Biohacking: The key to a healthy life or a dangerous trend?

What is biohacking?

The idea behind biohacking is to optimise body and mind. The word is made up of the term “biology”, the science of life and living beings, and “hacking’”, in the loose sense of “decoding”. Biohackers are interested in using natural science to unlock the full potential of the human body and mind, with methods that range from following simple routines to making controversial modifications to their own body.

Is biohacking a new term for health tips?

When delving into biohacking, you’ll initially come across a number of health tips. Does this mean that biohacking isn't a trend in its own right, but rather a new-fangled term for health advice? Not really – although many biohacks are comparable to health tips, people who actively practise biohacking focus a large part of their attention on self-optimisa­tion. Biohacking has now become a lifestyle, with a host of books and communities dedicated to the subject.

Take a critical approach to biohacking tips

Anyone wishing to start biohacking will find countless books recommended on the internet. But caution is advised, as not all of them are well-founded and some recommend dubious practices. Do your research on the author and remain critical.

How does biohacking work?

The first step for a biohacker is to understand their own body. This involves measuring and analysing various bodily functions which, thanks to gadgets like smart watches and fitness trackers as well as self-tests can be done today without the need for medical professionals. The data can then be used to derive the measures needed to enhance their body and maximise their performance. The measures are categorised into 3 pillars:

1st pillar – Diet

Biohackers use diet as a means of maximising their physical and mental performance. This entails two basic principles: To consume all the nutrients they need and to avoid any foods containing harmful substances like artificial additives. This is why biohackers often take nutritional supplements. Depending on their physical condition, they also follow certain diets or fasting methods. Examples include the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting.

2nd pillar – Body

In terms of the body, the basic principle in biohacking is regular exercise and fitness combined with sufficient regeneration. Biohackers are also aware of the importance of optimal sleep, which they promote by stimulating the body's melatonin production and following routines that improve sleep quality. Such measures also strengthen the mitochondria – which need to be healthy and strong to enable our cells, and therefore our bodies, to function better.

3rd pillar – Mind

Biohackers use a range of techniques to maximise their cognitive performance and concentration and boost their mental health. In the belief that optimising their diet and enhancing their body forms the basis for a strong mind, biohackers train their mindsets to strengthen their psychological health. Practices include meditation and mindfulness training – or the consumption of nootropics, medications that can have a beneficial effect on cognitive abilities.

Biohacking for athletes

Competitive sport is where biohacking all started. For some time now, it’s been possible to collect accurate data from the bodies of professional athletes to maximise their performance. The athletes are often supported by teams of nutritionists, mental coaches and other experts. Of course, not every athlete has this opportunity, but some biohacks from competitive sport can also be used in amateur sport.

Biohacking: pros and cons

At its heart, biohacking has many positive aspects. It’s always good to monitor body and mind and, if necessary, adopt a healthier lifestyle. However, biohacking also holds risks and can take on dangerous proportions. The pros and cons at a glance:

Advantages

• Better health: Overall, the many biohacking methods relating to healthy eating, exercise and sleep are all sensible and can have a positive effect on our health.
• Stronger mental performance: The techniques used in biohacking to optimise the mind can improve mental health, concentration and mental performance.
• More quality of life: People with a strong mind and a healthy body feel better and have more energy.
  

Disadvantages

• Health risks: Analysing your body yourself and determining measures for your health without professional help holds a lot of potential for mistakes. For example, taking the wrong dose of food supplements or failing to follow a diet properly can be harmful.
• Eating disorders: According to the University Hospital of Zurich, biohackers have an increased risk of suffering from psychological compulsions and eating disorders.
• Dependence on tech: Biohackers rely heavily on technological aids to measure their bodies. This can lead to a loss of body awareness.
• Lack of regulation: The biohacking market isn't really regulated. There are products, supplements and instructions on the internet that haven't been sufficiently tested and cause more harm than good.
  

Biohacking through technology and genetic manipulation

In extreme forms of biohacking, people try to improve their bodies with technical implants. For example, some biohackers have microchips inserted to measure body data or control electronic devices. Others have attempted to modify their genome, using what is known as the CRISPR/CAS9 method that can intervene in a person’s DNA. Both forms of biohacking have been criticised and raise ethical concerns. Interventions in the human genome are prohibited in Switzerland.

The trend towards self-optimisation

Biohacking is just one example of the self-optimisation trends in our society today. But where does the desire to strive for a better self come from? Essentially, it’s human nature to develop and evolve in order to adapt to new challenges. But other factors are also driving the trend – social media in particular. By using these channels, we compare ourselves with others and are presented with unrealistic ideals. As a result, we often look at ourselves too critically and feel an unhealthy pressure to improve.

Self-optimisation without end

The dangerous thing is that self-optimisation usually has no end. We strive for an ever better self, which means we never feel satisfied. Self-optimisation can then quickly become excessive and have a negative impact on our mental health. Consequences can include depression and excessive stress or even burnout.