Latest news with #BiohackMe
Daily Mail
16-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The sneaky kitchen swaps to transform your waistline and gut health FAST
We're living in an age of invisible overload. Microplastics in our blood. ' Forever chemicals ' in our tap water. Air pollutants that sneak in every time we open the front door. It's no wonder so many of us feel inflamed, bloated, tired, and wired. Our bodies - and especially our guts - are carrying a toxic burden that simply didn't exist 50 years ago. And while we can't escape every chemical in the environment, we can start reducing the load, beginning in one of the most powerful spaces in our home: the kitchen. In Biohack Me, I talk about biohacking your environment as one of the most overlooked yet transformational tools for improving energy, reducing inflammation, and restoring balance. These simple swaps not only ease the pressure on your gut but also help reset your hormones and metabolism - without a juice cleanse or expensive detox program. Here are my favourite sneaky kitchen swaps that can flatten bloat, support your microbiome, and spike your energy naturally. 1. Chuck the plastics, switch to glass 'In Biohack Me, I talk about biohacking your environment as one of the most overlooked yet transformational tools for improving energy, reducing inflammation, and restoring balance,' Camilla says Plastic containers, cling wrap and even takeaway tubs often contain endocrine disruptors like BPA and phthalates, which mess with your hormones and inflame your gut. Swapping them out for glass containers or stainless steel lunchboxes is one of the easiest ways to biohack your kitchen environment If you're heating leftovers in plastic - stop. Heat causes chemicals to leach into your food. That microwave reheat moment could be quietly stressing your gut lining. 2. Upgrade your pans and chopping boards Still using scratched-up non-stick pans or stained plastic chopping boards? It's time for an upgrade. Many non-stick coatings contain PFOAs or PFAS - known as 'forever chemicals' - linked to hormone disruption and inflammation. Swap to stainless steel, cast iron or ceramic pans for cooking. They're safer, more durable, and better for your health. And while you're at it, ditch plastic chopping boards in favour of bamboo or untreated wood. Not only do they last longer, but they also harbour fewer bacteria and don't release microplastics into your food. 3. Ditch packaged sauces for homemade dressings Those bottled salad dressings, stir-fry sauces, and marinades are often packed with hidden sugars, vegetable oils, thickeners, and preservatives - gut kryptonite. Instead, keep it simple. Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a bit of tahini or apple cider vinegar go a long way. You get all the flavour without the bloating, and your gut bugs will love the switch. You can also buy healthier sauce versions which don't have added sugar, salt and other nasties. 4. Start fermenting - or just eat some kraut Fermented foods are your gut's best mates. They flood your system with beneficial bacteria that help balance your microbiome, reduce inflammation, and support digestion. Think sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, kefir, yoghurt (real, unsweetened yoghurt), or kombucha. Add a spoonful of kraut to your salad or serve miso as a warm afternoon pick-me-up instead of your usual snack. If you're new to ferments, go slow. A tablespoon a day is enough to start shifting your gut in the right direction. 5. Rethink your cooking oils If you're still cooking with canola, sunflower or vegetable oil - it's time to upgrade. These industrial seed oils are high in omega-6 and can throw your gut (and hormones) into chaos. Switch to extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil or coconut oil for cooking. They're more stable, less inflammatory, and actually help your gut absorb fat-soluble nutrients. Plus, olive oil has been linked to improved longevity and lower disease risk. 6. Spice things up (literally) Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, oregano, thyme - these aren't just flavour boosters. They're natural anti-inflammatories, gut soothers, and immune support powerhouses. Get in the habit of adding spices to your meals daily. I sprinkle cinnamon in my drinks and turmeric into scrambled eggs. Herbs like oregano and thyme are brilliant on roasted veg or mixed through dressings. They're tiny gut-healing power bombs hiding in your spice rack. 7. Cut the chemicals, not the comfort You don't need to go full health freak - just be label-savvy. Many processed 'health' foods are still loaded with artificial sweeteners, gums, or emulsifiers (like sucralose) that disrupt the gut lining and feed the wrong bacteria. Stick to whole, recognisable ingredients. If you can't pronounce it, your gut probably can't either. 8. Hydration = digestion Your gut can't do its job if you're dehydrated. Water helps move things along, supports detox, and nourishes your cells. But here's the kicker: filtered water makes a difference. Tap water can contain chlorine, heavy metals and other nasties that knock your microbiome around. Investing in a good water filter is one of the simplest ways to biohack your kitchen for gut health. Add a pinch of Celtic sea salt or a splash of lemon to enhance absorption. You'll be surprised how much this one shift can reduce bloating and boost your energy. Biohacking your kitchen environment is one of the most empowering (and affordable) ways to reset your health from the inside out. And the best part? You don't need fancy supplements or complex protocols - just a few smart swaps, and the willingness to start.
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
How to flatten your belly FAST: The 60-second shower trick that can shred fat from your stomach
What if I told you there's a 60-second ritual that can help flatten your belly, boost your mood, and rewire your brain for resilience - all before you've had your first sip of coffee? No, it's not a superfood smoothie or a $500 gadget. It's sitting right there in your bathroom. It's your shower. More specifically, the cold tap. This simple yet powerful biohack - known as cold water therapy - is one of my absolute favourites. It's free, accessible, and surprisingly effective. I talk about it in my new book Biohack Me, where I break down how we can reset our nervous system, upgrade our biology, and reverse chronic symptoms with small, intentional changes. And trust me, I've lived it. After years battling burnout, postnatal depression, and eventually a full-blown health crisis caused by toxic mould exposure, I discovered the power of cold exposure for my mental and physical health. Cold showers became a cornerstone of my recovery - and now a daily ritual I wouldn't skip for the world. Why it works (and what the science says) Cold exposure has been used for centuries to promote healing and resilience, and modern research is finally catching up. It's been shown to: - Activate brown fat, which helps burn calories and regulate body temperature - Reduce inflammation (a major contributor to ageing and chronic disease) - Trigger a 250 per cent spike in dopamine - the feel-good, focus-enhancing brain chemical - Lower cortisol, your stress hormone, and promote a calm, steady mood - Boost immunity by stimulating your lymphatic system In short, cold water gives your system a jolt in the best possible way. It wakes you up, both mentally and metabolically. It also trains your nervous system to tolerate stress better. That's why it's so powerful for people dealing with anxiety or burnout. It teaches your body how to recover fast and stay regulated. Take the cold shower challenge Now, before you panic and start picturing ice baths à la Wim Hof, let me make this clear: you don't have to go full polar bear to reap the benefits. I recommend starting with what I call the cold shower challenge - a gentle, no-BS intro for everyday people who want to feel better, fast. Here's how to do it: Start slow – At the end of your regular warm shower, switch the water to cold for just 30 seconds. Focus on deep breathing. You'll gasp and maybe scream a bit. Totally normal. Level up – After three to five days, extend to 60 seconds. You'll be surprised how quickly your body adapts. Go fully in (if you're game) – Eventually, try a full cold shower from start to finish. Morning is ideal, it'll leave you buzzing with energy. Bonus tip: Pair it with early sunlight exposure for a natural cortisol rhythm boost and enhanced mood throughout the day. That's the kind of biohacking stack I love - simple, powerful, and totally free. A biohack for your body and your mind Beyond the waistline wins and dopamine rush, there's something deeper at play with cold exposure. It's about choosing discomfort in a world obsessed with convenience. When you step into cold water on purpose, you're signalling to your body and brain 'I'm in control'. That mindset shift - of facing discomfort head-on - spills into other areas of your life. You show up differently. Stronger. Calmer. More grounded. So, if you're looking for a no-fuss, high-impact way to boost your health, start here. One cold minute. Every day. That's it. You don't need to overhaul your life overnight. You don't need a six-week plan or a pantry full of powders. You need a bit of grit. A willingness to get uncomfortable. And a commitment to show up for yourself - even just for 60 seconds. I dare you to take the cold shower challenge this week. You'll thank me later (once your goosebumps settle).
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Secrets of a biohacker: How to peel five years off your body clock FAST - no millionaire budget required
Think biohacking is just for Silicon Valley tech bros and cashed-up celebs sipping mushroom lattes in cryo chambers? Think again. As someone who's walked the long road back from burnout, chronic illness, and mould exposure - and now has a biological age ten years younger than my real one - I'm here to tell you: you don't need thousands of dollars to biohack. You need smart, simple, science-backed habits. I wrote all about them in my new book Biohack Me, because the wellness world is overflowing with overwhelming amounts of information that confuses and contradicts itself. And frankly, most people don't have time for that. We want tools that work, don't cost the earth, and slot into real, messy, busy lives. Biohacking on a budget is possible and I dedicate a whole chapter to it in my new book. Here are my go-to, budget-friendly pro-ageing hacks that help you feel sharper, stronger, and more energised - without touching your savings account. 1. Get cold (yes, on purpose) Cold showers or ocean dips aren't just for hardcore athletes or Byron Bay influencers. They're one of the easiest ways to reduce inflammation, speed up recovery, and stimulate fat-burning brown fat. Cold exposure also boosts dopamine by up to 250 per cent - hello, energy and focus - and it trains your nervous system to handle stress better. I call it resilience training. Start with 30 seconds at the end of your shower, build to 60, then go all in. It's a ritual I swear by - because it's free, fast, and wildly effective. It's also the closest thing to a legal mood-boosting drug I've found. 2. Sunlight before screens Before you touch your phone in the morning, step outside. Natural sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, balances hormones (including cortisol), and kickstarts your metabolism. It's also a massive player in longevity, sleep quality, and mental clarity. Even ten minutes of natural light within an hour of waking helps reset your body clock and improve mitochondrial function - the tiny powerhouses inside your cells that literally keep you alive and youthful. This is one of my 'non-negotiables' and it costs zero dollars. 3. Eat within a window (but still eat) Intermittent fasting isn't about starving yourself - it's about giving your body time to repair. Research shows time-restricted eating supports cellular clean-up (a process called autophagy), reduces inflammation, and supports gut health. I aim for an eight-hour eating window (usually 11am–6pm), which is flexible and family-friendly. You don't need to fast like a monk - just avoid snacking late into the night and give your body a proper break. 4. Prioritise protein and plants Muscle is the organ of longevity. As we age, we lose muscle mass, which impacts everything from metabolism to mental clarity. So yes, lift weights - but also eat protein. I aim for 100g+ per day, balanced with a rainbow of veggies for fibre, antioxidants, and gut health. Gut health is your second brain and deeply linked to ageing and inflammation. Food really is medicine - and the good news? Aussie farmers markets are packed with seasonal, nutrient-rich produce that doesn't cost a bomb. 5. Sleep like it's your job Sleep is the holy grail, the foundation to better health and pro-ageing. Sleep is when your body repairs, your brain detoxes, and your hormones reset. Create a bedtime ritual that works for you - dim lights, screen curfew, breathwork, herbal tea, gratitude journaling, or a bath. Make it sacred. The goal? Seven to nine hours of quality, consistent sleep. Not scrolling till midnight and 'catching up' on the weekend. That doesn't work. Sleep is one of the most powerful age-reversing tools we have - and it's free. 6. Move (in short bursts) You don't need a 90-minute gym routine. Quick movement snacks throughout the day - like walking meetings (we need 30 minutes of walking daily to counteract the sitting we do), 15 minutes of yoga, skipping or rebounding, or 20 squats while the kettle boils or between meetings - can be just as effective for energy, mood, and metabolic health. Stack movement with fun, like dancing in the kitchen, housework, walking the dog, or chasing your kids. The science of movement is clear: a sedentary life is the fast track to ageing. Don't let it be yours. 7. Think younger, live longer Mindset isn't fluff - it's biology. A positive outlook on ageing has been linked to living up to 7.5 years longer. If you're constantly saying 'I'm too old for this,' guess what? Your body listens. I practice pro-ageing with a longevity mindset. I want to age with energy, clarity, and strength. And that's where biohacking helps - by keeping you mentally sharp and physically energised, no matter your birth year.
Daily Mail
30-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Is your body plagued with 'zombie' cells? Warning over toxic compounds that leave you wrinkled, bloated and inflamed - and how to flush them out
What if your body's biggest ageing accelerators aren't your hormones, your genetics, or even your diet - but a bunch of stubborn, half-dead cells refusing to leave the party? Say hello to zombie cells. Also known as senescent cells, these are old, damaged cells that should have been flushed out long ago - but instead, they hang around, pumping out toxic compounds that speed up inflammation, slow down healing, and leave you feeling tired, bloated, foggy and flat. These cells build up as we age and have been linked to everything from wrinkles and joint pain to brain fog, fatigue, and chronic disease. So, how do you get rid of them? Through a natural process called autophagy - your body's cellular clean-up crew. Think of it like spring cleaning for your cells. When activated, autophagy clears out these zombie cells and replaces them with fresh, new ones - rejuvenating your energy, metabolism and mental sharpness. In my book Biohack Me, I show you how to tap into this process using simple, everyday tools that don't require a millionaire's bank account. Here's my daily routine for flushing zombie cells. 1. Fast with purpose The most powerful trigger for autophagy? Fasting. Giving your body a break from constant eating allows it to shift gears - from digestion to repair. A 12 to 16 hour eating window is all you need to activate cellular clean-up and reduce the build-up of senescent cells. This isn't about starving - it's about resetting. I stick to a 16:8 window (roughly eating between 11am and 6pm), which keeps my blood sugar stable, my energy high and my gut calm. Fasting also reduces insulin resistance, supports brain health, and helps you burn fat more efficiently. It's one of the simplest and most effective pro-ageing strategies we have. 2. Add senolytic foods to your plate Senolytics are substances that specifically target and destroy senescent cells. While pharmaceutical versions are still being tested, there are natural compounds with senolytic properties that are being widely studied and used. Some of my favourites: - Strawberries and apples (rich in fisetin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties that help with cellular ageing) - Red onions and capers (loaded with quercetin, an anti-inflammatory flavonoid) - Green tea (for EGCG, a powerful compound known to reduce inflammation) - Turmeric (curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory) - Pomegranate, dark chocolate, and blueberries (all high in polyphenols, which are high in antioxidants) These foods support cellular clean-up, reduce oxidative stress, and feed your gut bacteria - all of which help slow ageing from the inside out. A polyphenol-rich, colourful diet is one of the most powerful (and delicious) ways to support longevity without restriction. 3. Move in micro-bursts (and build some muscle) Movement encourages circulation and lymphatic flow - key for clearing out cellular waste. When you add strength training to the mix, you get even more bang for your biohacking buck. Muscle is your metabolic engine. It improves mitochondrial health, insulin sensitivity, and helps your body clear out damaged cells more effectively. Think squats, push-ups and lunges. In between calls or meetings? Do 15 squats. Waiting for your coffee? Drop into a plank. Keep hand weights near your desk. Rebounding or skipping are great hacks for a full body workout. It's not about smashing yourself - it's about staying mobile, strong, and metabolically young. 3. Master the breath-flush Your breath is one of your most powerful (and free) detox tools. Slow, intentional breathing increases oxygen flow, reduces stress, and stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system - the part responsible for repair and rejuvenation. Try this: 1. Inhale through the nose for four seconds 2. Hold for four seconds 3. Exhale slowly through the nose for six to eight seconds 4. Repeat for two to five minutes daily I do this in a cold shower or before bed - it calms the mind, supports lymphatic flow, and promotes clarity. Think of it as an internal rinse cycle. 4. Contrast therapy: Use heat and cold as medicine Autophagy loves contrast - especially in the form of saunas, cold showers, or ocean dips. This combo supports detox, reduces inflammation and triggers the release of longevity hormones. Heat helps simulate a fever-like state that pushes toxins out through sweat. Cold sharpens your nervous system, boosts dopamine, and reduces inflammation - all while encouraging your body to clean house at the cellular level. This was one of my core recovery tools after battling mould illness, and it's a go-to hack in my book. Ageing is inevitable, feeling old isn't... Zombie cells will come for all of us - but we don't have to let them take over. By activating autophagy through fasting, movement, nutrition, breathwork, and temperature exposure, we can clear the clutter, restore cellular function, and feel sharper, leaner, and more energised - regardless of what your birth certificate says.
