Measuring What Matters

Happy Thursday, Zapien 👋

This week, we're diving headfirst into the fascinating world of biohacking (think less white lab coats and more Oura rings)—specifically, the tricky business of figuring out what health metrics actually matter. Whether you're just starting to explore this stuff or you're already a seasoned biohacker, finding the sweet spot between collecting data and getting real insights is a journey in itself.

Our community shares valuable tips on everything from supplement storage to continuous glucose monitoring and water filtration. Plus, don’t miss our Health Stack of the Week, where former Top 100 Rejuvenation Olympics athlete and sports scientist Alexander reveals how to achieve longevity on a budget.

Forever,
Karol, Martin, Simon & Andy

This week’s highlights

➤ Measuring what matters? The challenges of quantifying the living self…
Biohacking and the complexities of measuring and interpreting biodata.

➤ WhatsApp Community Highlights:
Highlights from recent group discussions, covering topics such as supplement storage, continuous glucose monitoring, water quality, and Nurosym device usage.

➤ Community Health Stack:
Former Top 100 Rejuvenation Olympics athlete & Sports Scientist Alexander shares his budget-friendly longevity protocol.

➤ This Week’s Top 10 Trending Brands:
The 10 most reviewed and trusted brands by the New Zapiens community.

Measuring what matters? The challenges of quantifying the living self…

Biohacking – seriously? WHAT? You don’t collect the biodata of your entire organism around the clock? And you don’t have 30+ doctors to constantly monitor your well-being and carry out sophisticated tests? And – even worse – you’re not pondering new quantifiable longevity interventions all day long?

How can you be a serious biohacker?!?

OK, so let’s face it, we can’t all be Bryan Johnson (and we may not want to). 

Nevertheless, serious biohacking relies on meaningful and accurate measurement modalities. Indeed, what’s the point of “punishing” health routines or “risky” interventions if there’s no tangible-added value?

So, as a mere (im)mortal, with a day job, friends, maybe a family, and other hobbies beyond longevity, you are faced with a quandary. The quandary of what to measure, how (much) to measure, how frequently and, last but not least, how to correctly interpret the data obtained – i.e., on your own, with professional help and/or with AI. 

WhatsApp community highlights

Supplement storage challenges

Jill raised concerns about supplement pills reacting when stored together in a container, especially Astaxanthin with B-complex.

Nicole suggested possible moisture issues and recommended regular cleaning of containers, while Jill dismissed moisture as a factor.

Riccardo shared a similar experience with supplements reacting without clear cause, adding to the mystery.

Jens outlined potential causes for discoloration, including oxidation, moisture, and heat exposure, providing detailed insights.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) insights

Habib sought recommendations for CGM devices, and Hadi praised the Freestyle Libre 3, especially when paired with third-party apps.

Sandra highlighted the sufficiency of Freestyle Libre for data needs and shared insights on its user experience.

Hadi noted the poor usability of the Libre app, recommending Veri for better insights, sparking a discussion on app costs.

Oushesh inquired about app expenses, with Sandra explaining her usage pattern and sensor purchase strategy.

Water filtration and quality concerns

Martin discussed Germany's high water quality but noted concerns about aging infrastructure and emerging pollutants.

Fabian reiterated common concerns about water pipes affecting tap water quality, suggesting reverse osmosis as a solution.

Jill asked about osmosis systems for sparkling water, sparking a debate on the utility of CO2 in water.

Sandra called for fact-based discussions, emphasizing the importance of evidence over opinions in such technical topics.

Nurosym (vagus nerve stimulator) usage

Fabian introduced the Nurosym device for discussion, seeking advice on safe usage duration and intensity.

He shared initial experiences and concerns about potential nerve damage, referencing varied recommendations from Reddit.

The discussion highlighted a cautious approach to new technology, with community members interested in shared experiences.

Fabian's inquiry reflects a broader interest in exploring new health technologies with community support and shared insights.

Community health stack

Alexander Haller

Top 100 @rejuvenationolympics - Sports Scientist & Social-Media Manager 🌱 longevity on a budget

Member stats

• Level 1
• 600 Points
• 10 Reviews

Alexander’s trusted brands

Alexander’s health routine

🏋️‍♂️ Workout/ Daily Activity

• 3x Resistance training (Upper - Lower - Full Body)

• 1x Sprint intervals

• 2-3x intense stretching

• 10,000 steps daily

• Standing desk & Walking pad

🥗 Diet

• Omnivore

• Protein: 2g/kg bodyweight

• Fat: 1g/kg bodyweight

• Carbs: Rest of my calories

• Small caloric surplus

• Hydration: ~2L, drinks with sweetener (no water lol)

• No drinking & smoking

• Fasting from 9pm to 1pm

• Whole foods

• 1-2x week ordering food/eating out

• Occasionally caffeine

😴 Sleep

• 8-9hrs in the night

• ~1hr nap in the afternoon

• ~10am wake-up

• ~1am sleep

• No alarm

• Sleeping mask, earplugs and nasal strip

🪞 Skincare

• Morning:

  • 1x Oil Cleanser (CeraVe)

  • 1x Cleansing Lotion (CeraVe)

  • Ceramide Treatment 3% (Niche Beauty Lab)

  • Lightweight Sunscreen SPF50+ (Niche Beauty Lab)

• Evening:

  • 1x Oil Cleanser (CeraVe)

  • …

This week’s top 10 trending brands

Ways to collaborate