Essential takeaways:
- Biohacking has become a popular word to describe an array of activities and individuals.
- While the “official” definition is somewhat unclear, the community that has embraced the term is overwhelmingly positive and committed to their health.
- Clearly defining what biohacking is not is a great way to establish boundaries for effective use of products and practices.
- If a product or practice fits any of the criteria below, it may be best to think twice or do some extra research.
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The term “biohacking” gets thrown around quite a bit these days. In fact, an entire community has been born out of health-enhancing products and the practices of prominent individuals like Ben Greenfield and Luke Storey. Yet, the actual definition of biohacking seems to be somewhat unclear. Some describe it broadly as any effort to live your best life or improve your health, while others reference specific bio-markers and physiological changes. But, the truth is that establishing an official definition isn’t really important as the practice of biohacking is personal—it’s about your goals and efforts in achieving them. What may be more important is establishing what it is not in an effort to avoid misconceptions and unrealistic expectations that will never create health in the name of “biohacking.”
With that said, here we go!
Biohacking is not...
1.) A shortcut to health
One of the most common misunderstandings is the idea that biohacking products and practices will accelerate your journey towards health. As much as we would like this to be true, there is simply no shortcut to optimal; achieving health will always require the cultivation of an ecosystem that promotes normal function—day in and day out. While using the methodologies embraced by the biohacking community are great steps in the effort to live functionally, they should never be considered the “be all end all.” You must put in the work to get the results— period.
2.) A substitute for nature
The truth is found in nature—and so is health. We originated from nature and our biology is deeply connected to our evolutionary past. In order to live functionally at the cellular level, we require the elements found only in nature—light, water, connection to the earth and real food— or our health suffers. The tools and practices adopted by biohackers are nothing more than an imitation of nature and should be considered as a second best option or supplement. They exist to make nature’s healing power more accessible, but should never be a replacement. Bottom line: get outside, eat real food, drink real water and practice functional movement. Everything else is extra.
3.) One size fits all
What works for one individual may not work for you. Every person is unique and has their own personal requirements for health based on an endless number of factors. Even though somebody has great success with one practice, doesn’t mean it is right for you or for where you are at in your journey. Do your research and make sure you understand the expected
benefit before you invest time in it. Better yet, seek professional guidance to be sure it is a good fit!
4.) Expensive
In fact, when done correctly, it should be largely free! Nature is all around us and stepping outside for some morning sun or getting barefoot in the grass costs nothing at all. You could even make the arguments that the cheaper the biohack, the more beneficial. Seek these options first and always look to nature as a guide.
5.) Exclusive to certain individuals
Biohacking is for everybody—regardless of age or current health status. As long as you are consciously making efforts to live a lifestyle connected to function, then you are hacking your biology. This could be as simple as meditation, a cold shower or practicing better sleep hygiene. There is no minimum or maximum commitment of time or money—it simply requires purposeful action, day in and day out.
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Get out there, take action and try something new! Health requires constant self- experimentation—never let anything hold you back!
The term “biohacking” gets thrown around quite a bit these days. In fact, an entire community has been born out of health-enhancing products and the practices of prominent individuals like Ben Greenfield and Luke Storey. Yet, the actual definition of biohacking seems to be somewhat unclear. Some describe it broadly as any effort to live your best life or improve your health, while others reference specific bio-markers and physiological changes. But, the truth is that establishing an official definition isn’t really important as the practice of biohacking is personal—it’s about your goals and efforts in achieving them. What may be more important is establishing what it is not in an effort to avoid misconceptions and unrealistic expectations that will never create health in the name of “biohacking.”
With that said, here we go!
Biohacking is not...
1.) A shortcut to health
One of the most common misunderstandings is the idea that biohacking products and practices will accelerate your journey towards health. As much as we would like this to be true, there is simply no shortcut to optimal; achieving health will always require the cultivation of an ecosystem that promotes normal function—day in and day out. While using the methodologies embraced by the biohacking community are great steps in the effort to live functionally, they should never be considered the “be all end all.” You must put in the work to get the results— period.
2.) A substitute for nature
The truth is found in nature—and so is health. We originated from nature and our biology is deeply connected to our evolutionary past. In order to live functionally at the cellular level, we require the elements found only in nature—light, water, connection to the earth and real food— or our health suffers. The tools and practices adopted by biohackers are nothing more than an imitation of nature and should be considered as a second best option or supplement. They exist to make nature’s healing power more accessible, but should never be a replacement. Bottom line: get outside, eat real food, drink real water and practice functional movement. Everything else is extra.
3.) One size fits all
What works for one individual may not work for you. Every person is unique and has their own personal requirements for health based on an endless number of factors. Even though somebody has great success with one practice, doesn’t mean it is right for you or for where you are at in your journey. Do your research and make sure you understand the expected
benefit before you invest time in it. Better yet, seek professional guidance to be sure it is a good fit!
4.) Expensive
In fact, when done correctly, it should be largely free! Nature is all around us and stepping outside for some morning sun or getting barefoot in the grass costs nothing at all. You could even make the arguments that the cheaper the biohack, the more beneficial. Seek these options first and always look to nature as a guide.
5.) Exclusive to certain individuals
Biohacking is for everybody—regardless of age or current health status. As long as you are consciously making efforts to live a lifestyle connected to function, then you are hacking your biology. This could be as simple as meditation, a cold shower or practicing better sleep hygiene. There is no minimum or maximum commitment of time or money—it simply requires purposeful action, day in and day out.
--
Get out there, take action and try something new! Health requires constant self- experimentation—never let anything hold you back!
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