Biohacking expert debunks 5 myths around healthy living

One common myth some people believe is that everyone's metabolism is the same (Picture: Pexels)

• Personalized health plans are key to better lifestyle outcomes
• Wearables and health apps offer valuable real-time feedback
• Precision nutrition and DNA-based weight loss are now available

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For decades, the Indian approach to “healthy living” has been a blend of ancestral wisdom and modern fitness trends. We’ve embraced everything from morning yoga to imported superfoods, yet the country faces a skyrocketing crisis of lifestyle diseases. The disconnect lies in a fundamental misunderstanding of how the human body actually functions, according to Dr Sajeev, founder of Vieroots Wellness Solutions.

He says, “We are operating on a “one-size-fits-all manual in an era where science has already handed us the blueprint for personalization. It is time to dismantle the myths that are quietly sabotaging our collective longevity.”

Here are the five common myths that need to be changed for a better and healthier lifestyle.

Myth 1: Metabolism is a constant

One must stop believing that metabolism is the same across people. We often judge our progress against a friend’s results, forgetting that metabolic rates are as unique as fingerprints. One person’s “healthy” high-carb breakfast is another person’s blood sugar spike and inflammatory trigger. When we ignore these individual variances, we force our bodies into a state of metabolic stress that eventually manifests as chronic fatigue or weight gain, regardless of how much effort we put into a generic gym routine.

Also read: 38-year-old physician reverses fatty liver, high bp, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, drops 56 kilos in 18 months

Myth 2: Skepticism toward health apps and wearables

There’s a growing skepticism toward wearables and health apps, often dismissed as mere toys for the tech-obsessed. However, the value of real-time data cannot be overstated. A wearable isn’t just a step counter; it’s a continuous biofeedback loop. It tells you how your heart rate variability changes after a stressful meeting or how a late-night snack ruins your deep sleep. Without this digital mirror, we are simply guessing how our lifestyle choices affect our internal biology.

Myth 3: Precision nutrition is not yet here

This skepticism often extends to precision nutrition, which many label as futuristic, but unreal for now. But the real fad is the ‘diet of the month’ that ignores your biochemical individuality. Precision nutrition is the logical evolution of healthcare using data to determine exactly which nutrients your specific body requires to thrive. And it is right here, in India too. Feeding every human the same diet is as illogical as putting the same fuel in a tractor, a sports car, and a jet engine.

Myth 4: Weight loss is only about calories

One of the most stubborn hurdles in weight loss is the idea that weight is only about calories. While calories matter, your DNA significantly influences how your body stores fat and signals hunger. If your genetic makeup predisposes you to insulin resistance or slow lipid metabolism, “eat less, move more” mantra becomes an uphill battle. Understanding your biological predispositions via DNA based weight loss programs allows you to work with your body instead of fighting a losing war against your own biology.

Also read: Doctor says these 3 medicines can save a heart attack patient

Myth 5: Waiting for lifestyle diseases to appear

Perhaps, the most dangerous myth of these all is the “wait and see” approach towards lifestyle diseases. Many believe that conditions like diabetes or hypertension are inevitable parts of aging or can only be addressed once symptoms appear. The truth is that these killers have a long runway. By identifying epigenetic triggers -- the lifestyle factors that turn bad genes on or off -- we can intervene years, even decades, before a diagnosis occurs.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.