Biohacking may be happening without you even realizing it if you maintain a regular sleep schedule, use wearable technology and consume dietary supplements regularly. Biohacking is similar to functional medicine in that it seeks to address root causes rather than simply manage symptoms.
Some biohackers take more extreme approaches, like inserting chips into their bodies or conducting DIY biology experiments at home. Liviu Babitz wants to develop new human senses including north.
What is biohacking?
Biohacking has quickly become a trend in the worlds of hi-tech, wellness, and anti-aging. This practice involves using technology and supplements to optimize how both your body and brain function; ultimately, the goal being achieving peak health so you can achieve your goals and live longer.
Some individuals turn to biohacking in order to combat an illness or chronic condition; others use it to enhance athletic performance or cognitive function; still others utilize biohacking simply to extend their lifespan. On this episode of Victoria Derbyshire program, we meet some people experimenting with their bodies and minds for optimal health; from inserting technology under their skin to following extreme diets, we learn what makes an effective modern-day biohacker.
Biohacking involves making changes to your diet and lifestyle that aim to optimize how your body and mind operate, from adding more oily fish into your diet or using fitness apps as tracking devices, to taking supplements or drinking cold water, meditation techniques or even gene editing procedures to alter genetic code.
Biohacking techniques often lack scientific support or approval by healthcare providers; this doesn’t imply they’re unsafe or ineffective – just that it’s important to do your own research prior to embarking on any new hack. Also consult a doctor before engaging in experimental biohacks which involve injecting chemicals or equipment directly into your body.
Some biohackers believe that modern medicine is failing, with too much power wielded by pharmaceutical industries and no cure for certain conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or certain cancers. They believe there should be alternative approaches taken when approaching such diseases as these.
Other biohackers are taking biohacking to an even higher level. One such biohacker, named Liviu Babitz, hopes to add new human senses. He’s created a device which will allow users to feel North, just as animals do. Wearable on your chest using Bluetooth connectivity and equipped with a compass chip to send vibrations when faced with north.
What is the goal of biohacking?
Biohackers typically seek ways to enhance their lives, from cognitive function and weight management to diet and supplement optimization. They usually seek foods and supplements that support both their bodies and minds – such as less refined carbs and lower caffeine consumption – while more extreme forms may include things such as bulletproof coffee (a caffeinated, butter and oil mixture intended to increase cognitive function) or young blood infusions designed to slow or even reverse aging.
Biohacks may have their place, but it’s important to keep in mind that health is very subjective and not all hacks are supported by research and data. Some may even be dangerous – for instance ice baths intended to aid recovery after workouts while increasing energy can actually cause dehydration, muscle cramping and frostbite in some instances – while taking supplements not prescribed by healthcare providers may prove hazardous to your wellbeing.
Biohacking involves altering one’s biology by implanting technology directly into their bodies, whether that means inserting something simple like a compass chip in their chest so they can feel north when touching their skin or more complex procedures like gene editing and even implanting biochips. Though biohacking may seem appealing, its most extreme forms involve altering biology through inserting technology directly into one’s biology – though highly experimental with increased risks involved.
Dr Dinetz believes the aim of most biohackers is to enhance their own lives and wellbeing, but is concerned about the information being disseminated to others without appropriate healthcare professional oversight such as himself or the team at Spectra.
Bottom line, biohacking can be a safe and worthwhile pursuit when undertaken responsibly, though any significant or radical interventions must first be evaluated by qualified healthcare providers before being put into practice.
What are the methods of biohacking?
Biohacking refers to using diet and lifestyle changes to improve health, be that weight loss, increased energy, improved sleep patterns, boosted immunity or living longer. Many biohacks are scientifically-backed while others may simply be experimental. When taking nootropics or taking part in cold plunges it’s essential that best practices are being adhered to and that you receive accurate information from reliable sources.
Biohacking at its most extreme involves implanting technology, which can be extremely dangerous if done incorrectly. Rich Catrin, for instance, is known for his extreme body modifications which include magnets in his fingers to track blood pressure; near-field communication chips to open doors and links; as well as a thermometer chip monitoring his temperature levels; as well as CRISPR editing of DNA.
While such practices are uncommon, there are those who believe we should have more control over our bodies and improve them through technology. These individuals are known as transhumanists and form part of the biohacking movement. Their goal is to increase intelligence, extend lifespan and even alter genetic code so as to live forever.
These practices raise many ethical concerns and should only be attempted under medical advice. Fortunately, biohacking is becoming more mainstream and there are an array of tools available that enable individuals to make small adjustments in their lifestyles.
Biohacking promises an exciting future and will no doubt prompt many questions about how we live as humans. But it is crucial to remember that quality of life should take precedence over just longevity; that is where biohacking comes in – helping us live each moment fully while mitigating risks and side effects.
What are the risks of biohacking?
Do-it-yourself (DIY) approaches were once solely reserved for home improvements or creative hobbies; today they’re being applied by biohacking activists to their health in an attempt to optimize it. But as Aaron Traywick’s experience shows, biohacks may not always be risk free – while some use techniques backed by scientific research or that have been scientifically verified; others employ unproven approaches which may pose risks that are yet unknown to science, making these hacks potentially riskier – the more obscure or experimental the hack – like treating yourself like an experiment instead!
Some biohackers take biohacking a step further by implanting electronics into their bodies and taking substances not approved for human consumption. The grinder movement, an offshoot of biohacking community, strives to enhance human bodies through technology or chemicals which give users cyborg-like features or hyper human senses; this violates bioethical principles; before taking such risks they should first seek professional medical and scientific advice before undertaking such actions.
Nootropics (supplements that improve cognitive function and focus) are among the most commonly used biohacking techniques, often sold online and sometimes hard to monitor as many contain potentially dangerous ingredients. Other common methods of altering natural chemistry include intermittent fasting, hot/cold therapy or decreasing screen time usage.
Biohackers often seek to push the limits of science beyond what traditional academic and medical research can achieve; however, their experiments may have devastating repercussions for themselves as individuals as well as society as a whole.
To reduce the risks associated with biohacking, it’s essential to strike a balance between innovation and responsible regulation. While biohackers should be allowed to experiment freely, they must abide by governing bodies that establish standards for safety, ethics and governance – internationally this could include creating alliances to oversee DIY biohacking or genomic editing governance.