Summary:
Inhaling small amounts of hydrogen in addition to concentrated oxygen may help stem the damage to lung tissue that can occur when critically ill patients are given oxygen for long periods of time, according to a new rat model study. The study also found hydrogen initiates activation of heme-oxygenase (HO-1), an enzyme that protects lung cells.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516141546.htm
"Comparing oxygen exposure groups to controls, the researchers found exposure to 2 percent nitrogen with 98 percent oxygen for 60 hours markedly impaired lung function and caused inflammation and a build-up of fluid in the lung. In contrast, rats exposed to 2 percent hydrogen with 98 percent oxygen had less swelling and improved lung function, as well as significant reductions in inflammation compared to controls. In addition, levels of HO-1 were elevated in rats exposed to hydrogen."
""Hydrogen has a therapeutic potential not only in treating acute lung injury, but also in treating chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.," he said. "Hydrogen may help prevent progression of COPD, which could have a huge impact on treatment."
Talked to my friend. He is appalled people inhale hydrogen peroxide into their lungs. Chronic inhalation of hydrogen peroxide is patently ridiculous.
The way to avoid COPD later in life is to either not smoke in the first place or to quit smoking ASAP and hope it is not too late. Leonard Nimoy died of COPD even though he had been cigarette free for a long time, for example. My chemist friend is concerned inhaling hydrogen peroxide over the long term could actually result in COPD and other lung diseases. He also laughed when I told him what you said about oxidative stress being a health benefit. He had no opinion about the alledged cancer curing power of hydrogen peroxide.
Regular vigorous excercise, when it is not contraindicated by a doctor, is the best form of stress that will yield established health benefits and possible longevity benefits. Proper diet, adequate sleep, and avoidance of bad habits is the best one can do to give themselves the best chance for a long and healthy life.
