The Jordan Harbinger Show: Episode 1131 – Hangover Cures | Skeptical Sunday

Release Date: March 23, 2025

Hosted by Jordan Harbinger and co-hosted by Jessica Wynn, Episode 1131 of The Jordan Harbinger Show delves deep into the perplexing world of hangovers and the myriad of purported cures that accompany them. This Skeptical Sunday episode dismantles common misconceptions about hangover remedies, explores the scientific underpinnings of hangovers, and critiques the cultural practices and marketing strategies that perpetuate ineffective or even harmful solutions.

1. Personal Experiences with Hangovers

Jordan and Jessica kick off the episode by sharing their personal encounters with hangovers, setting a relatable tone for the discussion.

• Jordan Harbinger (00:00 - 03:40): Jordan humorously recounts his past indulgences, highlighting a particularly memorable incident where he woke up in an unfamiliar place after excessive drinking. He notes, "my judgement when I was drunk. I think that's the problem. Many of us have. How do you get through a news cycle without alcohol these days? That's the real question."

• Jessica Wynn (02:55 - 03:14): Jessica admits to not having consumed alcohol in years but vividly remembers the agony of hangovers from her younger days, expressing disdain for the physical and emotional toll they take. She states, "But, wow. I could recall moments of begging any higher power to help my hangover pains. Those headaches, those heaves, those humiliations, like, no, thanks."

These anecdotes underscore the universal struggle with hangovers, bridging their personal stories with the broader topic.

2. Understanding the Science Behind Hangovers

The hosts transition into a scientific exploration of hangovers, dissecting the physiological processes that cause the notorious aftereffects of alcohol consumption.

• Causes of Hangovers (08:22 - 12:11):

  • Jessica explains that hangovers are not merely the result of dehydration but involve a complex interplay of factors like vitamin depletion, electrolyte imbalance, fluctuating blood sugar levels, inflammation, and disrupted sleep patterns.
  • "So dehydration is a confusing one, though, because alcohol is a diuretic, so it makes you pee more, which leads to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance. That's why your head's pounding and your mouth's dry the next morning." (08:58)

• Drunken Monkey Hypothesis (12:20 - 12:46):

  • Jessica introduces the Drunken Monkey Hypothesis, which posits that humans evolved to consume ethanol from overripe fruits, inadvertently leading to occasional intoxication as a means to extract nutrients during scarce times.
  • "It's like we're hardwired to get a little tipsy. Plus, alcohol gives you a nice little euphoria boost, so it seems like a win-win." (12:20)

• Role of Acetaldehyde (25:03 - 26:15):

  • The conversation delves deeper into the toxic byproducts of alcohol metabolism, particularly acetaldehyde, which is responsible for many hangover symptoms.
  • Jessica notes, "So when your liver breaks down alcohol, it creates acetaldehyde, which is a toxic substance. And that's what causes our nausea, our vomiting, and some of the inflammation." (25:06)

3. Historical and Cultural Hangover Remedies

Exploring the rich tapestry of cultural practices, the hosts examine traditional hangover cures from different eras and societies.

• Ancient Remedies (42:03 - 43:24):

  • Jessica discusses historical practices such as the Greeks and Egyptians using specific plants to mitigate hangover symptoms. She recalls Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder’s unconventional cures involving raw owls and fried canaries.
  • "Pliny the Elder, there's actually a beer named after. So I guess he was a big drinker." (42:24)

• Development of Brunch (38:17 - 39:35):

  • The origin of brunch as a hangover remedy is traced back to Guy Beringer in 1895, who advocated for a combined meal to ease the discomfort of the morning after drinking.
  • "Brunch was coined by an English writer named Guy Beringer in 1895...make life brighter for Saturday night." (38:17)

• Modern Cultural Practices (43:34 - 45:24):

  • Jordan shares a humorous anecdote about encountering Surstromming, a notoriously smelly fermented herring from Scandinavia, highlighting how some traditional remedies are as challenging to consume as they are ingrained in culture.
  • "I was really nervous during takeoff and landing because if that thing explodes on the plane...you do not want to bring this back." (45:49)

4. The Myth of Effective Hangover Cures

The episode critically evaluates popular hangover remedies, debunking myths and highlighting the lack of scientific support behind many solutions.

• Popular Remedies Debunked (37:25 - 40:12):

  • Jessica systematically examines common practices such as consuming greasy foods, using painkillers, and hydrating with sports drinks. She emphasizes that while these actions may provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying physiological disruptions caused by alcohol.
  • "There's no evidence antioxidants in wine do anything. You could just go eat some grapes." (19:51)
  • "The only thing coconut water is going to do is hydrate you enough to accept that you did this to yourself." (56:20)

• Questioning “Hair of the Dog” (51:09 - 52:13):

  • The hosts discuss the age-old advice of drinking more alcohol to alleviate hangover symptoms, explaining that this merely delays the inevitable discomfort without providing a true cure.
  • Jessica warns, "Not only is there no concrete evidence that more alcohol will always help you feel better, it could also indicate a sign of dependency." (51:58)

• Marketed Snake Oil (59:39 - 60:55):

  • The conversation touches on the lucrative market for hangover cures, comparing modern products to historical snake oils. Jessica highlights that despite billions invested, no consistent natural remedy has proven effective.
  • "Some of these bestselling hangover cures, they're supplements. They're pills, they're drinks and they're natural. But that doesn't always mean they're safe." (60:55)

5. The Impact of Alcohol Consumption Patterns

Exploring the relationship between drinking habits and hangover severity, the hosts discuss how factors like type of alcohol, quantity consumed, and individual biology influence the aftereffects.

• Type of Alcohol and Congeners (15:17 - 16:21):

  • Jessica introduces congeners, byproducts of fermentation found in darker spirits, which exacerbate hangover symptoms. She explains that top-shelf liquors, with fewer congeners, may result in less severe hangovers compared to cheaper, darker counterparts.
  • "So there's a big difference in the distillation process...it removes a lot of those congeners and other impurities." (21:18)

• Genetic Factors and Individual Variability (32:38 - 33:23):

  • The duo discusses how genetic makeup, metabolism, age, weight, and gender play pivotal roles in determining how severely one experiences a hangover.
  • Jessica remarks, "Genetic factors play a big role in our hangovers." (32:38)

• Diet and Absorption (37:54 - 38:17):

  • They examine how eating before or during drinking can slow alcohol absorption, potentially mitigating hangover severity, though not eliminating it entirely.
  • "If you drink on a full stomach, food definitely slows down the absorption of alcohol, but your body's still going to get it all." (37:54)

6. Practical Advice and Conclusions

In wrapping up, Jordan and Jessica offer grounded advice for listeners seeking to navigate the pitfalls of hangovers, emphasizing prevention over ineffective cures.

• Prevention Strategies (20:41 - 22:37):

  • Emphasizing prevention, Jessica suggests taking multivitamins, choosing higher-quality alcohol, and moderating intake as more effective means to lessen hangover symptoms.
  • "Prevention is more effective than dealing with hangovers the next morning." (20:35)
  • "More distillation is what makes top shelf drinks taste, you know, what we call smooth." (21:57)

• Final Recommendations (69:52 - 70:09):

  • The hosts conclude by reinforcing that no miracle cure exists for hangovers. Instead, they advocate for responsible drinking habits, adequate hydration, and allowing the body time to recover.
  • Jordan summarizes, "Hangovers are not just painful. It sounds like they're actually dangerous or an indication." (58:27)
  • Jessica adds, "Hydrate. Give your body time to recover. That's really the best you can do." (70:09)

• Encouragement to Seek Help:

  • They also caution against the potential signs of alcohol dependency, urging listeners to consult healthcare professionals if hangovers are affecting their lives significantly.
  • Jordan advises, "talk to a healthcare professional if regular hangovers affect your quality of life, your personal relationships, your performance at school or work." (70:09)

Notable Quotes

• Jordan Harbinger (03:14): "As I get older, the hangovers last longer. It used to be drink all night, wake up, go to the gym back in my early 20s. Now it's one drink at 5pm the rest of the weekend, I'm a little bit slow."

• Jessica Wynn (04:43): "Alcohol is Poison. And it's a poison so addictive that despite knowing it's going to make us feel like crap, we just invent products and remedies to feel like we're battling against it instead of just not drinking it in the first place. It's insane."

• Jordan Harbinger (11:09): "We've always loved to drink. Like the Greek cult of Dionysus, for example. They worshiped their wine, creating God by drinking too much."

• Jessica Wynn (25:06): "So when your liver breaks down alcohol, it creates acetaldehyde, which is a toxic substance. And that's what causes our nausea, our vomiting, and some of the inflammation."

• Jessica Wynn (56:20): "The only thing coconut water is going to do is hydrate you enough to accept that you did this to yourself."

Conclusion

Episode 1131 of The Jordan Harbinger Show provides a comprehensive and skeptical examination of hangovers and their cures. By intertwining personal anecdotes, scientific insights, and cultural critiques, Jordan Harbinger and Jessica Wynn dismantle the myths surrounding hangover remedies. They empower listeners with knowledge, urging responsible alcohol consumption and highlighting the importance of prevention over chasing elusive cures. The episode serves as a compelling reminder that enduring hangovers is a consequence of alcohol consumption, and the true solution lies in moderation and informed choices.