“Biohacking” sounds cutting-edge and empowering—who wouldn’t want to upgrade their body like an iPhone? But behind the promise of peak performance and longevity is a darker side that experts say you shouldn’t ignore.
Biohacking can be as simple as wearing a fitness tracker or eating more fermented foods to boost gut health. But the trend has morphed into more extreme territory: DIY hormone injections, self-experimentation with unregulated supplements, and even amateur gene editing. Some Silicon Valley biohackers have spent tens of thousands on cryotherapy, NAD+ IV drips, and sketchy nootropic stacks—all in hopes of living longer, thinking clearer, and “optimizing” every cell.
But here’s the catch: Much of this is happening without solid science or medical oversight. Take NAD+ infusions, which promise anti-aging magic. There’s little peer-reviewed research proving they actually work, and the FDA does not regulate them as treatments. Overdosing on supplements or messing with your hormones can throw your body’s natural balance into chaos, causing everything from liver damage to blood clots.
Even seemingly harmless hacks can go sideways. Intermittent fasting, a mainstream biohack, can backfire if pushed too far, triggering nutrient deficiencies or disordered eating patterns. DIY transhumanism—implanting chips under your skin to store data or open doors—brings its own risks of infection and long-term complications.
Biohacking’s most significant danger? Believing you can outsmart your biology without consequences. As Dr. Peter Attia warns, “We should be skeptical when we step beyond proven science—your body isn’t a machine you can reboot with shortcuts.”
Old School It: Curiosity is excellent, but before you inject, implant, or swallow the next miracle hack, ask: Is it worth risking your health for a quick upgrade? Sometimes, old-school basics—such as sleep, exercise, and whole foods—are the most ingenious hacks of all.
