Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores biohacking and why it’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in personal wellness.
In its simplest form, biohacking means discovering safe methods (hacks) to improve your health (biology). But today’s understanding of it goes further than that. It requires being willing to try things that science has yet to prove to work but which make sense or look beneficial.
“People are becoming more aware of how modern living can affect health, including the damage it can do daily,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“This is why the biohacking movement is growing in popularity. People are turning away from scientifically proven facts to improve their health as the wait for proven facts can be lengthy and finding a combination of lifestyle tweaks that work for them. Those combinations may include using exercise, foods, supplements and technology to improve physical, emotional, and mental well-being.”
Types of Biohacking
Biohacking can be classified into several categories, each focusing on different aspects of health and wellness:
Nutrigenomics: This involves understanding how different foods affect our bodies at a genetic level. Biohackers can tailor their diets to optimise health, increase energy levels, and prevent disease by analysing how certain nutrients influence gene expression.
DIY Biology: Often practised by individuals with some scientific training, DIY biology involves conducting experiments outside traditional laboratory settings. This can include anything from genetic engineering to microbiome analysis, all done to pursue personal health optimisation.
Grinder: This more extreme form of biohacking involves using implants or chemical injections to enhance the human body’s capabilities. Grinders might implant small devices, magnets, or chips to add sensory capabilities or monitor health metrics.
Everyday Examples of Biohacking
You may be biohacking without even knowing it if you track your hormones, count your steps, monitor your sleeping patterns, stick to a specific eating plan, or keep an eye on your stress levels.
The following are some typical areas where individuals may incorporate biohacking.
Age Biohacking
As we get older, our bodies aren’t as good at getting rid of worn-out cells, which can lead to inflammation and faster ageing. Many biohackers focus on keeping their cells healthy to look and feel younger. Here are a few ways they do it:
- Red Light Therapy: Shining unique red lights on your skin to help rejuvenate it.
- Stem Cell Therapy: Using stem cells to repair damaged tissues.
- Cryotherapy: Standing in a super cold chamber reduces inflammation and improves recovery.
- Laser Treatments at Home: Using special light devices to make skin look younger.
- Special Supplements: Taking vitamins and nutrients that support healthy ageing, like antioxidants and amino acids.
Boosting Your Energy
Having enough energy is crucial, but many of us don’t get enough sleep or feel stressed out, which drains our energy. Here are ways biohackers try to stay energised:
- Sleep Trackers: Devices that monitor how well you sleep and help you improve it.
- Blue Light Glasses: Wearing glasses that block blue light from screens to help you sleep better.
- Light Therapy: Uses light to help set your body’s clock so you feel awake during the day and sleepy at night.
- Meditation Apps: Apps that guide you through relaxation or sleep exercises.
- Supplements: Taking vitamins like magnesium or B12 to boost energy levels.
Eating Right
Biohackers tweak their diets to feel their best. Some examples include:
- Blood Sugar Supplements: Taking supplements that help keep your blood sugar levels stable.
- Glucose Monitors: Devices that continuously track your blood sugar levels.
- Gut Health: Eating foods or taking supplements that support a healthy gut, like prebiotics and probiotics.
- Fasting: Skipping meals occasionally (like intermittent fasting) to improve health.
- Personalised Nutrition: Figuring out which foods work best for your body, sometimes based on genetic testing.
Physical Fitness
Whether you’re an athlete or want to stay in shape, exercise is vital to biohacking. Here’s how some people use it to enhance their physical health:
- Cold Therapy: Taking ice baths or cold showers reduces muscle soreness and improves recovery.
- Heat Therapy: Using saunas to relax and improve circulation.
- Fitness Trackers: Wearing devices that give feedback on your workouts to help you improve.
- Vibration Therapy: Standing on machines that vibrate to help with muscle recovery.
- Nutrition and Hydration: Using supplements and drinks that help your body recover faster and perform better.
Keeping Your Brain Sharp
Your brain controls everything you do, so keeping it healthy is super important. Some brain-boosting biohacks include:
- Nootropics: Taking supplements that improve memory, focus, or creativity.
- Meditation and Breathwork: Practices that help calm your mind and improve focus.
- Exercise: Physical activity that’s good for your body and boosts brain health.
- Brain Games: Doing puzzles or games like Sudoku to keep your mind sharp.
The Benefits of Biohacking
The allure of biohacking lies in its promise of tangible, personal health benefits. Advocates claim a wide range of improvements, including:
- Increased Energy: Biohackers often report higher energy levels throughout the day by optimising diet and sleep.
- Improved Mental Clarity: Techniques like meditation, nootropics (smart drugs), and brain-training exercises aim to sharpen focus and cognitive function.
- Enhanced Physical Performance: From targeted exercise regimes to supplements and beyond, biohacking seeks to push the body’s physical capabilities.
- Longevity and Healthspan: Some biohackers are focused on extending life and enhancing the quality of those years by preventing disease and maintaining health into old age.
Considerations and Risks
While biohacking can offer significant benefits, it has its risks and considerations. The DIY nature of biohacking means that individuals often undertake experiments and changes without medical supervision, which can lead to unforeseen consequences.
- Safety: Not all biohacking practices are backed by solid scientific evidence. It’s crucial to research thoroughly and, when possible, consult healthcare professionals before making significant changes or attempting more extreme biohacking techniques.
- Ethical and Legal Concerns: Certain forms of biohacking, especially those involving genetic modification or implants, raise ethical and legal questions. The implications of self-experimentation in these areas are still being debated.
- Accessibility: Some forms of biohacking, particularly those involving advanced technology or expensive supplements, can be cost-prohibitive, limiting access to a privileged few.
- Unintended Consequences: Altering one aspect of health can sometimes have adverse effects elsewhere. It’s essential to approach biohacking with a holistic mindset, considering the interconnectedness of the body’s systems.
Getting Started with Biohacking
For those interested in exploring biohacking, starting with lifestyle changes is often the safest and most accessible approach. Here are four tips:
- Gradual Changes: Implement one small change at a time and monitor its effects on your body and mind.
- Research: Dive into reputable sources to understand the science behind each biohack you’re considering.
- Listen to Your Body: Everyone’s body is different. Pay close attention to how your body responds to each change.
- Professional Guidance: For more advanced biohacks, especially those involving supplements or medical devices, seek advice from healthcare professionals.