- April 3, 2025
The term biohacking is relatively new and was invented by the father of biohacking, Dave Asprey. Dave was a successful Silicon Valley entrepreneur trying to win a battle with his health struggles. He was overweight, suffered from chronic fatigue, and experienced brain fog. At some point, he weighed over 300 pounds and was frustrated by his inability to lose weight and feel healthy despite trying popular diets and spending hours and hours in the gym.
He was also a part of an anti-aging community, diving into science and research on the health and lifespan of humans. In his 20s he was the youngest group member, consisting of elderly people trying to feel better. He saw an amazing benefit of learning and practicing anti-aging in a younger age to prevent harm that is much harder to undo later in life, however the term anti-aging didn’t resonate with younger people at all and this is how the word biohacking was born.
Asprey’s turning point came when he decided to take control of his health through biohacking—a term he popularized, which refers to the practice of using science, technology, and self-experimentation to optimize one’s biology and performance. Since then, he spent over $1 million and more than 15 years researching and experimenting with different diets, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
Dave Asprey’s visit to Tibet was a pivotal moment in his journey toward discovering Bulletproof Coffee and delving deeper into biohacking. The tradition of yak butter tea, known as “po cha” in Tibetan, is a centuries-old practice deeply ingrained in Tibetan culture. This unique beverage has been a staple in the diets of Tibetan people, especially those living in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. This fascinating tradition inspired Dave Asprey’s famous Bulletproof Coffee.
Tibet is a region characterized by its high altitudes, often exceeding 14,000 feet above sea level. The harsh, cold climate and rugged terrain make it a challenging environment for human habitation. The Tibetan diet has evolved to meet the demands of this environment, emphasizing foods that provide sustained energy, warmth, and nutrition.
Yak butter tea is made from a few simple but potent ingredients:
Dave Asprey’s encounter with yak butter tea during his visit to Tibet was a revelation. He experienced firsthand the energizing and clarifying effects of the drink, which led him to investigate its underlying principles that later became principles of biohacking diet. By replacing the traditional ingredients with high-quality coffee, grass-fed butter, and MCT oil, Asprey created Bulletproof Coffee. This modern adaptation retains the core benefits of yak butter tea—sustained energy, mental clarity, and satiety—while appealing to contemporary tastes and dietary preferences.
Alright, enough about yuks, let’s see how Dave himself defines biohacking meaning.
(v): To change the environment outside of you and inside of you so you have full control of your biology, to allow you to upgrade your body, mind, and your life.
Unfortunately I come across controversial information sources on the internet about biohacking and what it truly means. So every time I am trying to explain to my friends, family or co-workers what is biohacking and what bio hackers really do, I use those simple biohacking principles:
Despite the growing popularity of biohacking, there is still a great deal of confusion about what it truly means and how it is practiced. To clarify, here are some basic principles of biohacking that can serve as a foundation for anyone interested in exploring this field:
One of the most impactful principles of biohacking is self-quantification. The idea is simple: “What can be measured, can be improved.” Self-quantification involves using various tools and techniques to track and measure different aspects of your health and performance. This could include tracking your sleep patterns, monitoring your heart rate variability, or measuring your blood glucose levels.
The concept of self-quantification is not new. Even historical figures like Benjamin Franklin practiced a form of self-quantification. Franklin famously tracked 13 personal virtues in a daily journal, pushing himself toward moral perfection. He wrote in his autobiography, “I was surprised to find myself so much fuller of faults than I had imagined, but I had the satisfaction of seeing them diminish.”
Today, advancements in technology have made self-quantification more accessible and comprehensive. There are now tools available to monitor everything from insulin and cortisol levels to genetic data and microbiome composition. Self-trackers are pushing the boundaries of personal health, using a scientific approach to uncover hidden insights and improve their well-being.
Biohacking is a diverse field, encompassing a wide range of practices, tools, and techniques. Some of the most common biohacking tools include:
If you are interested in learning more about biohacking for beginners, and discover examples of biohacking, and simple biohacking tips, make sure to download my free biohacking guide “Biohacking 101”.
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nataly@bioupgraded.com
@bioupgraded
Dallas, TX, USA
