In the first part of his life, Andreas Breitfeld got everything out of himself 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 biohacking man” (The Red Bulletin, 2020) for a chat.
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 are now probably the best-known biohacker in the German-speaking world. What happened?
Andreas Breitfeld: Well, how can I say it? I probably need a little variety every now and then to continue to be successful. No, joking aside, in my case it was a serious burnout that triggered a change in perspective. Since I've patched myself up again, I've remained loyal to the topic of biohacking, both privately and professionally.
MoleQlar: What is biohacking and how is it different from a healthy lifestyle?
Andreas Breitfeld: First and foremost, interest in the underlying processes and quantifiability.
And the term “healthy” is actually somewhat complicated; in many areas, what is healthy for one person does not necessarily produce 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 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 am interested in 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), warmth (infrared cabin), Light (LLT red light therapy) and others electromagnetic fields (magnetic field therapy and microcurrent), Water (structured) and oxygen (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) are 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 nutritional supplements. What do you look for when making your selection? 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, I make sure that the individual ingredients are listedIn addition, supplements and nutritional supplements (NEM) are, in my opinion, 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 about this topic. Can you give us a little insight into what we can expect in it?
Andreas Breitfeld: The title "Biohacking in Sport" is currently about to be submitted. It is about methods for improving 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 amateur athletes and everyday athletes.
MoleQlar: Which hack had the most unexpected effect on your health and performance?
Andreas Breitfeld: For health probably the intermittent Fast and for performance, the cold. 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 is 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 I'm out walking - in the afternoon I like to move my computer work to the oxygen chamber.
In the early evening I like to go to the sauna and after 9 p.m. I don't use any screens anymore.
If you want to delve 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. However, with so many options available, it is often difficult for the average consumer to keep track of everything. Infrared cabins and hyperbaric oxygen chambers are also very expensive to purchase. What do you think is the easiest way to get started with biohacking?
Andreas Breitfeld: Getting started doesn't have to cost anything. Usually, more time in the sunlight, a cold shower and focusing on nasal breathing are great ideas 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 into anything! Biohacking should be fun and not another source of stress. For beginners, it's worth listening to "Biohacking Practice" from Red Bull Media House. Together with Stefan Wagner, I look at a new topic every week.
Thanks for the interview and happy hacking! We are excited to see where the journey takes us.
