Biohacking Weekly 49: Is Your Gut Secretly Sabotaging Your Brain?

This is Biohacking Weekly — a curated news roundup designed to help you increase your longevity, improve healthspan and access OptimOZ product picks.

IN THIS EDITION

1. The gut–brain link to foggy thinking
2. Ben Greenfield’s new fitness philosophy
3. Why age-related decline isn’t destiny
4. Water that fights free radicals
5. 10+ hacks to outsmart digital addiction

1. ☁️ Why Brain Fog Happens: New Clues From Science

Brain fog — forgetfulness, confusion, and slow thinking — has many roots, but scientists are zeroing in on the brain’s defenses and its link to the gut. One emerging cause is a “leaky” blood–brain barrier, which may allow harmful molecules to slip into the brain and fuel inflammation, as seen in some long COVID patients.

Another key player is the gut–brain axis. Research shows people with gastrointestinal disorders often report brain fog, and a disrupted microbiome may trigger neuroinflammation.

Together, these findings suggest brain fog isn’t just “in your head” but can reflect deeper biological imbalances.

👉 Read the full article on the National Geographic

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2. 🧬 Ben Greenfield on Rethinking Exercise and Longevity Hacks

In a recent interview with Dr. Mark Hyman, Ben Greenfield, once a hardcore triathlete and bodybuilder, now swears by something far simpler: walking. After years of punishing his body with extreme endurance sports and low-carb dieting, he realized that too much high-intensity training can backfire — raising inflammation, stiffening arteries, and even shortening lifespan.

Research supports a “Goldilocks zone” of exercise: about 150 minutes of moderate activity and 70 minutes of vigorous training per week. Beyond that, risks start to climb. Today, Greenfield mixes daily walking with short bursts of strength training, playful sports like pickleball, and slow, controlled lifting for maximum benefit without burnout.

👉 Watch the full interview on Mark Hyman channel

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

A Canadian study of 8,300 adults aged 60+ overturns the myth that aging always means decline. Within three years, nearly one in four regained “optimal well-being,” even after serious setbacks.

The study accounted for 22 baseline factors, with results holding strong under rigorous analysis. Mental health was the strongest predictor — those with good psychological wellness were five times more likely to recover. Physical independence, freedom from chronic pain, and strong social connections also proved powerful.

Maintaining two wellness domains gave 13 times better odds of recovery, while three domains boosted chances nearly 39-fold.

Source: Ho, M. et al., PLOS ONE, 2025

4. 💧 The Molecule in Water That Protects Your Cells

Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) is gaining attention as a simple yet powerful tool for boosting health. Unlike many antioxidants, molecular hydrogen in HRW is small enough to slip into cells and neutralize the most damaging radicals, while leaving helpful ones untouched. That means it doesn’t just fight stress — it helps restore balance.

Early human studies are striking. Drinking HRW led to lower LDL and total cholesterol, stronger HDL function, a 39% jump in antioxidant defenses, and a 43% drop in oxidative damage markers. With daily intakes around 1.5–2 liters (~2 mg H₂), HRW could become a key ally in metabolic and vascular longevity.

Source: Yıldız f. et al., Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, 2025

5. 📱 How Phones Drain 14 Years of Life and What to Do About It

In a recent video, biohacker Bryan Johnson warns that the average person spends 4 hours 37 minutes a day on their phone—over 14 years across a lifetime. He calls it “digital fentanyl,” silently wrecking sleep, posture, fertility, hearing, and focus.

But the damage isn’t irreversible. Small shifts create outsized benefits. Avoiding blue light and switching to red light mode at night can protect sleep, while limiting volume to 80 dB preserves hearing for decades.

The biggest win comes from taming notifications — removing non-essentials reduces stress, boosts focus, and frees hours. Grayscale mode, phone-free zones, and screen-time audits help break addictive loops.

👉 Watch the full video on Bryan Johnson channel