Biohacking - This is something that has definitely caught my attention and been gaining momentum in recent years. Simply put, biohacking refers to the practice of individuals making adjustments to their bodies, diet, and lifestyle to enhance their health and well-being outside the realm of traditional medicine through do-it-yourself biology.
Some biohackers have science PhDs; others are complete amateurs. Whether or not you have heard of bio-hacking before, you have probably encountered some form of it.
I decided to write a blog post about it .... mostly because the world of biohacking fascinates me. In keeping with some of the themes of this blog, I found it very relevant in today's day and age, particularly speaking to taking responsibility for one's own health. Living to 200 doesn't interest me, but living well during the time God has given me here so that I can be the best person I can be for my family does interest me. I won't be doing experiments on myself or injecting myself with crazy potions but there are certainly things we can explore that aren't necessarily crazy or extreme and very beneficial.
How can ordinary people benefit ?
Weight loss, reverse aging, improving brain function and achieving peak performance are just some of the areas biohacking addresses. Who wouldn’t want to live longer healthier lives, look younger and feel better by making some changes to diet and lifestyle?
Certain components of biohacking may seem extreme and even unrealistic for the average everyday person while other aspects are simple and easy to implement.
The extreme…
There's a wilder side to biohacking that's not exactly doable for folks like us who don't have a tech mogul's bank account. Some of the big shots in the biohacking world are opting for things like experimental gene editing or personalized DNA analysis. It honestly looks like a science fiction movie but these guys are living it.
Now, for us regular folks who can’t, or don’t want to drop hundreds of thousands of dollars on cutting-edge treatments, chambers, devices and the like nor do we want to live to 150, there's still hope. Biohacking doesn't have to mean maxing out credit cards on designer treatments. Here are some things anyone can try to optimize health without turning their wallet inside out:
Intermittent Fasting
The fancy term aside, it's basically skipping a meal or two. You eat in a window, like 8 hours a day, and fast the rest. It's free and might even save you money on groceries. By giving your digestive system a break during fasting periods, intermittent fasting may help regulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and promote fat burning, contributing to weight management and overall metabolic health. Intermittent fasting is something I practice myself - I’ve written more about it here.
Cold Plunging
You don't need a pricey cryotherapy chamber. (A cryotherapy chamber is basically a chamber that uses a combination of liquid nitrogen and electricity to cool the air around you to the tune of temperatures as low as -140℃° ) Yes, people do this.
A cold shower or a dip in a chilly lake or bathtub can give you some of the same benefits. It's like a wake-up call for your body. Cold exposure, whether through cold plunges or showers, triggers a stress response in the body, leading to the release of endorphins and increased circulation. This not only invigorates the mind but may also support immune function and reduce inflammation.
Those who know me know that I absolutely hate the cold and so I have not tried cold plunging just yet ….although I am tempted due to the proposed benefits for inflammation. It has also been said that immersing yourself in cold water activates brown fat — tissue that helps keep the body warm and helps it control blood sugar and insulin levels and helps burn calories. Tempting….
Red Light Therapy:
You don't need to go out and buy a right light therapy bed for this. . Some red light bulbs at home or a session at a local wellness spot can do the trick. Similar to booking a tanning session, you can book 20 minutes in a red light therapy bed for a reasonable price. Red light, penetrates the skin and stimulates the production of ATP (cellular energy). This process is believed to have benefits such as promoting collagen production, reducing inflammation, and enhancing cellular repair, contributing to improved skin health (reduce wrinkles and overall well-being. Benefits reported also include alleviating muscle & joint pain, enhance recovery, increase energy and improve sleep.
Biohacking Exercise
You don't need a private gym with gold-plated dumbbells. Good old jogging, biking, walking or bodyweight exercises, can get the blood pumping. Exercise, in any form, has a profound impact on physical and mental health. From releasing mood-boosting endorphins to improving cardiovascular health and muscle strength, regular physical activity is a fundamental biohack for overall well-being.
The ‘biohack’ part of the exercise equation involves hacks like HIIT training or DNA testing to identify genetic predispositions for certain fitness traits and t tailoring exercise plans based on individual genetic profiles.
My personal favourite - micro-workouts throughout the day. Biohackers use Micro workouts as a valuable tool in achieving the goal of elevating metabolic rate, promoting fat loss and muscle preservation. As someone who sits at a desk most of the day, micro-workouts are a life-saver for me. (I will be writing more on that and my experience with micro-workouts soon)
Supplements:
Forget about the crazy expensive stuff. Start with the basics – a good multivitamin, fish oil, or vitamin D. You can find these at your local pharmacy without breaking the bank. Basic supplements like multivitamins provide essential nutrients that may be lacking in your diet, supporting various bodily functions. For example, omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can aid heart health, while vitamin D is crucial for bone health and immune function. Today, it is becoming more and more evident that our modern diet and our foods do not contain the nutrients we need for optimal health.
( I also supplement with a system that helps with energy and keeps my insulin levels in check. I have found it life-changing and you can learn more here.)
Peptides and PRP:
Okay, these sound like jargon from a sci-fi lab, but they're just proteins and growth factors. Fancy clinics might offer injections, but you can explore natural sources like collagen for similar effects. Peptides are small proteins that can mimic certain physiological effects, and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) contains concentrated growth factors from your blood. Used in biohacking, they may promote tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and cellular regeneration, potentially aiding in skin health and recovery from injuries. The bottom line, your body can heal it self. There are a ton of resources online, podcasts and interviews that talk about this . I am personally very intrigued by the science behind it - your might be too.
Biohacking doesn't have to mean selling your car for a shot at immortality. Small, doable changes can make a big difference. It's like a DIY project for your body. So, whether you're into intermittent fasting, cold plunging, or just dancing like nobody's watching, there's something for everyone without burning through your life savings. The key is to keep it real, keep it simple, and find what works for you.
To your success and outrageous goals,
Tereza
P.S note that I am not a Health-care professional. Information I provide is based on my personal experience and what I have learned through my journey. What works for me might not work for everyone!
