Biohacking – it’s a term that you may have heard floating around online but what exactly is it? Sounding like something straight out of a sci-fi film, it’s not nearly as weird as it may seem. Women’s Health spoke to nutritionist, wellbeing expert and biohacking coach Camilla Thompson from Biohack Me to discuss why you should be paying attention to biohacking and all the ways you can implement it into your lifestyle in 2025.
What is biohacking?
The term ‘biohacking’ is a term people use to describe ‘do-it-yourself biology’. Basically, it involves making small but impactful changes to the way you live your life to improve your health and wellbeing. Using a foundation of science and technology, the goal is to change aspects of human biology. Think ‘hacks’ like intermittent fasting, optimising your sleep every night, eliminating the use of harmful chemicals or even introducing sauna sessions.
While it may seem a little daunting to begin, Camilla shares a simple way to approach biohacking is by looking at your surroundings and identifying small changes you can make.
“Your environment plays a powerful role in your health and wellbeing, influencing everything from your hormones to your mental clarity,” Camilla explains.
“Biohacking your environment involves making intentional changes to your surroundings to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals, improve air and water quality, and create a space that supports your body’s natural detoxification processes.”
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Does biohacking really work?
Well, it depends on who you ask. Getting eight hours of sleep one night and five the rest of the week isn’t going to magically improve your life. Neither will getting rid of your plastic chopping board but then treating yourself to a cheeky Maccas every other night. Your success with biohacking can really only be defined by what you consider to be a win in your books, and how consistent you can be with any new lifestyle changes.
How to DIY biohack at home
Many of the everyday items we use in our home can potentially contain harmful chemicals to our overall toxic load. As Camilla explains it, our bodies are equipped with natural detoxification systems. However constant exposure to these toxins can overwhelm them and therefore impact our health and wellbeing. Two of the biggest areas of the home we can look at are in the kitchen and the bathroom.
Replace plastic kitchenwares
Plastic can be found everywhere in the kitchen and in your cupboards. Camilla recommends swapping these out—including plastic storage containers, chopping boards, cooking utensils and even plastic wrap—for something more eco and health friendly like glass containers, bamboo boards, beeswax wraps and stainless steel tools.
Don’t forget about your plastic water bottles, too. Instead, opt for stainless steel or glass. You can even take things one step further and filter your water at home. Non-stick cookware should also be replaced. Alternative options include cast iron, stainless steel or ceramics.
Choose cleaner personal care products
When it comes to your beauty routine, you may be surprised to discover there can be a whole heap of nasties that may be hidden in your everyday products. Camilla suggests avoiding ingredients like sulphates, silicones, parabens, aluminium, synthetic fragrances and artificial colours.
Instead, look for sulphate-free shampoos with natural ingredients including aloe vera and argan oil, aluminium-free deodorants and using natural toothpastes. Castile soap or natural body washes are also a great idea, as well as plant-based moisturisers with ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter or rosehip oil. When it comes to sunscreen, avoid oxybenzone, octinoxate, synthetic fragrances and swap them for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Update your makeup bag
Similarly for your makeup, phthalates, parabens and synthetic dyes are a big no-no. Use natural makeup brands using mineral pigments and plant-based ingredients, or plant-based balms with shea butter or coconut oil for lip products.
Ditch the synthetic fragrances in your perfume and instead use essential oil-based products or body mists. Even your hair spray and styling products may be hiding nasties. Natural styling products with aloe vera, argan oil or beeswax are a good way to go.
Best biohacking products
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