Biohacking: 13 Important Concepts To Know
When medicine seems to have reached a dead end in prolonging longevity, biohacking proposes major improvements in health and quality of life.
In an era where science fiction becomes reality, biohacking has emerged as a fascinating and significant trend. Simply put, biohacking involves making small, strategic changes to your lifestyle or environment to enhance your physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s through dietary modifications, advanced technological implants, or environmental adjustments, biohackers are on a quest to optimize their bodies and minds. Understanding this trend is crucial in 2025 because it not only represents the forefront of personal health and self-improvement but also offers insights into the future of human potential and technological integration.
Biotechnology & Wellness ETFs
Although a dedicated biohacking ETF doesn't exist, you may find relevant investment opportunities in biotechnology and wellness ETFs:
When medicine seems to have reached a dead end in prolonging longevity, biohacking proposes major improvements in health and quality of life through small tweaks. Under the wing of the rise of TV series like Altered Carbon and movies like Lucy and Transcendence, the concept of enhancing human capabilities by biological and technological means has gained popularity and captured the imagination of millions. Understanding the jargon of this futuristic field is crucial not just for enthusiasts, but for anyone intrigued by the possibilities of transcending our natural limitations. So, let's dive into the vocabulary of biohacking and explore how this mix bag of medical, chemical and anatomical terms is shaping the future.
The Biohacker's Dictionary
Biohacks
There is no biohacking without biohacks. This term refers to any alteration of oneself or one's environment designed to improve health, mental well-being or achieve a specific biological goal. Think of it as a DIY approach to biology. A simple and popular biohack involves taking nutritional or vitamin supplements to enhance your diet.
Biotech
A fusion of "biology" and "technology," biotech is a cornerstone of biohacking. Some biohackers envision a future in which human biology is routinely augmented or replaced by inorganic technology. Others prefer biologically grown substitutes and advocate an organic approach to enhancement. Either way, we are not that far away from achieving these goals.
Fasting
Purposely controlling food intake for religious, medical, or in this case, biohacking reasons, fasting can enhance cellular function, notably through autophagy. Intermittent fasting is particularly popular among biohackers for its health benefits.
Grinding
A term popularized by the game Cyberpunk 2077, grinding refers to the process of biological replacement with technology. Biohacking transhumanists envision a future where human biological elements are swapped out for manufactured tech, from small microchips implants to entire limbs.
Cold Exposure Therapy
This simple yet chilling biohack involves exposing oneself to cold temperatures, either environmentally or through devices that localize the cool contact. Advocates claim benefits like reduced inflammation, improved cellular function, and enhanced mental clarity.
Heat Exposure Therapy
Heat exposure therapy involves intentionally exposing the body to heat, often through methods like saunas or hot baths. 1 This controlled heat stress can trigger various physiological responses, including increased blood flow, reduced inflammation, and the release of stress hormones. At the cellular level, heat stress can induce the production of heat shock proteins, which play a role in cellular repair and protection. 2 Additionally, heat exposure can influence the nervous system by affecting the activity of specific receptors and neurotransmitters, potentially leading to pain relief and improved mood.
Endocrine Disruptors
These chemicals can wreak havoc on hormones. Found in pollution, plastics, and pesticides, endocrine disruptors are believed by many scientists and biohackers to be major contributors to declining hormonal health in the Western world. Learning how to identify and avoid these toxic components is crucial for better health.
Autophagy
Autophagy is the body’s way of cleaning the house by consuming its own cells. For biohackers, this process is a holy grail, often discussed in the context of fasting. By accelerating the autophagy of dead cells through fasting, they believe they can reap numerous health benefits, including improved cellular function and longevity.
Hypoxic Training
This involves training in low-oxygen conditions, typically in short bursts, to improve muscle tissue function and potentially enhance gene expression efficiency. It's a biohack aimed at boosting physical performance and adaptation.
Microbiome
Often referring to the gut microbiome, this term highlights the importance of microorganisms living in our digestive system. A healthy microbiome is believed to be central to overall health, mood, and longevity. Biohackers focus on diets, supplements, and activities that support microbiome health.
Microplastics
Tiny plastic fragments, often smaller than 5mm, pose significant environmental and health risks. Biohackers are particularly concerned about the potential for microplastics to disrupt hormones, cause cancer, and impact brain chemistry. Not only do biohackers advocate for reduced plastic use and exposure, they often use stainless steel mugs as their everyday water bottle.
SITNS (Sitting Is The New Smoking)
Echoing concerns about sedentary lifestyles, this term compares excessive sitting to smoking in terms of health risks. There's a growing biohacking movement encouraging people to incorporate short bursts of activity into their routines and adopt standing desks to improve circulation and prevent disease.
Transhumanism
Transhumanism embraces the idea of enhancing human biology with technology, potentially transforming us into cybernetic or non-biological entities. While there's overlap with biohacking, not all biohackers support inorganic replacements, favoring natural enhancements instead.
Who wants to live forever? The Future of Biohacking
As we hurtle towards a future where the lines between biology and technology blur, biohacking stands at the forefront of this transformation. Whether you're a die-hard biohacker or just a curious onlooker, understanding these terms can provide a window into the exciting possibilities ahead. But tread carefully—while the benefits are enticing, the risks are real, and the ethical implications vast. Keep an eye on this space, as the world of biohacking is only just beginning to unfold.
