Biohackers reject the idea that the only approach to avoiding disease and leading a healthier life is to eat less and exercise more. What separates biohacking experts from the other self-improvement gurus, is a systems thinking approach to their own biology. It is not as simple as reducing the caloric intake, what you put into your body also matters as much. Of course, this isn’t something new or unheard of, so that’s the thing. Biohacking is just a sci-fi name given to a completely common principle. Putting that principle into practice is what makes the difference and what separates biohackers from the rest of the followers of ‘diets’.
Biohacking And Its Types
This is a diverse area and there are types of biohacking of which not all are related to nutrition. These include:
- 1: Biohacking your sleep pattern
- 2: Biohacking your movements
- 3: Biohacking your risk-taking levels
- 4: Biohacking your bone health
- 5: Biohacking your connection with the outdoors
- 6: Biohacking your brain and mindset
The possibilities are endless, but they all root from the idea that we can change our bodies and brains, and that by doing so, we can ultimately become smarter, faster, and healthier versions of ourselves.
Biohacking Your Diet
Today we are talking about biohacking your diet. The science that focuses on how food interacts with your genes is called Nutrigenomics. The idea behind this diet biohacking is that our body’s complete genetic expression can be mapped out by understanding how different nutrients affect our health. This mapping can then be used to draw out an optimal diet plan for ourselves. It also gives us a glimpse into how different nutrients alter our feelings, thoughts, and behavior.
While there are several biohacks that edge on the verge of bizarre, (Neurohacking technologies, genetic implants and the like), there are some that require you to incorporate more realistic and natural changes to your diets.
Nutrition Biohack # 1 Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is probably the oldest biohack used by humans. While fasting may seem like an extreme step towards better health, intermittent fasting works wonderfully by giving your gut a break and allowing it to process toxins out of the system without being overloaded by incoming food every few hours. There are many variations of intermittent fasting diet you can choose from but the way it works is basically the same. Under fasting circumstances, the body undergoes ketosis, a process where fat is utilized to create energy, rather than using glucose, which is the case when we are eating. Read more about Intermittent fasting here.
Nutrition Biohack # 2 Try Elimination Diet
Identifying food intolerances and sensitivities is especially important when it comes to reducing inflammation. Chronic inflammation is one of the leading causes of brain fog, decrease performance, depression and reduced mental agility. To biohack your mental wellbeing, you need to figure out what is causing inflammation in your body and the elimination diet is best for this purpose. Through this diet you basically eliminate suspicious foods that may be causing uncomfortable symptoms. These foods are later re-introduced slowly, while looking for any reactions your body may exhibit.
Elimination diet used as a biohack may alleviate symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and leaky gut syndrome. More importantly, your improved health will result directly in better moods, mental agility and performance. Always consult a physician before reintroducing suspicious foods back in your diet as they may trigger a more serious reaction.
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