Biohacking and self-development

2022-02-20 23:03:21 "Matthew Effect", or the Pareto Distribution

Kind of an unjust ratio, but it explains exactly why the smart get smarter, the funny get funnier, the rich get richer, and the 20% of people in any business carry all the major tasks or own all the resources.

The sci-fi pop about biohacking and brain function is replete with reminders for a reason: brain training is trivial, getting used to certain work patterns, habituation is what brain teaching is all about.

As an example, if compare the brains of a slacker and a "worker bee", you'll find that those used to working and laboring for abstract (not related to immediate survival) goals have higher levels of dopamine in the striatum and prefrontal cortex.

That is, workaholics have pumped up zones responsible for motivation and reward. Whereas loafers, addicted to momentary, not time-delayed pleasures, have more dopamine in the areas responsible for emotions and risky behavior. Open / Comment

2022-02-19 22:31:47 The priority source of information for the brain is vision

Although multisensory perception is better than single-point-of-entry one, vision is still the most efficient point of all.

A simple experiment proves this. If you change the color of the wine in the glass, even the best sommelier will be confused. He will simply ignore the taste and aroma based on what he sees.

Sight dominates all the other senses. The processing of visual signals in the brain is extremely complex: if there are gaps in the visual field, the brain attempts to fill them on its own.

Even now, while reading, you have a highly complex mental activity going on, with our brain perceiving each letter as a separate visual signal. Open / Comment

2022-02-18 23:06:02 Elon Musk's input into biohacking

Well, did you know that the company Neuralink, is one of the flagships of biohacking? One of the project's goals is to help people with serious brain diseases.

Still, Musk takes things a step further and predicts that in the future, biohacking would allow us to download information directly into the brain and communicate by means of "telepathy." And, in the long term, it will lead humanity to "symbiosis with artificial intelligence."

The technology is now being tested on rats and is based on embedding chips for reading signals from the cerebral cortex. Shortly the technology will be tested on a fully paralyzed man.

Four chips will be placed in his brain, designed to help the patient mentally type and control a computer. The future is already here. Open / Comment

2022-02-17 22:11:44 What are the risks of mindlessly taking dietary supplements?

Another topic related to biohacking, that requires a prudent approach.

First of all, before taking any drugs, you must be diagnosed for the content of certain substances in your body and consult a doctor.

The most minor consequences of self-prescribing bio supplements are allergic reactions. Typically in the form of skin rashes and swelling, as a response to taking phytopreparations and vitamins.

Also the liver can react to uncontrolled intake of dietary supplements. There is even such a condition as drug-induced hepatitis, which is damage to the liver from drugs.

The conclusion is this: do not prescribe supplements yourself. Be sure to get diagnosed and realize what your body requires! Open / Comment

2022-02-16 21:53:43 Keto diet's questionable benefits

This approach to nutrition definitely falls on the list of anti-recommendations. Lately, unbalanced nutrition methods have been popular among biohackers, where only one nutrient is emphasized.

As an example, the Keto diet, focusing on high-fat foods, is now on the radar. Its effect on the metabolism is not yet well studied.

Some research suggests that low-carbohydrate diets are beneficial for certain health conditions. Yet at the same time, the keto diet has a negative impact on digestion - due to the lack of fiber constipation develops.

Bear in mind: in any approach, from diet to exercise, it is essential to maintain a balance. Open / Comment

2022-02-15 23:47:37 Keeping a diary as a way to clear your head

How common do intrusive thoughts keep you awake? It's quite normal as when you go to bed, options for your daily tasks popping up every now and then.

Great way to structure them and thereby free your head is to keep a journal before going to sleep.

Enough to devote five minutes to it before sleep, write down your thoughts, experiences and events for the day. This habit is pretty good not only for falling asleep quickly, but also for giving you the opportunity to evaluate the events of the day, to look at them from a different angle, and perhaps to change your attitude toward them. Open / Comment

2022-02-14 17:56:02 Basic tenets of biohacking

Lots of people treat biohacking negatively as a result of misconceptions about it. The following statement can safely be called a MYTH:

there are ready-made effective biohacking programs for me to successfully apply and get the desired results rapidly is false.

It is on this basis that medics criticize articles by famous biohackers, pointing out they are self-harming or taking the wrong drugs, etc.

The essence of biohacking: understand the individual principles of the body, collect data about yourself, determine your goals in this direction. And only after that make up your own program for optimization of the body's resources from these basic principles. Open / Comment

2022-02-13 23:50:21 Adjust work schedule to your biological rhythm

Ever noticed that some people find it easier to work in the middle of the night, while others are most productive in the early hours?

It's different for everyone and so examine your daily habits: how do you spend your time, energy, and prioritize?

Determine what time of day you feel at your peak energy and work with your body's demands in mind.

No need to get up too early or work at night to succeed in your studies or work. Yet if you adjust your work schedule to daily biorhythm, it’d be a success! Open / Comment

2022-02-12 21:15:46 Why is variety in food vital?

It is believed we should normally consume about 400 grams of fruit per day. Still we should strive not only for quantity, but also for variety.

There is a study that proves the effectiveness of eating 30 different fruits, vegetables and other plant foods in a week. It is this variety responsible for gut health.

Gut bacteria are extremely essential to the health of the body. Allergies, obesity, inflammatory diseases, Parkinson's disease and even depression are linked to them.

Enjoying a greater variety of plant foods in your diet can be achieved in one simple way:
Do a little cheating when shopping. Instead of just buying chickpeas, get a mix of four beans. And instead of one kind of cereal, also purchase four of them. Open / Comment

2022-02-11 23:42:51 Constant stress deprives our youth

Stressful situations tend to occur in the life of a modern person. We have to know how to deal with them.

Stress has a negative effect on the body. The reason is a cortisol (stress hormone) that suppresses the natural immune system and destroys the antioxidant potential, interferes with blood sugar, disrupting the production of insulin.

As cliché as it may sound, you can start small: meditate at least once a day and establish a complete sleep schedule. Even that will noticeably lower your cortisol levels, as getting enough sleep makes you more stress-resistant and optimistic, regardless of the situation. Open / Comment