"Biohacking, also known as human augmentation or human enhancement, is do-it-yourself biology aimed at improving performance, health, and wellbeing through strategic interventions."
Here is a diary of Gayatri Muthukrishnan, co-founder of Miyara, who is using biohacking in her own life. She is 41 years old, living with her husband and 2 children (8 and 5 years old) in Switzerland. This will be a series of blogs from her and here is the first part where she talks about the results of her blood work and a gut health test by BugSpeaks.
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Health in the list of "Things to do"
I recently visited India after 2.5 years. And oh boy, did I have a long list of ‘things to do’, primarily involving my health. What health problems do I have you may ask? Nothing specific, I would say, except a little bit of being stressed, forgetful, and feeling tired.
Also, a doctor recently told me that a mantra they are following is “Catch them young", which refers to identifying health issues early.
So, I thought I will address my symptoms by checking for any nutritional deficiencies or other issues like my diet.3 Moreover, I also decided to do a few more tests because
a) I think it is important to do yearly checks and
b) they are cheaper in India
What are the tests I did?
1. Blood test (by Neuberg Ehrlich Diagnostics – NeuVita ) which included testing liver function, lipid profile, thyroid profile, kidney function, blood cell counts, diabetes profile, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and Calcium.
2. Gut Microbiome Test by BugSpeaks
3. Breast Cancer Screening by Niramai
4. Dental checkup and cleaning
5. Eye test
What have I found out about myself?
1. Blood report
My Vitamin D is way too low. Yikes! Should have known. Brown-skinned person, living in a cold place (with not much sun) and not going outdoors much!
What are the effects of low Vitamin D? Fatigue, Bone pain, muscle weakness, muscle aches, muscle cramps, mood changes like depression. Hmm..maybe I had some of these. Apart from fatigue and mood changes, I used to get muscle aches every time I exercised. I attributed it to my turning 40 but could it be my Vitamin D. Anyway, I have now started on supplements and will let you know soon if it has helped.
My cholesterol levels were not optimal (though nothing to worry about as yet) – time to fix my nutrition plan. I have been reading up on it and my plan is to increase whole-grain fiber, reduce refined flour, reduce butter, ghee and increase olive oil and try flaxseed oil. I need to lookup more about how to hack this problem while trying to have a good south Indian meal. Sadly, most information out there is on the western diet.
Apart from these, my blood work was good. My Vitamin B12 is back to normal. It was low when I had checked last February and had been taking B-complex supplements and was more aware of including it in my diet. I was also happy that my sugar, thyroid, and iron parameters were fine. This is always a concern for women.
2. Gut Microbiome test
Our gut is made of numerous microorganisms that help in digesting the food which helps keep the body systems in check including the immune system and mental health (read more about it here). The right diet is required to keep the good bacteria happy, which will do its work.
In my case, I have realized there are certain foods that I digest better than others. What bothers me most is that spinach and protein-rich beans like chickpeas (channa) and kidney beans (rajma) which are healthy, do not suit my stomach, and hence, do not like eating them. So, I want to check if there is any way to fix this issue by adjusting my diet to populate my stomach with good bacteria.
BugSpeaks
I ordered a gut microbiome test by BugSpeaks. I was required to give a stool sample. I was worried about how messy the collection process would be and to post it. It turned out to be extremely simple. The small kit came with everything – gloves, a collection device (flushable paper) that can easily be put slipped on the toilet seat, a spatula, a collection tube, a plastic cover, and a self-addressed envelope. The only problem I had was getting that 5-10 mins for myself away from kids knocking on the bathroom door 😊. I then had to write to BugSpeaks to pick the sample and voila next day it was picked up.
Now, I have to wait for my results and then follow a 12-week nutrition plan. I will keep you posted on the results in the next blog. Meanwhile, you can read more about the health issues that the gut microbiome can address here- Improving Gut Health.
With the code "miyarawomen" you can get a 10% discount on the test. Book your test here.
(To be continued)
Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
Wanna kickstart your life? Sign up for the URBAN CLEANSE program with Danna Levy Hoffmann.
If you are ready to take a critical look at your gut health, we at Miyara Women have partnered with Danna as a health coach.
The 30-day Urban Cleanse is an online group program, which helps those looking to cleanse their bodies, but need it to fit their urban life. Rather than pulling you away from your work, family, and day-to-day life, the Urban Cleanse program helps you integrate different eating and lifestyle habits.
Use code MiyRaWom10 for a discount on the program which starts on March 11th, 2022
In Switzerland, check your nutritional deficiencies in the comfort of your home with Check Your Health, use code MIYARA5 for 5% off on all tests.
Check out our other women's health products here
Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
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