How Human Biology Creates Hydrogen Peroxide

Oxidation Microscope

How human biology creates hydrogen peroxide is fascinating. This article is a general overview to the best of our understanding.

Our products are NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and this must not be interpreted as medical advise.

Detecting Hydrogen Peroxide In Blood And Plasma

The levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in human blood is of great relevance as it has emerged as an important signalling molecule in a variety of disease states. Scientist have been working on reliable ways to measure hydrogen peroxide levels in the blood. Although challenging advancements in a laser-induced fluorescence device has demonstrated rapid measurement of H2O2 in plasma in the concentration range of 0–49 µM, and detection time of 15 min; the device is amenable to the real-time measurement of H2O2 in a patient’s blood. (1)

H2O2 concentration in the blood of healthy individuals is found to be in the range of 0.8–6 µM. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is one of the important ROS which is produced due to the incomplete reduction of oxygen in the metabolism process and most cells in the human body generate H2O2 from superoxide. H2O2 is uncharged and stable in aqueous solution and its uncharged nature helps it to diffuse across the cell membrane, enabling cellular signalling away from the site of production.

illness comes in many forms disease vs a cold or flu, H2O2 has been measured in the urine of patients who are showing signs of a cold as high as 100ppm. We look forward to conducting our research if or when that time comes using our 0-400ppm H2O2 test strips. H2O2 has a longer lifespan than other reactive oxidizing agent which allows a greater diffusion level of up to a few millimeters. H2O2 which is diffused out of a cell triggers cell migration, immunity generation, and cellular communication. 2

Blood cells including red blood cells produce H2O2 from multiple sources but the level of intracellular H2O2 is maintained as 10 nM or less due to the catalase and peroxidases1. The plasma H2O2 is mainly contributed by NOXs (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase) on the surface of phagocytes and endothelial cells and xanthine oxidase bound to endothelial cells with a small contribution from autoxidation of small molecules. 3

Respiratory Burst

The human body uses a biologic process called the respiratory burst to generate hydrogen peroxide in the immune system. The respiratory burst is a rapid increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including hydrogen peroxide, by phagocytic cells such as neutrophils and macrophages.

Triggering Phagocytic Immune Cells

The respiratory burst is triggered by the activation of phagocytic cells by pathogens or other foreign invaders. Once activated, the phagocytic cell engulfs the pathogen in a phagosome. The phagosome then fuses with a lysosome, which releases enzymes that kill the pathogen. The respiratory burst also produces ROS, which help to kill the pathogen and prevent it from escaping from the phagosome.Hover me to open tooltip

The respiratory burst is mediated by a group of enzymes called NADPH oxidases (NOXs). NOXs use NADPH to produce superoxide, which is then converted to hydrogen peroxide by superoxide dismutase (SOD). Hydrogen peroxide can then be used by other enzymes to produce other ROS, such as hydroxyl radicals.

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful antimicrobial oxidizing agent. It can oxidize bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens by damaging their DNA and proteins. Hydrogen peroxide also plays a role in cell signaling and inflammation.

Here is a simplified summary of the respiratory burst process:

  1. Phagocytic cell is activated by a pathogen or other foreign invader.
  2. Phagocytic cell engulfs the pathogen in a phagosome.
  3. Phagosome fuses with a lysosome, which releases enzymes that kill the pathogen.
  4. NADPH oxidases produce superoxide, which is then converted to hydrogen peroxide by SOD.
  5. Hydrogen peroxide can then be used by other enzymes to produce other ROS.
  6. Hydrogen peroxide and other ROS kill the pathogen and prevent it from escaping from the phagosome.

The respiratory burst is an important part of the human body’s immune system response. It helps to protect us from infection by destroying harmful pathogens.

Help Your Outdoor Roots Breathe

Applying H2O2 To Outside Gardens

It doesn’t matter where you live or what type of plant you grow, if you are growing plants they need oxygen. Plants primarily uptake oxygen through the root system, and additionally require a good fresh supply of oxygen during the night.

Winter rains, especially in the northern half of the country, tend to compact the soil which may leave your roots starving for a breath of fresh air come springtime. Use our 34% H2O2 Hydrogen Peroxide to immediately increase the available oxygen as well as loosening up the soil and allowing good airflow to the roots.

Increase The Oxygen Potential In Your Soil

Grab a 5 gallon bucket and fill it up with water. Now tap water is fine for this application only because we are not going to be sealing it up. Measure up 10 oz. 34% H2O2 Hydrogen Peroxide and pour it into the bucket with the water. Simply pour this solution in the soil of your outdoor garden areas and flower beds, targeting the root zones especially. Using a watering can to help disperse the solution evenly, allowing maximum coverage. At this mild concentration beneficial microbes will thrive.

When adding to hydroponic reservoirs or bare root plants a 3-4 ml per gallon is used because the roots are exposed with no buffer. Normal soil gardens can handle a slightly higher concentration as the hydrogen peroxide will be reduce immediately on contact of the soil. Use caution if you are growing sensitive ornamentals or the likes.  A little goes a long way and using less will still have a positive effect on the oxygen levels around the root zones.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide As A Soil Amendment In The Garden

blue flowers

Low Oxygen From Over Watering

Low oxygen in the soil can develop in water-logged soils, do to heavy rainfall, improper irrigation techniques or over watering. We hear the term “killing your plants with kindness”.

For example, when rain guns are used on unstable soils, sand, silt or limestone, soils run together creating a seal that is impervious to oxygen and carbon dioxide. Typically, soils that are low in organic matter are more difficult to aerate naturally.

Plant roots must have adequate oxygen levels  to facilitate plant respiration drawing nutrient, minerals as well as liquid water up into the plant.  Plants use oxygen and water in a number of ways.  Oxygen’s affinity for electrons plays a key role in the process. Continue reading “Using Hydrogen Peroxide As A Soil Amendment In The Garden”

Oxygen In The Muscles

cell respiration

How Low Oxygen Contributes To Fatigue

Oxygen is used in so many process in the body.  Every cell in the body contains mitochondria that uses oxygen to convert glucose (sugar) into energy. This process is called cell respiration.

When oxygen  falls below optimal levels such as during exercise or physical exertion normal aerobic cell respiration will switch to a less efficient method of converting glucose to energy called lactic acid fermentation. This is a type of anaerobic cell respiration which does not require oxygen. Continue reading “Oxygen In The Muscles”

Chlorine Alternative For Your Hot Tub

chlorine alternative

A chlorine alternative or bromine alternative makes sense for a healthier life. Research has begun to show adverse health risk linked to the use of chlorine as  a water sanitizer. Inhibiting the endocrine system is especially harmful for women. The chlorine molecule mimics a  key hormone with receptors in the thyroid gland causing an over or under releasing of hormones.  Over produced hormones combined with under produced hormones in this area research has drawn strong relationship to certain types of cancers.

The endocrine systems is made up of all of the bodies hormones. These tiny “chemical messengers” get released into the blood stream and act on other organs through-out the body.  The endocrine system regulates many processes including reproductive, temperature, mood, metabolism and blood sugar levels.  Just because we’ve used chlorine as a hot tub chemical in the past doesn’t mean we should continue.

CHLORINE ALTERNATIVE

35% Spa Science Hydrogen Peroxide can be used as not only an Spa Science 35% Hydrogen Peroxidealternative to chlorine or bromine but as the primary choice for hot tubs and spas! Hydrogen Peroxide has been known and accepted as a sanitizer for many years. Continue reading “Chlorine Alternative For Your Hot Tub”