Andreas Breitfeld did everything he could 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 this fit together? We met for a conversation with “Germany’s world-class biohacking man” (The Red Bulletin, 2020).
Hello Andreas, I'm particularly pleased that you found time today!
MoleQlar: You were, among other things, a successful fitness editor and founder of a PR agency and are now probably the best-known biohacker in German-speaking countries. What happened?
Andreas Breitfeld: Well, how can I put it, I probably always need some variety in order to continue to be successful. No, joking aside, for me it was a real burnout that triggered a change of perspective. Since I've somewhat patched myself up again, I've remained loyal to the topic of biohacking both personally and professionally.
MoleQlar: What is biohacking and what is the difference to 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 have the same result for another.
We used to think that it had something to do with compliance, but now we know that, for example, a specific diet works for around 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. What devices and gadgets can be found in your biohacking lab in Munich?
Andreas Breitfeld: Basically, I focus on everything that has a positive influence on life. If we look at evolution, many things are probably also involved in the origin of life: cold (ice bath), heat (infrared cabin), light (LLT red light therapy) and others Electromagnetic fields (magnetic field therapy and microcurrent), water (structured) and Oxygen (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) is included in every case.
More on the topic Red light therapy and photobiomodulation can be found in our magazine.
MoleQlar: In addition to nutrition, fitness and various gadgets, biohacking also includes supplements and selected dietary supplements. What do you pay attention to when choosing? What is particularly important to you?
Andreas Breitfeld: The data should be at least somewhat valid and I really appreciate it if the effect can be quantified. When it comes to recipes, it is important to me that the individual ingredients are identified. In addition, in my opinion, supplements and dietary supplements (NEM) are a real question of trust, 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 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 awaits us?
Andreas Breitfeld: The title “Biohacking in Sport” is currently about to be submitted. It's about methods on how to increase performance in training and competition and how to regenerate quickly and "correctly". This reflects my work with athletes and carers, but is also absolutely relevant for hobby athletes and everyday athletes.
MoleQlar: Which hack had the most unexpected effect on your health and performance for you personally??
Andreas Breitfeld: Intermittent fasting fasting is probably good for your health and cold for your performance. Nothing clears your head as quickly as jumping 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 takes place in the morning: drinking water with molecular hydrogen, plus the water-soluble supplements, going outside, ice bath, red light and meditation, a bit of exercise (all in all a maximum of 90 minutes) . Then there’s a biohackercoffee with MCT oil and grass-fed butter and 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 move my computer work to the oxygen chamber.
I like to go to the sauna in the early evening and no more screens after 9 p.m.
If you want to delve even deeper into the topics, then we recommend the article about Sleep in our magazine.
MoleQlar: The biohacking area has grown significantly in recent years. More and more people are attaching great importance to the topic of health and well-being. However, given the variety of options, it is often difficult for the average consumer to keep track of things. In addition, infrared cabins or hyperbaric oxygen chambers are very expensive to purchase. What do you think is the easiest way to start biohacking?
Andreas Breitfeld: Getting started doesn't have to cost anything. Most of the time, more time in the sunlight, a cold shower and focusing on nasal breathing are a great idea to get started. Maybe keep a gratitude journal – that really works.
MoleQlar: One last question: Do you have any tips for biohackers and anyone who wants 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 shed light on a new topic every week.
Thanks for the conversation and happy hacking! We are excited to see where the journey takes us.
