Biohacking is the latest trend in the search for good health that experiments with the body. It has even been around since ancient times.

Biohacking is also known as human augmentation or human enhancement that is a do-it-yourself biology that improves one's health, performance, and well-being using strategic means.

Some methods of biohacking are considered as the natural way while some biohacks are considered as extreme.

The advancement in technology for technical biohacking makes it more available to more people, making the do-it-yourself biohacks more extreme.

Natural Biohacks to Master

There's always a value in the sense of control over one's own body in times when the events of the outside world seem to be uncontrollable. The Atlantic compiled some of the natural biohacks that a person should master before doing the extreme biohacks:

• Eat good food- From a nutritional perspective, those who eat a lot of minimally processed, plant-based food tend to live long healthy lives. Also, taking time to cook and eating slowly is advisable.
• Sleeping- Also called the "brain cleansing," having enough hours of sleep will extend one's life and prevent many diseases. Sleep deprivation could leave the body's immune system weak.
• Time in nature- Spending time in nature decreases brooding and increases healing, especially after a surgery. But the pandemic has pushed more people indoors. That is why ecotherapy is more needed today than ever.

But other biohackers also engage in other methods. For example, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey is among the most influential biohacker who endorses intermittent fasting. Dorsey is reportedly only eating one meal a day.

Moreover, some biohackers would also look into their genes to optimize their diet, a practice known as nutrigenomics. Some companies offer such services by evaluating the DNA for certain genetic markers and send back the person a personalized diet plan.

Extreme Biohacks

There are also extreme biohacks being offered in the market. These biohacks go beyond supplements or adjusting one's eating habits. They modify their bodies in a process known as human augmentation, according to Forbes.

Grinders are biohackers that turn themselves into cyborgs by embedding chips, computers, or magnets under their skin. Some use this biohack to be able to open office doors or even pay their daily latte using only their wrist.

Another form of extreme biohack is also using medical procedures that help them live longer like Bulletproof's founder Dave Asprey who has been vocal about his quest to live to 180 years old. He harvested stem cells from his bone marrow and inject them into his joints, and do other biohacks to reach his goal of longevity.

Why Do People Do It and Is It Safe?

According to Forbes, some people do it for health reasons as they do not feel well and want to go beyond traditional medicine. On the other hand, others go to the extreme to explore unconventional ideas and take full control of their bodies. But like Asprey, some do it to halt the aging process.

As for safety, some biohacks are getting bad raps but some DIY biohacks can be empowering. It is still best to do research first and choose the technology and personal practices that will help in achieving health goals to minimize risk or avoid them.

Check out more news and information on Biohacking in Science Times.