Tracking Checked 3 October 2026 · 2 min · 3 sources

What is biohacking? A plain guide for Australians

Biohacking is a catch-all for trying to tune your own body: heat and cold, light, trackers, tests and supplements. Here is what it covers, and how to tell the useful from the hype.

Biohacking is a loose word for trying to improve your own body and mind with whatever works: heat and cold, light, sleep and diet routines, wearable trackers, blood tests and supplements. Some of it is old (saunas), some is medical technology moved into the home (glucose monitors), and some is new and untested.

In Australia, "biohacking" itself is searched about 2,400 times a month. The things it covers are searched far more: the Oura ring 110,000 times, magnesium glycinate 110,000, peptides 90,500, "sauna near me" 40,500 and red light therapy 27,100. The index on the front page ranks them all.

How to judge a biohack

Look for a systematic review. One study proves little; a review that pools many trials is stronger. Every guide on this site links to the reviews it relies on.
Check the size of the effect. Many "proven" benefits are real but small, such as the extra muscle from creatine, or measured only for hours, such as the drop in blood pressure after a sauna.
Check who was studied. Results in athletes, older adults or people with a disease may not apply to you.
Check the regulator. In Australia a medicine should carry an AUST L or AUST R number. The TGA and the Department of Health have warned about unapproved peptides and imported oral methylene blue.

Where the evidence is best

Of the topics in this index, creatine has the strongest case, for a small gain in muscle with training and a modest effect on memory. Cold water reliably eases muscle soreness. Red light therapy helps a few specific conditions. Most of the rest rests on small or mixed trials, and a few are things the regulator has warned against.

Yes, but

Much of biohacking is cheap and harmless, and some of it is neither. The basics, sleep, exercise and food, have far better evidence than any device or supplement.

When to talk to your GP

Before starting anything new if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take regular medication.

Sources

Checked 3 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us via the about page.

General information, not medical advice. Check with your GP first, especially if you are pregnant, have a heart condition or take medication.