One of the most overlooked and under-appreciated benefits of Chanson Water Ionizers is contained in the Acidic Water that they create. This water has so many powerful every-day uses ranging from skin, hair care, and oral health to cleaning, disinfecting, and beyond. The reason has to do with a very special chemical contained within it called “Hypochlorous acid” also known as HOCL. In this article we explore the many amazing health benefits and uses of this substance that has been discovered and documented by a growing body of scientific research.
What is Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)?
Hypochlorous acid (HOCL) is a chemical compound that is produced by the body as a natural immune defense mechanism. It is a powerful disinfectant and antioxidant, and has been shown to have a number of health benefits when used topically or ingested. HOCl is often used as a disinfectant because it breaks down quickly into harmless chloride ions. This means that it is less likely to cause damage to healthy tissue than other disinfecting agents. Studies show that HOCl can be used to reduce inflammation, accelerate wound healing, treat skin conditions, support nasal and oral health, and even prevent infection. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties make it promising for various skin conditions.
The Many Benefits of Hypochlorous Acid
HOCl is commonly used as a topical disinfectant, but studies show that it may have other applications as well. One of the main benefits of HOCL is its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This gives it a whole host of potential applications in a wide variety of settings, from the home to healthcare. In addition to its antimicrobial properties, HOCL has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which has given researchers reason to suggest it as a promising treatment for skin issues such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. HOCl has been shown to reduce pain and swelling associated with burns, and can be used to speed up the healing process for wounds.
Hypochlorous Acid as a Disinfectant
One thing is for certain, HOCl has been shown to have powerful antimicrobial properties, making it an effective agent against many different types of bacteria and viruses. One study concluded that HOCl “had excellent microbicidal effect against a broad microbicidal spectrum of standard strains and clinical isolates in a short time.”[1]. People who have compromised immune systems may especially benefit from HOCl as a disinfectant due to its safety because it breaks down quickly into harmless chloride ions. Compared to other disinfectants which are more toxic. Another study showed the efficacy of HOCl fog in sanitizing surfaces against Enterococcus faecalis , a gram-positive bacteria that can survive for at least 12 weeks after drying, is often drug-resistant, and can cause a variety of infections including those of the urinary tract [2].
Hypochlorous Acid and Skin Health
HOCl is used in a variety of skincare products due to its ability to promote healthy skin. Because it is an effective antimicrobial agent that can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi on contact, this makes it a useful ingredient in products used to treat acne, eczema, and other skin conditions caused by bacterial or fungal overgrowth. Additionally, it can help in reducing the redness and inflammation associated with these conditions. HOCl helps to restore the skin’s moisture barrier. It is also safe and gentle on the skin, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is non-toxic, non-irritating, and does not cause any negative side effects.
HOCl and Wound Healing
HOCl has been shown to accelerate the healing process for a variety of wounds, including surgical wounds and burns. It has the potential to replace current treatments, such as antibiotics, which can have adverse side effects. HOCl can help reduce pain and swelling associated with burns, and can speed up the healing process. This can reduce the time needed for patients to recover from their injuries.
HOCl and Inflammation
HOCl has been shown to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can reduce the symptoms of inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. It may also be beneficial for people suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments for eczema, so HOCl’s ability to reduce the symptoms of eczema make it a promising treatment.
HOCl for Oral and Nasal Health
HOCl can be used for a variety of other conditions as well. The available evidence also suggests that HOCl may be a safe and effective natural alternative for a variety of oral and nasal health issues, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. This makes it an exciting potential alternative to traditional antimicrobial mouthwashes, throat, and nasal sprays. In fact, one study showed an improvement in pediatric patients with rhinosinusitis using nasal irrigation with HOCL compared to a placebo group [8]. Another study showed that HOCl treatment “significantly inhibited” viral titer of human rhinovirus (HRV) in vitro [9]. And even nother study showed the effect of HOCl on oral biofilm bacteria! [11]
Conclusion
Hypochlorous acid is a breakthrough compound that is being studied for its potential health benefits. Overall, there is a convincing and growing body of evidence that suggests that HOCL has a wide range of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, accelerating wound healing, treating skin conditions, for nasal and oral health, and for infection. HOCL is a promising compound with a wide range of potential uses. If you are interested in using HOCL for health purposes, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine if it is appropriate for you.
References:
[1] Microbicidal effect of weak acid hypochlorous solution on various microorganisms https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23007104/ [2] Efficacy of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) fog in sanitizing surfaces against Enterococcus faecalis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35307474/ [3] Hypochlorous acid gel technology—Its impact on post procedure treatment and scar prevention https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.12330 [4] Hypochlorous Acid as a Potential Wound Care Agent https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1853323/ [5] Status Report on Topical Hypochlorous Acid: Clinical Relevance of Specific Formulations, Potential Modes of Action, and Study Outcomes https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6303114/ [6] Hypochlorous Acid: From Innate Immune Factor and Environmental Toxicant to Chemopreventive Agent Targeting Solar UV-Induced Skin Cancer https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8217684/ [7] The Safety of Low Concentration Hypochlorous Acid as an Oral Gargle Solution and Its Anti-Microbial Effects https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Young_Hyo_Kim/publication/272404979_The_Safety_of_Low_Concentration_Hypochlorous_Acid_as_an_Oral_Gargle_Solution_and_Its_Anti-Microbial_Effects/links/55f794ac0 [8] Improved outcomes after low-concentration hypochlorous acid nasal irrigation in pediatric chronic sinusitis https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/lary.25605 [9] The Effect of a Low Concentration of Hypochlorous Acid on Rhinovirus Infection of Nasal Epithelial Cells https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.2500/ajra.2011.25.3545 [10] Effects of a Low Concentration Hypochlorous Acid Nasal Irrigation Solution on Bacteria, Fungi, and Virus https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1097/MLG.0b013e31817f4d34 [11] Effects of stabilized hypochlorous acid on oral biofilm bacteria https://bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12903-022-02453-2
