Biohacking with JohnXD: Tools for Optimization

Welcome back to Biohacking with JohnXD! This issue dives into three powerful tools for collecting data to optimize health and longevity. As the saying goes, “If I can track it, I can change it!” In biohacking, more data means deeper insights into our bodies, enabling us to fine-tune our wellness protocols. Let’s explore WHOOP, blood microscopy, and thermography—three practices that have transformed my approach to health and longevity.

Quick Update: BrainTap Progress

BrainTap continues to deliver great results. I use it daily, and it has become a non-negotiable at this point.  As mentioned in the last issue, I used Neural Check to collect pre- and post-session data, offering valuable insights into my brain’s response. For those interested, visit Janelle at Desert Moon Wellness to experience this and access your own data.

1. WHOOP: Wearable Health Tracking

What is WHOOP?

WHOOP is a screenless, wearable tracker that monitors heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), sleep stages, respiratory rate, skin temperature, and blood oxygen levels. Its subscription-based app delivers personalized insights on recovery, strain, and sleep. The latest WHOOP MG (2025) adds ECG monitoring and a “Healthspan WHOOP Age” feature.

My Experience:

I’ve worn my WHOOP since September 2022, and it’s been a game-changer for tracking sleep, strain, and recovery. The data has guided adjustments to my workouts and sleep habits. For example, I’ve optimized exercise intensity based on my daily Recovery Score and tracked calories burned. The Healthspan feature even suggests I’m “aging backward”—a motivating insight into my body’s daily performance.

Why It’s Great for Biohackers:

WHOOP’s detailed metrics empower biohackers to balance training, recovery, and lifestyle choices, ensuring peak performance without overtraining.

2. Blood Microscopy: Real-Time Blood Insights

What is Blood Microscopy?

Blood microscopy, or live blood analysis, involves examining a fresh blood sample under a high-powered microscope in real-time. Using dark-field or phase-contrast microscopy, it reveals the shape, movement, and behavior of live red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma, unlike traditional fixed-sample tests.

My Experience:

Since May 2024, I’ve worked with my good friend Dr. Thomas Brewer on blood microscopy, and it’s one of the most fascinating tools I’ve used. Seeing my blood cells move in real-time is incredible—it’s like a window into my body’s current state. As a biohacker, I use it to assess how interventions (e.g., supplements or diet changes) affect my blood. This individualized data lets me optimize my protocols, confirming what works for my unique physiology.

Why It’s Great for Biohackers:

Blood microscopy supports self-experimentation by showing immediate changes in blood cell morphology, helping biohackers tailor health strategies with precision.

3. Thermography: Visualizing Inflammation

What is Thermography?

Thermography, or thermal imaging, is a non-invasive technique that uses infrared cameras to detect heat patterns on the body’s surface. It highlights temperature variations linked to inflammation, blood flow changes, or tissue abnormalities, offering insights into circulatory or musculoskeletal issues without radiation.

My Experience:

As a photographer, I was excited to try thermography with Cheri-Lynn Burke at Las Vegas Thermography. The process is simple: a camera captures images of exposed skin (I opted for a full-body scan), taking about 15-20 minutes. The images are sent to a doctor, who returns a detailed report with findings and visuals. The quick turnaround and clear insights helped me identify areas to adjust for better optimization.

Why It’s Great for Biohackers:

Thermography’s real-time data on inflammation and metabolic processes helps biohackers pinpoint stress points, optimize recovery, and experiment with interventions, all non-invasively. That’s the real key- non-invasive.

Final Thoughts

These tools—WHOOP, blood microscopy, and thermography—are invaluable for tracking and optimizing my health. While I always listen to how I feel, these data-driven insights allow me to address potential issues early or refine my experiments. Biohacking is personal, so find what resonates with you. A huge thank you to Dr. Thomas Brewer and Cheri-Lynn Burke for their expertise and support in our community.

Stay curious and keep optimizing!

JohnXD