Better Living Through Hacking?

Question:  

I just read an article on biohacking and still don’t completely understand the concept. Can you explain what it is?

Answer:

Biohacking blends technology, engineering, health and wellness practices and anti aging science to potentially optimize how our bodies and brain’s function. It’s not necessarily a quest for immortality but more focused on self- improvement. 

The Hollywood version conjures images of billionaires and rogue scientists in top-secret labs hoping to create superhumans. There are those who take biohacking to extremes and those who tread cautiously as they attempt to gain control over their own biology. Some biohackers experiment outside of social norms approaching gray legal and ethical areas, thinking of the human body as hardware to be manipulated in new ways. 

If this sounds like science fiction, you may be right in some respects. In a more realistic manner, biohacking can enhance biology and quality of life through regenerative, well-researched techniques like better sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mental health by finding what works best for your physical self. 

Old and New

Life hacks include deep meditation to reduce anxiety and pain, as well as proper nutrition to optimize immune systems and slow or even reverse aging. Biohackers look for clues in DNA using something called nutrigenomics. At home DNA tests may uncover genetic markers indicating a need for certain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, or other nutrients with the help of a qualified nutritionist or doctor.

Tracking sleep is another bio hack, or common-sense way to improve quality of life. Wearable technology allows biohackers to track all kinds of data, like sleep patterns for example. Quality sleep may extend lives, boost immune systems, and deter many diseases. The deep meditative state resets the body and promotes restorative slumber.

Epigenetics is the study of how our environment and behaviors affect the way genes work but these changes can be reversible. While genes play an enormous role in our overall health, so do behaviors like how we handle stress, what we eat and how well we sleep and exercise. Mindfulness, meditation, and the great outdoors are also important.

Improving these factors may result in better cognition, higher energy, a more youthful appearance and may even contribute to lowering your risk of major disease. Seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady reportedly follows many of these suggested practices, including meditation, yoga, and brain games to sharpen his mind.

The Takeaway

Some forms of biohacking can be benign and beneficial, backed by scientific evidence and decades of experimentation. Others could potentially be harmful without proper precaution, oversight, and experienced guidance in working with your doctor or nutritionist. It can be difficult to understand the various bio hacks and what differentiates them from being dangerous or sale, ethical and legal. Becoming familiar with the concept and terminology helps increase awareness and allow for informed decision making. 

You may be wondering why we’re discussing biohacking, meditation, exercise, and nutrition in relation to financial planning. To me the answer is obvious; if we’re living longer and staying healthier, the role of a CFP® Practitioner is to help you plan for that long, healthy, and prosperous life. Our financial plans are designed to work in conjunction with your quality of life and life expectancy. 

Check it Out

To find out your biological age, take this quiz at biological-age.com. I was pleased to find out that my “bio hacks” reduced my chronological age by nine years and continue to add to the quality of life. Stay focused and plan accordingly.