What is the philosophy behind biohacking?

The biohacking community is growing worldwide as biohackers are promoting the benefits of this fancy new way of living. According to the founder of bullet coffee and father of biohacking, Dave Asprey – “Biohacking is optimising the environment inside and outside of you, to take control of your biology.”

In other words, biohackers consider their body to be programmable, biological computers with great potential to improve inner biology via various hacks. Some biohackers believe in transhumanism, where the human body is a biological restriction which prevents the feat of overcoming biological ageing and death. 

Biohacking vs health optimisation

There is a fine line of difference between biohacking and health optimisation. Health optimisation is a vast concept of improving health which may include biohacking among many others. The conventional concept of health optimisation focuses on holistic health (physical and mental health).

Types of biohacking

The recent phenomenon of biohacking trends include various techniques such as practising an elimination diet or intermittent fasting, multiple cycles of anabolic or androgenic steroids etc. On an overall basis the 2 major types of biohacking practised fall under these categories:

1. Molecular biohacking

Molecular biohacking is the use of natural and synthetic molecules that can help alter an individual’s biology.

a) Therapeutic peptides

Bioactive peptides are short amino acid sequences which have special physiological functions by protecting human health from various diseases. Some peptides may also affect health.

Bioactive peptides can be endogenic or exogenic in nature. Endogenous peptides are naturally present in the body while exogenous peptides are produced in the body through protein hydrolysis or synthesis. Bioactive peptides have proven to be effective in cancer treatment.

Biomimetic peptides are oligopeptides of 15 or more peptides which can mimic the action of peptides in the body. In specific:

• Growth factor and cytokines.
• Gene transcription
• Improve binding to specific receptors.
• Stimulate keratinocytes and fibroblasts.
  
  

They are used in cosmetic formulations, anti-aging, anti-pigmentation, hair growth, body fat reduction, inflammation and anti-infection related products.

Ex: Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic etc.) is a therapeutic peptide which is used for diabetes and obesity etc.

b) NAD IV therapy

The bioavailability of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) reduces with ageing. This happens especially in mammalian tissues probably due to reduced mitochondrial function. NAD+ can prevent ageing and many other metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease, hypertension etc. This makes prevention of NAD + decline useful for targeted therapy.

NAD+ IV therapy has both advantages and disadvantages as below:

Hormones are messengers in the body which help communicate with the organs in the body. Hormones decline in our body as a result of ageing. 

Ideally, Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is used for males and Oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is used for females who have low testosterone/oestrogen levels or hypogonadism. Supplementation of hormones via TRT/ERT can provide a variety of benefits which are employed as a part of biohacking.

d) Nootropics

Nootropics are also called smart drugs. Nootropic treatment may be based on natural (ginseng extract, ashwagandha, water hyssop etc.) or synthetic nootropics (cholinergic, dihydroergotamine etc.) and must be followed consistently for a minimum of 2-3 weeks. Nootropics improve cognitive, retention and learning capacity in humans. They protect the brain’s tissues from neurotoxicity and by increasing the available glucose and oxygen for the brain’s use. 

e) Whole body cryotherapy

Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) is a type of cold exposure using liquid nitrogen in a cryochamber for a short duration at negative temperatures that aims to improve performance.  

Cryotherapy is a useful therapy for athletes and others alike. It helps in post exercise recovery, reducing pain, swelling and inflammation. It increases the number of white blood cells and immune cells in the body which actively kill pathogenic organisms and tumour inducing factors.

It can increase the synthesis of collagen in the body and inhibits the stress hormone cortisol. If the body is in a state of stress, cortisol hormone levels are high. Cortisol can hinder collagen synthesis. The latter is needed for healthy bones and skin. Cryotherapy increases the thermogenesis of fat and can help in fat breakdown due to the rise in basal metabolic rate. 

f) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the treatment of a disease using ~100% or 95% pure oxygen between 1.2-3.0 atmospheric pressure. It is used as an adjunctive therapy. The person enters a hyperbaric chamber pressurised to greater than sea level where they breathe oxygen through a face mask, hood, or endotracheal tube.

2. Technology biohacking

Technology is embedded in several devices to improve productivity and enhance and track human health.

a) Smart mattress 

An AI powered sleep pod which is attachable to any bed and helps improve sleep. An example of this technology is the “Eight sleep mattress” which is available in a few countries.

• It can auto regulate the temperature on each side of the bed to a minimum of 12°C and a maximum of 43°C.
  
  
• It can auto adjust to the individual’s inclination needs and reduce back pain, increase blood circulation, improve acid reflux symptoms and prevent swelling.
  
  
• It tracks snoring (may reduce snoring too), sleep pattern, heart rate and breathing.
  
  
• It also has an in-built alarm which gently wakes one up and ultimately reduces cortisol spikes.

b) Wearable technologies

Some examples of embedded technology used in biohacking are electronic tattoos, password pills, memory chips, magnetic implants, and GPS systems. However, these are not commonly used.

Wearable technology such as fitness trackers (ex Apple watch, Fitbit etc.) and the smart rings (ex Oura ring) are more commonly used by biohackers and health enthusiasts alike. These devices provide the comfort of self-monitoring and activity tracking. Aspects of daily activities monitored are steps count, duration and intensity of exercise, calories burnt, active minutes, sleep assessment etc. This wide variety of data provided helps one take control of health and aspects which need special attention.

c) Infrared laser helmet

The infrared laser helmet is a tool used for regrowth of hair and preventing unwanted hair loss. It uses red and near infrared light which is used for 30 minutes daily. Results are usually expected after regular use between 3-6 months.

d) Meditation headband

The meditation headband works based on EEG (electroencephalogram). An example of this device is the Muse headband. It can assess the state of mind and helps to focus and become calm. When the mind is distracted, the band plays sounds of waves, wind, rain etc. which are cues to start becoming calm. Likewise when the mind is clear and calm, it plays soothing sounds of nature.

It can track:

• The brain’s activity
• Heart rate
• Sleep quality
• Breath
• Posture detection

e) PEMF mat

The PEMF mat uses pulsed electromagnetic field waves between the frequency of 5-30 Hz which can penetrate through tissues and cells. It is very useful in treating many musculoskeletal-related disorders (osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, osteonecrosis, tendon disorders etc.). PEMF may be safe, non-invasive, effective and with no apparent side effects. 

The PEMF mat can be used while practising yoga, stretching or simply resting your back. It is said to:

• Improve muscle recovery
• Improve sleep
• Boost energy
• Help with relaxation
• Increase circulation
• Relieve stress
• Improve immune function
  
  

Affordable hacks

1. Improve sleep hygiene
Sleep is a series of rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) which is regulated by homeostatic pressure and circadian rhythm. It is quite integral and essential for life which helps the recharge and restore energy for the next day.

• Wear blue light filtering glasses, especially after dusk.
  
  
• Avoid using gadgets for a minimum of 1 hour before bedtime.
  
  
• Finish eating meals before sunset.
  
  
• Avoid watching TV shows which are stimulating such as horror, thrillers etc.
  
  
• Make sure the room temperature is optimal (not too hot, not too cold).
  
  
• Try to get fresh air for better air circulation by opening the window.
  
  
• Turn off the wifi (EMF released by the modem can interfere with sleep)
  
  

2. Hydrate and don’t drink your water

There is a difference between drinking water and hydrating. It is important that the water we drink is being used by the body for various bodily functions instead of plainly being excreted.

• Choose your source of water carefully. Tap water may have harmful toxins while mineral water is devoid of minerals. Invest in a good quality water filtering system.
  
  
• Add a pinch of Himalayan pink salt or celtic sea salt to your water.
  
  
• Never combine food and water in a single meal.
  
  
• Practise a gap of 30 minutes before and after meals to drink water.
  
  

3. Natural light exposure

The electromagnetic spectrum (red to violet) is the only spectrum of light which we can see. Light can heal and help in different ailments. Light exposure is extremely important for this reason. In the winter months when the daily light is less is when seasonal affective disorder (SAD) etc. set in. Light helps our body respond to the circadian rhythm.

• LED bulbs which are artificial light sources can be harmful for the body. It is advised to wear blue light blocking glasses for the same reason.
  
  
• Light exposure is needed for at least 15 minutes every day.
  
  
• Light exposure helps improve vitamin D synthesis.
  
  
• Observe the beauty of the sun rise and sun set.
  
  

4. Earthing 

Earthing is the act of bringing the skin in direct contact with the Earth. This can be done by walking barefoot on sand or grass etc. The benefits of grounding can be attributed to reduced cortisol levels and delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS).

Benefits of grounding

• Improves sleep
• Has an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Reduces pain
• Helps bust stress
• Helps in wound healing
  
  

5. Breathing 

Daily deep breathing exercises are simple and time efficient. Many individuals believe, the moment one is born each individual is assigned a fixed number of breaths till death and one must make best use of this fixed breath count. Following the right breathing practises can reduce blood pressure and stress. There are many techniques known such as practising pranayama, box breathing, Wim Hof’s technique to name a few.

6. Movement

“Movement is life”; “sitting is the new smoking” – These are phrases which we hear time and again. Exercise is very important in our daily lives and the benefits of the same are needless to say.

• Set your own personalised exercise routine.
  
  
• Make movement your priority.
  
  
• Keep a rebounder or a stationary cycle in your office space and use it for a few minutes a couple of times a day.
  
  
• Avoid sitting for too long.
  
  
• Use a standing desk
  
  

7. Follow a healthy diet

Our genes are such that they best respond to eating like our ancestors. Choosing food which is closest to its natural form is the best way to do so.

• Avoid any food which comes packaged.
  
  
• Eat only when you are hungry and only till you are full.
  
  
• Avoid coffee after 2 pm and if you do consume choose bullet coffee.
  
  
• Practise fasting for 12–14 hours a day to help your body detox.
  
  
• During your eating window choose organic food, grass-fed butter, vegetables, low-mercury fish, pastured eggs etc.
  
  
• Avoid eating pro-inflammatory food such as gluten, A1 protein (milk), lectins (beans, lentils, pulses, soybeans, peanuts), oxalates (green leafy vegetables, beetroot etc.), processed sugar, processed vegetable and seed oils. 
  
  
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
  
  

8. Dental hygiene

Dental hygiene is commonly overlooked when it comes to health. But digestion of food starts in the mouth and it is important to maintain good dental hygiene.

• Practise oil pulling.
  
  
• Prefer ceramic tooth implants over metal implants.
  
  
• Use a sonic toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste.
  
  
• Use a tongue scraper.
  
  
• Go for yearly teeth scaling.
  
  

Ethical and safety issues to be considered

Biohacking seems to be a fancy term to take care of health. There is currently no scientific backing which supports the long-term efficacy, application and safety of biohacking for different demographics.  

Some issues associated with biohacking are:

• The true drive behind biohacking is to challenge traditional scientific research.
  
  
• Genetic manipulation and self-administered drugs which are not regulated are not safe.
  
  
• There is no regulation governing biohacking. 
  
  
• Biohacking may seem to be risky for life and society.

Keeping this in mind it is important to understand that when one wishes to adopt biohacking it must be at individual discretion. The information stated above is only to create awareness of the new emerging trend of biohacking. Always discuss major health changes you would like to adopt with your doctor.


Mayuri,
Dietetic Researcher, Simplyweight