The controversial “human biologist” Gary Brecka, who gained fame through his association with UFC CEO Dana White, is once again under fire from legitimate scientists for promoting questionable health remedies. This time, his target is a miraculous cure that supposedly eliminates hangovers in just 20 minutes using hydrogen water and oxygen therapy.
In a recent appearance, Brecka confidently declared: “I don’t care how bad your hangover is, it would be over. Inside of 20 minutes.” His prescription? A simple cocktail of hydrogen water tablets, mineral salt, and 15 minutes of oxygen therapy delivered through nasal cannulas.
Dr. Layne Norton, a respected nutrition scientist who has repeatedly challenged Brecka’s claims, expressed bewilderment at the continued acceptance of such advice in a recent YouTube video. Norton pointed out the absurdity of Brecka’s previous assertions, noting that “according to Gary Brecka you liquify lean muscle in 3 minutes,” questioning why anyone takes him seriously.
The scientific community’s skepticism extends far beyond Norton’s critique. Social media users have begun connecting the dots about Brecka’s background, with one observer noting the irony: “You’re getting health advice from a former insurance salesman. Think about it. It’s snake oil. He will always have something that you can buy that will cure your ailment.”
The hydrogen water component of Brecka’s hangover cure represents a particularly glaring example of pseudoscientific marketing. While companies promote hydrogen water as having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the scientific reality paints a different picture. Most evidence supporting these claims comes from cell culture studies or animal experiments using unrealistically high doses, with human data remaining sparse and inconsistent.
The fundamental problem with hydrogen water lies in basic chemistry and physiology. Molecular hydrogen is rapidly exhaled from the body, often within 10 to 20 minutes of consumption, severely limiting any potential biological impact. Even if absorbed, its antioxidant capacity is far weaker than the body’s natural defense systems. As one critic bluntly put it: “Water already has 2 hydrogen atoms. What the f**k is hydrogen water?”
Multiple systematic reviews have concluded that current evidence doesn’t support the health claims made about hydrogen water. A 2023 review stated that while preclinical data suggest possible antioxidant effects, clinical trials are “scarce, underpowered, and do not justify widespread use.” Similarly, a 2021 meta-analysis found no significant effect on exercise performance or oxidative biomarkers across multiple trials.
Brecka’s pattern of avoiding scientific scrutiny has become increasingly apparent. Norton revealed that Brecka has “twice agreed to debate me and twice reneged on debating me,” suggesting an unwillingness to defend his claims in an academic setting.
Norton has expressed frustration that despite years of debunking Brecka’s statements, “the more nonsense he spouts, the more people lap it up and love it.”
The “human biologist” credential itself remains suspect. Norton has pointed out that no such degree exists in legitimate academic institutions, stating he’s only “aware of biology degrees.” This fabricated expertise allows Brecka to sound authoritative while avoiding the accountability that comes with recognized professional credentials.
Perhaps most concerning is Brecka’s business model, which consistently follows the same pattern: identify a common health problem, propose a simple solution involving products he sells, and wrap it in sciencey-sounding language. Whether attacking competitors’ protein bars while promoting his own, or prescribing hydrogen water for hangovers, the formula remains remarkably consistent.