Andreas Breitfeld got everything out of himself in the first part of his life until the system collapsed. In the second part, he wants to get even more out of himself and his body. How does that fit together? We met up with "Germany's world-class man of biohacking" (The Red Bulletin, 2020) for a chat.
Hello Andreas, I am especially pleased that you found time today!
MoleQlar: Among other things, you were a successful fitness editor and founder of a PR agency, and today you are probably the best-known biohacker in the German-speaking world. What happened?
Andreas Breitfeld: Well, how can I put it? I probably always need a change of pace in order to continue to be successful. No, joking aside, for me it was a solid burnout that triggered a change of perspective. Since I have patched myself up halfway, I have remained true to the topic of biohacking both privately and professionally.
MoleQlar: What is biohacking and how is it different from a healthy lifestyle?
Andreas Breitfeld: Primarily the interest in the underlying processes and the quantifiability.
And the term "healthy" is actually a bit complicated, in many areas what is healthy for one person does not necessarily achieve the same result for another.
We used to think it had something to do with compliance, but now we know that, for example, a specific diet works for about 80%, but not for the other 20%.
MoleQlar: With your biohacking lab in Munich, you have also made it your mission to share your knowledge and methods with others. Which devices and gadgets can be found in your biohacking lab in Munich?
Andreas Breitfeld: Basically, I am concerned with everything that positively influences life. Many things, if we look at evolution, are probably also involved in the origin of life: Cold (ice bath), heat (infrared cabin), light (LLT red light therapy) and other electromagnetic fields (magnetic field therapy and micro current), water (structured) and oxygen (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) are in any case involved.
" Find out more about red light therapy and photobiomodulation.
MoleQlar: Besides nutrition, fitness and various gadgets, biohacking also includes supplements and selected nutritional supplements. What do you look for when choosing? What is particularly important to you?
Andreas Breitfeld: The data should be at least halfway valid and I appreciate it very much if the effect can be quantified. In the case of formulations, I attach importance to the individual ingredients being identified. Furthermore, supplements and food supplements (NEM) are a real question of trust in my eyes, which is why I only recommend a few brands.
I appreciate your good educational work, the high purity of the substances and the independent laboratory analysis.
After all, I want what's on the label and nothing else.
MoleQlar: You are currently working on a book about this topic. Can you give us a little insight into what we can expect in it?
Andreas Breitfeld: Currently, the title "Biohacking in Sport" is about to be submitted. It is about methods to increase performance in training and competition and to regenerate quickly and "correctly". It reflects my work with athletes and coaches, but is also absolutely relevant for amateur athletes and everyday athletes.
MoleQlar: Which hack had the most unforeseen effect on your personal health and performance?
Andreas Breitfeld: Intermittent fasting is probably good for your health, and cold weather is good for your performance. Nothing clears the head as quickly as jumping into an ice bath.
"Find out more about fasting here.
MoleQlar: What is part of your daily biohacking routine? What does a typical day in the life of Andreas Breitfeld look like?
Andreas Breitfeld: Most of it takes place in the morning: Drinking water with molecular hydrogen, the water-soluble supplements, going outside, ice bath, red light and meditation, a bit of exercise (all in all, 90 minutes maximum). Then I have a Biohacker coffee with MCT oil and pasture butter, plus the fat-soluble supplements, and I'm ready to go.
I like to make calls while going for a walk - in the afternoon I like to shift my computer work to the oxygen chamber.
I like to go to the sauna in the early evening and no more screens after 9pm.
"Learn more about blue light and how it can affect your sleep. Also: Sleep as the forgotten key to longevity.
MoleQlar: The biohacking sector has grown strongly in recent years. More and more people are attaching great importance to the topic of health and well-being. With the variety of possibilities, however, it is often difficult for the average consumer to keep track of everything. Besides, infrared cabins or hyperbaric oxygen chambers are very expensive to buy. In your opinion, what is the easiest way to get started with biohacking?
Andreas Breitfeld: Getting started doesn't have to cost anything. Most of the time, more time in the sunlight, a cold shower and a focus on nasal breathing are a great idea to get started. Maybe keep a gratitude diary - that really works.
MoleQlar: One last question: Do you have a tip for biohackers and all those who want to become one?
Andreas Breitfeld: Don't rush it! Biohacking should be fun and not another stressor. For beginners, it's worth listening to "The Biohacking Practice" by Red Bull Media House. Together with Stefan Wagner, I highlight a new topic every week.
Thank you for the interview and happy hacking! We are looking forward to seeing where the journey takes us.
" Click here for many more interviews with exciting longevity personalities.
