autophagy? ATP? circadian? hormesis? HRV? ketosis? microbiome? mitochondria? phytonutrients? VO₂ max?
°
autophagy? ATP? circadian? hormesis? HRV? ketosis? microbiome? mitochondria? phytonutrients? VO₂ max? °
BGB Longevity Glossary
The longevity glossary is your living guide to understanding the science, systems, and language that shape biohacking. It’s designed to make complex health concepts clear—and personal—for Black women building intentional, long lives
When you first step into the world of biohacking, it can sound like a whole new language—terms like autophagy, circadian rhythm, and NAD+ get thrown around like everyone already knows what they mean.
This glossary is your translator.
Here, science meets real life—explained in plain language, with context that speaks to how Black women actually live, heal, and thrive. You don’t need a degree to understand your body. You just need access.
So take your time. Click through a few letters. Learn the lingo. Because the more you understand the language of longevity, the more power you have to shape how long—and how well—you live
“The more you understand the language of longevity, the more power you hold.”
While these terms are used universally, this glossary is part of the Black Girl Biohacking ecosystem — where we connect science, wellness, and cultural context.
Start exploring — each letter unfolds the science behind longevity.
-
Adaptogens — Natural substances (like ashwagandha or rhodiola) that help your body adapt to stress and restore balance.
Aging (Biological vs. Chronological) — Biological age measures how your body functions, not how many birthdays you’ve had.
Autophagy — The body’s natural “cleanup” process that recycles damaged cells to promote longevity. -
Biohacking — The art and science of optimizing your biology through intentional, data-driven living.
Biomarkers — Measurable signs of health—like CRP, glucose, or vitamin D—that help track longevity progress.
Blue Light — Light from screens that disrupts circadian rhythm and sleep cycles.
Browning (of Fat) — The conversion of white fat to brown fat, which burns energy; often activated by cold exposure. -
Circadian Rhythm — Your body’s internal 24-hour clock regulating sleep, metabolism, and hormones.
Cold Therapy — Using cold exposure (like showers or plunges) to reduce inflammation and improve recovery.
CRP (C-Reactive Protein) — A biomarker that measures inflammation levels in the body. -
DNA Methylation — Changes in how your genes express themselves without altering your DNA code; key in biological aging.
Detoxification (Cellular) — How your body clears out toxins, primarily through the liver and lymphatic -
Epigenetics — How environment and behavior influence which genes turn on or off.
Electrolytes — Minerals (like sodium, magnesium, potassium) that maintain hydration and nerve balance. -
Fasting (Intermittent) — Cycling between eating and fasting periods to improve metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
Ferritin — A protein that stores iron; low or high levels affect energy and immune function.
Front Loading — Strategically preparing nutrition, supplements, or routines early for maximum impact. -
Glucose Variability — The rise and fall of blood sugar levels; smaller fluctuations improve metabolic health.
Grounding (Earthing) — Direct contact with the earth’s surface to balance circadian rhythm and reduce inflammation.
Gut Microbiome — The ecosystem of bacteria in your digestive system that shapes immunity, mood, and longevity. -
Homeostasis — Your body’s ability to maintain balance despite external stress.
Hormesis — Beneficial stress that builds resilience (like fasting, sauna, or cold exposure).
Hydration Stack — The optimal combination of water, minerals, and electrolytes to fuel cellular performance. -
Inflammation (Chronic) — Low-grade, long-term inflammation that accelerates aging and disease.
Insulin Sensitivity — How well your body uses insulin to control blood sugar; higher sensitivity equals better longevity. -
Longevity — Extending healthspan—the years you live well—not just lifespan.
Lab Work (Longevity Panel) — Routine tests that measure inflammation, hormones, and nutrient status to guide optimization. -
Mitochondria — The cell’s power source, responsible for energy production and cellular repair.
Metabolic Flexibility — Your body’s ability to switch between carbs and fats for fuel efficiently. -
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) — A molecule vital for energy and DNA repair; levels decline with age.
Neuroplasticity — The brain’s capacity to form new connections and adapt throughout life. -
Overhacking — Doing too much too fast—when optimizing your health becomes counterproductive.
Oxidative Stress — Cellular damage from free radicals; antioxidants help counteract it. -
Psycho Mapping — Mapping patterns of thought and emotion that shape your behaviors and health outcomes.
Photobiomodulation — Using red or near-infrared light to stimulate healing, energy, and cell regeneration. -
Sleep Architecture — The structure of your sleep cycles (light, deep, REM) that impacts recovery and memory.
Spermidine — A compound that supports autophagy and cellular renewal.
Sun Exposure Therapy — Safe sun exposure to regulate circadian rhythm and boost vitamin D. -
Telomeres — Protective DNA caps that shorten with stress and age; longer telomeres equal longer healthspan.
Thermogenesis — Your body’s ability to generate heat and burn calories, often triggered by cold or spicy foods. -
VO₂ Max — A measure of oxygen efficiency during exercise, tied to cardiovascular fitness and longevity.
Vitamin D — A hormone-like vitamin vital for immunity and bone strength—commonly deficient in Black women. -
White Blood Cells — Immune cells that defend against infection and inflammation.
Wearables — Devices that track sleep, heart rate, movement, and recovery metrics to inform self-optimization.