What is Biohacking? A simple guide
Introduction
Biohacking, this fancy word used by a lot of internet gurus? Well first, it’s a fascinating blend of biology and technology, with a lot of self-experimentation. It is a movement that encourages individuals to take control of your biology and your mind, using a combination of science, methodologies and technology. But what exactly is biohacking, and what are the benefits? Who needs Biohacking in their life? Is it safe?
Disclaimer: This article doesn’t constitute health advice. Always check in with your doctors if you have any health question.
What is Biohacking?
You are probably doing Biohacking every single day. Getting more sleep, eating better... Biohacking can start really simple and doesn’t require us all to try the latest super expensive stem-cell treatments.
The primary purpose of biohacking is to optimize human biology and your mental state to achieve peak performance. This could mean:
- Improving cognitive function, increasing energy levels
- Enhancing physical strength and stamina
- Slowing down the aging process.
Simply put, it’s adapting your environment (food, habits etc) to reach your physical and spiritual best self.
It can range from taking very simple steps like sleeping more, to improving your diet, but also for the rich and fancy biohackers to get high-tech treatments which are restricted and accessible to very few of us (Stem cell injections etc).
In this article I will talk only about what is accessible for most people.
The goal is to make a practical accessible guide for you, so you can jumpstart on your Biohacking journey!
Is Biohacking safe?
Biohacking is safe when you increment gradually changes by trying evidence-based scientific methodologies.
If you are in doubt, ask your doctor.
That said, feel free to change your doctor if they don’t prescribe tests that, based on a lot of scientific research and on your symptoms analysis you strongly believe they could help you.
For me, it’s been easier to understand my body and what to try and not try because I am a biotech engineer working in health marketing and business now, but I do have that scientific background to understand the science.
Some techniques are worth trying even if it’s not 100% science-based.
For instance, I take no risk by trying breathing techniques and meditation to improve my mood. But If I try supplements, you can be sure I’ll spend some time on Pubmed to research.
In my case, because of my background, I have been able to suggest and ask for my doctors to prescribe specific meds/tests. In some cases, patients are their best advocates. That said, if you have any diagnosed disease, It’s recommended to always check in with your doctor!
Some doctors also are stuck in an old world and don’t really know latest technology improvement, or they don’t come with a holistic view of health. To give you an example, as chronic migraine sufferer, I found out that magnesium could help me a lot during times of crisis, which it did.
I didn’t take a huge risk by taking 3x the daily amount when I was in pain.
Biohacking resides in a lot of testing, so it’s good to gradually implement and isolate changes to ensure the changes are coming from one habit change. be sure that in your Biohacking yourney you get information from proper sources and work with intelligent open minded doctors to help you out.
Books I recommend to start your Biohacking Journey
I won’t hide that I am a huge Dave Asprey fan so you will find a lot of references from this Biohacker in the list. I have a preference for this author as he is able to explain complex science into easy readable content.
If I wanted to make significant changes in my life now with Biohacking, here are the books I would read, given that they are written in a way that everybody can understand while still providing the right level of scientific information and sources. I also really recommend to check out the work of Dr. Mark Hyman.
This book is great at explaining the basis of the humain biology, the pillar that makes our body age, wether it’s our diets, our sleep, our light exposition. It’s the best way to start in the Biohacking Journey and understand the fundamentals.
This book is one of my favorite: it explores how to achieve optimal health, performance, and longevity with minimal effort. The book introduces the concept of simple Biohacking to maximize results by working with your body’s natural systems, rather than against them.
You will find in each section a summary of supplements, techniques to help you with nutrition, exercise , sleep etc. The goal is to empower readers to achieve more by doing less, focusing on smarter approaches rather than harder work.
The Bulletproof diet is a 360 overview of nutrition, exploring all types of foods and diet, pro and cons and explores topics such as how to lower inflammation through food, but also what type of cooking methodology is best to preserve nutrients.
Surprisingly, it’s included in this book will be to be aware of eating certain types of greens which can create toxic compounds. You also get good information on how the Bulletproof Diet, a high-fat high-protein diet, helps with improved cognitive function, improved energy and fat burning.
If you don’t have time to read the book, you can also access the bullet proof diet PDF, but I highly recommend to read it through so you understand the important principles.
“Eat Fat, Get Thin” by Doctor Mark Hyman challenges the conventional nutrition wisdom that fat is harmful, advocating instead for a diet rich in healthy fats to improve health, reduce inflammation and improve weight loss. This book is a staple of Biohacking as it covers extensively nutrition, the basis to have an efficient body and health. The book explains how the right types of fats, can boost metabolism, reduce inflammation, and support overall wellness.
Hyman debunks the details of why sugar and refined carbs are the bad guys. The book provides practical guidelines for you to implement. Dr Mark Hyman also developed other books and recipe books which are truly interesting, so it’s easier to create healthy meals.
Conclusion
Biohacking should make you happy. There are some recommendations, it’s true that you have to do them if you want to become healthier.
Some things you will have to try on yourself and as we all have different bodies, what works for you friend might not work on yours.
That is why I suggest you always keep an open mind to new things you could try to improve your overall physical, cognitive and spiritual performance, but you keep in mind that you do you. Also, while improving your physical health will help with your wellbeing, keep in mind that improving your spiritual state is also very very important. Your spiritual wellbeing affects a lot your physical body and should be in your priorities.
Biohacking helps you get to that stage. Having in your life burdens like a stressful job, a shitty partner, trauma, family issues has a huge impact on your overall wellbeing. It’s been said again and again, but never underestimate the power of the mind on your body. Getting rid of toxic relationships and situations is also a great way to make significant improvements in your life and is as valuable if not more as trying new supplements for Biohacking!
