Part 1 - Annotated Bibliography
Ali K. Yetisen, Biohacking, Trends in Biotechnology, Volume 36, Issue 8, 2018, Pages 744-747, ISSN 0167-7799, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.02.011.
Attia, Peter, and Bill Gifford. Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity. Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale, 2023. https://uosc.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=cdi_proquest_ebookcentral_EBC7211969&context=PC&vid=01USC_INST:01USC&lang=en&search_scope=MyInst_and_CI&adaptor=Primo%20Central&tab=Everything&mode=Basic.
Authors Bill and Peter explore the matters of longevity and aging in their book. They argue that extending longevity and alternatively “healthspan” is attainable through scientific advancements and lifestyle choices. Furthermore, they present the convention of healthcare as a means of disease prevention rather than after-the-fact treatment. Although great in length, the book presents a well-rounded view of the subject that is accessible to a general audience, primarily drawing on personal anecdotes of the authors’ time in medical school.
Casey, Chris. "With Consumers Focused on Immune Health, Adaptogens Take Center Stage." Food Dive, 2021. ProQuest, http://libproxy.usc.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/trade-journals/with-consumers-focused-on-immune-health/docview/2610667475/se-2.
Chris Casey addresses rising consumer interest in immune health and the use of adaptogens as a solution. The article argues that adaptogens, thought to support responses to stress and enhance overall health, have gained attention due to the increased focus on immunity since the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning from the functional space into the snacks category. The article does not include specific scientific evidence but instead relies on statements from participating wellness brands and market trends. Included are responses from brand CEOs that acknowledge adaptogens benefits while also making clear that they do not substitute pharmaceutical preparations.
Carrera, Precivil. "Do-it-Yourself Health Care." Health Affairs, vol. 32, no. 6, 2013, pp. 1173. ProQuest, http://libproxy.usc.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/do-yourself-health-care/docview/1372932669/se-2.
Precivil Carrera's explores the rise of DIY healthcare. She highlights the increasing need for primary care and the lack of current valuable solutions to meet this demand. She proposes her audience to consider the implementation of “m-health,” an extension of “e-health.” Some benefits outlined include patient empowerment through the means of self-monitoring tools, mobile health apps, and telehealth services. Although very brief in length and not much contextual evidence, Carrera provides a strong argument for DIY healthcare’s potential to curb sustainability issues surrounding an increased demand for primary care as well as the merit in exploring its potential impact on the healthcare industry.
Clapp, Megan, et al. “Gut Microbiota’s Effect on Mental Health: The Gut-Brain Axis.” Clinics and Practice, vol. 7, no. 4, 2017, pp. 987–987, https://doi.org/10.4081/cp.2017.987.
The article describes the relationship between the gut microbiota and mental health. Through its described experiments and findings, the gut-brain axis is emphasized, arguing that the composition of the gut microbiota significantly influences mental health and well-being. The study explores the mechanisms through which the gut microbiota impacts the brain, such as neurotransmitter production and inflammation regulation and ultimately opens up the conversation as a means of treatment for mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. The study is comprehensive but may be limited in its access to the general public considering language and jargon.
Crinnion, Walter J. “Sauna as a Valuable Clinical Tool for Cardiovascular, Autoimmune, Toxicant-Induced and Other Chronic Health Problems.” Alternative Medicine Review, vol. 16, no. 3, 2011, pp. 215–25.
Croall, Iain D., et al. “Brain Fog and Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity: Proof of Concept Brain MRI Pilot Study.” PloS One, vol. 15, no. 8, 2020, pp. e0238283–e0238283, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238283.
The study investigates "brain fog" in individuals with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). The article aims to provide evidence of cognitive impairments in NCGS. To support this argument, the authors conducted an experiment in which individuals with NCGS were given gluten followed by MR imaging and questionnaires. The study revealed strong correlation between symptoms of brain fog in NCGS upon introduction to gluten and compared the severity of them to those of patients with Celiac Disease. This article's strength lies in its methodological approach, however I am curious if the patients with NCGS possess any confirmation bias surrounding their expected symptoms.
Grewe-Salfeld, Mirjam. Biohacking, Bodies and Do-It-Yourself : the Cultural Politics of Hacking Life Itself. 1st ed., transcript Verlag, 2022. https://directory.doabooks.org/handle/20.500.12854/75026.
Hajhosseini, Babak, et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Descriptive Review of the Technology and Current Application in Chronic Wounds.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open, vol. 8, no. 9, 2020, pp. e3136–e3136, https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003136.
Heidari‐Beni, Motahar, et al. “Herbal Formulation ‘turmeric Extract, Black Pepper, and Ginger’ Versus Naproxen for Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double‐blind, Controlled Clinical Trial.” Phytotherapy Research, vol. 34, no. 8, 2020, pp. 2067–73, https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6671.
The central argument is to assess whether herbal formulations including turmeric extract, black pepper, and ginger can serve as viable alternatives to Naproxen, a commonly-prescribed anti-inflammatory drug. To support their argument, the authors conducted a trial measuring pain as well as prostaglandin levels knee osteoarthritis patients after 4 weeks. The study found that the herbal formulation delivered results comparable to Naproxen, indicating promise as a natural treatment. As always, further investigation would help to ensure long-term viability and efficacy.
Higgins, Trevor R., I. T. Heazlewood, and Mike Climstein. "A RANDOM CONTROL TRIAL OF CONTRAST BATHS AND ICE BATHS FOR RECOVERY DURING COMPETITION IN U/20 RUGBY UNION." Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, vol. 25, no. 4, 2011, pp. 1046-1051. ProQuest, doi:https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181cc269f.
Trevor R. Higgins, I. T. Heazlewood, and Mike Climstein investigate the effectiveness of contrast baths and ice baths for post-competition recovery in U/20 rugby union players. The primary aim is to assess how these two methods influence athletes' physical performance. The study’s evidence suggests that both contrast baths and ice baths contribute to improved recovery compared to the control group. However, findings suggested that the widely used “5-min ice bath” may not be as influential as once believed and actually detrimental when performing short, aerobic activity. I would be interested to find whether these conclusions apply to athletes in different sports and age groups.
Hsieh, Po-Chun, et al. “Acupuncture Therapy Improves Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, vol. 35, 2019, pp. 208–18, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.02.016.
In this 2019 study, the impact of acupuncture therapy on the health-related quality of life of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients is explored. The evidence is drawn on the archival of many pre-existing studies, and the findings indicate acupuncture therapy to be highly recommended as treatment in COPD patients and actually favored the use of it the use of strictly medicine. The article’s meta-analysis contributes to the credibility of the findings, although length and jargon present a barrier of access.
Laukkanen, Jari A., et al. “Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings, vol. 93, no. 8, 2018, pp. 1111–21, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2018.04.008.
Ling, Isabel. “Finding Erewhon - Mold :: Designing the Future of Food.” MOLD, 26 Sep. 2023, https://thisismold.com/space/history-of-erewhon.
Isabel Ling explores the grocery store Erewhon. In a comprehensive review, she brings attention to the origin of the iconic brand rooted in the teachings of macrobiotics while also highlighting the ways in which the company has evolved. Highlighted in the piece is Erewhon’s exclusive nature as “America’s most expensive grocery store,” creating systems of inequality and fetishing consumer, commodity, and celebrity cultures. "Finding Erewhon" is a thought provoking exploration of the convergence of wellness initiatives and capitalism. Former president of Erewhon states, “The Erewhon I helped found has failed. We used to be affordable. The ingredients they still source are incredible and I’m glad that’s still in the DNA. But it’s so expensive, you can’t feed the world that way.”
Patterson, Ruth E., et al. “Intermittent Fasting and Human Metabolic Health.” Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, vol. 115, no. 8, 2015, pp. 1203–12, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2015.02.018.
Schwartz, Gadi. “A deeper look into biohacking and why it’s so expensive.” NBC Universal, uploaded by NBC News, 5 Oct. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/a-deeper-look-into-biohacking-and-why-it-s-so-expensive-194533957742.
Gadi Schwartz's video report explores the field of biohacking and its high costs through coverage of “Remedy Place” a social wellness club founded by Dr. Jonathan Leary. Schwartz and Leary engage with multiple areas of the club including ice bath and hyperbaric chambers, discussing the benefits of so-called biohacking or as Leary corrects him, “remedying.” The segment does a great job highlighting the growing movement while also illuminating the price tag that comes with such a lifestyle and also questioning the validity of treatments and offering up alternatives.
Sullivan, Claire. "Take a Cold Plunge with the 8 Best Ice Bath Tubs for Major Mood and Recovery Benefits." WWD.Com, 2023. ProQuest, http://libproxy.usc.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/trade-journals/take-cold-plunge-with-8-best-ice-bath-tubs-major/docview/2767521032/se-2 .
Sutkowy, Pawel, et al. "Postexercise Impact of Ice-Cold Water Bath on the Oxidant-Antioxidant Balance in Healthy Men." BioMed Research International, vol. 2015, 2015. ProQuest, http://libproxy.usc.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/postexercise-impact-ice-cold-water-bath-on/docview/1674722350/se-2, doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/706141.
Wheatley, Frances, et al. “Do-It-Yourself Health: Many Patients Are Using the Web to Self-Diagnose and Get Information About Their Condition. How Should Healthcare Professionals Respond to This?” Nursing Standard, vol. 17, no. 38, 2003, pp. 22–23, https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.17.38.22.s37.
I am interested in the interplay of this article's discussion of the growing trend of patients using the internet for self-diagnosis and the use of biohacking and DIY medicine. The article's focus is on the implications of this trend for healthcare professionals specifically, who share their concerns and urge one another to use the advancement of technology as a vehicle for progress rather than potential detriment. Other than words from healthcare workers, this article doesn’t do much to situate itself in a broader conversation and rather serves as a moment in time and the struggle of the field to adapt in service of its patients.
Zhou, Xi-bin, et al. “Chinese Herbal Medicine Adjusting Brain Microenvironment via Mediating Central Nervous System Lymphatic Drainage in Alzheimer’s Disease.” Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, vol. 28, no. 2, 2022, pp. 176–84, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-021-3342-5.
In this 2022 study, researchers explore the potential of Chinese herbal medicine in the context of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that lymphatic drainage has the potential to reduce neuroinflammation and mitigate symptoms in patients with AD. Although a positive correlation was found in the use of lymphatic drainage for participants, the study emphasizes the need for further clinical validation and hopes its findings open up a conversation for new therapeutic solutions for AD in the future.
Part 2 - Reflection
My desire to uncover truths about the biohacking space undoubtedly comes from my personal interest in health and wellness. Admittedly, I’ve never been a fan of traditional medicine. As a child, my mom urged me to take something when I was feeling under the weather. I stuck it out instead. Ibuprofen? Not a word in my vocabulary. This indifference towards medication only heightened when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder in the winter of 2020. Surprisingly, this time I actually listened to the doctor and started treatment for my condition. More importantly though, this event confronted me with the obsession to concern myself with every way possible to make myself the healthiest I could be. If I was going to take pills every day, I wanted them to work the best they could, and that started with lifestyle.
When thinking of engaging with sources for this assignment, I had a rough idea of the topics I wanted to indulge in and additionally the types of solutions they may reveal. I am interested in the natural remedies for chronic illness and wellness in general. I knew I wanted to research the few I was aware of while also discovering new ones. Some of these “hacks” include sauna, cryotherapy, infrared, hyperbaric treatment, acupuncture, and adaptogens as medicine. My knowledge of these therapies was contained to either word of mouth or limited first hand experience. I soon found out that the world of biohacking expands beyond do-it-yourself endeavors such as diet and lifestyle and also includes a diverse range of technology and at home measuring devices pertaining to healthcare. While this realization was fascinating, I was more invested in the initial remedies I outlined and their bearing on prevention of illness and overall quality of life.
The frontier of my knowledge existed in simply trusting that any one of these remedies was good for a person. I was aloof to their scientific explanations and up until recently, also had no attention for their origins. What surprised me most about the sources I came into contact with was the call by all of them for more research. Although their evidence was conclusive and promising, it did not seem promising enough to claim that any one of these therapies would be capable of entirely replacing a traditional pharmaceutical preparation or even worthwhile to interact with beyond hopeful enjoyment. Feelings of confusion, inspiration, and curiosity were all present in me upon this epiphany of sorts—what then, lies in the main impetus for engaging with these hacks if not remedying?
This seemingly simple question opens up a larger discourse surrounding consumerism and commodity culture, acknowledging that these alternatives to medicine often come with an increased cost. Looking ahead to the upcoming writing project, I’d like to discover the motives behind these spheres of fetishism and how they intersect with biohacking and wellness. Furthermore, does the engagement of such remedies truly exist as a supplement to traditional healthcare, or rather supporting a fleetingness to fulfill a desire of self improvement that will arguably never be satisfied? Considering the sheer amount of Ashwagandha bottles I’ve gone through in the past year alone, I would like to confidently believe in the first proposal.
As a way of further justifying my behavior, I plan to have a conversation with an expert in the health and wellness field. Selfishly, I believe some first hand experience with these remedies would provide some clarity surrounding the ordeal. Additionally, gaining insight from the expert’s own convergence of knowledge with the topic could prove extremely valuable. My vision for the piece is to write up a sort of interview reminiscent of a journalism piece. A relatively casual discussion between myself, the expert, and the reader makes sense for a topic that quite frankly seems to be more casual and mainstream by the day—or not? I suppose I will find out.