Living to 180? The biohacking trend that promises longevity

Biohacking appeared relatively recently, and it is difficult to derive a definitive definition. It is still an evolving concept that encompasses many different scientific fields. The proponent of this philosophy is considered to be the American entrepreneur and blogger behind bulletproof.com, Dave Asprey. He claims that biohacking is the art and science of adapting the external and internal environments to gain maximum control over one's biology.

Biohacking largely draws on the latest scientific research, which aims to extend human life up to 180 years. The methods to achieve this goal are varied—from healthy eating and ensuring the right amount of physical activity and rejuvenation during sleep to cold baths and ice swimming.

So, how do biohackers "hack" their bodies to be healthier, feel stronger, and become more efficient?

Before we move on to how to hack your body, it’s worth emphasizing the benefits of introducing this philosophy into your life. The list of advantages is long, but let's focus on the most important ones: optimizing health, increasing intelligence, accelerating rejuvenation, improving memory and concentration, increasing energy levels and the ability to absorb knowledge, speeding up fat burning, and improving well-being and mood.

The biohacking strategy itself is based on a specific set of biohacks that should be incorporated into your life:

• Determine your goal,
• Choose the right method (biohack),
• Collect initial data (current state – initial),
• Start applying the chosen method,
• Collect data over a specified period,
• After the test period, analyze the results (initial state – final state),
• Formulate appropriate conclusions.

Now, let's move on to the individual bio hacks, keeping in mind that they are directly interconnected. You cannot improve the quality of your sleep without changing your diet, nor can you optimize your health without engaging in physical activity.

Intermittent fasting

The creator of biohacking advises focusing heavily on the influence of hormones that govern the functioning of the entire body. To this end, intermittent fasting (Intermittent Fasting) is recommended, which involves cyclically alternating periods of eating with fasting periods. This nutritional method is effective in weight reduction and hormonal regulation. Intermittent fasting lowers insulin levels, helps normalize leptin levels, and increases the production of growth hormone and glucagon, thus enabling the body to burn fat more efficiently.

On the topic of nutrition, another biohack worth mentioning is protein and healthy fat-rich breakfasts. By composing the first meal of the day this way, you ensure prolonged satiety, a solid dose of energy, and an absence of hormonal swings. Additionally, meals based on the ketogenic diet are considered by Dave to have therapeutic and weight-loss effects.

Another biohack to consider incorporating into your life is drinking Bulletproof Coffee. It's best to start your day by preparing this beverage, which boosts energy, enhances mood, and aids in fat burning. The energy boost comes from caffeine, while the substantial amount of fat curbs appetite and, alongside eliminating carbs, speeds up metabolism. Moreover, it positively impacts intellectual potential. Bulletproof coffee is made from high-quality coffee beans and enriched with healthy fats (e.g., coconut oil, MCT oil, or butter).

Cold shower advocates appreciate their beneficial effects in alleviating symptoms associated with fatigue, depression, and mental illnesses. This is a method of cold thermogenesis (thermogenesis is the intentional exposure to cold to achieve positive effects in the body). The creator of biohacking recommends a cold shower in the morning as it is invigorating, boosts energy, speeds up recovery, reduces tension, and regulates hormones.

Exercise has many benefits for the body, not only for improving external appearance but also for health. Regular physical activity contributes to a better physique, weight maintenance, and fat burning. It also reduces the risk of many diseases, promotes better sleep, reduces stress and tension, and increases self-confidence.

In addition to healthy eating, physical activity, and cold showers, the quality of your sleep greatly influences your life hacking. According to biohacking principles, you should dedicate a minimum of 7-9 hours daily to sleep. During sleep, the body rejuvenates, and several other important processes occur, such as fat burning and muscle mass building. It is also recommended to wake up at the same time every day and preferably go outside or turn on the lights if you can't go into the sunlight. A good habit is also to go to bed simultaneously every day.

Spending time in nature is also significant in Dave's philosophy. The author of the blog bulletproof.com recommends more frequent walks during the day, especially in sunny weather. Exposing your body to sunlight helps produce vitamin D, which increases the amount of endorphins (happiness hormones).