What does Germany's most famous biohacker drink? How does drinking water become a biohacking tool? And why is molecular hydrogen so interesting to biohackers?
In episode #195 of the Biohacking practice Yasin Akgün – graduate engineer, water expert and founder of Aquacentrum – speaks with biohacking professional Andreas Breitfeld and moderator Stephen Wagner About everything you need to know about drinking water and hydrogen water.
Here are the key takeaways from over an hour of conversation – summarized concisely.
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Drinking water in Germany: How good is it really?
The first good news: Drinking water in Germany is generally not dangerous. Especially in southern Germany, for example in Munich, the water quality is excellent. Brook trout – the most sensitive fish of all when it comes to water quality – even live in Munich's water supply system.
However, there are regional differences. In the north of the country, river water is sometimes treated – and this can contain a considerable amount of residues: hormone residues, pesticide residues and other substances that enter the water from the environment.
Tip #1: Avoid stagnant water
The first and simplest biohacking tip for better water: Run the water briefly in the morningBefore drinking it, let it cool down. Overnight, the water sits in the pipes and can absorb substances from the pipe material. A good indicator: If the cold water is really cold, it's coming from outside.
Tip #2: Nitrate level as an indicator
Anyone who wants to know if their local water might be contaminated can consult the nitrate value Inquire at the local waterworks. In nature, this level is around 5-6 mg/l. If it approaches 50 mg/l, this indicates heavy agricultural pollution – and therefore possibly also pesticide residues.
Water filters: What do I really need?
After more than 20 years of experience in the water industry, Yasin's clear recommendation is: An activated carbon filter is perfectly sufficient for most people.
Activated carbon filters: The basis
All filter systems – whether a simple pitcher filter or a complex system – fundamentally use activated carbon as the first filter. This reliably removes over 80% of potential impurities and significantly improves the taste.
The experience gained from thousands of customer conversations: Anyone who drinks filtered water automatically drinks more water. – simply because it tastes better.
Reverse osmosis: For special cases
Reverse osmosis systems produce extremely pure, but also mineral-poor water. Yasin only recommends them in certain situations:
- Very hard water (affects approx. 40% of customers in Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
- Known polluted water sources (e.g. river water)
- Softened water that tastes salty
Important: Pure reverse osmosis water tastes metallic and bland. Therefore, a remineralization filter is recommended – especially with Magnesium, which significantly improves the taste.
Hydrogen water: The biohacker upgrade
This is where it gets really exciting. Molecular hydrogen (H2) It is the smallest and lightest molecule of all – and that is precisely what makes it so effective.
What is hydrogen water?
Hydrogen water is water that has been enriched with molecular hydrogen. The hydrogen acts as selective antioxidant – that is, it specifically neutralizes harmful free radicals without affecting beneficial radicals.
Andreas Breitfeld describes his experience as follows: He notices that hydrogen water stays in the stomach for a very short time and the body absorbs it extremely quickly – unlike normal tap water, which can slosh around in the stomach for longer.
How do you measure the hydrogen content?
The hydrogen content is measured in ppm (parts per million) The measurement is taken using the titration method: Blue drops are added to a water sample. As long as the blue color dissolves, hydrogen is still present.
- Below 1 ppm: Typical for inexpensive devices without a membrane
- 3 ppm: Good value, recommended as a minimum.
- 5 ppm: Very good!
- 10+ ppm: Peak performance, achievable with high-pressure boosters and H2 tablets
Cheap vs. high-quality H2 devices
The difference lies primarily in the PEM membrane – the most expensive component of an electrolysis unit. A single membrane costs around 150 euros.
Devices without a membrane (typical for Amazon offers under 50 euros):
- The water tastes like chlorine.
- Contains oxygen and acidic elements in addition to hydrogen
- Values mostly below 0,5 ppm
- The membrane calcifies after approximately 2 weeks.
High-quality devices with membrane (Eg AquaVolta H2 Turbo 3.0):
- Pure hydrogen, no chlorine
- Noticeable under pressure (5 bar) – like a soda bottle when opened.
- 5-10+ ppm achievable
- 7-year warranty and repair service
Yasin's tip: Anyone who is unsure can AquaVolta H2 Turbo to try it out during the testing phase before making a decision.
Hydrogen inhalation: The next level
Besides drinking hydrogen water, there is another, even more intensive application: inhalation of hydrogen gas via nasal cannula.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
A hydrogen inhaler (e.g., the PulmoVolta Cavallo 1000) produces hydrogen gas, which is inhaled via nasal prongs – similar to oxygen therapy.
Yasin's personal routine: He uses the inhaler at night in the bedroom. Before falling asleep or upon waking up during the night, he simply puts on the nasal cannula and lets the device run for an hour or longer.
Inhalers as an IHHT alternative?
Particularly exciting: Hydrogen inhalers can be used as cost-effective alternative to IHHT devices (Intermittent Hypoxic-Hyperoxic Therapy). While an IHHT device costs around 25.000 euros, a high-performance H2 inhaler costs a fraction of that.
A similar training effect can be achieved by switching between pure hydrogen (less oxygen) and a hydrogen-oxygen mixture (more oxygen).
The bonus: Food rejuvenates
A surprising use for the inhaler: With a Diffusion rod Hydrogen gas can be added to any beverage or smoothie. The effect:
- Smoothies and juices become more antioxidant-rich – even fresher than freshly picked fruit.
- Coffee tastes creamier
- The oxidation caused by the mixer is reversed.
What does the water expert himself drink?
Yasin has been drinking ionized water for almost 20 years. He currently uses the H2 rocket system – a mechanical hydrogen generator that operates in flow mode and produces higher hydrogen values at line pressure than electrical ionizers.
His special trick: A sip of seawater Add it to your drinking water. Why? Seawater contains all 77 minerals – in the same proportions as our blood. This idea is based on the work of René Quinton, who discovered the similarity between seawater and blood plasma at the beginning of the 20th century.
Summary: The Biohacker Water Conduit
From beginner to professional – here are the stages of water optimization:
- Base: Avoid stagnant water; run the water briefly in the morning.
- Level 1: Install an activated carbon filter – it tastes better and removes impurities.
- Level 2: Hydrogen booster (e.g. H2 Turbo 3.0) – antioxidant water at the touch of a button
- Level 3: Hydrogen inhalers – automatically inhale hydrogen at night
- Pro-level: Seawater mineralization + flow-through H2 rocket
This post is based on episode #195 of the Biohacking practice With Andreas Breitfeld and Stefan Wagner. The full episode is available wherever you get your podcasts.
Yasin Akgün is a graduate engineer (TU Munich) and has been an expert in water treatment and hydrogen technology for over 20 years. Aquacentre He personally advises customers on all questions relating to optimal drinking water.
