In this episode of the Balls Deep podcast, Dr. Joe Pazona and Cat Williams, discuss biohacks to improve your metabolism, hormones, energy, and, of course, ensure that you’re able to enjoy life for many more years. As a urologist with a strong interest in health creation rather than disease management, Dr. Pazona simplifies every health biohack for you so that there is no jargon involved. You can live a healthier, longer life by implementing the following biohacking methods:
What Is Biohacking?
Biohacking refers to the tailoring of an individual’s daily activities in a way that will help optimize the functioning of their body, much like upgrading one’s operating system. There are no gimmicks. No fads. Only scientific strategies that are put in place to enhance your health span—the functional years in your life without the shadow of chronic ailments—rather than simply your lifespan.
We’re not here to survive—we're here to thrive!
Biohack #1: Optimize Your Metabolic Health (Start With Blood Sugar)
Metabolism is a significant factor when it comes to preventing major diseases such as coronary heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. And one of the most important attributes of your metabolism is blood sugar.
- Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): These painless patches check your blood sugar without the need for needles or invasive machinery. You can now see exactly how meals, sleep, physical activity, and even stress affect your body.
- Why it Matters: Chronic blood sugar spikes are disastrous to health—messing up everything from how someone ages to having strokes and heart attacks.
- Pro Tip: CGMs offer analytics tools such as the Levels app which can help analyze one’s diet and how it affects glucose levels.
👉 Key Takeaway: CGMs aren’t just for diabetics; these devices are for anyone serious about disease prevention as well as graceful aging.
Biohack #2: The Power of Extreme Temperatures
Our world is blessed with modern conveniences like air conditioning and heaters, but our bodies and their evolution are affected by temperature changes. Extreme temperatures can trigger the activation of survival mechanisms.
- Heat Therapy (Saunas): Consistent sauna sessions (around 4-7 times a week) at 175F have an astounding reduction of 40% in death rates, making it a perfect risk reduction therapeutic device. Along with these benefits, the therapy also drastically reduces the risk of heart-attacks, strokes and even dementia.
- Cold Therapy (Cold Plunges): Doing cold plunges for just 12 minutes a week can increase healthy brown fat, decrease sugar levels in the blood, and alleviate inflammatory muscle conditions. In addition, it feels much better after the initial shock.
👉 Important reminder: Controlled discomfort is good for the body and the brain.
Biohack #3: Balance Your Hormones
Without discussing hormones, longevity is not a complete story. Whether you are a man or a woman, whatever your age is, optimization of hormones is important.
- Testosterone: Men suffering from low levels of testosterone are more vulnerable to heart diseases as well as dying before the usual age.
- Estrogen: For women, particularly during and after menopause, taking estrogen is useful as it helps to avoid heart diseases, Alzheimer’s, and severe hip fractures.
NOTE: A few doctors still work with outdated data, especially in regard to hormone therapy for women. It is essential to have a healthcare practitioner who works in functional medicine or hormone optimization.
👉 Key takeaway: Don’t settle for normal hormone levels; optimize them!
Bonus Tip: No Magic Pill
Even though using drugs such as Metformin and Tadalafil (Cialis) seem to encourage better outcomes, nothing beats refining metabolism, hormones, and lifestyle habits.
You can improve your health and live a healthier, longer life with the help of biohacking. If you’d like to optimize your hormones, we’re here to help! Learn more about all the services we offer at Pazona MD!
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
