Overemphasized Biohacking Practices: A Personal Viewpoint (Adjusted Title)
In the realm of wellness, it's essential to separate the truly beneficial practices from the overhyped ones. Gina, a self-professed biohacker, shares her insights on certain trends and products that she deems overrated.
Gina has tested numerous gadgets and methods over the years, finding that some were life-changing while others fell short. The biohacking industry can seem overwhelming, with its plethora of supplements, devices, and trends promising improved health. However, Gina claims that a substantial investment isn't necessary to achieve decent energy and restful sleep.
Questionable Biohacking Habits
Supplement Overload
One common pitfall is the excessive consumption of supplements without a clear reason. Gina advises against taking a multitude of random pills, warning of potential burdens on the liver, financial drain, and potential worsening of symptoms. Instead, she recommends undergoing functional testing to determine specific needs, which she finds to be more cost-effective and yield better results.
Cold Plunges for All
Cold plunges are currently trendy, but Gina stresses that they aren't suitable for everyone, particularly those dealing with hormonal imbalances, adrenal fatigue, or autoimmune issues. Instead, Gina suggests starting small, such as using a short cold shower, cold water splashes on the face, or focusing on nervous system regulation through breathwork, gentle movement, and prioritizing sleep before gradually introducing cold exposure.
High-end PEMF Devices
Expensive PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) devices, which claim to provide total healing or cell reprogramming, may not be worth the cost, according to Gina. She encourages finding a well-reviewed, affordable PEMF device and combining it with other healing tools like red light therapy, grounding, or journaling. Gina recommends her beloved SAUNA BLANKET as a more suitable option for heat exposure.
Nootropic Blends with Lacking Evidence
Brain-boosting powders and capsules, often containing proprietary blends and stimulants with little research, might seem appealing but may not deliver the promised results. Gina advises focusing on supporting the brain naturally through sunlight, healthy fats, and whole-food-based adaptogens like lion's mane, L-theanine, or magnesium threonate from reputable brands.
Blue Light Glasses Around the Clock
While blue light blockers at night are beneficial, wearing them continuously is unnecessary. Gina advises exposing oneself to natural light within 30 minutes of waking for better circadian rhythm regulation and improved sleep. Vivarays, which offer swap-able blue light blocking lenses, are recommended for all-day use when needed.
Sleep Trackers Causing Stress
While sleep trackers can be helpful, they should not cause undue stress or obsession. Instead, Gina suggests focusing on creating a relaxing bedtime routine, such as magnesium, stretching, reading, or using the sauna blanket. Gina reminds readers to trust their bodies more than their apps in determining good sleep quality.
Unnecessary Luxury Ice Baths
A luxury ice bath is unnecessary for reaping the benefits of cold therapy. Gina encourages experimenting with cold exposure methods such as cold showers, ice water splashes, or DIY cold baths for a more cost-effective approach.
Conclusion
Gina asserts that biohacking is about being intentional with habits, energy, and health. She cautions against practices that add stress, drain finances, or create confusion. Instead, Gina emphasizes focusing on basics like quality sleep, real food, nervous system regulation, and personalized testing for optimal results.
Gina's recommendations prioritize simple, consistent, and sustainable practices for long-term health benefits. She invites readers to share their experiences with the trends or curiosities about specific practices for further discussion.
For a list of Gina's favorite biohacking products, readers can refer to a separate post on her website, or subscribe to her newsletter for first-hand insights on what she is currently trying and finds effective.
- Gina claims that a substantial investment isn't necessary to achieve decent energy and restful sleep, as excessive consumption of supplements without a clear reason can lead to potential burdens on the liver, financial drain, and potential worsening of symptoms.
- According to Gina, high-end PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) devices that promise total healing or cell reprogramming are likely not worth the cost, and she encourages finding a well-reviewed, affordable PEMF device and combining it with other healing tools like red light therapy, grounding, or journaling.
- While blue light blockers at night are beneficial, wearing them continuously is unnecessary, according to Gina. She advises exposing oneself to natural light within 30 minutes of waking for better circadian rhythm regulation and improved sleep.
- Gina points out that unnecessary luxury ice baths are not needed for reaping the benefits of cold therapy. She encourages experimenting with cold exposure methods such as cold showers or DIY cold baths for a more cost-effective approach.