Quest Biohacking

Tim Quin

Biohacking. It’s a word that is becoming increasingly common. We are entering a golden age, where the AI and biotechnology revolutions are rapidly expanding our knowledge of how to prevent disease, slow down and even reverse the effects of ageing. Scientific breakthroughs in longevity research and personalised medicine, combined with ancient wisdom, are helping us unlock our biological potential. Biohacking is the art and science of taking control of your own biology and by using evidence-based approaches, we can optimize our bodies and minds. Sharpening our focus, improving our memory, making our bodies more resilient to disease and turning back the biological clock are all within our reach. Whether it's simple lifestyle modifications like intermittent fasting and sleep optimisation or advanced interventions like targeted supplementation and personalised medicine, biohacking represents a proactive approach to health and wellness that can add many healthy years to our lives. In this episode, I take a broad look at biohacking and how it can enable you to enhance your health and could greatly extend your life.

  1. Creatine & The Brain: Can It Prevent Age-Related Mental Decline and Enhance Cognitive Function?

    2D AGO

    Creatine & The Brain: Can It Prevent Age-Related Mental Decline and Enhance Cognitive Function?

    Creatine supplements have long been a staple in the fitness community, proven to be a safe and effective way to boost strength and muscle growth. But today, its reputation is evolving from the gym to everyday life, thanks to emerging evidence suggesting creatine may also support brain health. Recent studies show promising benefits for memory, attention, and processing speed, with particular interest for older adults seeking ways to stay sharp as they age. With a new wave of hype about creatine’s brain enhancing effects I cut through the surface layer to expose the hard facts. Quality Creatine Supplements I Use I use WeightWorld creatine supplements. They produce great value, quality products and I’ve been very pleased with the results. Creatine Monohydrate Powder (simply mix with water and drink): https://tracking.comfortclick.eu/SHOFA Creatine Monohydrate Tablets (super convenient if you’re on the move):  https://tracking.comfortclick.eu/SHOFC Creatine Monohydrate Gummies (super convenient and a tasty little treat): https://tracking.comfortclick.eu/SHOFD (I may be affiliated with these brands and receive a small commission if you buy via my link. This doesn’t cost you more, and anything I earn helps me to devote more time to researching and producing this podcast.) Connect With Me Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuestBiohacking Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timquin0/   Research Sources - Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Brain Function and Health - PMC - Single dose creatine improves cognitive performance and induces changes in cerebral high energy phosphates during sleep deprivation | Scientific Reports  - Effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function of healthy individuals: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials  - Creatine supplementation research fails to support the theoretical basis for an effect on cognition: Evidence from a systematic review - ScienceDirect - Benefits of Creatine Supplementation for Vegetarians Compared to Omnivorous Athletes: A Systematic Review - PMC

    15 min
  2. Vitamin K2: The Quiet Nutrient Protecting Hearts & Strengthening Bones

    SEP 30

    Vitamin K2: The Quiet Nutrient Protecting Hearts & Strengthening Bones

    Vitamin K2 might just be the most important nutrient you’ve never heard of. In this episode of Quest Biohacking, we uncover this quiet powerhouse, a vitamin that helps direct calcium to our bones and teeth and away from our arteries, helping prevent dangerous plaque buildup. We’ll dive into the science showing how it supports heart health, bone strength, and even plays a role in metabolism and emerging cancer research. And with modern diets leaving most of us deficient, we’ll explore how adding more vitamin K2 could be a simple, powerful step toward healthier aging. Connect With Me Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuestBiohacking Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timquin0/   Vitamin K2 Research Sources Dietary intake of menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease: the Rotterdam Study The Role of Vitamin K2 in Bone and Cardiovascular Health Vitamin K2 – a neglected player in cardiovascular health: a narrative review Vitamin K Intake and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in the Danish Diet Cancer and Health Study Six months supplementation with vitamin K may slow progression of arterial stiffness but has no effect on calcification in healthy postmenopausal women Vitamin K supplementation and bone health in postmenopausal women—a randomized controlled trial Vitamin K and Bone Health: A Review Vitamin K2 Therapy for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Vitamin K and bone health: A review of the evidence in the context of chronic kidney disease Vitamin K Intake and Periodontal Attachment Loss in the US Elderly Population: Data from NHANES 1999–2004 Vitamin K2 Level in Serum and its Association with Periodontitis: A Cross-sectional Study The Impact of Nutrition on Periodontal Health Association between Vitamin K Intake and Periodontitis in Elderly US Adults: NHANES 2009–2014 Food composition and vitamin K: A comprehensive analysis of vitamin K1 and K2 vitamers in Australian foods

    10 min
  3. Walking: The Easiest Way To Enhance Your Health, Happiness & Lifespan

    SEP 26

    Walking: The Easiest Way To Enhance Your Health, Happiness & Lifespan

    Walking is one of the most powerful yet simplest biohacks for improving health and lifespan. In this episode, we explore how something as simple as putting one foot in front of the other can lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and dementia—while also boosting mood, memory, creativity, and sleep. Learn why walking after eating is good for you and why walking makes us feel happy. From reducing stress hormones to protecting our cells against aging, walking is something we should all be doing more of if we want to live longer, healthier and happier. Discover how many steps really matter, why pace counts, and easy ways to weave more walking into daily life.   Connect With Me Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuestBiohacking Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timquin0/   Research Sources   association between daily step count and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: a meta-analysis | European Journal of Preventive Cardiology | Oxford Academic Does Physical Activity Increase Life Expectancy? A Review of the Literature - Reimers - 2012 - Journal of Aging Research The Effects of Postprandial Walking on the Glucose Response after Meals with Different Characteristics - PMC Impact of post-meal and one-time daily exercise in patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized crossover study | Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome Exercising to Relax - Harvard Health Publishing Stanford study finds walking improves creativity Low-intensity daily walking activity is associated with hippocampal volume in older adults - PMC Daily steps and health outcomes in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis - The Lancet Public Health Walk faster, live longer: How just 15 minutes a day can boost lifespan | ScienceDaily Daily Step Count and Depression in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | Public Health | JAMA Network Open Can brisk walking reduce your biological age? - BHF The relationship between mitochondrial function and walking performance in older adults with a wide range of physical function - PMC Telomeres and Mitochondrial Metabolism: Implications for Cellular Senescence and Age-related Diseases - PMC

    16 min
  4. Are Cold Plunges & Cold Showers Good For You?

    SEP 10

    Are Cold Plunges & Cold Showers Good For You?

    Do cold plunges and cold showers live up to all the hype? Can they really improve your health and potentially help you live longer? In this episode I explore the reported physical and mental benefits of cold exposure and the evidence backing them up. Plus, I’ll share some practical tips for safely starting your cold therapy journey. Connect with me Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuestBiohacking Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timquin0/   Research Sources   Cold temperature extends longevity and prevents disease-related protein aggregation through PA28γ-induced proteasomes https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10191861/ Repeated stress exposure results in a survival–reproduction trade-off in Drosophila melanogaster https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2842730/#s3 Chill Your Stress Away: Exploring Vagus Nerve Cold Water Therapy for Anxiety Relief https://urbanicetribe.com/chill-your-stress-away-exploring-vagus-nerve-cold-water-therapy-for-anxiety-relief/   Cold Water Therapy and Skin Health: A Refreshing Path to Dermatological Wellness https://www.news-medical.net/health/Cold-Water-Therapy-and-Skin-Health-A-Refreshing-Path-to-Dermatological-Wellness.aspx   What Are the Health Benefits of Cold Showers? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-cold-showers-good-for-you   Cold Showers Lead to Fewer Sick Days https://hbr.org/2018/03/cold-showers-lead-to-fewer-sick-days   A Sample Of Cold Plunge Options (no endorsement or affiliation)   Three Degree Club https://threedegreeclub.co.uk/collections/all   Polar https://polar-recovery.com/collections/ice-baths   Myo Master https://myomaster.com/collections/ice-baths   B&Q https://www.diy.com/departments/ice-bath-tub-spa-for-cold-water-therapy-recovery-plunge-pool-with-lid/5057102015109_BQ.prd?srsltid=AfmBOoqgGbNxe05ocTf1k81mhOytsCJ4NAWtQfK_aY0ZgmqEhBfv9zUAqXU

    17 min
  5. Intermittent Fasting: What Is It, How Does It Work and Is It Right For You?

    AUG 22

    Intermittent Fasting: What Is It, How Does It Work and Is It Right For You?

    Intermittent fasting is a powerful eating pattern that can promote some hugely beneficial changes in your body. This science-backed approach could help you lose weight, lower your risk of diabetes, enhance brain function, reduce inflammation, and even extend your life. I cover how intermittent fasting works and how to get started if it’s something you’d like to try. I also include some useful tips and hacks for beginners, to make the transition to intermittent fasting a little easier.   Research Sources   Early Time-Restricted Feeding Improves Insulin Sensitivity, Blood Pressure, and Oxidative Stress Even Without Weight Loss in Men with Prediabetes https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5990470/   The link between intermittent fasting and insulin resistance https://simple.life/blog/intermittent-fasting-and-insulin/   Intermittent fasting and weight loss https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7021351/   INTERMITTENT FASTING AND HUMAN METABOLIC HEALTH https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4516560/   Flipping the Metabolic Switch: Understanding and Applying Health Benefits of Fasting https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5783752/   The Effect of Fasting on Human Metabolism and Psychological Health https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8754590/   Insulin resistance reduction, intermittent fasting, and human growth hormone: secondary analysis of a randomized trial https://www.nature.com/articles/s44324-024-00025-2#:~:text=Prolonged%20water%2Donly%20fasting%20induces,conserves%20lean%20muscle12%2C13.   Water-only fasting boosts human growth hormone without weight loss https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250225/Water-only-fasting-boosts-human-growth-hormone-without-weight-loss.aspx#:~:text=The%20study%20also%20found%20that,on%20baseline%20HGH%20level%20groups.   Human Growth Hormone (HGH) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23309-human-growth-hormone-hgh   Intermittent fasting and cognitive performance – Targeting BDNF as potential strategy to optimise brain health https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S009130222100073X#:~:text=Highlights,pre%2Dclinical%20and%20human%20studies.   Autophagy: What You Need to Know https://www.healthline.com/health/autophagy   The Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Brain and Cognitive Function https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8470960/   Scientists identify how fasting may protect against inflammation https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/scientists-identify-how-fasting-may-protect-against-inflammation

    28 min
  6. Magnesium: What Does It Do & Should You Take a Supplement?

    AUG 17

    Magnesium: What Does It Do & Should You Take a Supplement?

    Magnesium is an essential mineral that quietly supports over 300 processes in the body, yet so many of us aren’t getting enough. From steady heart rhythms and relaxed muscles to deeper sleep, calmer moods, and better digestion, magnesium is a true unsung hero of health. We’ll explore the different forms of magnesium and discuss how to know if you might benefit from taking a supplement. You’ll also learn the best ways to take magnesium, how much is safe, and simple food sources that can naturally boost your intake. Whether you’re curious about sleep hacks, muscle recovery, or heart health, this episode gives you practical, science-backed information about magnesium and magnesium supplements.   Research Sources   Magnesium https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-magnesium   Magnesium https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/   Challenges in the Diagnosis of Magnesium Status https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6163803/   Subclinical magnesium deficiency: a principal driver of cardiovascular disease and a public health crisis https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5786912/   Magnesium - Uses, Side Effects, and More https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-998/magnesium#overview   Dietary Magnesium and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review with Emphasis in Epidemiological Studies https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5852744/#:~:text=Higher%20levels%20of%20circulating%20Mg,disease%20and%20coronary%20heart%20disease.   Regulation of structural and functional synapse density by L-threonate through modulation of intraneuronal magnesium concentration https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27178134/   Dirt Poor: Have Fruits and Vegetables Become Less Nutritious? https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/soil-depletion-and-nutrition-loss/   Changes in USDA food composition data for 43 garden crops, 1950 to 1999 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15637215/

    24 min

About

Biohacking. It’s a word that is becoming increasingly common. We are entering a golden age, where the AI and biotechnology revolutions are rapidly expanding our knowledge of how to prevent disease, slow down and even reverse the effects of ageing. Scientific breakthroughs in longevity research and personalised medicine, combined with ancient wisdom, are helping us unlock our biological potential. Biohacking is the art and science of taking control of your own biology and by using evidence-based approaches, we can optimize our bodies and minds. Sharpening our focus, improving our memory, making our bodies more resilient to disease and turning back the biological clock are all within our reach. Whether it's simple lifestyle modifications like intermittent fasting and sleep optimisation or advanced interventions like targeted supplementation and personalised medicine, biohacking represents a proactive approach to health and wellness that can add many healthy years to our lives. In this episode, I take a broad look at biohacking and how it can enable you to enhance your health and could greatly extend your life.