Andreas Breitfeld has gotten 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 with "Germany's world-class man of biohacking" (The Red Bulletin, 2020) for a conversation.
Hello Andreas, I am particularly pleased that you found time today!
MoleQlar: You were, among other things, a successful fitness editor and founder of a PR agency, and today you are probably the most well-known biohacker in the German-speaking world. What happened?
Andreas Breitfeld: Well, how should I put it, I probably need a bit of variety to continue being successful. Just kidding, I experienced a serious burnout that triggered a change in perspective.Since I have somewhat put myself back together, I have remained true to the topic of biohacking both privately and professionally.
MoleQlar: What is biohacking and what is the difference from a healthy lifestyle?
Andreas Breitfeld: Primarily the interest in the underlying processes and the quantifiability.
And the term "healthy" is actually somewhat complicated; in many areas, what is healthy for one person does not necessarily yield the same result for another.
In the past, we thought it had something to do with compliance; now we know that, for example, a specific diet works for about 80%, but not for the other 20%.
MoleQlar: You have also made it your mission to share your knowledge and methods with others in your biohacking lab in Munich. What devices and gadgets can be found in your biohacking lab in Munich?
Andreas Breitfeld: Basically, I deal with everything that positively influences life.Many factors are likely involved in the origin of life when we consider evolution: Cold (ice bath), Heat (infrared cabin), Light (LLT red light therapy) and other electromagnetic fields (magnetic field therapy and microcurrent), Water (structured) and Oxygen (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) are definitely involved.
More on the topic of red light therapy and photobiomodulation can be found in our magazine.
MoleQlar: Biohacking includes not only nutrition, fitness, and various gadgets but also supplements and selected dietary supplements. What do you pay attention to when making your selection? What is particularly important to you?
Andreas Breitfeld: The data should at least be somewhat valid, and I greatly appreciate it when the effect can be quantified. For formulations, I value that the individual components are specified. Furthermore, in my opinion, supplements and dietary supplements (NEM) are a real matter of trust, which is why I only recommend a few brands.
What I appreciate about you is your good educational work, the high purity of the substances, and the independent laboratory analysis.
After all, I want what is on the label and nothing else.
MoleQlar: You are currently working on a book on the subject. Can you give us a little insight into what we can expect in it?
Andreas Breitfeld: Currently, the title is "Biohacking in Sports" and is just about to be submitted. It discusses methods for enhancing performance in training and competition and for recovering quickly and "correctly." It reflects my work with athletes and coaches, but is also absolutely relevant for recreational athletes and everyday athletes.
MoleQlar: Which hack had the most unforeseen effect on your health and performance personally?
Andreas Breitfeld: For health, probably intermittent fasting and for performance, the cold. Nothing clears the mind as quickly as a jump into an ice bath.
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 happens in the morning: drinking water with molecular hydrogen, along with the water-soluble supplements, going outside, ice bath, red light, and meditation, a bit of exercise (in total, a maximum of 90 minutes).Then there's a biohacker coffee with MCT oil and grass-fed butter, and with the fat-soluble supplements, I'm ready for action.
I like to make calls while walking – in the afternoons, I like to move my computer work into the oxygen chamber.
In the early evening, I really enjoy going to the sauna, and from 9 PM onwards, no screens anymore.
If you want to dive deeper into the topics, we recommend the article about sleep in our magazine.
MoleQlar: The biohacking sector has grown significantly in recent years. More and more people are placing great importance on health and well-being.With the variety of options available, it is often difficult for the average consumer to keep track. Additionally, infrared cabins or hyperbaric oxygen chambers are very expensive to purchase. What do you think is the easiest way to start with biohacking?
Andreas Breitfeld: Getting started doesn't have to cost anything. Usually, spending more time in sunlight, taking a cold shower, and focusing on nasal breathing is a great idea to kick things off. Maybe also keep a gratitude journal – it really works.
MoleQlar: One last question: Do you have a tip for biohackers and those who want to become one?
Andreas Breitfeld: Don't rush anything! Biohacking should be fun and not another source of stress. For beginners, it's worth listening to "The Biohacking Practice" from Red Bull Media House.Together with Stefan Wagner, I explore a new topic every week.
Thank you for the conversation and happy hacking! We are curious to see where the journey leads.
