If you’re aged between 18 and 25, getting old might not be on your radar. After all, it seems so far away. But the ‘so yesterday’ trends of botox and vampire facials are making way for a new trend for those savvy enough to beat their BFFL to revolutionise their health – biohacking – a transformative movement resonating with Gen Zs and Millennials.
WTF is biohacking I hear you say? From cutting-edge nutrition to mind-enhancing practices biohacking is the art and science of changing the environment around you and inside you, so you have more control of your biology and can control how well (or poorly) you age.
What are the biohacks you can implement? Is it all unaffordable tech and consuming a cereal bowl of supplements like some millionaire biohackers are doing?
Most of us agree that none of us want to end up in an aged care facility, frail and slowly wasting away so two of Australia’s only female biohackers Camilla Thompson (@BioHackMe) and Azra Alagic (@Biohackher_offical) are helping those on the cusp of life’s adventures and challenges to slow down the clock and ensure we can live well longer. Both are health coaches specialising in longevity teaching us how to implement achievable hacks that won’t bust your bank balance.
Here’s their take.
Camilla has been delivering biohacking workshops to employees at Canva, who are loving embracing the hacks.
Her workshops focus on simple, accessible, and achievable evidence-based health hacks that lay the foundations of ‘Biohacking Basics,’ including tips on how to biohack on a budget and Biohacking Stacking (incorporating multiple biohacks together for max benefit).
“Gen Z’s inherent curiosity and willingness to explore new things make biohacking particularly appealing to them. Having seen a generation of parents neglect their health, they’re now driven to make better health decisions and find innovative ways to support their wellbeing as they age,” says Camilla.
Azra, host of the popular Biohackher Podcast says it’s important to get the basics right before you try to embrace biohacks that are a little more progressive.
“If you don’t have the foundations right, like good nutrition, gut health, quality sleep and stress management popping a supplement is not going to work because your body will not be primed to leverage it. It will just turn into expensive pee,” says Azra.
“What I’m seeing trending now, after attending a longevity conference at the National University of Singapore and the Biohacking Conference in Dallas is personalised health care and nutrition,” says Azra
Epigenetic Nutrition
Nutrition can be confusing and is not a one size fits all which is why personalised nutrition is at the forefront of biohacking trends, offering young women the tools to tailor their diets based on their unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and health goals.
The rise of at-home DNA testing kits, like those offered by 23andMe and AncestryDNA, or biological age testing like Glycanage and Do Not Age provides insights into genetic predispositions related to metabolism, nutrient absorption, and food sensitivities and importantly biomarkers that you can then personalise your health care and nutrition from, using real data.
Armed with this knowledge, women can make informed dietary choices that align with their individual needs, enhancing energy levels, mental clarity, and overall health. This demographic cares deeply about what they are putting in their bodies, which is why they don’t drink as much alcohol as other generations and are more concerned about where their food is coming from and what chemicals are in them.
Mental Health and Cognitive Enhancement
Thanks to the pressures of navigating studying, careers, and social life, many of us can get caught up in our heads. Biohacking is one way to get the monkey mind to calm down and support mental well-being and cognitive function.
Nootropics, or “smart drugs,” are gaining popularity for their potential to enhance memory, focus, and creativity. Supplements like Lion’s Mane, Ashwagandha, and Rhodiola Rosea are being embraced for their natural cognitive-boosting properties.
Mindfulness practices and meditation apps like Headspace and Calm are pivotal in managing stress and anxiety. These tools provide accessible ways to incorporate relaxation and mental clarity into daily routines, fostering resilience and emotional balance.
Gen Z can spend a lot of time ruminating, overthinking, and analysing due to their sensitive curious natures, so being more present and connecting with their senses is critical. Nature is one of the best free biohacks for supporting more connection to self and environment.
“Understanding our brain networks is the key to this; our default mode network is where this internalising happens, and sometimes people get stuck in it. The only way to switch out of this network is to connect in with your sensory network, connecting in with one or more of our senses,” says Camilla.
Fitness and Recovery
Young women are also redefining fitness through biohacking, focusing not only on body conformation but also recovery and holistic well-being. Wearable technologies like Whoop and the Oura Ring, track physical activity, sleep patterns, and heart rate variability, providing valuable data to guide you on when you should be smashing it out or when you should be taking some R&R.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) remains a popular choice for efficient, time-effective workouts as well as pilates, yoga, and boxing.
We’re also taking better care of ourselves and ensuring we recover from pushing our bodies. Ice plunges and infrared saunas are the norm now, but next level recovery therapies like cryotherapy chambers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and compression treatments are helping to reduce inflammation and enhance muscle repair maximising our ability to recover so we can hit the gym faster and better.
These practices are not just about pushing physical limits but also about understanding and honouring the body’s needs.
“Biohacking technology is continuing to grow and is big business in the States, from 40 years of ZEN to NanoVi protein folding treatments, millions of dollars are being invested in helping us to recover from toxic overload, trauma and epigenetics,” says Azra.
Hormonal Health
Hormonal health is a crucial aspect of biohacking for young women, impacting everything from mood and energy levels to skin health and menstrual cycles. Biohacking trends are empowering women to take control of their hormonal balance through natural and scientific methods. Cycle syncing, for instance, involves aligning lifestyle choices with the phases of the menstrual cycle, optimising diet, exercise, and productivity according to hormonal fluctuations.
Supplements such as Vitex (chasteberry) and Evening Primrose Oil, along with adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha and Maca, are being used to support hormonal balance and alleviate symptoms of PMS and hormonal imbalances. Tracking apps like Flo and Clue are invaluable tools for monitoring cycles and understanding the body’s rhythms.
Gut Health
Gut health has emerged as a cornerstone of overall well-being, influencing everything from digestion to mental health. Probiotics and prebiotics are at the heart of this biohacking trend, with young women incorporating fermented foods like kombucha, kefir, and sauerkraut into their diets. Gluten and dairy free foods, gut-friendly supplements, tailored to individual microbiome profiles, are gaining traction, promoting a balanced and thriving gut ecosystem.
“It’s a subject I feel strongly about, after suffering from gut health issues for years,” says Azra.
“We cannot underestimate the importance of good gut health and how that contributes to our overall well-being. What we put in our mouths is not the only contributor to poor gut health. The latest research shows long-term chronic stress can significantly impact our gut health, which is why we need to prioritise managing our stress levels through biohacks like, forest bathing, alpha/theta meditation and breath work.
Sustainable Biohacking
Sustainability is a core value for Gen Z, and biohacking trends are reflecting this ethos. Young women are increasingly seeking eco-friendly and ethical biohacking practices. Women are exposed to around 168 unique chemicals daily, double what men are exposed to. This includes choosing plant-based and organic supplements, supporting cruelty-free and environmentally conscious brands, and embracing low-waste lifestyle choices. Sustainable biohacking is not just about enhancing personal health but also about contributing to the health of the planet.
Latest Trends in Biohacking
Methylene Blue: Originally used as a dye and for medical purposes, Methylene Blue is now being explored for its potential cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective effects. It’s gaining popularity among biohackers for its potential to improve memory, focus, and mitochondrial function.
Peptide Therapy: Peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500 are being used to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and support overall recovery.
Stem Cell Therapy: You’ll have to go on a medical holiday for this one. This treatment helps regenerate damaged tissues, treats chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, reduces the need for surgery, supports immune system modulation and accelerates healing.
Biohacker Glasses: The must have accessory for every biohacker blocking out blue light and support your circadian rhythms.
Cognitive Enhancements: Improving your brain is the next big trend, whether through Nootropics or tech like Brain Tap, biohackers are wiring and supping up to get smarter faster.
Shilajit: This black sticky magic supertonic resin has gone viral on Tiktok and Insta for good reason, Its a powerhouse antioxidant and rare mineral with many health benefits.
Functional Beverages: Drinks infused with adaptogens, nootropics, and other beneficial compounds are becoming popular for their convenience and health benefits. Kava is an amazing natural alternative to alcohol. Hydrogen water is also the next up and coming drink to help support health on the go for busy Gen Zs.
Longevity Eating: Choosing foods that are scientifically proven to reduce inflammation and support longevity like the Mediterranean Diet – aim for meals high in fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants that will reduce inflammation and help maintain the delicate gut balance. Turmeric, nuts and healthy fats are also your go to. Remember to cater to your individual needs.
Community and Connection
Lastly, the sense of community and connection is a powerful trend in biohacking for young women. Online platforms, social media groups, and local meetups provide spaces for sharing knowledge, experiences, and support.
This collective approach fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, encouraging women to experiment with biohacking techniques and celebrate their health journeys together. There are some awesome biohacking places you can meet up at and Biohack together, like Social Remedy in Byron Bay and Rehub Wellness in Bondi Junction.
Biohacking for women aged 18-25 is an exciting and empowering movement, blending science, nature, and technology to unlock new levels of health and potential.
By embracing personalised nutrition, mental health practices, advanced fitness techniques, hormonal balance, gut health, sustainability, and community, young women are not only enhancing their well-being but also redefining what it means to live a vibrant, optimised life.
As this trend continues to evolve, the possibilities for growth, discovery, and transformation are limitless.
Originally Published by Camilla Thompson – https://womenlovetech.com/the-latest-trends-in-biohacking-for-women-aged-18-25/