Biohacks I’ve tried

Some I recommend, others I don’t. ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( Presented by [Hers]( In a Nutshell I like to research and try new things. I have a weakness for weird new health fads, especially if they promise to make me smarter or more energetic. I’ve been doing this since the 90s and have no plans to stop — at my age, you need to keep moving to stand still! Before we continue, I must stress that what follows is NOT medical advice. On the contrary, these are my personal experiences with various supplements and substances. In the hierarchy of scientific evidence, personal anecdotes like these are right at the bottom. Actual medical professionals have assessed many of the things I’ve tried and will document below, but it’s still important to always consult with your doctor before trying anything new. • [Type 1 diabetes reversed by stem-cell therapy?!]( • [10 potential health benefits of lemongrass tea]( • [Drinking too much coffee or soda is linked to a higher risk of stroke]( Time to take our medicine, Tim Snaith Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Tim Snaith October 11, 2024 • 8.5 min read Advertisement [Thicker, Fuller Hair Starts with Hers]( Get access to healthcare professionals who can suggest a treatment plan — all from the convenience of your home. [SHOP NOW [→]]( [Thicker, Fuller Hair Starts with Hers]( [I tried these, so you don’t have to]( what’s got us buzzing [I tried these, so you don’t have to]( What is [biohacking](? My take is that it’s the practice of making small, targeted changes that gently alter the processes that keep you alive to achieve desired results. In my case, this means maintaining a good mood, a healthy body weight, preventing illness, and preserving my mental function and zest for life for as long as possible — slowing down aging, in other words. There are many ways to embark on biohacking adventures — diet, fasting, exercise, supplements, ice baths, for example. Here’s my account of some of my own health experiments over the years. What I’ve found to be truly useful ✅ Magnesium supplements: To say [magnesium]( is an essential mineral would be an understatement. It’s involved in hundreds of different processes in every cell. For me, the most important benefit of supplementing magnesium has been the depth and quality of my sleep, and I’ve recently been able to track this with my fitness ring. I’ve been using [magnesium glycinate]( for around 4 years now, and I’ve never slept better. If I run out, my rest tends to be a little more fitful. ✅ Zinc supplements: I only suffer from a mild cold or flu roughly once every 18 months. In my opinion, it’s no coincidence that I’ve been taking 30 milligrams (mg) of [zinc]( in its citrate form (with 1 mg of [copper]() once every few weeks for many years as zinc plays a key role in supporting immune function. ✅ Vitamin D3 and K2: I live on the South Coast of England, and we get more sunshine than most places in the UK. But still not enough for about half of the year. I’ve chosen to supplement with 4,000 IU [vitamin D3]( and [K2]( throughout the year and increase the dose through winter. Combined with the zinc, I think this does a lot to keep me healthy, and I see no reason to stop because I feel great. ✅ Cinnamon in my coffee: I’m enjoying this right now, with about a quarter of a teaspoon of cinnamon livening up my coffee. This warming spice has [many benefits]( — it’s a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, regulates blood sugar, reduces heart disease risk factors, supports brain health, soothes digestion, and the list goes on. None of these have been noticeable, but I like the taste, and the evidence is mounting. Things I’m not convinced are useful for me ❌ Ginkgo biloba: This was one of the first supplements I ever “got into” way back when I was studying for my degree. It was claimed to boost cognition by improving blood flow to hard-to-reach brain parts. Looking back, I’m not sure that’s a problem 20-year-old me had, and as a result, I felt no benefit whatsoever. And my word, it was expensive back then. I’m not saying it’s useless — because there has been much [research into the benefits]( — but it’s not one I can justify buying now. I reserve the right to look into it again when I’m older. ❌ Shilajit: Translated to the “destroyer of weakness,” [shilajit]( is said to be a sticky resin substance that comes from the rocks of the Himalayas. While it’s commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties and high fulvic acid content, the downside (I’ve found) is that it tastes kind of rank — like bitter mud or year-old tea. Given its uncertain origins, it may contain traces of [toxic heavy metals]( if not processed adequately before packaging and selling to consumers like myself. I’ve half a pot in the kitchen, but I think I will leave it there to brew for another million years because I haven’t felt the benefits as much as my payment card felt the costs. ❌ Cannabidiol oil: CBD is big business and the subject of intense research into its [health benefits]( and properties. So why do I feel like it doesn’t do anything for me? OK, not absolutely nothing — I feel more anxious for around a week after I stop taking it, i.e., pointless withdrawal symptoms. Just great. Good, but too expensive 💸 Matcha tea: I like this a lot, but it is hella expensive to keep on standby all the time. A cup of freshly brewed, ceremonial-grade matcha green tea is, I’ve found, an effective way to find both calm and mental stimulation at the same time. High levels of L-theanine and [epigallocatechin gallate]( are the active ingredients that bestow these [benefits](. I would drink it every day, but then I wouldn’t be able to feed and clothe myself, and that’s got to be my priority for the time being. One that I found … interesting 👀 Blue lotus flower: Ever feel that your dreams could be more vivid and action-packed? The [blue lotus flower]( may be of interest. But be aware that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labels the flower as poisonous yet doesn’t classify it as a controlled substance. I risked it all and drank this as a tea for a couple of years back during COVID lockdown times and was surprised how well it lived up to its billing. Night after night with wall-to-wall vivid dreams that I could alter at will. It may be illegal under local laws, so this is not one I can recommend. Next on my list of things to try 📝 GlyNAC: A [recent study]( shows that the supplement GlyNAC, a mix of the amino acid glycine and [N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)](, may slow aging by improving mitochondrial function. In mice, it extended life span by 24%, and limited human trials showed benefits in strength, cognition, and other aging markers. While more research is needed, GlyNAC holds promise for healthier aging and longer life. 📝 Lion’s mane: This mushroom offers [a range of health benefits](, particularly for the [brain](, heart, and gut. Research suggests they may protect against dementia, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, aid nerve recovery, protect against ulcers, improve heart health, manage diabetes, and have anticancer properties. [The best anti-aging vitamins]( Great finds In Your Element [BioEmblem High Absorption Triple Magnesium Complex]( [BioEmblem High Absorption Triple Magnesium Complex]( This triple magnesium complex packs in 300 mg of three highly absorbable forms of magnesium — glycinate, malate, and citrate. This is the same formulation that I use nightly for sound, restorative sleep. You could also see benefits such as muscle and nerve support, cardiovascular health, and enhanced energy production. Magnesium also helps maintain bone density and aids muscle recovery after exercise. BioEmblem’s vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free formula undergoes rigorous third-party testing for purity and accuracy. No fillers, artificial ingredients, or preservatives — just pure, effective magnesium. Take it from me, this is the good stuff! [SHOP NOW]( Every product we recommend has gone through either [Healthline's]( or Optum Store’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health. Presented by [Hers]( [A plan to regrow your hair]( Help your hair [A plan to regrow your hair]( Did you know it’s normal to lose between [50 and 100 hairs]( in a day? Usually, new hair grows to replace these lost strands. But sometimes new growth slows or stops completely, leading to hair thinning and hair loss. This can be caused by a [multitude of reasons](: stress, postpartum, menopause, and other underlying health conditions. The best treatment for hair loss depends on the cause and the recommendations of a healthcare professional. If you’d like a convenient way to find care, [Hers]( can help. Take their online quiz to share more about your hair needs, routine, and goals, and a licensed medical professional will review your case and determine what treatment is right for you. Plus, you can continue to get ongoing support for additional follow-ups or adjustments to your plan.* *Prescription products require an online consultation with a healthcare pro who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Restrictions apply. See website for full details and important safety information. [TRY IT YOURSELF]( health stories you need What we’re reading next [] 🐝 [Another supplement I haven’t tried.]( Bee pollen contains more than 250 active substances, but what are the benefits of eating it? 🌃 [Is it bad to take melatonin every night?]( Dosage is important, and watch out for the side effects. ✅ [Habits matter more than you might think.]( Here’s how to change them for good. 🏥 [Dan Palmer’s journey to a life-saving liver transplant.]( He received a liver transplant in 2015. Read his personal account of what led up to it and the profound difference it made to his life. That’s all for today! Morgan returns on Monday with advice on what to eat and what to avoid when you’re on antibiotics. 🎤 Over to you: Do you have a personal favorite supplement or unusual approach to your health, or do you keep strictly to your doctor’s orders? Drop me a line at wellnesswire@healthline.com, and you might see your quote featured in an upcoming edition! Until next time, [healthline]( Take care of yourself, and we’ll see you again soon! [Telegram] This edition was powered by a spoonful of sugar and a pinch of salt. [fb]( [tiktok]( [X]( [youtube]( [insta]( [View in browser]( Did a friend send you this email? [Subscribe here.]( To see all newsletters, [click here.]( [Privacy]( | [Unsubscribe]( Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 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