BIOHACKING YOUR WAY TO WELLNESS
Biohacking has become the latest craze in society. Biohacking is a term used to describe do-it-yourself biology. It involves people making incremental changes to their bodies, diet, and lifestyle to improve their health and well-being.
The concept originates from hacking into computers to change the operating software and to make things more efficient or redirect priorities.
Human biohacks include things like cold plunges, fasting, light therapy, biofeedback, targeted supplementation, hyperbaric oxygen, meditation, etc.
I recently had an opportunity to sit down with the Father of Biohacking, Dave Asprey, to discuss the role of nitric oxide in biohacking and how we can optimize our own biology and biochemistry to combat disease and be at the top of our health journey.
In this month’s blog I wanted to address the foundational concepts of nitric oxide but also other simple biohacks that have made a huge difference in my own health so that everyone who reads this can implement these simple changes.
Biohacks That Stimulate Nitric Oxide Production
Those of you who follow me and read my blogs certainly understand my perspective on nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is what controls blood flow, oxygen and nutrient delivery to every organ, tissue and cell in the body. Nitric oxide controls inflammation, oxidative stress and immune dysfunction that occurs in every major chronic disease.
In fact, most biohacks, including hyperbaric oxygen, infrared light, exercise, intermittent fasting are designed to stimulate nitric oxide production.
However, if your body is unable to synthesize nitric oxide, then these biohacks will have limited effects and certainly will not achieve the results they would if your body is able to produce nitric oxide in response. That is why supplementing with our nitric oxide product technology is so important because it restores the body’s ability to produce nitric oxide when stimulated or activated.
We also deliver bioactive nitric oxide immediately so taking the nitric oxide lozenge (www.N1O1.com) just before cold plunge, BrainTap or prior to infrared light or hyperbaric oxygen will ensure you will get the most out of the biohack.
If you are spending hundreds of dollars on supplements but have poor circulation, then supplements and nutrients will not be delivered to the tissues and cells that need it most because those organs do not have sufficient blood flow from a lack of nitric oxide. However, taking nitric oxide just before taking all your other supplements will enhance delivery and uptake of those nutrients.
Dispelling Confusion Regarding Methylene Blue
Let me dispel some confusion regarding a popular biohack called methylene blue. We have used methylene blue in the research lab for decades to inhibit an enzyme called soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC). sGC is a primary target for nitric oxide that leads to an increase in a second messenger called cGMP.
This is the messenger that allows for smooth muscle relaxation and dilation of blood vessels. This is also the target of drugs like Viagra for erectile dysfunction.
Inhibiting nitric oxide based signaling with methylene blue is not a good idea, especially long term or on a daily basis. Obviously, these effects are dose dependent and micro-dosing with methylene blue may not have these effects but the mechanism of action is clear.
Anything that inhibits nitric oxide based signaling will lead to reduced blood flow, increased inflammation, oxidative stress, immune dysfunction and the early onset and progression of chronic disease.
Low dose methylene blue may work by hormesis. Hormesis is defined as a phenomenon in which a harmful substance gives stimulating and beneficial effects to living organisms when the quantity of the harmful substance is small.
The concept of hormesis is to periodically dose and this is not designed to be done daily or else the body does not have a chance to respond and upregulate dependent pathways. So, take caution in the use of methylene blue and don’t overdo it. I avoid it all together.
My 10 Personal Daily Biohacks
Many people ask about my personal routine or biohacks. I travel weekly, run 3 companies, manage and operate a working ranch with several hundred head of cattle and have two teenage boys involved in nearly every sport and somehow seem to manage a level of stress that would likely debilitate many others. Below is a list of my (mostly) daily routines.
1. 16 hour daily fast
2. Daily nitric oxide supplement (www.NO2U.com)
3. At least half hour of physical activity, exercise and/or weights
4. Infrared sauna every morning (160 degrees for 20-25 minutes)
5. Daily supplements including iodine and many others
6. Use of voltage/electrical devices (www.senergy.us)
7. Biweekly chiropractic
8. Weekly or biweekly massage
9. 6-8 hours of sleep every night
10. Daily prayer
These simple biohacks seem to work for me.
I have also harvested my own stem cells, banked them and then had then injected back intravenously to facilitate healing and cellular regeneration. I have a hyperbaric oxygen chamber in my home so I also occasionally do hyperbaric oxygen.
All this may seem time consuming and burdensome and it is but I make time to invest in my own health. If I waited until I had time, it would not get done. I have not been sick or lost a day of work due to illness in over 20 years.
Everyone is different and I encourage all of you to explore what may work best for you. I also encourage you to attend some of these biohacking conferences. I’ll be attending and speaking at the Biohacking Conference in Orlando in June. Subscribe to biohacking focused podcasts such as The Human Upgrade. Tune in this Friday April 7 for my interview with Dave Asprey.
The current health care system in America is not working and the management of chronic disease is worst than ever. We must learn how to take care of ourselves and avoid getting sick and going to the doctor.
Be pro-active instead of reactive. Our greatest asset is our health. The information and technology is available for all those who desire a change in their health. Educate yourself, ask questions and take action.
We are not promised tomorrow so make the best of every day.
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Dr. Nathan S. Bryan is a biochemist and physiologist that has more than 20 years of basic science and clinical research. His many seminal discoveries have resulted in dozens of issued U.S. and International patents. He is an international expert in nitric oxide and molecular medicine. Dr. Bryan is an innovator and successful entrepreneur who product technology is responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue worldwide. This content is not intended to replace medical advice from a physician.
More information:
www.drnathansbryan.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtftGy8e0r9DO8ActcyGi4w
www.N1O1.com
www.NO2U.com
www.nitricoxideinnovations.com