Extreme Biohacking: The Most Ridiculous Health Hacks People Do
Biohackers will do absolutely anything in the name of optimising their bodies. It doesn’t matter if it makes sense, is safe, or has any actual scientific backing. Some inject themselves with mystery substances. Others freeze themselves in cryo chambers. A select few have even gone full sci-fi villain by attempting DIY genetic upgrades. Are any of these extreme biohacking techniques actually worth it? Or is it just an expensive game of “let’s see who can look the most futuristic while wrecking their body”? Let’s break down the weirdest, most extreme biohacks people have actually tried, whether they work, and if you should even think about joining the madness.
The Young Blood Transfusion Experiment
Some biohackers believe that transfusing blood from younger, healthier people into their own veins can reverse ageing. Silicon Valley mogul Bryan Johnson has reportedly spent millions on anti-ageing methods, including plasma injections from his teenage son. Peter Thiel has been rumoured to be interested in similar techniques.
The idea comes from parabiosis studies, where scientists connected young and old mice so they shared a circulatory system. The older mice became healthier. The younger mice, unfortunately, started ageing faster. In theory, young blood might contain factors that promote tissue repair and slow down ageing, but there is little solid human data to prove this works. The FDA has issued warnings against this practice, but that hasn’t stopped wealthy individuals from trying it.
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If you are a mouse, this might be great news. If you are not, you’re signing up for an expensive, unproven, and slightly unsettling procedure. You’d probably get more anti-ageing benefits from a solid eight hours of sleep and a diet that doesn’t involve constant takeaways.
Extreme Biohacking: DIY Gene Editing
Some people got tired of waiting for evolution to do its job and decided to edit their genes themselves using CRISPR. The idea is that by injecting a CRISPR-based treatment, biohackers could enhance their muscle growth, increase intelligence, or even make themselves resistant to disease.
Josiah Zayner, a well-known biohacker, attempted to edit his own genes to boost muscle mass. Nothing happened, aside from some regret and a lot of public scrutiny. Scientists have pointed out that gene editing is incredibly complex, and injecting yourself with CRISPR isn’t likely to do much besides create unintended mutations.
Unless you have a deep desire to be a science experiment gone wrong, this is probably one to skip. If muscle growth is the goal, lifting weights and eating enough protein is still the more reliable and far less terrifying option.
Magnetic Implants
Some biohackers implant tiny magnets into their fingertips, claiming it allows them to sense electromagnetic fields. The logic is that with a magnet in your skin, you can detect electrical currents and experience the world in a new way.
In reality, most people who try this end up with an infection or rejection issues because, unsurprisingly, the human body doesn’t love random pieces of metal shoved under the skin. Some report being able to feel vibrations when near electronic devices, but whether this is a useful skill is highly questionable.
If you want to feel magnets, there’s always the option of holding one in your hand like everyone else as an alternative to extreme biohacking. But if your lifelong dream is to become a human fridge magnet, go right ahead. Just don’t be surprised when people start sticking shopping lists to you.
Bulletproof Coffee
The biohacking world loves Bulletproof Coffee, a blend of high-quality coffee, grass-fed butter, and MCT oil. The claim is that it boosts cognitive function, provides sustained energy, and keeps you full for hours by shifting the body into fat-burning mode.
MCT oil is easily absorbed and can increase ketones, which provide energy for the brain. Butter adds calories, but there’s little evidence that it significantly enhances cognitive performance. Some people swear by it, while others just feel like they’ve had an oily latte.
If you enjoy it, go for it. If you just want more focus and energy, black coffee works just as well.
Cryotherapy: Because Who Doesn’t Love Voluntary Hypothermia?
Nothing says extreme biohacking quite like willingly standing in a chamber colder than the surface of Pluto. The idea is that exposing yourself to ridiculously low temperatures will reduce inflammation, speed up recovery, and maybe even turn you into an immortal ice wizard.
There is some actual science behind cold exposure. It can reduce inflammation, help muscles recover faster, and even improve mood by triggering endorphins. However, there’s a fine line between an effective biohack and willingly turning yourself into a human ice cube.
The risks include frostbite, dizziness, and occasionally passing out from the shock of extreme cold. If that sounds like a relaxing wellness treatment, you probably also enjoy running barefoot on Lego bricks for fun.
If you really want to experience the benefits of cold exposure without freezing your soul in a nitrogen chamber, try a cold shower. Same benefits, no chance of being mistaken for a corpse.
I mean, it’s cry-otherapy. You will cry. Not from emotional breakthroughs or enlightenment, but just from the pure, unrelenting agony of standing in a glorified freezer while convincing yourself you’re hacking longevity.
Final Thoughts
Biohacking can lead to exciting breakthroughs, but some experiments are more ridiculous than revolutionary. There are always going to be people willing to inject, implant, or freeze themselves in the pursuit of peak performance, but that doesn’t mean you need to join them.
If you’re looking for ways to boost energy, improve focus, or enhance longevity, you’re probably better off sticking with the basics. You know… good sleep, solid nutrition, and maybe not injecting yourself with experimental gene-editing tech.
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Disclaimer
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. The content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a professional before making health decisions. And for the love of all things sane, do not try to genetically modify yourself in your garage.
I won’t be doing cold showers anytime soon lol