Dave Asprey is a health science entrepreneur and four-time New York Times bestselling author with over 18 million copies sold of his four New York Times bestselling novels combined. As host of Bulletproof Radio podcast, his million-dollar home biohacking lab contains infrared sauna, hyperbaric chamber and power plate to boost energy.
Dave is an advocate of intermittent fasting, MCT oil and 40 Years of Zen, an enhanced mindfulness meditation practice to increase brainpower. In this exclusive Gaia Original series he presents researched and proven strategies to take control of biology and enhance longevity.
What is biohacking?
Biohacking can be defined as “biological experimentation to enhance the qualities or capacities of living organisms outside traditional medical research”. Dave Asprey coined this phrase over a decade ago, and its definition can now be found in Merriam-Webster dictionary. While its scope may be broad, most biohackers aim to increase health and longevity via various means ranging from lifestyle modifications to extreme interventions.
There are various types of biohacking, such as nutritional, cognitive and physical. Nutritional biohacking involves altering a person’s diet to maximize energy levels, cognitive function and overall health – this can range from ketogenic diets to intermittent fasting – while cognitive biohacking employs supplements or tools to enhance learning, focus and concentration skills as well as reduce inflammation. Physical biohacking methods include using hyperbaric oxygen chambers, cold plunging or grounding techniques.
Asprey established Upgrade Labs as a biohacking and recovery center to offer people an opportunity to experiment with various biohacking techniques in order to optimize health and extend lifespan. His goal was to help people improve their wellbeing and extend longevity.
Unwittingly, many people already engage in biohacking without realizing it. Some individuals track their sleep cycles, take supplements or use fitness trackers; others might opt for clean eating or cryotherapy treatments; but these examples only scratch the surface; true biohackers take an integrative approach towards their wellness that prioritizes health as a priority.
Corina, a biohacker from Berlin, regularly takes cold plunges and consumes medium chain triglyceride oil as she believes these simple strategies have helped her feel more energised, reduce pain and inflammation, increase productivity and sleep better.
Some might view biohacking practices as controversial; others find them fascinating as an experiment to enhance quality of life. Kayla Itsines highlighted biohacking on her Sweat Daily podcast by saying it can help reduce weight, boost energy levels and enhance focus.
How does biohacking work?
Biohacking involves exploring various techniques for improving health. This can include anything from modifying diet and supplement use, monitoring sleep or activity levels and practicing mindfulness techniques – the goal being to find what works for you best while continually making improvements over time.
Intermittent fasting is one of the most widely practiced biohacks. This technique involves eating only at certain periods throughout the day and can help people lose weight, lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation – however it should be noted that the effectiveness of this biohack depends on both diet and number of fasting hours.
Wearable technology is another popular biohack for tracking fitness and sleep patterns, helping users to identify trends and adjust their routine accordingly. Wearables such as heart rate monitors can help track blood pressure while sleeping; app-based nutrition tracking programs may track nutrition. Some biohackers also utilize light therapy as a form of stimulation of cells and improved circulation; for instance, some individuals possess small light implants they can activate with smartphone apps.
Other biohacks popular among biohacking enthusiasts include red light therapy, cold plunges and grounding; all three techniques can help improve sleep quality while increasing energy and decreasing stress. Biohacking has become an increasingly popular movement thanks to emerging longevity science and innovative technologies which enable individuals to live longer healthier lives.
However, it’s important to remember that not all biohacks are appropriate and it’s wise to conduct adequate research before engaging any biohacks or working with health professionals if necessary. It is also crucial that realistic goals are set rather than getting caught up in hype surrounding new health trends.
Biohacking is a complex topic with multiple facets. To start off right, it’s essential that you gain an understanding of what biohacking entails and how it may benefit your life. After that, experiment with various techniques until you find what works for you – it may take some time and patience but ultimately it will pay off!
What are some of dave’s biohacking techniques?
Dave Asprey, known for creating Bulletproof Coffee and being self-described biohacker has built himself quite the name as an expert on wellness. Utilizing scientific approaches to health improvement and integrating his findings into products, podcasts and lifestyle choices as a result of increasing his own IQ by 20 points while simultaneously losing 100 pounds and creating his wellness empire.
Asprey dedicates two hours each morning when he wants to improve his wellbeing by engaging in various body and brain treatments such as cryo and hyperbaric chambers, infrared saunas, neurofeedback, breathwork, meditation and neurofeedback sessions. He believes in getting adequate restful sleep for peak performance – which he considers especially essential for women.
Asprey advocates experimenting with various techniques and tools in order to find what works for each person. That’s why he established Upgrade Labs: so people could test out various hacks and devices which might improve their health. While it’s hard to know what will actually work for everyone, he suggests using objective feedback like blood markers as an easy way to track your progress.
One of his preferred biohacks is Danger Coffee, which contains caffeine as well as over 50 trace minerals and electrolytes to reduce stress, boost focus and fight cravings for sugar. Additionally, apple cider vinegar may help suppress appetite, reduce bloat and aid weight loss.
Asprey suggests getting a HEPA air filter for your home to rid the air of harmful particles that contribute to fatigue or inflammation, which could help improve restful sleeping patterns and maximize restfulness. He also endorses using Sleep Crown pillows which give gentle compression during restful slumber; and suggests listening to soothing music or guided meditation such as BrainTap by Patrick Porter which mimics nature’s soothing qualities in order to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
What are some of dave’s favorite biohacking tools?
As longevity science emerges and innovations enable people to track nearly every facet of health through innovative gadgets, DIY approaches are increasingly being employed as ways to control one’s own biology and take back control. Many are turning to biohacking as a means to optimize their bodies, minds and lives; some techniques may appear extreme while others have been shown to positively affect health in numerous studies. Today we discuss Dave Asprey – founder of Bulletproof Coffee, four-time New York Times best selling author, webby award winning podcast host Bulletproof Radio/Human Upgrade- – approachs self-experimentation with his approachs to self-experimentation with self-experimentation with.
Asprey, who likens himself to a biohacker, developed his own diet and lifestyle hacks in order to increase energy levels, enhance mental clarity, and aid weight loss. These innovations enabled him to realize his dream of living to 180 and inspired Upgrade Labs–an organization providing tools and support for others aspiring to live this long.
Asprey’s favorite biohacking tools include a light therapy box which emits blue and red lights to restore circadian rhythm, Bulletproof Skincare which injects your body with bacteria that help its functions run optimally (Bulletproof Skincare), nootropics which enhance cognitive performance allowing more focus, motivation, and memory – not forgetting mattresses and headphones, both essential components of quality restful sleep.
Asprey utilizes other biohacks, including intermittent fasting, meditation and exercise as methods to increase productivity and performance. His strategies have been shown to benefit work performance as well as mental wellbeing.
DNA testing kits are another popular biohacking tool, as they allow people to unlock their genetic information and make data-driven decisions that optimize the effectiveness of other biohacks. A simple mouth swab sent off for analysis can determine optimal nutrition, potential health risks, fitness responses, sleep patterns, ancestry details and ancestry details – among many other outcomes.
