No doubt you have heard of Dave Asprey and Wim Hof, the Iceman who employs breathwork to withstand freezing temperatures; these individuals represent two examples of citizen scientists known as biohackers – applying scientific techniques into everyday life and routine.
While DIY biohacking experiments may seem risky, most are safe and supported by research. Some examples include tracking sleep with wearable devices or trying out low dose nootropics like caffeine.
Cryotherapy
Biohackers use multiple strategies to enhance their health, from diet and exercise adjustments to more extreme self-experimentation. Their goal is to take an proactive approach to healthcare through tools such as full-body scans and early diagnostics; and many have become interested in cell repair, longevity and cognitive enhancement as part of this pursuit.
Some strategies that are unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and can therefore be potentially hazardous to your health. One such practice is cold therapy – indulging in immersing themselves in cold water or using cryotherapy chambers can reduce inflammation, stimulate mitochondria, and increase cardiovascular resilience.
Gene editing, where biohackers alter cells to make them more productive or healthy, has long been considered controversial by experts; nonetheless, amateur scientists can easily obtain all of the equipment online. While experts caution against gene-editing practices such as this one, amateur scientists still take risk in undertaking it due to accidentally introducing viruses into their bodies during gene-editing procedures.
Few individuals have distinguished themselves as biohackers, such as Josiah Zayner. A biohacking entrepreneur with a Ph.D. in biophysics from the University of Chicago and an endearing public persona, Zayner has gained fame as a biohacker through livestreamed CRISPR gene-editing experiments, using faecal transplants to study gut microbiome composition and creating kits to try CRISPR gene editing, make glow-in-the-dark yeasts and genetically engineer tree frogs – among many other achievements he has created his company that sell kits so other people can try CRISPR gene editing experiments for themselves.
Some experts consider biohacking an invaluable form of scientific literacy, while others express concerns over potential dangers and safety risks. Whatever their view on biohacking may be, however, one thing is certain: our modern world is experiencing unprecedented advances in genomics and technology that provide biohackers an opportunity.
Biohacking should never replace traditional healthcare. Therefore, before undertaking any unusual or experimental procedures yourself, always consult with a doctor first in order to make an informed decision on whether they’re safe and effective for your particular circumstances. Furthermore, internet health advice is frequently outdated or misleading – leading to dangerous behaviors and giving false senses of security.
Heat therapy
Use of a portable infrared sauna has long been touted as a health hack, promising to enhance cellular regeneration and blood circulation, reduce pain and inflammation, boost metabolism and help with weight management. Unfortunately, however, little scientific evidence exists to back these claims; indeed it may even prove harmful in cases such as multiple sclerosis or cancer.
DIY science involves self-proclaimed “biohackers” who utilize their bodies as living laboratories to modify DNA. This movement marries science with Silicon Valley culture and the belief that people should have access to tools normally reserved for scientists; transhumanism also has an impactful presence in this regard.
At a biohacking conference in San Francisco, Roberts introduced himself and gave a passionate presentation of his latest project – Open Insulin project – an attempt at hacking healthcare system failure – to address cost of insulin that helps 7.5 million diabetic Americans to live.
He and his partners had successfully reverse engineered Glybera gene-therapy drug to treat rare form of diabetes caused by an inherited genetic mutation. After years and thousands of dollars spent producing it, they were now ready to test it on patients suffering from dangerously elevated triglycerides levels in their bloodstream.
Biohackers strive to democratize science; however, their actions may also exacerbate unhealthy behaviors. A recent Lancet study identified biohacking practices such as extreme diets and intermittent fasting as contributing to eating disorders among men and adolescent boys; in addition to this trend promoting constant optimization leading to burnout and stress.
Community biology may be popular, yet most experiments conducted aren’t effective at improving health. Instead, research consistently shows that lifestyle choices like whole food-based diets, exercise and managing stress better predict longevity than any high-tech gadgets or trendy biohacks.
Light therapy
Biohacking, or body and mind optimization through technology and self-experimentation, has gained popularity among tech entrepreneurs, athletes and health influencers as a way of increasing energy levels and performing better. Biohackers may alter their diet, sleep patterns and exercise routines while using special devices to monitor their health status; some devices may pose potential dangers, especially for people living with certain medical conditions or taking prescription medications; it is therefore wise to read all instructions thoroughly prior to beginning a device or procedure.
There are various biohacking experiments, from lifestyle strategies to sophisticated genetic engineering techniques. Most commonly seen biohacking experiments focus on changing an individual’s environment or habits to enhance performance and well-being; others involve chemicals or materials hazardous to human health that may require further experimentation; some biohackers even attempt to extend lifespan through genetic modification of cells in their bodies.
Gene editing experiments have long been considered controversial due to ethical concerns; FDA could crack down on anyone experimenting with genetically altered organisms; however, biohackers and others continue to experiment with gene editing technology without fear of reprisals.
Biohacker Elizabeth Parrish claims she used gene editing techniques to slow her aging process; her experiment is highly contentious due to not adhering to scientific protocols and offering no proof that her treatment actually works.
Biohackers frequently seek to challenge mainstream medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, experimenting with ways to alter their DNA or enhance senses – such as through light therapy – without going the traditional route of going through traditional channels of healthcare or supervision from experts. Because many of these experiments are unregulated, it is wise to do them only under guidance from an expert.
Some biohackers employ evidence-based strategies recommended by experts, like prioritizing sleep and eating nutrient-rich foods, while others go further by trying cold exposure or intermittent fasting – neither of which are necessarily recommended for all. Some biohackers even turn to unproven strategies like taking supplements or drinking copious amounts of alcohol.
Exercise
Biohackers often experiment with DIY genetic engineering and other advanced technology; however, most biohackers focus on improving their fitness and mental clarity through well-researched practices such as exercise and sleep optimization. Such approaches take an holistic approach towards peak human performance that harnesses its full potential by taking full advantage of both mind and body.
Maximizing the success of your workouts requires more than a great exercise plan and supplements; you also must optimize your diet and sleeping habits. Exercise is an excellent way to do this as it burns calories both during and after a workout while improving cardiovascular health and muscle endurance, mood enhancement and making you a more productive and focused person.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a favorite form of biohacker exercise because it can boost metabolic rate, stimulate neurogenesis, and bring mental clarity. Furthermore, this form of physical activity has also been shown to lower heart disease risk and promote weight loss. But for maximum benefits it’s essential that proper techniques be utilized so as to avoid injury while getting maximum results out of each workout session.
Biohacking or do-it-yourself biology has emerged as an international movement, promising sharper minds and stronger bodies. Yet the practice straddles a delicate line between scientific evidence-backed strategies and risky self-experimentation; additionally it relies on a variety of unregulated supplements and tools that must be purchased without oversight from regulatory bodies.
While some biohacking experiments can be dangerous and lead to serious harm, others offer invaluable insight into human health and wellbeing. When choosing which biohacks to try, be mindful of any possible side effects or associated costs before making your choice.
No matter the reason behind your genetic modification or lifestyle modification efforts, there is plenty of information online. What’s most essential is staying informed on what and why you are undertaking these processes and taking advice from medical professionals when necessary.
