How does the author use symbolism in the novel, Wellness?

The author uses hydrogen water to represent the degree to which Benjamin changes throughout the novel. As the brains behind the Foundry, he was highly concerned with authenticity in his younger day. He did not appreciate mainstream art culture because it was all about money, and he wanted art to be about more. Eventually, however, he gets involved in realty, and he abandons many of those principles of his youth. He now is concerned with making money. The hydrogen water symbolizes this change because it is more pricey water that makes certain health claims. It is for wealthy people who seek to maximize everything they do.