The Biohacking Devotees Spending Hundreds of Thousands—Even Millions—to Enhance Their Homes Light-therapy beds. Infrared saunas. Ozone generators. These homeowners have infused health and wellness into their properties, and then some

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Real-estate investors Ari and Kellie Rastegar are devotees of biohacking, a wellness lifestyle aimed at optimizing physical and mental performance. He takes 150 custom vitamins and supplements per day; she takes 23. They eat a diet specifically tailored to their genes. They work out with a trainer almost daily. They take posture-management classes. They practice Transcendental Meditation. They say affirmations.

But their biohacking isn’t limited to their bodies. They’ve also bio-hacked their house, an 8,200-square-foot, $22,500-per-month rental in West Lake Hills, Texas, 6 miles from downtown Austin. “Biohacking is part of our life,” says Kellie Rastegar, 37. “You’d have to go out of your way to not bio-hack in our home.”

Gadgets are strategically positioned throughout their seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom space that they believe will help them achieve peak health and wellness. In the guts of their house are ultraviolet light systems for air and water purification. Their kitchen has a machine that adds hydrogen to their drinking water, providing hydration that Ari Rastegar says is “infinitely more powerful than normal water.” Their bedroom has a mattress pad cooled to 64 degrees Fahrenheit for him and 72 degrees for her. Their gym is outfitted with a machine that pumps extra oxygen into their bodies during training.

There are expensive devices, like a $65,000 light-therapy bed purported to provide training recovery and a $16,990 BioCharger machine that uses light, frequencies and harmonics, voltage, and pulsed electromagnetic field technology to, its makers claim, promote cellular rejuvenation, enhance cellular health and revitalize the body. There are inexpensive tools—everything from a $350 inversion table for spinal decompression to $65 toe spacers for improved toe splay and alignment. All in, the Rastegars have spent roughly $135,000 biohacking their house, which they’ve lived in with their three children since 2021. “We’ve never owned our family home, ever,” says Ari Rastegar, noting that he doesn’t know where life is going to take his family. “I want to be able to move at the end of my lease if I want to.”

BONUS

Write in-depth research and the science of Biohacking for the home
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Title: Exploring the Science of Biohacking for Home Use: An In-depth Investigation

Abstract: Biohacking, a term encompassing a wide array of practices aimed at optimizing physical and mental performance, has gained popularity in recent years. As advancements in technology and science continue to evolve, individuals are increasingly turning to biohacking techniques for use within the comfort of their homes. This research delves into the science behind biohacking, the various methodologies employed, and their potential applications for enhancing health, well-being, and cognitive function in a home environment.

1. Introduction: Biohacking involves making deliberate changes to one’s lifestyle, environment, and biology with the goal of enhancing performance and well-being. While traditionally associated with advanced laboratory settings, biohacking has expanded to encompass practices that can be implemented at home. This research explores the scientific principles underlying biohacking techniques that individuals can adopt within their personal spaces.

2. The Science Behind Biohacking: Biohacking is rooted in principles from various scientific disciplines, including physiology, neuroscience, genetics, and nutrition. Understanding the body’s intricate systems and their interactions provides a foundation for effective biohacking strategies. The body’s adaptability, known as “plasticity,” serves as the cornerstone of many biohacking practices.

3. Home-based Biohacking Methodologies: a. Nutrigenomics: This practice involves tailoring one’s diet based on individual genetic makeup. Genetic information provides insights into how the body processes nutrients, allowing individuals to make informed dietary choices. b. Sleep Optimization: Biohackers focus on improving sleep quality and duration through techniques such as creating a sleep-conducive environment, utilizing sleep-tracking technology, and implementing relaxation strategies. c. Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporating mindfulness practices can enhance cognitive function, reduce stress, and improve emotional well-being, all of which can be practiced at home. d. Cold Exposure and Heat Therapy: Exposure to cold and heat stress triggers physiological responses that promote adaptation and resilience. Cold showers, ice baths, saunas, and temperature manipulation within the home setting can be utilized. e. Intermittent Fasting: Manipulating eating patterns to include periods of fasting can impact metabolic processes and promote cellular repair and longevity. f. Technology-assisted Biohacking: Wearable devices, smart scales, and apps that monitor metrics such as heart rate variability, sleep quality, and stress levels provide real-time data for optimization. g. DIY Biology and Genetics: Home-based genetic testing and experimentation allow individuals to explore their genetic makeup and potentially optimize certain traits.

4. Potential Applications and Benefits: The adoption of home-based biohacking practices has the potential to yield numerous benefits, including improved physical fitness, enhanced cognitive function, stress reduction, better sleep, increased energy levels, and longevity. By utilizing scientific principles, individuals can make targeted interventions to address specific areas of concern.

5. Ethical and Safety Considerations: As with any intervention, ethical considerations are crucial in the realm of biohacking. Ensuring the safety, legality, and informed consent of all practices is of utmost importance. Furthermore, a balanced and holistic approach that considers individual needs and preferences is key.

6. Future Directions and Challenges: Home-based biohacking is a rapidly evolving field, driven by advancements in technology and growing interest from the public. Challenges include the need for accurate and accessible information, potential misinformation, and the ethical implications of altering one’s biology without a complete understanding of long-term effects.

7. Conclusion: Biohacking, once considered exclusive to scientific labs, has become accessible for home use due to technological advancements and increased awareness. By leveraging scientific principles and methodologies, individuals can implement biohacking practices in their daily lives to optimize their health, well-being, and cognitive function within the comfort of their homes.

Keywords: biohacking, home-based biohacking, self-optimization, genetics, lifestyle, technology, well-being, cognitive enhancement, nutrition, sleep optimization.

 

 

 

 

 

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