However, ingesting larger amounts or higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can cause ulcers, a perforated gut, and mouth, throat, and stomach burns. The severity of complications depends on the volume and concentration of the hydrogen peroxide that was ingested.įor instance, accidentally swallowing a small amount of household 3% hydrogen peroxide usually causes minor symptoms, such as bloating, mild stomach pain, and in some cases, vomiting. When the amount of oxygen produced is too high to physically burp out, it can cross over from your gut into your blood vessels, leading to potential complications, such as heart attacks or stroke ( 3). When drunk, hydrogen peroxide reacts with a natural enzyme in your body, producing very high amounts of oxygen. Health risks of drinking hydrogen peroxideĭespite the purported benefits of drinking hydrogen peroxide, research and medical experts agree that drinking this compound can have serious side effects. Despite claims that dilutions made using food grade or 35% hydrogen peroxide can help cure various ailments, there’s little scientific evidence of this. Hydrogen peroxide comes in various concentrations, ranging from 3–90%. Moreover, doctors warn that drinking hydrogen peroxide can cause a range of unpleasant side effects, some of which can be deadly in some cases ( 1, 3, 4). In fact, hydrogen peroxide production by cancerous cells in the body is known to increase inflammation and accelerate the progression of disease ( 2). However, there’s little evidence to support these claims. They believe that this extra oxygen can help treat various ailments, such as sore throat, arthritis, diabetes, AIDS, lupus, and even some forms of cancer. Some people believe that drinking a few drops of food grade hydrogen peroxide that has been diluted in water can help improve your health by bringing extra oxygen into your body. Also known as industrial hydrogen peroxide, it’s typically used to bleach paper and textiles, make foam rubber or rocket fuel, or as a substitute for chlorine in water and sewage treatment. Commonly referred to as food grade hydrogen peroxide, this variety is typically found in health food stores and promoted as a cure to various ailments and diseases. This concentration is most commonly used to bleach hair. It’s the one you’re most likely to find in your local supermarket or drugstore. Also referred to as household hydrogen peroxide, this type is typically used to clean or disinfect minor wounds.

Hydrogen peroxide can typically be found in four categories of dilution, each of them used for specific purposes ( 1): Are there any health benefits to drinking hydrogen peroxide?

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