Miracle Cure or Just H2-Oh No? AND Fast Talk Labs' Trevor Connor

·1 hr 11 min·5 clips

Jeff Sankoff questions if hydrogen water can cure all ailments or is just hot air.

This episode of the TriDoc Podcast features host Jeff Sankoff and two segments: a Medical Mailbag on hydrogen-enriched water with coach Juliet Hockman and an interview with cycling expert Trevor Connor. The Medical Mailbag investigates claims that hydrogen-rich water enhances health and athletic performance. Jeff Sankoff and Juliet Hockman analyze available scientific literature on the topic, referencing specific studies and researchers. They cite a review article titled "Hydrogen Water: Extra Healthy or a Hoax? A Systematic Review" that examined nearly 600 articles. The discussion mentions research by an individual named Botech, who found benefits like improved ventilatory efficiency in cyclists and reduced lactic acid buildup. However, the hosts note that many studies lack standardized dosing protocols and clear dose-response relationships. A 2022 study is highlighted for observing no significant changes in race time, heart rate, or perceived exertion in athletes using hydrogen water. The segment explains that hydrogen-rich water is created by dissolving diatomic hydrogen gas (H2) into water, similar to carbonation. They describe commercially available devices that use electrolysis to generate the hydrogen, costing between $140 and $300. A key practical point is that hydrogen does not dissolve well in water and must be consumed quickly after production. The hosts reference a study on elite fin swimmers that suggested possible muscle recovery benefits, but they characterize the evidence as mixed and inconclusive after over a decade of research. Financially, they contrast regular bottled water at about $0.60 with hydrogen water costing $2.50 to $3.00 per bottle. The conversation broadens to examine why athletes and the general public gravitate toward such supplements, citing social media influence and the desire for quick fixes. Jeff and Juliet, both age-group athletes, relate this to the challenges of aging and the search for ways to maintain performance and recovery. They emphasize that consistent training, nutrition, and sleep offer more reliable benefits than peripheral supplements. The tone is conversational and educational, blending scientific critique with practical coaching advice. This episode is ideal for endurance athletes interested in sports science, supplement skepticism, and evidence-based training. Listeners seeking definitive endorsements of performance supplements or those uninterested in detailed scientific analysis might find less value.

As heard by us

A skeptical endurance chat about hype, data, and why consistency still wins.

Jeff Sankoff and Trevor keep the focus on a familiar endurance-sport tradeoff: data can help, but it can also pull athletes into the weeds. The discussion lands on a plain point.

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Why you'd press play

For when you want the hype checked before you buy the bottle.

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