What is Biohacking?

You’ve heard of computer hackers or credit card hackers, people who steal the identity of others for financial gain. But what is biohacking? Not to worry, no one is trying to steal your biology. We aren’t talking about body snatchers or anything like that. Biohacking is a term you’ll be hearing a lot as we dive even deeper into a technology-based society.

What Is Biohacking?

What is biohacking? It is a term used to describe do-it-yourself biology for human enhancement. Biohacking consists of making diet or lifestyle changes in an attempt to improve your health and longevity. There are biohacks to promote things like quick weight loss, enhanced brain function, or even to run faster. Put simply, biohacking is optimizing your body through the use of biology and technology. Those who are biohacking are using technology to enhance their biology. 

What Are Examples of Biohacking?

Biohacking is an evolving term as people are constantly trying to kick things up a notch in their quest for longevity. There are various types of biohacking, but some of the most popular biohacking examples are:

1. Nutrigenomics

This form of biohacking focuses on how the food you consume interacts with your genes. The biohackers that follow this school of thought believe that your body’s total genetic expression can be mapped out and improved by testing how various nutrients affect your health over time.

Nutrigenomics also seeks to learn how different nutrients affect the way you feel, process information, and your behavior.

2. DIY Biology

DIY biology is led by those that have an education and experience in various fields of science. These experienced biohackers provide techniques and advice to those less knowledgeable to help them conduct experiments on themselves. Rather than following a medical model with placebos and a controlled environment, these biohackers take matters into their own hands.

How Does Biohacking Work?

By now, you are probably intrigued but also asking yourself, “how does biohacking work?”. There are so many different levels and extremes of biohacking, but it isn’t too different from traditional medicine. We use medicine, medical devices, and vitamins to improve our body’s performance. Biohacking also aims to improve the body’s performance by using the most updated forms of technology available. 

Meditation, fasting, exercising, or taking antidepressants are all types of biohacking. But biohackers operate under the idea that we can transform our lives and overcome our shortcomings using technology. They use apps and trackers to monitor all of their activities to ensure they are meeting their full potential.

Top Biohacking Supplements

Biohackers rely heavily on vitamins and supplements to improve their body and mind and increase their longevity. Biohacking supplements are generally categorized into eight groups. These groups of biohacking supplements are:

  • Foundation Supplements
  • Block Supplements
  • Memory and Focus Supplements
  • Sleep Supplements
  • Allergy and Immunity Supplements
  • Cardiovascular Supplements
  • Fat Loss Supplements
  • Strength and Muscle Gain Supplements

Foundation biohacking supplements are the base biohacking supplements that enhance your  body with little or no side effects. Foundation biohacking supplements are those vitamins that you should build your stack on. When your foundation biohacking supplements are in place, you can start to build up to using more supplements with a safe outcome. Some examples of foundation biohacking supplements include:

  • Blueberries
  • Garlic
  • Vitamin C
  • Magnesium
  • Melatonin
  • Cocoa
  • Nitrates
  • Protein
  • Carbohydrates

Block biohacking supplements are the building blocks used on top of foundation supplements.

Block biohacking supplements should only be added to your stack if they suit your specific needs but should not be used by everyone. Some examples of block biohacking supplements include:

  • Bacopa Monnieri
  • Caffeine 
  • Cholinergic
  • Fish Oil and Omega 3s
  • Uridine
  • Colloidal Silver
  • Echinacea
  • Elderberry
  • Zinc
  • Taurine

Where Do I Start With Biohacking?

Biohacking is easy to get into and simple to build upon. Remember, the main goal is to be the most optimal version of yourself, and we all know there are ways we can boost our health and improve our behavioral lifestyle. Here are some simple steps to ease your way into biohacking that will improve your health and longevity:

  • Improve your posture
  • Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
  • Get outdoors and immerse yourself in nature
  • Lower your expectations and raise your tolerance with uncomfortable situations
  • Meditate
  • Use music to stimulate brain waves
  • Practice gratitude
  • Drink Bulletproof Coffee

What Is A Biohacking Diet?

Everyone knows the key to a long, healthy life, free of disease, is your diet and exercise regimen. Biohackers believe that everything they consume interacts with their biology and genetic makeup. You should follow a biohacking diet that enhances your specific lifestyle and interactions. Most biohackers eat organic foods rich in nutrients such as fruits and vegetables, and foods high in healthy fat.

One of the most popular biohacking diet trends is intermittent fasting. This biohacking diet isn’t necessarily about what you eat, but when you eat it, that helps to boost metabolism. An elimination diet is another biohacking diet that suggests removing certain foods from your diet and then slowly introducing them back. This biohacking diet can help you pinpoint what is causing inflammation and bloating in your body.

Is Bulletproof Coffee Considered Biohacking?

Bulletproof Coffee and biohacking are two terms that are always part of the same conversation. Bulletproof Coffee is a mix of high-quality coffee, unsalted butter, and a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), such as coconut oil. Bulletproof Coffee and biohacking go hand in hand because it kills cravings, kick starts your metabolism, and improves your cognitive function. Begin each day with Bulletproof Coffee, especially after a period of fasting, for optimal results.

Spermidine May Help

If you are interested in optimizing your health and being the best version of yourself, Spermidine supplements can help. Biohackers all agree that supplements are the foundation to a more youthful self. Spermidine supplements are an emerging addition to many biohackers’ supplement regimens. Spermidine acts on your body’s natural cellular renewal process known as autophagy. Autophagy aids your body in removing toxic and dysfunctional organelles from your cells, allowing for greater cellular function. The effects of autophagy impact almost all of your body’s primary functions on a cellular level.

  • Don Moxley - Director of Applied Science

    Don Moxley is the Director of Applied Science at Longevity Labs. Moxley draws upon his career as an athlete, a sports scientist, and an instructor to lead and educate on the science of autophagy and longevity.