Over the past couple of years, “biohacking” has become a new trend in the holistic wellbeing and self-improvement space.

But what is biohacking? Is it a legitimate wellness solution or simply one of the latest fads in the field of healthcare?

Let’s explore.

Biohacking Defined

Biohacking refers to the concept of individuals playing an active role in their health management by making steady lifestyle improvements as they see fit. The term includes various applications, from dietary changes to implementing effective exercise routines.

Biohacking can also be called “citizen biology” or “DIY biology.”

What Is Biohacking, Really?

As defined above, biohacking sounds like an umbrella term for any self-improvement techniques outside of regular medical care.

That would be a fair conclusion to draw as individuals can fine-tune the practice of biohacking depending on their individual needs. The ultimate goal is to tap into the body’s natural healing abilities whenever possible.

For example, if an individual feels tired or generally unwell, they might try tapping into their own body and adopting new routines to provide relief. Getting a little more sleep, eating a healthier diet, or exercising a couple of times a week are reasonable biohacking routines to try in this situation.

Validity of Biohacking

Because biohacking is such a loose term and its applications can differ significantly from person to person, it’s difficult to say with certainty how medically valid it is in terms of holistic health management.

While professionals in holistic medicine certainly support some elements of biohacking, it’s crucial to exercise sound judgment when examining biohacking options.

Getting adequate sleep, spending time outdoors (with sun protection), moderate exercise, a healthy diet, and practicing mindfulness are positive steps a person can take to “biohack” and improve their body and mind.

On the other hand, you’ll want to also keep an eye out for biohacking scams.

In 2018, the Raw Water trend attempted to convince people that consuming untreated water was beneficial to their health. In reality, drinking untreated water can induce parasitic illnesses, which can be life-threatening in some cases.

In general, biohacking can be an effective way for individuals to improve their holistic health through lifestyle modification and nutritional supplementation. However, this wellness solution should work in tandem with professional healthcare rather than replace it.

When combined with holistic medicine, biohacking can be an effective wellness aid, but it’s essential to proceed with care, especially for individuals with existing medical conditions.