Deuterium Depletion
Understanding heavy hydrogen and its role in chronic disease.
Deuterium is a naturally occurring isotope of hydrogen, but only in trace amounts. Deuterium is often referred to as “heavy hydrogen” because unlike “normal” hydrogen atoms it also contains a neutron. Deuterium increases in the nucleus during cellular division. This is normal and healthy. Excess amounts of deuterium are found in all chronic diseases. A healthy deuterium level in the human body is less than or equal to 130 ppm (parts per million).
Even most physicians don’t remember from their biochemistry classes that the human body produces DDW in the final step of mitochondrial energy production known as oxidative phosphorylation. One of the healthy aspects of exercise is the production of DDW. Athletes participating in long hours of aerobic exercise daily have been found to have deuterium levels in the 80 ppm range.
Ketogenic Diet Connection
Thomas Seyfried’s recommended calorie restricted ketogenic diet is a very effective method to lower deuterium levels. HRF hypothesizes that the true mechanism of Seyfried’s diet may in fact be from deuterium depletion and not the absolute blood glucose level.
HRF is advocating for persons losing too much weight from Seyfried’s calorie restricted diet to concentrate on lowering their deuterium levels to 100 to 130 ppm tested by a saliva deuterium level. Drinking DDW is the fastest way to lower deuterium levels and does not cause weight loss.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
The positive effects of HBOT on mitochondrial number, size, and function have been well documented. Seyfried thought the effects of HBOT on cancer were related to an increase in ROS. We hypothesize HBOT also lowers deuterium levels.
Resources
There are a number of companies selling Deuterium depleted water that can help lower the total body level of deuterium. There is a new company in Austin, Texas with plans to start selling bottles of DDW for little more than a standard bottle of water.