Among the functions of hydrogen in the human body, the most important is to keep it hydrated. This is possible thanks to the fact that water is made up of two hydrogen bonds and one oxygen (H2O) that are in charge of being absorbed by the cells of the body.
Hydrogen is an element that is present in all the fluids of the human body, allowing toxins and waste to be transported and eliminated within it.
It is also responsible for ensuring that the joints remain lubricated and the immune system is healthy and able to perform its functions.
Hydrogen is the element that can most commonly be found in the universe, confirming 90% of the existing atoms.
Generally when we refer to the uses of hydrogen, we do it to talk about military weapons and the automotive industry. However, hydrogen is an element that plays a fundamental role for the existence of life in the world as we know it.
In other words, Hydrogen is present everywhere and in all living organisms that inhabit the earth, for this reason it can be said that its importance lies in the very origin of life.
You may be interested in the hydrogen cycle and its functions.
Hydrogen and its functions
Known as the first and lightest element on the periodic table, hydrogen is an element that occurs mainly in the gaseous state. Likewise, it is known to be an insipid element, which lacks odor and color and is highly flammable.
It is a vast element and commonly found throughout the universe, although in the Earth's atmosphere it can be found free in small concentrations.
However, it can be found in large quantities when combined with other elements. In this way, hydrogen comprises approximately 90% of the world's existing atoms.
Its most important function not only for the human body, but for all the bodies that make up the universe is that it depends on the formation of most of the matter that makes up the planet and partially the universe as we know it.
On the other hand, the most important and necessary element for human subsistence is water, and it is made up of two parts of hydrogen and one of oxygen (H2O). Water is a basic resource necessary for the survival of any form of life on earth.
Hydrogen is not only found in water, it is also part of all living matter on the planet and some minerals that humans also depend on to survive.
The hydrogen cycle is closely related to the water cycle.
This is how it can be stated that hydrogen is essential for humans, since it is part of all living organisms with which it is related and from which it consumes substances as food.
In this way, we can find hydrogen in substances such as sugars, proteins, starches and fats that are part of the human diet and are necessary for its survival.
On the other hand, the compounds that give rise to certain energy resources commonly used in the modern world, such as oil and natural gas are also part (Advameg, 2017).
Infinite source of energy
Apart from the numerous functions that hydrogen fulfills that make possible the existence of human life and the development of life as we know it.
Hydrogen has immense potential as an unlimited source of clean and sustainable energy. In this way, they have been given uses within the automotive industry.
The use of hydrogen as an alternative energy source is highly attractive, however, it is extremely expensive, which is why its use is not common and its application becomes unfeasible within many economies.
However, it is still considered one of the most important energy resources for the future.
Currently, scientists and organizations are conducting research to reduce costs to use it as a clean and unlimited energy source that helps reduce the greenhouse effect (Johnston, 2016).
The human body
Water
One of the most important ways the body uses hydrogen is water.
This fluid made up of two parts of hydrogen is of vital importance for the body, since it makes up 60% of it. This means that all body fluids are partially composed of hydrogen particles (Anne Marie Helmenstine, 2017).
Thanks to the hydrogen atoms, the body's cells can stay hydrated, toxins and waste can be removed from the body, nutrients can be transported to the cells that need them, the joints remain lubricated, and the body's immune system can remain healthy and protect the body from potentially harmful external agents (Wingerd, 2014).
Energy
Hydrogen also plays a fundamental role in the production of energy in the body. For a body to function, it must have energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
The body gains energy by consuming foods rich in substances such as carbohydrates. Once these are ingested, the body uses enzymes to break down the food into more basic substances like glucose.
These compounds are subsequently decomposed into simpler particles through the processes of beta oxidation and glycolysis, which give the body Acetyl CoA, which is subsequently decomposed into hydrogen, oxygen and carbon (Sun, Ohta, & Nakao, 2015).
In this way, hydrogen ions can be transported to the cell's mitochondria, where it will be used to create ATP and provide energy to the whole body (SHERWOOD, 2009).
Aging
Some experts believe that hydrogen is responsible for slowing down the body's aging process.
The aging of body tissues is believed to be caused by substances called free radicals. Within many of the body's tissues, hydrogen is stored in reservoirs.
This hydrogen protects us from the damage that free radicals could do. Unfortunately, as we age, these deposits dry out, exposing tissues to the effect of free radicals, and the visible effects of old age (Helmenstine, 2015).
References
- Advameg, I. (2017). Science Clarified. Obtained from Hydrogen: scienceclarified.com.
- Anne Marie Helmenstine, P. (March 15, 2017). Thoughtco. Obtained from Elemental Composition of the Human Body: thoughtco.com.
- Helmenstine, A. (May 20, 2015). Science Notes. Retrieved from Elements in the Human Body and What They Do: sciencenotes.org.
- Johnston, I. (August 5, 2016). Independent. Retrieved from What is the human body made of ?: independent.co.uk.
- SHERWOOD, C. (October 21, 2009). Retrieved from How Is Hydrogen Used in the Body ?: livestrong.com.
- Sun, X., Ohta, S., & Nakao, A. (2015). Hydrogen Molecular Biology and Medicine. New York: Springer.
- Wingerd, B. (2014). The Human Body: Concepts of Anatomy and Physiology. Baltimore: Wolters Kluwer.