Biohacking: What You Need to Know

Necessary Aesthetics Jun 16, 2023
4 People Read
The human brain as a header image.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. 

What is Biohacking?

Biohacking is a revolutionary new way of taking control over the human body and your health. Biohacking involves the use of technology and science to manipulate and enhance your body's natural processes in order to improve physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Biohacking can be as simple as tracking your activity with a wearable device or as complex as editing your DNA. With biohacking, you have the power to transform your mind and body through this "DIY biology".

People interested in improving their overall health can benefit from biohacking. Whether you’re an athlete looking for an athletic performance edge or someone struggling with body weight, biohacking has the potential to help you reach your goals. Biohacking is also beneficial for those who are interested in exploring new techniques for weight loss, improving cognitive function, reducing risk of heart disease, and so much more.

Types of Biohacking

Dietary Change Biohacking

Dietary modifications are an essential tool for successful biohacking. Mastery of your diet is key; without being in control of your diet, you won't be able to get the full benefit of any other aspects of biohacking. Mastering your diet will help with regulating blood sugar, controlling or identifying metabolic and brain disorders, and helping you feel your best during everyday life. Human beings will get the most out of other forms of biohacking if used in conjunction with a healthy diet. The body responds best when fueled appropriately.

A scale as a simple tool for biohacking.

Intermittent fasting and the elimination diet are types of dietary changes used in the practice - intermittent fasting involves regular cycles of eating followed by periods of no or minimal food intake, whereas the elimination diet is used to rule out food intolerances to get the most out of your diet. Fasting goes beyond just intermittent short-term fasts and might include multi-day extended fasts, which have been shown to have significant positive effects on many aspects of human health, including improving metabolic function and controlling inflammation levels.

The use of dietary supplements is also common for biohackers following a healthier diet, as well as anyone who strives to maintain optimal health. These can be tailored to an individual's specific needs depending on their particular health goals and concerns.

Ultimately, the type of dietary changes chosen will depend on one’s goals. Understanding how fasting and varying the number of calories consumed can impact health is beneficial for anyone interested in weight loss or leading a healthier lifestyle. Another diet-based biohacking tool is the use of accountability apps. Use of these apps is one of the best biohacking techniques because they can take all of the strain of counting calories and remembering when to eat.

Additionally, an honest and conscious approach to diet will help with addressing or identifying eating disorders. You've heard the expression "You are what you eat" - what better evidence that biohacking your diet is the easiest "diy biology".

As always, speak with your managing medical professional to assess the risks involved and ensure there are no underlying health concerns. If you are experiencing difficulty with an eating disorder or diet-related health problems please reach out to your medical provider for assistance and resources.

Lifestyle Change Biohacking

One of the most effective and achievable ways of biohacking your lifestyle and improving your well-being is to ensure you are getting adequate sleep, exercising, engaging in activities like yoga, and spending more time in nature.

By taking control of your sleep-wake cycle you can ensure that you sleep an adequate amount each day - this will make sure you’re well-rested and energized enough to face the day.

Additionally, regular exercise has its own benefits; it boosts energy levels and helps release endorphins which in turn cut stress levels. Furthermore, incorporating some form of relaxation or mindfulness practice such as yoga into your routine makes room for downtime to relieve tension that eventually catches up with our bodies.

Finally, investing some quality time outdoors in nature refreshes your senses for enhanced mental clarity.

All in all, strategies like these are tangible lifestyle changes anyone can implement to increase biohacking potential. There are minimal safety risks with small lifestyle changes. The best part is that these small lifestyle diy biology hacks often yield big results.

Circulatory Biohacking

Sauna, cold plunge, and compression therapy are three biohacking activities that offer numerous benefits for the circulatory systems.

The heat of a sauna can increase chronic pain relief while providing relaxation to both the mind and body. This is a great place to start exploring unconventional ideas.

Cold therapy (or cold plunges) can also help with chronic pain, and weight loss, and improve cognitive function and other biological processes within the body. Recent studies have shown that there are major benefits for the immune system and even positive correlations with life extension from cold plunging. There is compelling research that cold therapy can even slow the normal aging process.

Compression therapy offers several benefits too; it increases blood circulation by using pressure levels to stimulate the blood flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

Wearable Technology Biohacking

Wearable technology has become increasingly popular over the last few years and is now commonly used for biohacking. These technologies, such as wearables like EEG headsets, mindfulness tools, brainwave entrainment, tDCS devices, CES devices, fitness wearables, and sleep-aid devices allow us to control our own biology. Some of these technologies utilize consistent sound wave technology or minor electric currents to read or influence brain waves; this can change our brain gene networks.

A smart watch being used for biohacking.

Wearable technology enables us to take charge of our health and wellness by providing us with data that was not readily available in the past. Leveraging this technology begins with understanding how various forms of wearable technology can assist people on their journey toward self-improvement and a healthier lifestyle.

Brain Biohacking

Biohacking has become a popular trend in recent years, offering people a way to improve their cognitive function through a DIY biology approach. While there are many types of biohacking techniques, some specifically target the brain. One of the most popular methods of biohacking is the use of smart drugs, which are specifically engineered to enhance brain function. However, biohacking the brain involves more than just popping pills. It requires a deep understanding of the body, and various methods can be utilized.

Yoga as a biohacking tool.

For example, some biohacking uses blood tests to identify nutrient deficiencies that may be hindering brain function. By addressing these deficiencies, they can improve brain health and achieve optimal performance. Biohacking the brain is a fascinating topic that offers a wealth of possibilities for those looking to boost their cognitive abilities.

These practices help individuals unlock their full potential by increasing concentration, improving reaction time, enhancing creativity, reducing stress, and improving overall brain performance. There is a wide variety of techniques in this area available for those looking to take advantage of its benefits but it’s important to understand all of your biohacking options.

Another popular method of biohacking is meditation, which has been shown to increase gray matter density, improve focus, and reduce stress levels. Another technique is Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST), which involves floating in a sensory deprivation tank to improve mental and physical health. By exploring these techniques and others, individuals can take control of their brain function and unleash their full potential.

Biohacking through Genetic Engineering

Biohacking via genetic engineering involves editing the genetic information of an organism, with the goal of enhancing or altering its characteristics. With the increasing accessibility of genetic editing tools, biohacking has become an exciting area of research with promising implications for health, agriculture, and even energy production. Scientists are exploring ways to use biohacking to develop more nutritious crops, eradicate diseases, and create biofuels from non-food sources. While there are concerns about the safety and ethical implications of genetic engineering, the potential benefits cannot be ignored. Biohacking through genetic engineering is a rapidly evolving field that may someday change the way we live and solve some of the biggest challenges facing the world.

Start your Biohacking Journey

In conclusion, biohacking is a revolutionary concept that has the potential to unlock the full potential of our bodies and minds. By taking individualized approaches, we can optimize our health and performance in ways unimaginable before. If you're looking to take control of your health and become the better version of yourself, then biohacking is definitely the way to go. What's even better is that you can start today without spending a single penny. From small habits like getting enough sleep and staying hydrated to more advanced techniques like intermittent fasting and cold showers, there are plenty of ways to begin your biohacking journey. So what are you waiting for? Take action today and start your biohacking journey to unleash your full potential.


Disclosure:  Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only.