News Excerpt:
Biohacking is picking up in India, with followers trying everything from cryotherapy to IV therapy.
About Biohacking:
- Biohacking is the practice of employing methods drawn from fields like biology, genetics, neuroscience and nutrition to enhance physical or mental performance, improve overall health and well-being, or achieve a specific health outcome (like weight loss).
- Sometimes biohacking is also called do-it-yourself (DIY) biology.
Types of Biohacking:
- Almost any tactic could be considered biohacking if an individual employs it to enhance their biology in some way.
- Lifestyle:
- This category of biohacking focuses on making positive health and behaviour choices, as well as embracing ways of life that activate the biology of performance and longevity.
- Lifestyle is probably the most accessible way most people can start experiencing biohacking, as it includes factors like dietary shifts, breathwork, meditation and exercise.
- Molecular:
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- Molecular biohacking involves the use of natural and synthetic molecules that can help shift one’s biology.
- Taking supplements would fall into this biohacking category.
- Molecular biohacking involves the use of natural and synthetic molecules that can help shift one’s biology.
- Biologics:
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- Biologics are cellular or biological products that are meant to improve or enhance biology. Biologics function like some sort of human cellular material.
- They could be cells, or could be small little information packets like exosomes, which are basically biological bundles of DNA, mRNA proteins and growth factors.
- Biologics typically need to be ingested, injected (such as stem cells) or delivered intravenously (i.e. by IV transfusion).
- Some biologics require a prescription from a health care provider, such as medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while others don’t, such as non-medical IV therapies offered in independent boutiques nationwide.
- Biologics are cellular or biological products that are meant to improve or enhance biology. Biologics function like some sort of human cellular material.
- Technology:
- Biohacks in this category include devices like wearables (such as smartwatches) and diagnostics (such as blood sugar monitors).
- In such cases, biohacking uses technology to gather data about the body.
- It functions so that an individual can use that information to adjust their health as they strive for improved performance.
- Technology biohacks also include use of advanced machines like hyperbaric chambers or electromagnetic stimulators to try and stimulate more rapid physiological changes or healing.
Is Biohacking Safe?
- Biohacking is fighting a bad reputation in some circles because it’s occasionally practiced “ahead of the science,” meaning people test hacks on themselves before they’re proven to work in a controlled clinical research setting.
- In fact, a 2020 article shows the lack of scientific oversight of many genetic biohacking and other DIY science procedures currently surfacing on the consumer market.
- However, when approached with safety in mind and used incrementally, biohacking can be safe for most people.
- It’s crucial to approach biohacking with caution, relying on evidence-based information and consulting with health care professionals when necessary.
Age - Related Biohacking:
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