Optimize Lab Results with Genetics with Joe Cohen

In this episode, Teemu Arina meets Joe Cohen, CEO of SelfDecode, to discuss the complex nature of a purely data-driven approach to biohacking via genetic testing and various biomarkers.

Joe recalls his biohacking journey, his trial-and-error approach, years of self-experimentation, following gurus (and then choosing not to do so anymore) and the incredible insights which led to him ultimately founding SelfDecode.

SelfDecode is the only company in the world which directly provides their users with a holistic set of accurate health recommendations based on their genes. This allows them to take charge of their own healthcare with data-driven precision health decisions.

In order to make the best health decisions, we must take all of our health data into account. Otherwise, we'll end up addressing individual problems or symptoms without looking at the whole picture. The problem is that there is just too much information for any human to analyze - this is where the power of AI comes in.

This conversation was recorded in August 2024.

Visit https://selfdecode.com and follow @mrbiohacker on Instagram to learn more!

Check https://biohackersummit.com for upcoming events & tickets!

Devices, supplements, guides, books & quality online courses for supporting your health & performance: https://biohackercenter.com

Key moments and takeaways:

00:00 Introduction by Teemu Arina

01:23 Joe's biohacking journey & fighting 75 different health issues

02:43 Getting into genetics, gaining knowledge and experience

03:42 From healing to optimizing - but how?

04:26 Referencing the best people in each category

04:57 Optimize every realm possible

05:53 Mood regulation matters

07:14 You don't know where your limit is (until you test it)

08:40 Joe's elevated neuroticism & anxiety

09:28 Iterative improvements over 4 years

10:56 Joe didn't consult a psychologist, only used supplements

11:47 Mood is quite complex

13:30 It's tough to talk to people with whom you don't share common interests

14:39 Optimizing lab results and data

15:52 Chromium as an example of a less immediately obvious supplement

19:00 When biohacking becomes an obsession (but for Joe it's more of a hobby)

19:49 Exercise and the adverse effects of blindly following guru advice

21:38 Challenging the body in different ways

23:15 Lab testing provides insights as you progress through your improvements

24:31 Megadosing vitamin C

27:16 Optimization cannot be done in isolation

27:46 The consequences of overtraining

31:27 Optimal is contextual

33:33 You have to look at multiple biomarkers to get an accurate picture

36:24 IVs: yes or no?

38:23 Megadosing makes it easier to observe the effects of a specific compound

40:15 Software algorithms can interpret your metrics and help you avoid mistakes

41:51 What works for one person might not work for another

44:22 It's hard to identify which particular supplement works best

46:58 SelfDecode provides the tools which help you understand your results

48:22 The industry is rife with sh*t technology

50:04 Companies should leverage AI and build their own technology, but most don't

54:37 Most software out there is just bad

58:17 You can provide results from other labs, but it's best to use SelfDecode's own chip

61:13 Most labs look for illness - but if longevity is the target, other metrics are more important

64:04 Biohackers shouldn't just blindly believe what they read

64:33 SelfDecode also has a GPT bot to help you interpret your data