What Is Biohacking?
The Complete Biohacker's Guide
Table Of Contents
Welcome, New Biohacker
You're probably new to this whole "biohacking" concept and that's great, don't panic.
It's an exciting concept with so much to offer and many interesting ideas.
What is biohacking, then?
The concept revolves around the idea of hacking your biology with science-backed ideas including food, lifestyle, technology, mental conditioning, toxin avoidance, weight management, and energy production.
Just imagine the ability to:
+ Become Smarter
+ Reduce Body Fat
+ Sleep Easier
+ Gain Muscle
+ Increase Energy
+ Reduce Stress
+ Slow Aging
+ Be Happier
All of this is absolutely possible for many people through biohacks.
New Discovery
There is a lot for you to gain because there are some really exciting new discoveries being made almost daily about how we can do things better.
From new tech to the latest medical advances, there are constantly new discoveries allowing for even better progress in the areas of health and well-being.
Biohackers are some of the first people to take new scientific discoveries and implement them for a healthier life.
Limitless Potential
Let's face it, we all want to do things a little better or even just a bit more efficiently.
Time is limited but our ambitions are limitless.
Whatever your maximum potential is, biohacking might help you unlock it by utilizing sound science instead of just opinion and guesswork.
Biohacking Is Cutting Edge
At the very forefront of what works and what doesn't, biohacking ideas stay at the cutting edge of modern technological capability mixed with human biological optimization.
As popular as it is becoming, many of the tech biohacks and the newest information and science is right at the forefront of innovation.
Evidence-Backed Principles
Like Computer "Hacking" But For Your Body & Mind
Hacking your health using science
The foundational concept centers around the premise of "hacking" your health with science and using cutting-edge methods and technologies.
If it works better and faster, as well as being superior you can bet a biohacker is doing it.
It's a lot more simple than it sounds
Boiled down to its essence, biohacking is really just a method of living a better life by utilizing smart choices, good technology, healthy foods, and supplementation.
How much of each is up to the individual
Plot twist
Sometimes it's using technology to boost health, sometimes it's avoiding bad tech. Not all modern advancements are essential or even beneficial.
That's something most biohackers are acutely aware of.
Paying attention to details
Even things as small as a bad friendship/relationship can actually cause an increase in the stress hormone, cortisol which wreaks havoc on your health and immune system.
Biological Hacking
"Bio" "Hacking"
The neologism biohacking comes from the two words biological and hacking. Together they form a fairly open term that can be interpreted in many ways. That's really the etymological beginnings of what biohacking is.
There's no one single perfect definition which is why this page can help you to understand the basic premise as well as some of the nuances. There are many facets to how people view biohacking but the very essence is making "hacks" to your biology using various methods.
New views on what is healthy
There's a really recent discovery of new ideas on what exactly is good health.
Most biohackers pay attention to these foundations of exceptional health such as good gut healthfulness, cellular strength, and hormonal well-being.
The two types of biohackers
Basically, there are two types of biohackers: The ones that want to be super healthy and maximize their life and the type of "transhumanist" who wants to live a long time and see the future.
Some like myself are both, using biohacking to live a healthier life but also a potentially longer one.
What's a transhumanist?
To put it in simple terms, it's someone who is quite happy to merge their body with technological innovations in order to live a longer life (possibly forever). If you have a pacemaker in your heart, you're already a pioneer. (1)
It's a pretty "out-there" idea and by no means are all biohackers actual transhumanists but there's a definite overlap, for sure.
Finding The Best Way
Biological optimization
If there is a better way to improve health and well-being then you could consider that way to be a biohack.
Maximized efficiency
I don't want to spend a single second doing something that could be done in a better way. You get one life and one opportunity.
By maximizing efficiency, using biohacks can get you to your goals faster.
The best tips & tricks
Think of it as something that most people wouldn't know, maybe a really esoteric tip. That's what most biohacks are.
That's also why they are so interesting.
Avoiding Biological & Existential Negatives
Countering the unhealthy
Most biohackers like myself, believe and understand that your health is more than just what you eat but is also a culmination of unseen environmental factors.
Paying attention to details
Even things as small as a bad friendship/relationship can actually cause an increase in the stress hormone, cortisol which wreaks havoc on your health and immune system. (2)
Understanding stress
Whether it be terrible relationships, poor lifestyle choices, or hidden environmental factors, understanding what stresses the human body means that we can counter, remove, or avoid these things.
It's important to focus on the good things in life and avoid the existential dread of overthinking the wrongs things while being in danger of under-appreciating the beauty of life itself.
Anyone Can Do It
There's very little restriction
There are many types of biohacks that people like myself employ and for the most part, yes, your average person can very much implement many of these.
A complete lifestyle or a small change
Biohacking brings together not just what you eat, not just your physical activity but also takes into account the dangerous things you are exposed to on a daily basis.
Or, it could be the tiniest change to your diet - It's completely up to you.
Anyone can avoid the nasty stuff
There are a lot of environmental chemicals and toxic substances that we all get exposed to on a daily basis.
It's always a great idea for anyone to avoid that stuff that poisons us.
...And You Might Well Be Getting Poisoned!
Biohacking 101 - Avoiding Toxins
Environmental Poisons
They're everywhere
Look, I don't want to be the bearer of bad news here but in case you didn't notice, we live in a world where seemingly innocuous items like plastic bags, bottles, and a lot of household cleaning items can contain chemicals called endocrine disruptors than can negatively affect your hormonal health. (3)
Hormonal changes
Many people attribute a societal wide decline in male testosterone levels to this exposure.
Declining testosterone levels can severely affect men's health and mental well-being.
The Plastic Problem
The World Is Exposed To 260 Million Tons Of Plastic Per Year
What is quite alarming is that according to scientific research, the figure is growing. (4)
Constant exposure to unhealthy chemicals in plastics may have detrimental health effects for a long time, including some that we're yet to predict. Disturbingly high levels of microplastics have been found in the bodies of far too many people for it not to be an immediate and pressing concern.
It is cheap and easy
One of the real issues is that plastic has become such a cheap resource that some companies looking at their bottom line don't care about health issues. But this is definitely changing.
Plastic alternatives are getting better
For most people in the biohacking circle (including myself), avoiding plastics was the first thing we did when we decided to become a biohacker.
There is plenty of glass-bottled water available and a lot of packaging is now in paper and cardboard.
There are even plant-based saran wrap alternatives.
A glass and paper resurgence
With the move for supermarkets to ban plastic bags, it's actually been a positive for our endocrine health even though the original reason was environmentalism.
Avoiding All Those Toxic Products
Knowing what to avoid
One of the first things a person does on their biohacking journey is to eliminate those products that we come into contact with that can seriously affect our health.
Plastics aren't the only serious offenders here.
Women and Men suffer but...
Men especially can feel the effects of endocrine disruption as they may suffer from low testosterone and a concomitant loss of erectile capability. Did that get your attention, guys?
Both women and men who are exposed to endocrine disrupting xenoestrogens have higher incidents of breast and prostrate cancer respectively.
BPA - Bisphenol A
Most people are pretty well aware of the BPA danger.
A lot of everyday folks take precautions to eliminate it from their home but something as simple as a shopping receipt can be absolutely covered in it, meaning exposure can sneak into your environment without you even being aware.
It's so dangerous and prevalent that it's been linked to affecting brain development and could contribute to neurological disorders. (5)
So much misinformation that we can't tell healthy from unhealthy
We smother our food in toxins, we wrap our food in chemicals then we avoid fat because it's "unhealthy".
We were oh-so-wrong about fat.
Natural & Safe Alternatives
Natural where possible
Natural can be best... Sometimes!
I'm very much a man of science and I do understand the naturalist fallacy whereby there is an assumption that all things in nature are beneficial and all things from a lab are evil, but a lot of processing has made the healthy unhealthy.
This is clearly not true as anyone who as a child ate a poisonous leaf could attest (and some adults).
The clear advantage of natural products
There are, however, many great natural products that are absent many of the toxic fillers and preservatives found today - Biohackers are always keen to utilize this to their advantage.
A relatively new product to the market is a BPA-free cling wrap that can replace ordinary saran wraps that do contain bisphenol A and this new BPA-free version is plant-based.
Technology is still great, just to be clear
We really love technology for the advances it has given us, in fact, most people who ask
"What is biohacking?" probably believe it's just about tech but that could be further from the truth.
Sorting the good from the absolute garbage
Natural treatments are great - when they're effective. The problem is there's a lot of BS snake oil out there.
I've personally scoured through thousands of hours of research in order to make decisions on what I put in or on my body.
If biohacking is about being healthier, cognitively sharper, and living longer then it can only stand to reason that removing toxic chemicals and replacing them with natural alternatives can be a useful substitution.
What You Are Exposed To MATTERS!
How To Biohack Yourself
So, You Want To Biohack Yourself...
You're here and that's a good start
Well, it just so happens (surprise, surprise) that we've got plenty of pretty useful biohacks right here at Improve Evolve. I believe that this website has the most comprehensively researched and detailed guides on biohacking in the world.
Let's get you started then
Hopefully, you came here asking the question "what is biohacking?" but you'll hang around and become your own expert biohacker.
First, you have to know what you want to accomplish...
What Would You Like To Achieve?
Everybody has different goals
It's also dependent on what it is you're trying to achieve.
>Want to lose weight?
>Want to gain muscle?
>Want to look younger and slow aging?
>Want to feel better and have a better outlook on life?
>Want to get to sleep faster and have a better rest?
All of these things may seem different but they all tie together - Quite significantly.
Once you have a sense of your goals, it's much easier to use biohacking to achieve them.
Discovering New Biohacks
Learning to biohack
When you're ready to start your biohacking journey all you have to do is view the epic guides that can help you.
You can see them on our > Biohacks < page
Here you can find literally hundreds of useful Biological Hacks that could play a significant role in changing your life.
First, Learn What To Avoid
Ready to start?
We've got everything you need to start biohacking yourself and getting healthy, healthier, or just to feel better.
Avoiding the bad stuff
Straight away you can find out about the dangers of endocrine disruptors found in so many food products, cosmetics, cleaning items, and household goods. (6)
Starting clean
You'll be surprised at the things you come into contact with that poison you or at the very least affect your hormonal balance - That really matters.
Some of the articles on Improve Evolve go into further detail on what products you should avoid in order to maximize your health.
Poor hormonal health = Poor health.
Make no mistake, some health issues can be fixed by the elimination of hormone-affecting products. (7)
Stress is another hormone killer. By controlling stress, you can tip the balance of hormonal health in your favor.
Stress is a serious issue in our complex, modern society...
How Biohackers Counter Stress
Did You Know Stress Can Make You Fatter?
Yep - Stress Really Can Make You Store Body Fat
We have known for decades about the importance of good food and how it affects our health.
More recently we have started to understand the crucial role of the mind in all things health-related.
GUESS WHAT?
Things like constant stress, a poor attitude, negative environments, and exposure to bad people can seriously affect your health... and weight!
Really, AJ?
Yep.
You read that right - A negative attitude can manifest as increased weight gain and not the good kind (solid muscle). Just knowing that being miserable can make you fatter at least gives you the opportunity to counter it. Counter it we must because what is biohacking without stress-mitigation?
Your Attitude Matters - Science Says So
Remaining upbeat with a sunny disposition
Many biohackers spend a lot of time chasing positivity in life and for good reason.
Just as negativity can make you fat, happiness can make you slimmer.
Science says stress can make you gain weight
According to Harvard Medical School stress also causes you to overeat and get even fatter. (8)
It's a lose/lose or win/win scenario
After a while, you'll start to notice that your happiness & health are very much intertwined.
Stress Wrecks Your Hard Work
This single revelation changes a lot of people
Think about all those folks in the gym slogging their guts out but they're getting nowhere. It's a frustrating predicament a lot of people find themselves in.
But those who work hard should be rewarded right?
They wonder why the results don't come but the truth is that they lead stressful lives so their bodies are in a constant state of degradation, not repair. (9)
Demotivation sets in
They lose muscle and frequently store more fat - Then they get more unhappy.
Now we know. Now we understand that by countering stress with lifestyle changes and supplementation, it's possible to accelerate biologically beneficial gains.
Escape the vicious cycle and obtain better health...
Nature And Good Health
Great For The Mind - Great For The Body
Tangible, science-backed health benefits
With so much exposure to unnatural products and toxic technology, it's time to back to nature.
We're learning that not only is getting out for a nice brisk bush walk great for your health but it's HUGE when it comes to mental health.
Getting outdoors can have some amazingly positive hormonal effects.
Too many people are coupled up indoors breathing stale air while under artificial lights. What is biohacking without getting outdoors and away from the pale?
Positive Hormones
Producing dopamine
Being out with nature has a significant effect on the reduction of stress hormones and can increase dopamine (the happy hormone).
Fighting depression
The role of sunlight in human well-being can also not be underestimated here. Lack of sunlight can lead to depression. That's how powerful it is.
So many people lack sunlight and therefore lack Vitamin D...
The Importance Of Vitamin D
Men might want to pay attention
Vitamin D (which you get from sunlight) has a massive role in male testosterone production. You simply will not find a biohacking space online where sunlight and in particular, Vitamin D is not given a massive amount of gravity.
Low D = Low T
Have you ever noticed the difference in physically masculine traits between male indoor workers and outdoor workers?
It's often tanned and muscular vs pale and scrawny. Correlation?
An international health issue
Vitamin D deficiency is at epidemic levels according to the very reputable International Journal Of Health Science. (10)
Don't be offended and don't worry. I work in an office and I make sure I get sunlight and eat right. No one has to be an office zombie outside of work.
Don't Underestimate The Power Of Vitamin D
Biohacking & Technology
Modern Miracles
The age of the machine
We live in a lucky age.
Never before have there been so many things designed to keep us alive and healthy.
The double-edged sword
Unfortunately, never has there been a time when so many things can kill us slowly.
Unseen things keep us sedentary, addicted, and sick. Technology has come at a price for many people.
Biohackers pay great mind to technological advances as well as the perils of some tech downsides. What is biohacking without using tech to our advantage?
Using Technology The Right Way
Getting real about all that tech
I know it can seem a bit rich, having a guy who works in tech for a living to be giving criticisms of technology but if it's valid, I'll do it and there are a lot of valid criticisms of modern tech.
What is biohacking without technology then?
Most people hear about biohacking and it's about some crazy technical gadget or some weird device.
There's some truth to that in the extreme but most of what we (biohackers) utilize is widely available to the general public and a lot of biohacking is revolved around avoiding some of the technology that can be really detrimental to a healthy, happy life.
There really is some fantastic tech out there
Useful and efficacious items such as infrared lights, sleep monitors, and electrostimulation devices are becoming far more mainstream. By striking a balance we can have the best of both worlds.
Social Media - Dark Or Light?
The danger of positives
With the ever-increasing access to the internet and sites designed to keep you there indefinitely, social media has to be the biggest culprit but it doesn't have to be.
Checking in with friends, having a laugh at a great meme, or even accessing new ideas can be great.
The social disconnect inside social approval
What's not so good is constantly monitoring your social media for likes and approval instead of doing something... ANYTHING more valuable with your time.
Many people have lost their balance with technology, ergo; their happiness has been reduced. (11)
Moderation - That old cliche
It's okay to Facebook your friends and watch some Youtube. It's fine to relax and watch some TV. It's probably not okay to make this 90% of your downtime.
That's the problem.
Good Tech
Discovering the helpful
The good news is with improvements in science, technology has never been better at keeping us alive.
Modern medical machines are becoming better at discovering illnesses earlier than ever before.
Better sleep
Some tech can monitor our sleep and the feedback can help us make better choices.
Better lifestyle
So many devices can help us reduce the time it takes to perform the mundane household chores that used to be a huge part of the day.
Better vacuum cleaners, better washing machines, better lawnmowers, better pillows, better bedding.
The list is as long as it is impressive
Better nutrition
Even advances have been made in water filtration and things like food storage.
All great things that are worth having if they're within your budget.
Embrace Technology That Helps Us - Avoid That Which Hinders Us
What biohacking is all about - using what works and eliminating what doesn't.
Your World - Biohacked
You Get To Live The Better Life You Choose
Smart choices
Biohackers want the best of both worlds. Useful tech to help us sleep, eat better, exercise smarter, and utilize products that can help reduce stress.
Indoors & outdoors
I myself try to balance using modern technology with an eye to keeping some old-school activities in my life. Walking, frisbee, jogging, hiking, and just throwing the ball for the dog.
Almost anyone can do some of these.
Enjoy the comforts but don't get so comfortable
I can't imagine a crazy hot summer night without air-conditioning but I also make the most of cool nights to get out and get some fresh air.
What Is Biohacking All About?
Conclusion
A better system
In reality, biohacking is at its core a process of using "hacks" to improve your health - That's your whole health, biological & psychological.
It's completely your choice
There are some pretty "out there" biohacks but at the end of the day, everyone gets to pick and choose the ones they want.
Let's face it, applying ice to your genitals is not gonna be in everybody's ballpark. Don't worry there are hundreds of biohacks to choose from.
I'll be your Guinea Pig
I'm far too curious to not try just about anything which you'll be able to follow both here and on social media.
I also give all the biohacks my personal rating for how effective I have found them
Make sure you subscribe
You can subscribe to the newsletter via email down below and get a bunch of my favorite hacks that you won't find on this site too.
I'm a bit "iffy" about getting a microchip, but we'll see how that plays out, eh!
Discretionary Multi-Media Use
Great in moderation
I love using social media to say hi to followers, friends, and family but I am loathed to live my days begging for likes to fulfill something fundamentally missing in my psyche.
Tech helps me get to where I want to go and most of the time, ironically, it's away from technology.
It's meant for sharing but not as a lifestyle
I'd caution anybody who'll listen that social media is great but the amount of people who spend too much time on it and not enough in the fresh air is at epidemic levels.
With all that being said...
Sounds like a really good transition for me to suggest that you follow us on social media but I'm sure the benefit will outweigh the cost.
Get Ready To Biohack
I hope you're ready to come on this journey with me and grab some biohacks, buckle in, and build some serious health, happiness, and awesome lives.
So, now you've learned "what is biohacking" and what it's all about. Now it's time to check out my biohacking guides that can help you lose weight, sleep better, lower stress, burn fat, and increase longevity all while slowing aging.
What Is Biohacking?
The Complete Biohacker's Guide
AJ James
Biohacker & Founder
IMPROVE EVOLVE
IMPROVE Your Health EVOLVE Your Mind
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is offered for informational purposes only. This information is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing or treating ailments and should you wish to seek such advice, please contact an appropriate medical professional.
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