Biohacking: A Guide for Beginners

Biohacking is the practice of using scientific techniques and technologies to enhance and optimize human biology, and has been gaining significant attention in recent years. Biohacking can be seen as a form of DIY biology, where individuals and groups experiment with their own bodies and minds, using various tools, supplements, techniques, and technologies and report back on their findings.

The most common starting point is supplements. This can be dangerous as most are not properly tested or regulated, so you don’t know what you’re getting. We highly recommend you use a scientific research centre that DNA tests supplements and draw your own conclusions to what is and isn’t a safe or legit product. Why? Well, we’re literally talking about biological experimentation. Some people include gene editing and the use of implants and various prescription drugs to try to improve the qualities or capabilities of the body outside a traditional medical or scientific environment. I don’t have millions of dollars in equipment to measure myself, I can’t ultrasound myself, and I can’t x-ray myself.

Having said that. Think of it this way: If you get sun burned, you see the burn, you feel that, you focus on that. If you eat KFC, you can feel the grease and generally feel a little unwell after. If you drink a coke or something else that you know has nothing natural in it, you don’t see the effects of that choice, so you might knock another back. The people doing all this measuring are just trying to look at what the coke does and how the body responds.

All this really involves is trying to listen to what your body likes and doesn’t like, then make a small change and give it a few days and see if it’s any better. Incremental changes to your diet, lifestyle, habits, movement, etc. Can all improve your health and well-being and that in essence is biohacking.

There is also the more hardcore idea that we can hack our own biology, just like we can hack computers or software to make it work better and more efficiently. Biohacking is often driven by curiosity, creativity, self-expression, and empowerment. Oh, and money. Lots and lots of money.

The funny thing is a lot of homesteaders are already biohacking and don’t even realise it. Eating breeds of animals not purposely bred to be still, fat, juicy, etc (which come with a lot of health issues). Not buying genetically modified foods, growing your own nutrient rich veggies, etc.

Why is biohacking important?

Some of the key reasons why biohacking is important include:

• Biohacking can enable individuals to take control of their own health and well-being, allowing them to experiment with different diets, supplements, and other interventions to optimize their own biology.
• Biohacking can help people achieve better physical and mental performance, such as faster weight loss, enhanced brain function, improved mood, or increased longevity.
• Biohacking can foster innovation and discovery in the fields of biology, biotechnology, medicine, and beyond, by providing access to low-cost tools and resources for amateur scientists and enthusiasts.
• Biohacking can challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what is possible for human enhancement or augmentation, by exploring new and unusual ideas and techniques.

How is biohacking our future?

Biohacking is our future because it represents a paradigm shift in how we approach our own biology. Instead of being passive recipients of our genetic makeup and environmental influences, we can become active agents of our own evolution. By hacking our biology, we can:

• Customize our bodies and minds to suit our preferences and goals
• Enhance our senses and abilities beyond the normal range
• Prevent or treat diseases and disorders
• Extend our lifespan and healthspan
• Create new forms of life and art

Biohacking is also our future because it reflects the trends and challenges of the 21st century. As technology advances rapidly, we need to adapt and keep up with the changes. Many already theorize that becoming cyborgs and augmenting ourselves is the future. That’s kinda biohacking. As society becomes more diverse and complex, we need to express ourselves and find our niche. As the world faces environmental and ethical issues, we need to find solutions and alternatives.

What are some examples of biohacking?

Biohacking can be divided into three main types: nutrigenomics, DIY biology, and grinder.

Nutrigenomics

Nutrigenomics is the study of how food affects our genes and how our genes affect our response to food. Nutrigenomics biohackers use various methods to measure and modify their nutrition based on their genetic profile. Some examples are:

• DNA testing kits that provide personalized dietary recommendations
• Blood glucose monitors that track how different foods affect blood sugar levels
• Ketone meters that measure ketosis levels during a ketogenic diet
• Intermittent fasting protocols that regulate eating patterns
• Supplements that provide specific nutrients or enhance certain functions

DIY biology

DIY biology (or DIY bio) is the practice of conducting biological experiments outside of traditional academic or professional settings. DIY biohackers use low-cost tools and materials to explore various aspects of biology. Some examples are:

• CRISPR kits that allow gene editing at home
• Bioluminescent bacteria that glow in the dark
• Microscopes that magnify objects up to 1000x
• PCR machines that amplify DNA samples
• Bioart projects that create living sculptures or paintings

Grinder

Grinder is a subculture of biohackers who seek to become cyborgs by implanting devices or substances into their bodies. Grinder biohackers use various methods to augment their senses or abilities beyond the normal range. Some examples are:

• Magnets that enable sensing magnetic fields
• RFID chips that store data or act as keys
• NFC chips that communicate with smartphones or other devices
• LED lights that illuminate under the skin
• Biometric sensors that monitor vital signs

How to get started with biohacking?

If you are interested in biohacking, here are some steps you can take to get started:

• Do your research. Learn as much as you can about biohacking, its types, methods, benefits, and risks. Read books, articles, blogs, podcasts, or watch videos on the topic. Some popular sources are:
  • Ending Aging (book) by Dr. Aubrey de Grey
  • Project Blueprint by Bryan Johnson
  • The Bulletproof Blog by Dave Asprey
  • The Tim Ferriss Show by Tim Ferriss
  • FoundMyFitness by Dr. Rhonda Patrick
  • Biohackers Lab by Gary Kirwan
  • Biohacker’s Handbook by Teemu Arina, Olli Sovijärvi, and Jaakko Halmetoja
• Choose your goal. Decide what aspect of your biology you want to hack and why. Be specific and realistic about what you want to achieve and how you will measure your progress. Some common goals are:
  • Lose weight or gain muscle
  • Boost energy or focus
  • Improve mood or sleep
  • Enhance memory or creativity
  • Increase longevity or health
• Pick your method. Select the type and technique of biohacking that suits your goal and budget. Start with simple and safe methods that have proven results and minimal side effects. Some examples are:
  • Track your sleep quality and duration with a wearable device or app
  • Drink bulletproof coffee or tea to increase fat burning and mental clarity
  • Meditate or practice mindfulness to reduce stress and improve well-being
  • Take omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin D supplements to support brain and immune health
  • Exercise regularly and vary your intensity and duration to optimize fitness
• Experiment and evaluate. Try out your chosen method for a period of time and observe the effects on your biology. Record your data and feedback using a journal, spreadsheet, or app. Compare your results with your baseline and goal. Some questions to ask are:
  • Did you notice any changes in your body or mind?
  • How did you feel before, during, and after the experiment?
  • What were the benefits and drawbacks of the method?
  • Did you encounter any problems or challenges?
  • How can you improve or modify the method?
• Repeat and refine. Based on your evaluation, decide whether to continue, stop, or adjust your biohacking method. Experiment with different variables, such as dosage, frequency, timing, or combination. Seek feedback from others who have tried the same or similar methods. Keep learning and experimenting until you find what works best for you.

What are the risks of biohacking?

Biohacking is not without risks. Depending on the type and extent of biohacking, some potential risks are:

• Physical harm or injury from invasive procedures, infections, allergic reactions, or adverse effects
• Legal issues or penalties from violating regulations, patents, or ethical standards
• Social stigma or discrimination from being perceived as weird, unnatural, or dangerous
• Psychological distress or addiction from becoming obsessed, dissatisfied, or dependent on biohacking

Therefore, it is important to be careful and responsible when biohacking. Some tips to reduce the risks are:

• Consult a doctor before starting any biohacking method that involves drugs, supplements, implants, or surgery
• Follow the instructions and guidelines of the products or devices you use for biohacking
• Do not exceed the recommended dosage, frequency, or duration of any biohacking method
• Monitor your health and well-being regularly and stop any biohacking method that causes negative effects
• Seek professional help if you experience any physical or mental problems from biohacking

Biohacking is a fascinating and exciting field that offers many possibilities for improving our biology. However, it also comes with many challenges and uncertainties that require caution and awareness. Biohacking is not a magic bullet that can solve all our problems or grant all our wishes. It is a tool that can help us explore our potential and express ourselves.

If you are curious about biohacking, we encourage you to do your own research and experiment with different methods that suit your goals and preferences. Remember to be safe, ethical, and respectful when biohacking yourself or others.