Biohacking involves using DIY health tools – from diet and exercise programs to high-tech devices – in an attempt to improve one’s own wellbeing. But, how do you know if biohacking is safe and effective?
Science for the Masses conducted one of the most eye-opening biohacking experiments. Their solution, Chlorin e6, found in deep sea fish, helped induce night vision in humans using Gabriel Licina as their test subject — while normal-sighted people only saw 33%.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Modifications
Biohacking involves altering your body through diet and other techniques in order to enhance its functions and promote overall health. Biohackers have crafted various tools designed to address digital age’s detrimental impact on eyesight; however, before diving in with biohacking alone it is essential that one consult an eye care specialist first.
The biohacking movement encourages healthy lifestyle choices through diet, supplementation and exercise. It emphasizes limiting exposure to harmful environmental factors while managing chronic conditions and providing regular eye exams – with evidence pointing toward how dietary and lifestyle modifications could reduce eye strain, reduce symptoms of eye disease and enhance overall vision and comfort.
Nutrigenomics is an integral component of biohacking, the practice of using nutrition to alter genes and their expression. Biohackers seek out ways to optimize performance and support natural healing processes – some hacks even having direct impact on eye health such as following a low glycemic index diet; taking lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin C supplements; eating blueberries to prevent macular degeneration.
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), is another popular biohack used for healing purposes. PBM utilizes certain wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to supercharge cells in your body and promote healing, increasing tissue repair speed as well as stimulating ATP synthesis, an essential source of energy source. PBM is popular among biohacking enthusiasts because of its therapeutic potential to accelerate tissue healing processes while increasing production levels of this critical energy source for cells.
Biohackers have begun exploring the effectiveness of “biohacking” drinks, designed to deliver a targeted blend of nutrients and other biomolecules directly into the bloodstream. A growing body of research supports this idea that biohacking drinks may help protect against degenerative conditions while supporting eye health.
Biohacking relies on the notion that all parts of our bodies, including eyes, must work in concert for optimal function. Holistic wellness approaches such as yoga and meditation support this philosophy by emphasizing the relationship between eye health and overall wellbeing.
Natural Light
Natural light techniques can provide eye health and visual comfort benefits. Exposure to natural light throughout the day helps regulate circadian rhythms and promote overall well-being, with exposure to bright white light at dawn stimulating serotonin production in your body – which contributes to energy and positive mood boost. Furthermore, blue light exposure activates melanopsin receptors not related to vision but serves as circadian controllers; so for optimal visual performance it is wise to avoid it after dark when sleeping in a dark room.
Implementing biohacking practices into daily routines can help alleviate eye strain and enhance visual comfort, yet it is important to remember that biohacking strategies should be tailored specifically to each person and used alongside medical treatment plans for diagnosed eye conditions. Regular eye exams, open communication with eye care professionals and adherence to prescribed treatments are necessary in maintaining optimal eye health and visual comfort.
No matter your motives for using self-experimentation methods, it is always a good idea to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly and wear appropriate protective gear when handling electronic devices. Make an effort to visit an eye care professional regularly in order to ensure the health and protection of your eyes. Nutrition, lifestyle changes and specific biohacking strategies can all contribute significantly to improved visual health and overall well-being. Results may take time depending on individual response to techniques deployed; it’s essential that one remains consistent to see lasting gains.
Eye Exercises
Eye exercises may not be scientifically proven to prevent or treat vision disorders, but many biohackers believe these activities help lubricate and soothe eyes while strengthening surrounding muscles – relieving eye strain and headaches in turn. There are many simple eye exercises you can do anywhere – at work, on a bus, home – for instance taking breaks every 20 minutes by covering one’s eyes for 30 seconds then looking away. One popular method involves covering one’s eyes for about 30 seconds every 20 minutes until looking away for around 5-10 seconds then looking distantly before returning back at something.
Other eye exercises include rolling your eyes both clockwise and counterclockwise, which helps increase flexibility. Another good eye exercise is to find two objects close by that vary in distance from you and focus on one for several seconds before shifting onto the other – repeat this several times until your transition between near and far focus becomes seamless over time.
Apart from eye exercises, it’s also essential to blink frequently – this will moisturize the eyes and prevent dryness. Incorporating eye massages into daily life may also help relieve eye strain – simply use your fingertips to apply gentle pressure at various points around your eyes using fingernail rubs around their inner corners, between eyebrows, temples or use progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery techniques for this.
Many new digital applications and platforms provide exercises designed to strengthen eye movement and agility. These applications and platforms can be used on both computers and mobile devices and often make training more engaging than traditional methods, making it easier for patients to stick with and therefore more effective.
With evidence supporting the positive effects of nutrition and lifestyle modifications on eye health, biohacking strategies should complement professional guidance and treatments. A nutrient-rich diet, hygiene practices that protect from harmful environmental elements, regular eye exams and adhering to prescribed treatments all play a part in maintaining optimal eye health.
Sleep
Biohacking may sound like science-fiction-inspired buzzword, but it’s actually as straightforward as making small adjustments in your daily routine to improve health and performance. Many techniques considered biohacks – like intermittent fasting or light therapy – have been practiced for centuries – however modern tools and technologies allow us to take them one step further and extend these principles even further. Biohacks exist for improving diet, physical fitness, mental clarity and sleep – whatever it may be!
Attaining quality sleep is vital to healing and rejuvenating oneself, yet achieving it can be challenging. Many don’t get the recommended 7-9 hours per night needed and this can contribute to weight issues, high blood pressure and diabetes. Biohacking your sleep might include making diet adjustments, adding supplements like melatonin or magnesium or using wearable technologies and devices such as sleep trackers to optimize it further.
One effective strategy to biohack your sleep is by making sure you get sufficient sun exposure in the morning. Morning sunshine helps your circadian rhythm by stimulating cortisol – a natural hormone which regulates your sleep/wake cycle – as well as keeping a consistent bedtime schedule, limiting stimulants like caffeine in the evening, minimizing noise in your bedroom and adding soothing scents such as chamomile lavender or frankincense to your room.
Sleep begins with the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, when brain activity and dreams occur. The longer your REM cycle lasts, the more rested and refreshed you’ll feel upon awakening. Although your body should be most relaxed during this phase of restorative rest, stimulants like coffee or energy drinks should still be avoided as these could disrupt it and force early awakenings.
Diet and exercise are among the most commonly employed biohacking strategies for eyes, but other hacks may help improve sleep as well. Results will take time, but consistent implementation is vital if you want to see results. It is also wise to monitor progress closely and contact medical experts should you experience discomfort or notice an worsening of symptoms.
