Carbs: The Good, the Bad, and the Biohacking
Carbohydrates have long been a polarizing topic in the world of health and nutrition. While some people swear by their ability to provide energy and support weight loss, others have demonized them as the culprit behind everything from obesity to diabetes. But what if there was a way to eat carbs without the negative consequences? Enter the biohacking movement and its founder, Dave Asprey, who argues that carbs shouldn't be public enemy number one. In fact, he believes that eating them mindfully and strategically can lead to better health and performance.
The Anti-Carb Movement
The anti-carb movement gained traction in the 1970s with the popularity of the Atkins diet, which advocated for restricting carbohydrates to promote weight loss. This philosophy continued into the 1990s and early 2000s, with Asprey championing a high-fat, low-carb diet he called the Bulletproof diet. However, Asprey has since shifted his perspective, no longer advocating for a ketogenic diet.
"There's this gross oversimplification: 'If you ever eat carbs again, you're a bad person. Sugar is poison,'" he says. "Sugar is not poisonous. It's the primary source of energy in your body. Excessive sugar is very bad for you, but it's normal for people to have some."
Asprey believes that an unending ketogenic diet can have negative effects on gut health, hormones, and sleep. Research supports this, showing that the keto diet can reduce beneficial gut bacteria and increase cholesterol levels.
Eating Carbs Like a Biohacker
So, how can one eat carbs without the negative consequences? According to Asprey, it's all about making smart choices and adopting a holistic approach to health.
Choose Your Carbs Carefully
"The problem was never carbs. The problem is toxic carbs," Asprey says. "Wheat comes with gluten and lectins that punch holes in your gut lining. Excess fructose hammers your liver. Ultra-processed grains spike your blood sugar and leave you crashing an hour later."
Instead, Asprey recommends low-toxin carbs like white rice, low-fructose fruits like blueberries, and occasionally a real homemade sourdough made from European soft wheat with proper fermentation. These carbs are more easily digestible and provide a steady source of energy.
Prepare Them Correctly
Cooking methods can also play a role in maximizing the benefits of carbohydrates. For example, cooling white rice before eating converts some of it to resistant starch, which feeds gut bacteria instead of spiking blood sugar.
Pick Smart Pairings
Pairing carbs with certain supplements can also enhance their benefits. C8 MCT oil, for instance, converts to ketones quickly and provides an additional source of energy for the brain. Asprey recommends taking MCT oil alongside carbs for optimal results.
Take Care of the Rest of Your Health
At the end of the day, overall health is the sum of everything you do, not just your diet. Asprey recommends exercise, bloodwork, and stress management to support a healthy metabolism and improve carb processing.
"Do resistance training and maybe some high-intensity interval training, but not too much," he says. "Also, get your hormones checked, including your thyroid hormones. Those can impact the way you process carbs."
Conclusion
In my opinion, the key to eating carbs like a biohacker is to make smart choices and adopt a holistic approach to health. By choosing low-toxin carbs, preparing them correctly, pairing them with supplements, and taking care of the rest of your health, you can enjoy the benefits of carbohydrates without the negative consequences. So, the next time you're tempted to demonize carbs, remember that they can be a valuable part of a healthy diet when eaten mindfully and strategically.
