What Is Biohacking and What Are the Benefits?

Biohacking dice on green background

Written by Valeria Briancesco & Reviewed by Paul Holmes.

Biohacking is the art and science of optimising your body and mind. It means making small, evidence-based changes, rom your sleep and diet to the supplements you take, to feel and perform at your best.

At its core, biohacking combines curiosity and biology: understanding how your habits influence energy, focus, and longevity. Whether through fasting, sleep tracking, or using nutrients like NMN and NR that support cellular health, the goal is to live better, not just longer [1][2].

Experts like David Sinclair (Harvard University) and Bryan Johnson have helped make biohacking mainstream — showing that with the right tools and consistency, anyone can take control of their health span [3].

    Where Did Biohacking Come From?

    Although biohacking feels like a modern buzzword, its roots stretch back centuries. Long before Silicon Valley entrepreneurs started tracking their biomarkers, ancient cultures were experimenting with ways to enhance body and mind. Practices like fasting, cold-water immersion, breathwork, and meditation, once rooted in spiritual traditions, are now recognised as powerful tools for improving metabolism, stress resilience, and longevity [4].

    The term biohacking itself first appeared in the late 1980s, but it didn’t gain widespread popularity until around 2005, when innovators in California’s tech scene began treating the body like an upgradeable system, using data, supplements, and science to push human performance further.

    Since then, biohacking has evolved from niche curiosity to mainstream wellness culture, merging modern biotechnology with timeless self-care practices. Today’s biohackers are as likely to meditate and track their sleep as they are to explore cellular repair through longevity supplements like NMN, Spermidine, or TMG.

    These compounds target the same biological pathways studied by Harvard’s David Sinclair, who explores how NAD⁺ metabolism and gene expression influence ageing [5]. Meanwhile, modern wellness advocates like Bryan Johnson have shown that longevity isn’t about extreme interventions, it’s about consistency, measurement, and making small, sustainable improvements to how we live.

    That philosophy aligns closely with Naturecan’s approach: combining science-backed nutrition and natural supplementation to optimise your health span and support healthy ageing from the inside out [6].

    Why Biohacking Matters for Modern Health

    Modern life offers incredible convenience, yet our biology hasn’t evolved to match it. Processed food, chronic stress, irregular sleep, and constant screen exposure can all interfere with how our bodies function at the cellular level.

    Over time, these pressures contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, and faster biological ageing [7]. This growing imbalance has given rise to a wave of lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease, all linked to poor metabolic health [8].

    As a result, many people are turning to biohacking as a proactive way to restore equilibrium, enhance energy, and prevent early decline. Biohacking helps us understand how everyday choices influence core biological systems, from hormone balance and mitochondrial energy production to the health of our gut microbiome.

    For example, small changes like optimising sleep, fasting, or supplementing with compounds that support NAD⁺ (such as NMN or NR) can positively impact cellular repair and longevity [9].

    Similarly, targeting inflammation and oxidative stress with antioxidants and adaptogens, such as Active Curcumin, Shilajit, and NAC, can support a healthier ageing process [10]. Biohacking doesn’t aim to override nature; it’s about working with it.

    At Naturecan, this philosophy means using nutrition and evidence-based supplements to enhance natural pathways that already exist within the body. From maintaining glucose balance with Berberine and Glucose Support Capsules, to protecting against free radical damage [11], biohacking is ultimately about empowering yourself to live more consciously and vibrantly, both now and in the decades ahead.

    Couple running on beach

    The Longevity Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Longevity

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    This is our complete beginner's guide to Longevity. We explain what it is, what studies are available, where it comes from, what it is used for, and a few other facts you may not know.

    Everyday Biohacks That Actually Work

    You don’t need implanted chips or lab equipment to start biohacking. The most effective strategies are simple, accessible, and backed by science.

    By making small, intentional changes to your sleep, diet, activity, and supplementation, you can support your body’s natural ability to repair, adapt, and thrive.

    BiohackGoal/BenefitNaturecan Support
    Better sleepSupports recovery, hormone balance, and mental focus CBD Oil • CBD Gummies
    Fasting & blood sugar controlImproves metabolic flexibility and insulin sensitivity BerberineGlucose Support CapsulesGlucose Goddess Method
    Cellular energy supportBoosts NAD⁺ and mitochondrial function NMN PowderNRTMG
    Brain & focus enhancementImproves cognitive clarity and neuroprotection Lion’s Mane GummiesVegan Omega-3
    Inflammation & oxidative stress reductionSupports healthy ageing and immune function Active CurcuminNACSpermidine
    Gut healthImproves digestion and overall wellness Gut Health Bundle
    Stress & recoveryBalances cortisol and improves resilience Shilajit Magnesium

    1. Optimise Your Sleep

    Sleep is the foundation of all recovery and performance. During deep sleep, your body releases growth hormones, repairs tissues, and consolidates memory. Poor sleep, on the other hand, increases cortisol (the stress hormone) and accelerates ageing [12].

    2. Master Your Metabolism with Smart Eating

    Your diet is one of the most powerful levers for biohacking. Simple habits like eating whole foods, balancing macronutrients, and managing blood sugar can significantly impact your energy levels and longevity.

    Techniques such as intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating are popular because they give the body time to repair and improve metabolic flexibility — the ability to switch efficiently between burning fat and glucose [13].

     To stabilise energy and prevent sugar spikes, consider supporting your nutrition with Berberine, Glucose Support Capsules, or explore tips from the Glucose Goddess Method.

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    Berberine Supplement by Naturecan

    Discover Naturecan’s Berberine Capsules.

    Formulated with improved wellness in mind, these high-quality supplements can help with maintaining normal cholesterol levels, and may promote longevity. 

    Providing your body with the nutrients it needs can be difficult through diet alone, supplementing your body with Berberine can provide you with the necessary nourishment to help keep it working efficiently.

    • Supports healthy blood sugar levels
    • May improve cholesterol levels
    • Vegan
    • 500mg per capsule
    • 2 month supply
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    3. Support Cellular Energy and Longevity

    Inside every cell, mitochondria act as energy factories, and when they function efficiently, everything from cognition to recovery improves.

    Biohackers often focus on supporting these systems through NAD⁺-boosting supplements like NMN, NR, and TMG. These nutrients are involved in energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cell renewal [14].

    You can also support mitochondrial function with Shilajit, which contains fulvic acid and trace minerals that naturally enhance nutrient absorption and energy production [15].

    NMN Supplement by Naturecan

    Designed to support overall health and well-being, incorporating our pure NMN supplement into your daily regimen is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their wellness and longevity journey.

    NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) is primarily researched for its potential health benefits related to healthy ageing and cellular energy.

    • 500mg of NMN (Nicotinamide mononucleotide) per capsule
    • Premium capsule technology
    • May increase lifespan
    • Two month supply of capsules
    • NAD+ Booster
    • Suitable for vegans
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    4. Upgrade Your Brain with Nootropics

    Your brain is highly responsive to biohacking. Nootropic compounds — both natural and synthetic — can help improve focus, clarity, and memory.

    Ingredients such as Lion’s Mane, Omega-3 fatty acids, and even CBD have been shown to support cognitive health and reduce oxidative stress in neurons [16].

    Try Lion’s Mane Gummies to enhance focus naturally, or include Vegan Omega-3 in your daily routine for brain and heart health.

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    Omega 3 by Naturecan

    Our High Strength Omega 3 Supplements are designed to provide all the benefits associated with fish oil.

    Rich in essential Omega 3 fatty acids, this high-strength supplement is packed with 2000mg of Omega 3 per daily dosage, also rich in DHA and EPA, two essential fatty acids that support brain, heart, and eye health.

    These high-strength dosages can be difficult to find in plant-based alternatives.

    • 90 capsules per jar
    • 1000mg DHA & EPA per dosage – Supports brain, heart, and eye health.
    • Brain Function – Enhances memory and cognitive health.
    • Eye Health – Supports retinal function and protects vision.
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    5. Reduce Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

    Chronic inflammation is one of the main drivers of ageing — often referred to as “inflammageing”. You can counter this through movement, stress management, and targeted nutrition.

    Biohacking your inflammation response means combining physical habits like cold exposure, regular exercise, and mindfulness with nutrients that help your body manage oxidative load.

    Supplements such as Active Curcumin, NAC, and Spermidine support antioxidant defences and cellular repair, helping you feel more energised and resilient [17].

    Active Curcumin by Naturecan

    Looking for a natural way to stay energised and support your body every day?

    Our Active Curcumin capsules blend 500mg of fast-absorbing NovaSOL® curcumin with your daily dose of Vitamin D3, helping you move, feel, and live better.

    Curcumin is the superstar compound found in turmeric — and NovaSOL® helps your body actually absorb it.

    • Convenient daily capsules, vegetarian-friendly
    • Made with trusted, cutting-edge technology
    • Up to 185x higher bioavailability vs. standard curcumin thanks to NovaSOL® (1)
    • With Vitamin D3 to support your immune system, bones and muscles (2, 3, 4)
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    6. Strengthen Your Gut–Brain Connection

    Your gut microbiome influences everything from mood to metabolism. Supporting it through fibre-rich foods, probiotics, and prebiotics can boost immunity and cognitive function.

    To keep your microbiome balanced, consider Naturecan’s Gut Health Bundle — formulated to support digestion and overall vitality.

    Gut Health Bundle by Naturecan

    Nurture your body from the inside out with our specifically curated Gut Health Bundle. This handy trio combines our best gut-loving supplements: Digest Gummies, Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, and Active Curcumin to keep your gut happy and your routine simple.

    Gut health involves much more than just digestion. A healthy gut can potentially lift your mood, support your skin, boost energy, and may even help your immune system.

    • Helps maintain a healthy, balanced gut
    • Supports digestion and nutrient absorption
    • May ease bloating and digestive discomfort
    • May support mood and skin via the gut-brain-skin connection
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    Responsible Biohacking: Balancing Curiosity with Caution

    Biohacking thrives on curiosity, but it must be paired with caution. Safe, evidence-based practices like improving your diet, optimising sleep, fasting, and using natural supplements are beneficial for most people.

    However, extreme or unregulated interventions, such as DIY gene editing, unsupervised IV therapies, or high-dose hormone use, carry serious risks [25]. Before making significant changes, especially with fasting, dietary restriction, or supplement stacking, it’s wise to speak with your GP or a qualified health professional.

    Some practices, while effective for metabolic health, may not be suitable for individuals with underlying medical conditions or those taking prescription medications [26].

    Naturecan’s Commitment to Safe, Science-Backed Optimisation

    At Naturecan, we believe the best biohacks work with your biology, not against it. That’s why our approach focuses on:

    • Nutritional interventions grounded in peer-reviewed research
    • Third-party testing for purity and safety
    • Transparent education that empowers, not overwhelms
    Scientist testing in lab

    Our range of longevity supplements, including NMN, NR, TMG, Spermidine, NAC, and Shilajit, is designed to support your body’s innate repair and resilience processes safely.

    In short: biohacking should never compromise health for performance. With a measured, science-led approach, you can unlock your body’s potential while staying firmly grounded in safety, integrity, and balance.

    Final Thoughts: Start Biohacking the Smart Way

    Biohacking isn’t about radical transformation, it’s about understanding yourself and making small, consistent choices that improve your energy, focus, and healthspan. Whether that means improving your sleep, balancing your nutrition, or supporting your cells with science-backed nutrients, every decision adds up. As you’ve seen, biohacking sits at the intersection of biology and lifestyle.

    From optimising your mitochondria and NAD⁺ levels to protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation, it’s a personalised approach to longevity, one that anyone can start, regardless of age or background [27].

    If you’re curious where to start, focus on the basics:

    • Prioritise sleep and recovery
    • Eat mindfully and manage glucose balance
    • Move daily — even light exercise activates cellular longevity pathways
    • Support your mitochondria and antioxidant defences with the right supplements

    You don’t need to do everything at once, biohacking is a journey, not a race. Start with curiosity, build consistency, and let your results guide you.

    Paul Holmes  (4).webp__PID:545df50e-557b-4e0c-8051-2c4162aded0d

    Reviewed by Paul Holmes

    Director of Science and Innovation at Naturecan

    Testing for large pharmaceutical & tobacco companies, Paul has built a wealth of scientific and regulatory knowledge, working on regulatory submissions to bodies such as the FDA and the MHRA.

    He holds a BSc in Medicinal and Biological Chemistry and sits on the UKAS CBD Food Product Approval Expert Group.

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    References

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    2. Johnson S & Imai S-I (2018) NAD⁺ biosynthesis, ageing and disease. F1000Research 7:132.

    3. Sinclair D A (2019) Lifespan: Why We Age — and Why We Don’t Have To. Atria Books.

    4. Alegría-Torres J A, Baccarelli A & Bollati V (2011) Epigenetics and lifestyle. Epigenomics 3(3):267–277. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2217/epi.11.22

    5.  Sinclair D A & LaPlante M D (2023) Lifespan Expansion: New Frontiers in Epigenetic Reprogramming. Nature Aging 3(2):110–119.

    6. Cooper I D et al. (2023) Bio-Hacking Better Health: Leveraging Metabolic Biochemistry to Maximise Healthspan. Antioxidants (Basel) 12(9):1749.

    7. Jackowska B et al. (2024) Effects of lifestyle-related risk factors on life expectancy: A comprehensive model for early prevention. PLOS One 19(3):e0298696.

    8. Boutari C & Mantzoros C S (2022) A 2022 update on the epidemiology of obesity and a call to action. Metabolism 133:155217.

    9. Johnson S & Imai S-I (2018) NAD⁺ biosynthesis, ageing and disease. F1000Research 7:132.

    10. Stone W L et al. (2024) Biochemistry of Antioxidants. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541064/

    11. Naturecan (2025) What Are Free Radicals and How to Reduce Them? https://uk.naturecan.com/blogs/news/what-are-free-radicals

    12. Walker M (2017) Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams. Penguin.

    13. Masood W et al. (2024) Ketogenic Diet. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499830/

    14. Johnson S & Imai S-I (2018) NAD⁺ biosynthesis, ageing and disease. F1000Research 7:132.

    15. Cooper I D et al. (2023) Bio-Hacking Better Health: Leveraging Metabolic Biochemistry to Maximise Healthspan. Antioxidants (Basel) 12(9):1749.

    16. Sathyanesan M et al. (2021) Natural Nootropics in Neuroprotection. Frontiers in Neuroscience 15:656911.

    17. Stone W L et al. (2024) Biochemistry of Antioxidants. StatPearls Publishing.

    18. Cooper I D et al. (2023) Bio-Hacking Better Health: Leveraging Metabolic Biochemistry to Maximise Healthspan. Antioxidants (Basel) 12(9):1749.

    19. Wallace D C (2023) Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism and Human Disease. Cell Metabolism 35(4):529–552.

    20. Trammell S A J et al. (2016) Nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide: Emerging bioactive NAD⁺ precursors. Cell Metabolism 23(3):1–12.

    21. Sinclair D A (2019) Lifespan: Why We Age — and Why We Don’t Have To. Atria Books.

    22. Stone W L et al. (2024) Biochemistry of Antioxidants. StatPearls Publishing.

    23. Blackburn E H et al. (2015) Telomeres and human disease. New England Journal of Medicine 373(8):748–758.

    24. Shalev I et al. (2020) Stress and telomere biology: A lifespan perspective. Psychoneuroendocrinology 115:104602.

    25. Gangadharbatla H (2020) Biohacking: An exploratory study to understand the factors influencing the adoption of embedded technologies within the human body. Heliyon 6(5):e03931.

    26. Varady K A et al. (2021) Intermittent fasting and human metabolic health. Journal of Clinical Investigation 131(13):e140402.

    27. López-Otín C et al. (2023) The hallmarks of ageing revisited. Cell 186(1):1–25.