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Many unknowingly practice it on a daily basis. Others recognize it as a global movement. So what exactly is biohacking. So what exactly is biohacking?
Broadly speaking, biohacking is any method employed by an individual to enhance their health, performance and longevity. It can range from small diet and lifestyle changes to wearable devices or self-experimentation.1
Although the first known use of the term “biohacking” occurred in 1992,2 its practice took hold in the mid-2000s after genetic analysis became widely available and wearable devices became common and affordable. Individuals now use the vast amounts of physiological data generated from these and other technologies to improve their physical and mental performance, monitor their health and increase their lifespan.3
Prominent biohackers believe individuals can change their external and internal environments, resulting in full control of their biologic destiny.4 Some believe biohacking leads to greater efficiencies and faster development of innovative therapeutics.5
Given its broad definition, the types of biohacking are endless. General types, however, have been defined and accepted by the biohacking community.
Lifestyle biohacking focuses on making positive health and behavior choices to embrace and increase biologic performance and longevity. For example, changing diets, practicing meditation and increasing exercise are all examples of lifestyle biohacking.
Molecular biohacking is the use of natural and synthetic substances to enhance biological functions. Substances include vitamins, minerals or peptides. Nootropics, also called smart drugs, are used to boost brain performance. Familiar over-the-counter nootropics include caffeine, L-theanine (an amino acid found in black and green teas), omega-3 fatty acids and ginkgo biloba.6
Technology-based biohacking includes wearable devices. Advanced devices — hyperbaric chambers or electromagnetic stimulators — are used for faster physiological changes or healing.3
Dietary biohacking involves consumption of dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, prebiotics and probiotics to improve metabolism, boost energy production, improve physical performance, prevent chronic disease and increase lifespan. It can also include a specific type of diet — a ketogenic diet or intermittent fasting — for energy production and metabolism. Understanding nutrigenomics, or the relationship between a human genome, nutrition and health, is important. Some people also employ cellular metabolism monitoring devices such as glucose monitors or ketone breath analyzers.
Energy biohacking relates to sleep support and stress reduction. Light therapy is used to regulate the circadian rhythm, sleep tracking devices are used to monitor daily sleep patterns and meditation apps are used for sleep support and stress relief. Other techniques include consumption of vitamin B12 and magnesium supplements and wearing blue light protection glasses.
Physical health biohacking is popular among athletes to improve performance or expedite recovery from injuries. Common methods include cold therapy, heat therapy, whole body vibration therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, red light therapy for healing and consumption of supplements, electrolytes and energy drinks.
Age biohacking focuses on cellular senescence, or damaged cells. The goal is to improve longevity by inhibiting the production or reversing the process of cellular senescence and promoting cellular regeneration. Methods include red light therapy, stem cell therapy, cryotherapy, non-ablative laser therapy and consumption of antiaging and mitochondrial support supplements.
Brain biohacking combines exercise with nootropics to enhance cognitive efficiency. Other techniques include brainwave entrainment, transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, neurofeedback therapy, brainwork and meditation.3
Learn more about how Dave Asprey, “The Father of Biohacking,” hacked his own health to transform his physicality, increase his IQ and reduce the total age of his biochemistry at ThinkNext International Seminar 2024.