A system and method for improving available signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and speed of MR imaging of hyperpolarized substances is disclosed. The system and method include decoupling spin effects of hydrogen nuclei from non-hydrogen nuclei of interest during sampling of MR signals therefrom. Though the hydrogen nuclei of the hyperpolarized substance may not be directly bonded to the non-hydrogen nuclei of interest, resonance splitting may still impact SNR. Long range decoupling improves T2* time, and thus preserves signal strength and available SNR.