When you think of therapeutic gases, oxygen might be the first that comes to mind. But according to molecular hydrogen expert Tyler LeBaron, PhD, there’s another contender worth paying attention to, one that could play a surprising role in gut health, brain function, and even healthy aging.
Tyler is the founder and executive director of the Molecular Hydrogen Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing research and education on hydrogen gas as a therapeutic agent. With a background in biochemistry, exercise science, and a competitive streak as both a runner and arm wrestler, Tyler brings a rare mix of scientific depth and practical enthusiasm to his work.
From Reluctant Educator to Hydrogen’s Leading Voice
When Tyler first began studying hydrogen in 2009, he wasn’t eager to get behind a microphone. “Most of your academic researchers want to stay in the lab, they don’t feel comfortable being out there doing podcasts,” he says. “I realized if I didn’t speak up, misinformation about hydrogen would keep spreading.”
At the time, there were still more questions than answers, and Tyler wanted to ensure any public discussion stayed rooted in accuracy. But after hearing other people share incorrect explanations, confusing hydrogen water with alkaline water or even hydrogen peroxide, he decided it was time to set the record straight.
So, What Exactly Is Hydrogen Water?
In simple terms, hydrogen water is normal water with molecular hydrogen gas dissolved into it. “It doesn’t change the pH, it doesn’t alter the structure, water is just the carrier for the gas,” Tyler explains.
The hydrogen in water molecules is bound to oxygen and unavailable for therapeutic use. The hydrogen Tyler’s talking about is free molecular hydrogen (H₂), a tiny, neutral molecule that can easily enter cells and, according to research, may have profound effects on health.
Here’s the fascinating part: our bodies already produce hydrogen gas, thanks to our gut microbiome. “When you eat a healthy, fiber-rich diet, your microbiome produces hydrogen gas as a byproduct,” Tyler says. “We used to get exposed to far more hydrogen just from our diets than we do today.”
Unfortunately, modern diets low in fiber and high in antibiotics can wipe out hydrogen-producing bacteria. Drinking hydrogen-rich water may help restore some of that natural exposure, and research shows it can also improve microbiome diversity and gut health.
A Modulator, Not Just an Anti-Inflammatory
One of the most common misconceptions about hydrogen therapy is that it’s purely an anti-inflammatory or antioxidant. Tyler prefers the term modulator. “Hydrogen lowers harmful chronic inflammation, but can also enhance beneficial inflammation in the early stages of healing,” he explains. This nuanced approach means it supports the body’s repair processes rather than bluntly suppressing them.
The Brain Connection: Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Beyond
The gut–brain connection plays a major role here. Tyler points to animal studies where hydrogen water drastically reduced the development of Parkinson’s symptoms and protected brain cells from damage. Early human trials are showing similar promise, particularly in slowing cognitive decline in people with the APOE4 genotype linked to Alzheimer’s risk.
“If a family member showed early signs of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, I would absolutely give them hydrogen,” Tyler says. “The safety profile is so high, the potential benefits outweigh the risks.”
For neuroprotection, Tyler recommends using both hydrogen water and hydrogen inhalation therapy. “You’re targeting it from two directions: directly to the brain and indirectly via the gut–brain axis,” he explains.
Why Hydrogen Keeps Him Hooked
For Tyler, molecular hydrogen is more than a research topic, it’s a lifelong passion. “Hydrogen hits every area I’m passionate about—molecular biology, biochemistry, exercise physiology,” he says. “It’s the simplest molecule, yet it has so many fascinating therapeutic effects.”
With over 3,000 scientific publications and 200+ human studies now exploring hydrogen’s potential, the field is still young but rapidly evolving. And with advocates like Tyler translating the science into clear, actionable insights, it’s easier than ever to understand why this tiny molecule is making big waves.
