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