Exploring Intermittent Fasting: Types, Benefits, and How to Get Started
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a type of eating plan that has existed for centuries. It’s […]
Gain insights on how your body works — or why it isn’t.
It’s no mystery that certain foods affect our bodies differently. However, pinpointing which foods we eat are to blame for disrupting our weight loss goals can be hard. Biohackers should stay informed about the foods known to trigger sensitivities.
If you’re having difficulties maintaining a healthy weight, certain foods in your diet may be playing a role. An estimated 20 million adults in America have a food allergy,1 and even more have food intolerances that haven’t yet been diagnosed. Understanding how certain foods impact your body can make it easier for you to maintain overall optimum health.
Food allergies affect your immune system, while food intolerances impact your digestive system.2 Allergies can cause hives or other severe — and sometimes life-threatening — responses almost immediately after eating. Intolerances usually produce milder effects, such as an upset stomach, sometimes hours after eating.
Both allergies and intolerances can lead to chronic inflammatory diseases and are connected to inflammation and obesity.3 A study on children4 found that obesity and food allergies were significantly linked, but only in girls and not boys.
The most common foods people are sensitive to are yeast, eggs, cranberry, cow’s milk, chicken, lentils, and parsley.5 You can test whether your body is sensitive to these or other foods with a blood test6 that measures the total immunoglobulin G antibody present for each food category. Skin pricks are also sometimes used before full blood work is ordered.7
Doctors will normally recommend that patients keep a food diary during this discovery phase, accompanied by an elimination diet to confirm findings. Narrowing down what is causing your body troubles can be a long process, but understanding your body’s sensitivities to certain foods will help you stay healthy for the rest of your life.
“An elimination diet process is to discover which foods make you feel like a rockstar and which foods are holding you back.”
“Food Allergies” by Scott H. Sicherer is a comprehensive guide that answers questions about allergies, from prevention to emergencies. With a practical Q&A format and real cases, the book covers topics like diagnosis, prevention, and new research. Whether you’re new to managing allergies or seeking advanced insights, this book offers valuable advice for improving your quality of life.
“Food Allergies and Food Intolerance” by Jonathan Brostoff and Linda Gamlin is your guide to improving health. Discover the link between chronic issues like migraines, fatigue, and food sensitivities. With case studies and expert insights, differentiate between allergies and intolerance. The book provides a step-by-step process for identifying issues through diet adjustments, offering practical solutions for better well-being.
Dr. Will Cole’s “The Inflammation Spectrum” reveals the impact of inflammation on health, from mild symptoms to serious conditions. The book emphasizes that each person’s dietary needs are unique, providing quizzes and guidance to help readers identify their ideal foods. By nourishing the body with healing foods, readers can achieve food freedom and lasting healing.
Discover a life-changing approach to food allergies in “The Food Allergy Fix” by Dr. Sakina Bajowala. Learn about desensitization therapy through immunotherapy, offering a path to freedom from the constraints of food allergies. This book empowers parents and patients with an innovative approach that combines history and holistic methods, providing a transformative solution to managing allergies.
Explore groundbreaking food allergy research from Stanford’s Dr. Kari Nadeau and Sloan Barnett. This comprehensive guide covers understanding, treating, and managing allergies, offering innovative immunotherapy strategies to overcome food allergies. It provides vital insights for individuals and families, offering hope and practical solutions to improve their lives.
Dr. Ruchi Gupta’s “Food Without Fear” provides a groundbreaking approach to understanding food-related health conditions. With one in five people in the U.S. affected, Dr. Gupta offers clarity on allergies, intolerances, and masquerading conditions. She explores triggers, genetics, and practical guidance for diagnosis and management. This book empowers readers to take control of their health and find food freedom.
Experience culinary convenience with Purple Carrot! Choose between Meal Kits or Fresh, Prepared Meals and tailor your weekly delivery to your liking. Enjoy meal kits, prepared dishes, or a mix of both, all with options like Less Prep, high-protein, and gluten-free meals.
Clean 7 combines Ayurvedic principles, Intermittent Fasting, and Functional Medicine for overall wellness. The program includes shakes, meals, and supplements to support your journey, and some days incorporate fasting with tulsi tea.
Daily Harvest offers chef-crafted meals sourced sustainably from fruits and veggies. With options like Acai + Cherry Smoothie and Sweet Potato + Wild Rice Hash, they’re dedicated to transforming our food system for better health and the planet.
The Carnivore Diet serves as an Elimination Diet by excluding plant-based foods to identify allergies or intolerances. This comprehensive approach removes potential offenders like lectins, oxalates, and alkaloids while aligning with our natural eating habits.
The Keto and Ketovore diets utilize Ketones for energy and offer various health benefits. This meal plan emphasizes ample protein, sufficient fat, and minimal carbs, aiming to keep energy levels high and avoid hunger while focusing on animal products. It’s designed to help you enjoy your meals, reach your goals, and feel satisfied.
Discover the FODMAP diet, targeting specific sugars linked to gut discomfort. Ideal for IBS and SIBO sufferers, it helps identify problem foods and symptom alleviators. Consult your doctor before trying, as it’s a short-term, restrictive plan to unveil personal triggers.
1. Allergy Facts and Figures, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-facts/.
2. Food Intolerance, Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21688-food-intolerance.
3. Forsythe LK, Wallace JM, Livingstone MB, Obesity and inflammation: the effects of weight loss, Nutr Res Rev. 2008 Dec;21(2):117-33. doi: 10.1017/S0954422408138732, PMID: 19087366: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19087366/.
4. Hayashi, K., Tsujiguchi, H.,Hori, D. et al., The association between overweight and prevalence of food allergy in Japanese children: a cross-sectional study, Environ Health Prev Med 26, 44 (2021): https://doi.org/10.1186/s12199-021-00960-2, https://environhealthprevmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12199-021-00960-2.
5. Sema Gubur, Determination of the Effect of the Elimination Diet Applied for Overweight and Obese People with Food Intolerance on Body Composition and Biochemical Parameters, Human and Animal Health, Braz. arch. biol. technol. 61, 2018: https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4324-2017160773, https://www.scielo.br/j/babt/a/kGWwGx7RfrnpcmyW96GKT9h/?lang=en.
6. Lavine E., Blood testing for sensitivity, allergy or intolerance to food, CMAJ, 2012 Apr 3;184(6):666-8, doi: 10.1503/cmaj.110026, Epub 2012 Mar 19, PMID: 22431905; PMCID: PMC3314037: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3314037/.
7. Food allergy, Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-allergy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355101.
Are you getting enough vitamins and minerals in your current diet? If not, a test could help you determine the underlying causes of your fatigue, weight struggles, or poor macronutrient absorption. Talk to your physician.
Despite the public health cries for balanced diets, modern plates are rarely filled with enough fresh fruits and vegetables to supply the body with adequate daily levels of vitamins and minerals. An estimated 2 billion people throughout the world suffer from micronutrient deficiencies,1 which are known to impact weight and health in general.
Getting tested for deficiencies can help you address problems underlying lack of energy, fat accumulation, and the non-absorption of vitamins in food. It’s a two-part process: First, you’ll need to schedule a blood test to see what, if anything, you’re deficient in. Next, you’ll need to uncover the cause, which could simply be that you’re not eating enough of a specific kind of food. The underlying cause could also be an undiagnosed disease.
While it’s recommended to get this type of bloodwork done every few years, most people don’t make it a priority. Look for common symptoms of deficiency, like brittle hair or mouth ulcers.2
Doctors will tell you to fast for at least 12 hours before undergoing testing and to avoid all supplements and products containing biotin, which can lead to inaccurate results. Be open and honest with your physician and make sure all vitamin and mineral deficiencies are addressed, as these are directly linked to struggles with maintaining a healthy weight.
If you’re feeling fatigued, have shortness of breath, or experience unintentional weight loss, you may not be eating enough foods rich in B-12 and folate. Alternatively, your body may have trouble absorbing these vitamins. If your doctor discovers this through blood work, you’ll be diagnosed with vitamin deficiency anemia.3 Sublingual B-12 supplements can help. It comes in tablet and liquid form.
Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with excess fat,4 and blood work can show if you need to increase your levels. If this is the case, your doctor may prescribe a supplement or encourage you to spend more time in the sun. A 10- to 30-minute walk in the midday sun every other day should be enough for you to maintain healthy levels if you have light skin. People with darker skin may require longer periods of exposure.5
Another cause of fatigue is iron deficiency anemia, which can be verified through blood work. Specific tests check your complete blood count, hemoglobin levels, blood iron levels, and ferritin levels.6 You may require an iron supplement if your levels are low. However, some people have low iron levels because they drink too much caffeine. Studies show that coffee and teas inhibit iron absorption by up to 39%.7 If coffee is the underlying cause, it’s always better to remove something from your diet than add extra supplements.
“There are 37 billion chemical reactions happening within your body every second. And every single one of these reactions requires vitamins and minerals to make it work.”
Nutritionists Jayson and Mira Calton tackle micronutrient deficiency in “Micronutrient Miracle,” offering a program to combat obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The book unveils diet truths, depletion effects, and provides a customizable 28-day plan for balance.
Explore the impact of vitamin B12 deficiency in The B12 Deficiency Survival Handbook by Dr. Aqsa Ghazanfar. Discover the link to fatigue, stress, memory loss, and more. Find proactive solutions, optimal foods, and ways to safeguard health.
Discover “Drug Muggers” by pharmacist Suzy Cohen, your solution to medication-related discomfort. Learn how drugs deplete vital nutrients, impacting your well-being. This book provides strategies to counteract side effects and enhance nutrient intake to improve your overall health, even while on medication.
1. Micronutrient Inadequacies in the US Population: An Overview, Oregon State University: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/micronutrient-inadequacies/overview.
2. 8 Common Signs You’re Deficient in Vitamins, Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-deficiency.
3. Vitamin deficiency anemia, Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitamin-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355025.
4. LeBlanc ES, Rizzo JH, Pedula KL, Ensrud KE, Cauley J, Hochberg M, Hillier TA, Study Of Osteoporotic Fractures-Associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and weight gain in elderly women, J Womens Health (Larchmt), 2012 Oct;21(10):1066-73, doi: 10.1089/jwh.2012.3506, Epub 2012 Jun 25, PMID: 22731629; PMCID: PMC3466912: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3466912/.
5. How to Safely Get Vitamin D From Sunlight, Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d-from-sun.
6. Iron-Deficiency Anemia, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemia/iron-deficiency-anemia.
7. Morck TA, Lynch SR, Cook JD, Inhibition of food iron absorption by coffee, Am J Clin Nutr. 1983 Mar;37(3):416-20, doi: 10.1093/ajcn/37.3.416, PMID: 6402915: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6402915/.
If an organ is compromised, biohacking weight management will be difficult — or maybe even impossible. Test important organs to ensure your body can metabolize fat and balance hormones.
Certain organs are specifically tasked with functions associated with maintaining a healthy weight. Before you take steps toward biohacking your weight, a smart biohack is making sure your organs are functioning properly.
The organs associated with weight maintenance are primarily within the digestive and endocrine systems. Adipose tissue, or body fat, is actually considered an interactive organ within the endocrine system.1 If you address the underlying conditions of stressed organs, you can more easily maintain healthy homeostasis. When that’s achieved, you can more easily maintain a healthy weight.
Among other responsibilities in the body, the liver is responsible for metabolizing fat2 by making sure the body has enough energy in both fed and fasted states. When you have a fatty liver, which is often a result of obesity, diabetes, or high triglycerides,3 you can develop metabolic syndrome and symptoms of hormonal imbalance.4 Testing your liver function by measuring certain enzymes and proteins in your blood can alert you before serious disease develops.5 If tests confirm abnormal function, you can generally reverse the condition with weight loss and exercise.6
Kidney function is directly related to weight gain,7 as damaged kidneys cannot properly balance the salt and fluid levels within the body. Although an electrolyte imbalance can be associated with weight gain, people with chronic kidney disease tend to have the opposite experience.8 Testing your kidney function may involve a blood test and/or a 24-hour urine sample.9
A compromised thyroid is a common cause of unmanageable weight. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is associated with weight gain10 while an overactive thyroid is connected to unintended weight loss. Even minor thyroid dysfunction can result in an extra five kilograms in body weight.11 The thyroid regulates metabolism, so measuring your TSH levels12 can determine its functioning. When preparing for your blood work, avoid estrogens from birth control pills and biotin supplements for accurate tests.
“When our body systems are functioning optimally, we let go of excess body fat naturally.”
Revitalize with PureHealth Research’s Doctor-Approved LIVER HEALTH FORMULA. Elevate fat-burning, digestion, and energy using premium botanicals, supporting 500+ vital functions. Combat liver-related issues for improved well-being. Backed by 11 potent natural ingredients, scientifically proven to enhance liver markers and functions.
Revitalize your Gut & Digestion with their potent supplement. Packed with essential nutrients and peptides, it aids leaky gut, digestive problems, and autoimmune conditions. Featuring grass-fed & finished tripe, intestines, pancreas, liver, and spleen, this supplement enhances nutrient absorption over synthetic options. Experience targeted assistance for gut inflammation and digestion.
Boost beneficial gut flora and nurture a healthy gut barrier with Perma-Clear. This supplement delivers comprehensive backing for a robust intestinal lining, reinforces immune function within the gut, and provides essential nourishment for addressing “leaky gut” issues.*
Metabolic Daily, crafted by PhD experts from renowned institutions, introduces a live multi-strain probiotic. It restores your gut microbiome, enhancing metabolism and supporting weight management. This formula aids fiber breakdown and promotes essential postbiotics and hormones like butyrate and GLP-1, ensuring balanced energy and reduced sugar cravings for improved well-being.
1. Adipose Tissue (Body Fat), Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24052-adipose-tissue-body-fat.
2. Hodson L, Gunn PJ, The regulation of hepatic fatty acid synthesis and partitioning: the effect of nutritional state, Nat Rev Endocrinol 2019 Dec;15(12):689-700, doi: 10.1038/s41574-019-0256-9, Erratum in: Nat Rev Endocrinol, 2020 Jun;16(6):340. PMID: 31554932: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31554932/.
3. Fatty Liver Disease, Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15831-fatty-liver-disease.
4. Dr. Mary James, Is your liver causing weight gain & fatigue?, Women’s Health Network: https://www.womenshealthnetwork.com/detoxification/is-your-liver-causing-your-weight-gain-fatigue-and-acne/.
5. Liver function tests, Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liver-function-tests/about/pac-20394595.
6. Hickman IJ, Jonsson JR, Prins JB, Ash S, Purdie DM, Clouston AD, Powell EE, Modest weight loss and physical activity in overweight patients with chronic liver disease results in sustained improvements in alanine aminotransferase, fasting insulin, and quality of life, Gut. 2004 Mar;53(3):413-9. doi: 10.1136/gut.2003.027581, PMID: 14960526; PMCID: PMC1773957: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1773957/.
7. Yun Hae-Ryong, Kim Hyung Woo, Chang Tae Ik, Kang Ea Wha, Joo Young Su, Nam Ki Heon, Kim Hyoungnae, Park Jung Tak, Yoo Tae-Hyun, Kang Shin-Wook, Han Seung Hyeok, Increased Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease Associated With Weight Gain in Healthy Adults: Insight From Metabolic Profiles and Body Composition, Frontiers in Medicine, Volume 8, 2021, ISSN 2296-858X, DOI 10.3389/fmed.2021.705881: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2021.705881.
8. Chronic kidney disease: How effective are diet and exercise?, Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-March 8, 2018: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK492988/.
9. Kidney Function Tests, Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21659-kidney-function-tests.
10. Sanyal D, Raychaudhuri M, Hypothyroidism and obesity: An intriguing link, Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Jul-Aug;20(4):554-7, doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.183454, PMID: 27366725; PMCID: PMC4911848: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4911848/.
11. Laurberg P, Knudsen N, Andersen S, Carlé A, Pedersen IB, Karmisholt J, Thyroid function and obesity, Eur Thyroid J. 2012 Oct;1(3):159-67, doi: 10.1159/000342994, Epub 2012 Sep 22, PMID: 24783015; PMCID: PMC3821486: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3821486/.
12. Thyroid Function Tests, American Thyroid Association: https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-function-tests/.
Weight biohacking starts with understanding the vital role hormones play in regulating appetite, metabolism, and body fat distribution. Tests can shine a light on how your body can achieve hormonal balance and optimal weight.
Within the body’s endocrine system are special glands responsible for creating and releasing hormones into the bloodstream. Many of these hormones are directly responsible for our appetite levels, metabolism, and body fat distribution. When your hormones are balanced,1 you have a solid internal foundation for biohacking lifestyle changes. Sex hormones, thyroid-stimulating hormones, and cortisol levels are worth testing.
There is a direct connection between obesity and too little thyroid hormone, just as there is a direct connection between being underweight and producing too much thyroid hormone.4 Thyroid disease impacts your insulin levels, which regulate blood sugar. When imbalanced, you can develop insulin resistance, which leads to diabetes.5 Testing the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood will inform you of how well your thyroid is working.6
Produced in your adrenal glands, the cortisol hormone is your body’s way of regulating stress. Cortisol sends important signals within your body to regulate metabolism, blood sugar, inflammation, and fat storage.7 Multiple studies have linked cortisol with excessive abdominal fat.8 Checking your cortisol levels through blood, urine, or saliva tests9 is a first step toward stress reduction, along with developing habits such as mindfulness10 and other coping strategies.11
Both men and women need healthy levels of testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and DHEAS for a variety of reasons, including maintaining an appropriate body mass index. Hormonal fluctuations in women resulting from menopause have been shown to increase the risk of obesity.2 Obese men, meanwhile, increase their testosterone levels when they lose weight.3 These hormones can be tested through blood testing, although sometimes doctors will order a 24-hour urine sample as well.
“Understanding your own hormonal dance and its effects is vital to taking charge of your health and well-being.”
Experience the ultimate relaxation with their Acupressure Mat Set. Whether you seek better sleep, stress relief, or pain reduction, their mat and pillow leverage traditional acupressure principles. Gentle stimulators activate body points, promoting deep relaxation.
Their passion lies in crafting the finest yoga clothing, designed explicitly to ignite inspiration for both seasoned yogis and those on their yogic journey. Alo’s mission is to cultivate mindful movement, at the heart of their purpose. They believe that conscious movement enhances daily living.
Discover Glo, your all-in-one online wellness app. Elevate your body and mind daily through yoga, meditation, Pilates, and fitness. Access the world’s top instructors from home or anywhere. With classes catering to various life stages, levels, and needs, Glo empowers you to craft a personalized practice for overall well-being.
1. Do You Need Hormone Testing?, Cleveland Clinic: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/hormone-testing/.
2. Lovejoy JC, The influence of sex hormones on obesity across the female life span, J Womens Health, 1998 Dec;7(10):1247-56, doi: 10.1089/jwh.1998.7.1247, PMID: 9929857: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9929857/.
3. Kaukua, J., Pekkarinen, T., Sane, T. and Mustajoki, P., Sex Hormones and Sexual Function in Obese Men Losing Weight, Obesity Research (2003) 11: 689-694: https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2003.98, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1038/oby.2003.98.
4. Sanyal D, Raychaudhuri M, Hypothyroidism and obesity: An intriguing link, Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Jul-Aug;20(4):554-7, doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.183454, PMID: 27366725; PMCID: PMC4911848: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4911848/.
5. Gierach M, Gierach J, Junik R, Insulin resistance and thyroid disorders, Endokrynol Pol. 2014;65(1):70-6, doi: 10.5603/EP.2014.0010, PMID: 24549605: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24549605/.
6. TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone) Test, National Library of Medicine: https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/tsh-thyroid-stimulating-hormone-test/.
7. Cortisol, Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22187-cortisol.
8. Study: Stress may cause excessive abdominal fat in otherwise slender women, Yale News, September 22, 2000: https://news.yale.edu/2000/09/22/study-stress-may-cause-excess-abdominal-fat-otherwise-slender-women.
9. Cortisol Test, National Library of Medicine: https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cortisol-test/.
10. Jennifer Daubenmier, Jean Kristeller, Frederick M. Hecht, Nicole Maninger, Margaret Kuwata, Kinnari Jhaveri, Robert H. Lustig, Margaret Kemeny, Lori Karan, Elissa Epel, Mindfulness Intervention for Stress Eating to Reduce Cortisol and Abdominal Fat among Overweight and Obese Women: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Study, Journal of Obesity, vol. 2011, Article ID 651936, 13 pages, 2011: https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/651936, https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jobe/2011/651936/.
11. Moyer AE, Rodin J, Grilo CM, Cummings N, Larson LM, Rebuffé-Scrive M, Stress-induced cortisol response and fat distribution in women, Obes Res. 1994 May;2(3):255-62.doi: 10.1002/j.1550-8528.1994.tb00055.x. PMID: 16353426: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16353426/.
More than 37 million American adults have diabetes. The good news is that symptoms can often be prevented and even reversed with the right lifestyle interventions. To biohack weight loss and improve your overall health make sure you catch it early with simple tests.
When a person is diagnosed with diabetes, their body is either not producing adequate insulin (type 1), or it is no longer able to use it effectively to regulate the glucose levels in the bloodstream (type 2). Of the more than 37 million American adults with the disease, approximately 95% have type 2 diabetes.1 With this type of diabetes, patients develop insulin resistance as the pancreas produces more insulin in an effort to get cells to respond. Testing for diabetes early on increases your chances of being able to reverse your symptoms.2
Diabetes is directly linked to weight gain,3 as the excess blood sugar is stored as fat. Not only are people with diabetes more likely to be overweight, but they also have an increased risk of high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and strokes. Losing weight is more challenging with the onset of the disease, but the effort is worth it: When you lose even just 10 pounds, you dramatically reduce your risk for more serious symptoms.4 Plus, maintaining weight loss enhances insulin sensitivity, helping you reverse the disease.5
Whether or not you have symptoms of prediabetes6, consider getting tested. There are a few ways to move forward with blood testing. You can order an A1C test, which measures your average blood sugar over the past few months. You can also fast overnight for a fasting blood sugar test, or you can complete a glucose tolerance test.7 Results usually come back quickly, allowing you to develop a biohacking strategy that can include lifestyle changes such as intermittent fasting and increased exercise.
“Type 2 Diabetes is not always a chronic and progressive disease. We need to stop treating it as such.”
1. Type 2 Diabetes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html.
2. Hallberg SJ, Gershuni VM, Hazbun TL, Athinarayanan SJ, Reversing Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review of the Evidence, Nutrients. 2019 Apr 1;11(4):766, doi: 10.3390/nu11040766, PMID: 30939855; PMCID: PMC6520897: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6520897/.
3. Russell-Jones D, Khan R, Insulin-associated weight gain in diabetes–causes, effects and coping strategies, Diabetes Obes Metab. 2007 Nov;9(6):799-812, doi: 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2006.00686.x, PMID: 17924864: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17924864/.
4. Extra Weight, Extra Risk, American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org/healthy-living/weight-loss/extra-weight-extra-risk.
5. Clamp, L., Hume, D., Lambert, E. et al., Enhanced insulin sensitivity in successful, long-term weight loss maintainers compared with matched controls with no weight loss history, Nutr. Diabetes 7, e282 (2017): https://doi.org/10.1038/nutd.2017.31, https://www.nature.com/articles/nutd201731.
6. Prediabetes, Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prediabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355278.
7. Diabetes Tests, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/getting-tested.html.
Schedule a lipid test at the start of your weight loss journey to identify how diet and exercise routines impact your cholesterol and triglycerides. Keep checking before, during, and even after you’ve achieved your initial goals.
In many ways, biohacking involves using science to improve your overall health. To accomplish this, you must create a plan (hypothesis) and measure it in a controlled way to allow you to determine if your plan is successful. A powerful way to monitor your fitness level as you focus on weight management is by completing a lipid panel in the earliest possible stages of your journey.
A lipid panel is a test that screens for cardiovascular health by measuring your cholesterol levels and triglycerides.1 Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the body used to build cells as well as make vitamins and hormones. The liver produces enough cholesterol for the entire body in itself, but we also introduce supplemental cholesterol through certain foods. Too much meat, dairy, and tropical oils can result in abnormally high levels of cholesterol, disrupting your system by clogging arteries.2 Triglycerides are energy stored in fat cells for future use. If you eat more calories than you burn, you may have elevated levels, which can contribute to arteriosclerosis and heart disease.3
If you’re over 45 for men or 50 for women, it’s a good idea to get a lipid test. This is especially important if you smoke cigarettes, are obese, don’t get enough exercise, have high blood pressure, or have a close family member with diabetes.1 To prepare for this blood test, you’ll likely have to fast for nine to 12 hours beforehand.4 If your lipid levels are elevated, lifestyle biohacks such as integrating a whole foods diet and regular exercise can help reverse the condition.5 Follow-up tests can help you keep track of your progress and celebrate victories that can’t be measured by a scale.6
“Be sure to ask your doctor to do a particle size test. This will check both your particle size and particle number.”
SelfDecode is revolutionizing healthcare by offering personalized health advice based on your DNA, labs, and environment. With comprehensive gene-based recommendations, you can make informed health decisions, avoiding fragmented approaches. Overcoming information overload, SelfDecode empowers you to take charge of your well-being.
The EpiAge™ test reveals your biological age compared to your actual age using a saliva sample and next-generation sequencing. Lower biological age indicates better health, while higher age suggests room for improvement. Home sample collection, lab analysis, and results in about 4 weeks make it convenient. Tracking your biological age helps evaluate lifestyle changes’ impact on health over time.
Wild Health transforms healthcare with a personalized approach based on individual genetic variations. Their proprietary DNA kit analyzes hand-selected genetic SNPs impacting health, wellness, and potential. This comprehensive understanding informs a tailored health optimization plan, leveraging genetic advantages and addressing challenges.
TruDiagnostic’s Pace of Aging report reveals your biological aging rate using the DunedinPACE algorithm, separate from your overall biological age. Comparable to a speedometer, this metric shows how quickly you’re progressing through life, offering insights into the impact of lifestyle choices on your aging pace.
Manage stress effectively with Rootine’s stress hormone measurement and personalized improvement plan. Identify sub-optimal stress hormone levels and receive a science-backed action plan including supplements, lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, and sleep recommendations based on your test results.
Experience Lab Me’s convenient at-home blood tests with secure PDF results and expert recommendations. Whether you’re worried about diabetes, fatigue, heart disease risk, or overall health, their tests offer insights you can discuss with your doctor for better decisions. Empower yourself with Lab Me.
MyNetDiary is a top-rated calorie counter with a free barcode scanner, food tracking, and diet plans. It’s favored by health professionals, featured in Today’s Dietitian Magazine, and rated #1 by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. The New York Times hails it as a simpler, quicker, and more visually appealing choice compared to similar apps.
Fooducate aids users in tracking their health and nutrition goals by adding meals, snacks, water intake, and exercise. It provides Food Grades to assess calorie quality, offers efficient food scanning, displays macronutrients, and allows for personalized diets. The app also offers dietary recommendations for specific health conditions.
The ACC Lipid Manager app (formerly LDL-C Manager) provides 4 essential tools for clinicians to manage triglycerides and LDL-C levels, assess ASCVD risk, monitor statin therapy response, address statin intolerance, and offer tailored guidance for hypertriglyceridemia. Please note that clinical judgment should guide therapeutic decisions in consultation with patients.
MyFitnessPal is an all-in-one food tracker and health app that helps users track progress towards their nutrition, water, fitness, and weight loss goals. It serves as a nutrition coach, meal planner, and food diary, assisting users in understanding their habits, making smarter food choices, finding motivation and support, and achieving their health goals, without imposing restrictive diets.
1. Lipid Panel, Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17176-lipid-panel.
2. What is Cholesterol?, American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol.
3. Triglycerides: Why do they matter?, Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/triglycerides/art-20048186.
4. Get a Cholesterol Test, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/cholesterol_screening.htm.
5. High cholesterol, Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/symptoms-causes/syc-20350800.
6. Learning to Celebrate Non-Scale Victories, Obesity Action Coalition: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/symptoms-causes/syc-20350800.
Discover effective techniques to manage a healthy weight and reach your wellness goals.
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a type of eating plan that has existed for centuries. It’s […]
When it comes to weight loss, sometimes the most simple changes can make the most […]
Lately, the popularity surrounding cold plunging has surged. More and more health enthusiasts are promoting […]
Explore the latest advancements and innovative methods in weight management.
Absorb wisdom from weight loss experts: gain insights, tips, and strategies to conquer your goals.
Melanie Avalon is an author, SAG-AFTRA actress, certified wine specialist, and holistic nutritionist who advocates for health through intermittent fasting, ketogenic diets, and exercise. Drawing from personal experience, she believes that biohacking holds the key to achieving weight, wellness, and health goals.
To actualize her vision, Melanie founded AvalonX, a company with a range of supplements, toolkits, sleep optimization products, and coaching programs to optimize health, boost cognitive function, and improve performance. Moreover, she developed the Food Sense Guide, an app designed to help individuals make informed food choices. The guide promotes personalized nutrition and empowers people to optimize their health and dietary strategies.
Avalon has been a guest on many podcasts and featured in media publications like LA Weekly, USA Today, Forbes, Fox News, and Reader’s Digest UK. She shares her expertise through her website, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter, all while hosting The Intermittent Fasting Podcast and The Melanie Avalon Biohacking Podcast
Dr. David Perlmutter is a multi-award-winning neurologist, medical adviser, and New York Times bestselling author. As a fellow and board member of the American College of Nutrition, his work is primarily focused on lifestyle changes that can aid in preventing neurological disorders. His biohacking techniques include the integration of a low-carbohydrate, high-fiber diet, and exercise for better brain health.
His work has been featured in publications like The Huffington Post, Journal of Neurosurgery, Journal of Applied Nutrition, and Archives of Neurology. He is also the founder of the Perlmutter Health Center, which promotes a holistic health approach and continually shares his expertise on Instagram and YouTube.
Dr. Perlmutter is an advisor for The Dr. Oz Show and has been a guest on other programs including Larry King Live, CNN, Fox News, The Today Show, CBS, and Oprah. He has received multiple public health advocate awards, including the 2010 Humanitarian of the Year Award.
Discover the potential of weight loss biohacking through the insights provided by lab tests.
Lab tests provide valuable insights into your body’s biochemistry and help identify underlying imbalances or deficiencies. By analyzing biomarkers, such as nutrient levels, hormone levels, and organ function, you can make informed decisions to optimize your health and personalize your biohacking approach.
IgG food sensitivity tests can help identify specific foods that may be triggering immune responses and causing inflammation in the body. Elimination diets or comprehensive food intolerance tests can also provide useful information to tailor your dietary choices for optimal health.
Tests for nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin D, B vitamins, magnesium, and iron, can help identify areas where supplementation or dietary modifications are needed. By optimizing nutrient levels, you can support energy production, immune function, and overall well-being.
Comprehensive metabolic panels (CMP) and liver function tests (LFTs) can evaluate the health and functioning of organs like the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. These tests provide insights into metabolic processes, detoxification capacity, and overall organ health.
Hormone tests, such as cortisol, thyroid, and sex hormone panels, can reveal imbalances that may affect energy, mood, metabolism, and overall vitality. Identifying hormone irregularities can guide targeted interventions, such as lifestyle modifications, supplementation, or hormone replacement therapy if necessary.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose tests are commonly used to assess blood sugar control and diagnose diabetes. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides real-time data on blood sugar fluctuations, helping individuals understand how different foods and activities impact their glucose levels.
Lipid panel tests evaluate cholesterol levels, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. By monitoring lipid profiles, you can assess cardiovascular health and make targeted interventions, such as dietary adjustments, exercise, and supplementation, to optimize lipid balance and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Absolutely. Nutrient deficiency tests, such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, or magnesium, can uncover imbalances that may contribute to fatigue, poor cognitive function, or compromised performance. Addressing these deficiencies through supplementation or dietary changes can enhance overall biohacking outcomes.
While certain lab tests can be done independently, it is advisable to consult with a functional medicine doctor or healthcare provider who specializes in biohacking. They can help interpret the results, provide personalized recommendations, and guide you in developing an effective biohacking plan based on your unique needs.
When it comes to determining which specific foods to get tested for sensitivity, it depends on your individual health concerns and symptoms. However, there are some common food groups that are often included in food sensitivity testing. These typically encompass dairy products, gluten-containing grains (such as wheat, barley, and rye), eggs, soy, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and certain fruits and vegetables.
It’s important to consider your personal dietary habits and potential triggers for sensitivity. If you suspect a specific food or group of foods is causing adverse reactions, you may want to include those in your testing panel. Additionally, discussing your concerns and symptoms with a functional medicine doctor or healthcare professional who specializes in food sensitivities can provide further guidance on which foods to prioritize in your testing.
Discover how tests can enhance your weight loss efforts through biohacking, providing valuable data to optimize your approach and track progress.
Discover podcasts, YouTube channels, websites, apps, and more to enhance your knowledge and empower your biohacking journey.
Everlywell is a pioneering company that brings accessible and reliable lab testing to individuals by allowing them to take validated laboratory tests at home.
With a commitment to empowering people to take charge of their health, Everlywell offers CLIA-certified labs and clinically-validated tests. Their experienced clinical team oversees the testing process, ensuring precision and accuracy. Everlywell Diagnostics, their flagship lab in Dallas, upholds the highest standards of accuracy and quality.
Their at-home sample collection methods are rigorously validated against traditional methods, providing convenience without compromising reliability.
They offer personalized information and education, and encourage sharing results with physicians, contributing to a biohacking-inspired approach to healthcare.
The “Weight Management: Beyond Balancing Calories” course offered by Emory University on Coursera explores the root causes of obesity and provides valuable insights for understanding and managing weight gain.
Participants will gain an understanding of the impact of our food environment on biology, leading to calorie overconsumption and resistance to sustained weight loss. The course also addresses underemphasized barriers to weight loss, including stress and inadequate sleep.
By developing a comprehensive understanding of obesity physiology, learners can make informed decisions about which tests to consider for biohacking weight loss. This course equips individuals with practical tools, strategies, and a long-term weight management plan, enabling them to leverage their habits and surroundings effectively.