By Kaley Burns EBS COLUMNIST
We all strive for our lives to be happier and healthier. But we also want to do so in the most convenient way possible.
In the same way our society has sought to “hack” the electronic world, many are now claiming we can “hack” our bodies to enhance physical and mental potential; referred to as “biohacking” or “biology + hacking.” Biohacking is often used to refer to using “quick-fix” therapies or tools that make changes to your body.
While this does sound appealing, the biggest concern is that many who promote biohacking don’t have scientific backgrounds and aren’t qualified healthcare professionals. For example, more prescription medications are being used off-label, intended to enhance cognitive function. There is no doubt that drugs like Adderall or Provigil can help you focus; the problem is, there is very little understanding of the long-term effects of this type of drug use and its relative safety.
Beyond this, some patients can get so consumed in self-optimization, tracking, and timing that every meal or action becomes over-thought. This is exhausting and can push the line of being unhealthy.
In true holistic practice, our goal is to encourage the body’s own ability to heal. Some of these naturopathic therapies can get confused with biohacking methods, as they often aim to accomplish a similar end goal. While submerging in freezing water may be useful for some, having regular bowel movements through eating well and moving daily has a similar effect to the same neurochemicals affected by cold plunges.
There are many activities including a long walk outdoors, resistance training, nature time and dancing that make us feel good, many of which are easier, more accessible, more enjoyable, and more beneficial than some of the overpriced or unenjoyable biohacks.
Many biohacking habits and practices can also be quite hard to sustain. Yes, we should strive to be healthy, but sometimes the key to adult life is flexibility and consistency versus perfection. This is where holistic lifestyle choices that encourage your body’s innate intelligence shine. When we make health practices overly complex, it can make it hard to decipher what truly makes a difference.
There are some legitimate biohacks out there, particularly when prescribed by those with a healthcare specialty. These recommendations often are just a new spin on our core health principles including nutritional regimens, sleep optimization, exercise routines, and check-in’s with complete laboratory testing from your medical provider. They might not make you bulletproof, but they’re more likely to have a positive impact on your long-term health than some of the biohacks you’ll find online.
Moreover, there is no single formula for a holistic approach to health. In other words, health and wellness is not one-size-fits-all. A holistic approach to life means taking care of all the aspects that make you, you. The more you adopt a more integrated outlook as your lifestyle, the more you will be able to enjoy your health and well-being.
The bottom line is that exercise, sleep and healthy food plus “hacks,” often works as well as exercise, sleep, and healthy food. We need our foundational health practices before biohacking can truly make practical clinical benefits. What really matters for health optimization is simply showing up and doing the foundational work.
Dr. Kaley Burns is a licensed Naturopathic Physician providing a wide range of services for her clients, including: Naturopathic Medicine, IV Nutrient Therapy, Regenerative Injections, Rejuvenation Therapies, Vitamin Shots, and Nutrition Counseling. She embraces a natural approach to health and aims to similarly inspire and guide others on their health journey.
