Free radicals – you’ve heard about them, but what are they really and how do we fight them? In a nutshell – free radicals are inflammation-causing molecules linked to everything from accelerated aging to cancer. And we create them all day long – when we exercise, engage in movement, even breathe.
How do we fight them? Science indicates that antioxidants are nature’s way of counteracting toxic free radicals. Hydrogen (H) is the smallest and lightest element and when ingested acts as a natural antioxidant.
You may know Dr. Nicholas Perricone for his amazing skincare line – but now he has launched Dr. Perricone Hydrogen Water, which has quickly been adopted by celebs and trainers across the country. Studies suggest that molecular hydrogen may improve athletic performance and help promote the production of natural cellular energy.
Dr. Perricone is more than a scientist, inventor, physician, nutritionist, best-selling author, and creator of some of the world’s finest beauty products – he is a man on a mission, whose passion for science began at an early age when he decided to help people look and feel better. I had the pleasure of sitting down with him for this interview on his new line of Hydrogen Water.
DH: How did you discover the antioxidant effects of Hydrogen Water?
NP: I’m always studying the most recent scientific studies on longevity and wellness looking for new concepts and breakthroughs. As a young medical student, I concluded that sub-clinical inflammation on a cellular level was at the basis of aging and age-related diseases. There was a lot of pushback from my peers and the medical community but I was determined to bring this information to the forefront. I believed that inflammation was the root cause of cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, osteoporosis and aging skin. Almost 7 years ago, I read a peer-reviewed paper on the therapeutic activity of molecular hydrogen , which, in turn, inspired my own studies on cellular energy production. I found that hydrogen water may actually increase cellular levels of NADH, a co-enzyme necessary for cellular energy production.
DH: What is the science behind the benefits of drinking hydrogen-infused water?
NP: Early research found that when hydrogen was administered to living cells in vitro, it had the effects of a powerful antioxidant, resulting in the neutralization of the toxic free radicals before they could damage cells.
DH: Can drinking hydrogen water affect the skin and other parts of the body?
NP: Hydrogen’s small size allows for rapid penetration throughout the body, giving swift protection to the cells’ mitochondria and providing antioxidant protection to all parts of the cell. Studies have shown this has beneficial effects on all organ systems including the skin.
DH: How much hydrogen water should people be drinking?
NP: Even one can is beneficial. I drink one 8-ounce can when I wake up, another after my workout and a third at 3pm to prevent an afternoon slump.
DH: There is a unique way to drink your water – can you explain?
NP: You must drink it directly from the can and consume the entire amount within 15 minutes, because hydrogen gas can rapidly leave the water once the container is opened.
DH: You have a holistic approach to skincare – what are your biggest tips for people to get beautiful, healthy skin?
NP: The Perricone program is a lifestyle of health, beauty, and vitality based on years of scientific research. Eating lean protein, healthy fats, organic fruits and veggies, and avoid sugary, starchy and processed foods. Also – water is so important – at least 64 oz per day. Water is a key life force. All biochemical reactions take place in the presence of water.
DH: You have taken an anti-Botox stance since the early 1990s – which I love! What are your thoughts?
NP: I don’t believe that paralyzing muscles in the face is a good strategy for long-term youthfulness. I am committed to researching safe, non-invasive technologies that keep skin supple and radiant, and slow the effects of sun damage, poor diet, stress and other age-accelerators.
DH: What kinds of foods do you recommend we eat for anti-inflammation?
NP: My absolute favorite is wild salmon – in fact, I have a 3-day Anti-Aging diet you can find on https://foreveryoung.perriconemd.com/dr-perricones-three-day-diet.html.
Other favorites are cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts), berries, dark chocolate (70-85%), healthy fats from cold water fish, avocado, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds and coconut oil. Plus, eight 8-ounce glasses of filtered water, three of which should be hydrogen-infused water.
DH: What other benefits can we see from Dr. Perricone Hydrogen Water?
NP: Globally, there have been over 600 peer-reviewed scientific publications on the benefits of hydrogen-infused water. In addition to its antioxidant benefits, hydrogen may naturally activate the body’s cellular energy production and may help with workout recovery. It also helps to improve mood and increases cellular energy in a different way because it is not energy from protein, carbohydrates, fats, or stimulants such as caffeine.
Submitted by Dr. Diane Hayden and Nicholas Perricone, M.D., C.N.S., M.A.C.N.
As a pioneering entrepreneur, inventor, board-certified dermatologist, scientist, best-selling author and Master of the American College of Nutrition, Dr. Nicholas Perricone has led a revolution in science-based health and beauty with an emphasis on patented, proprietary skincare formulations. With more than 160 patents in such diverse areas as medicine, pharmacology and aerospace, he has enabled multitudes of followers to enjoy the healthy lifestyle, physical and mental well-being that he first introduced in his first (of many to follow) #1 best-selling book The Wrinkle Cure close to two decades ago. Dr. Perricone’s initial quest to find ways to stop, prevent and reverse the negative effects of inflammation, the cause of many signs and conditions of aging in his dermatology patients laid the foundation for Perricone MD. As would be expected from the Father of the Inflammation Aging Connection, Dr. Perricone is now embracing the holistic work of the last two decades, expanding his reach with the formation of the Perricone Hydrogen Water Company.