Five years ago, I felt like I was living in a body decades older than my age. My bones creaked with every movement, I was constantly in pain, and I was so run-down I could barely function. Some days, it felt like I had a permanent hangover - even though I wasn't drinking.

I woke up every morning exhausted, my head clouded with brain fog and my joints aching. Anxiety had become a constant companion, and I was plagued by bizarre symptoms that no one could explain. My body was breaking down, and no doctor could figure out why.

The turning point came when a friend found hidden mould in my home. It was everywhere -under my bed, in my cupboards, and even in my office. I discovered I had the 'mould gene', which makes it harder for the body to detox mould, triggering chronic inflammation. The diagnosis was chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), and I had to overhaul my entire life to heal myself. It was during this process I discovered biohacking as a way to take control of my health and make positive changes in my life.

Fast-forward to today, I'm 48 years old with a biological age of 38. Using simple, affordable biohacks, I reduced my bio age by 10 years and completely transformed my health. A recent GlycanAge test, which measures biological age through inflammation markers, placed me in the 99th percentile for low inflammation.

I focused on reversing my age to improve my health, energy and quality of life - not to chase being 18 again like some billionaire biohackers are on a mission to do. For me, it's about living better and longer, not obsessively chasing youth. 

Reversing chronic inflammation and my age wasn't about one miracle cure - it was about layering multiple strategies, each supporting my body's natural healing processes. There were some parts of my healing recovery that cost a lot (like supplements) but most of it I tried to do on a budget.

Biohacking doesn't have to be expensive. Sadly, a lot of people think you need to be a vain tech bro with deep pockets and too much time on your hands - but their approach is simply not accessible or achievable for most people - and it's not what I'm about. I've reversed my biological age so I can live longer and, more importantly, extend the quality of my life. The difference is, I've done it safely and affordably, using practical tools and strategies that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine.

Recent press coverage of billionaire Bryan Johnson, in particular his Project Baby Face, has created a perception that biohacking is extreme, exclusive and unattainable for the average person. Bryan has become a self-described human experiment in the quest to reverse ageing and, while his methods are fascinating, they represent only the most extreme practices in the longevity space.

The anti-ageing 'guru', who founded Kernel, a company that creates tech that monitors brain activity, recently shared shocking images of an allergic reaction he had to an 'age-defying' treatment that involved injecting another person's fat into his face.

But the American entrepreneur is no stranger to elaborate and risky wellness stunts. Last year Mr Johnson enlisted his teenage son and his father for a tri-generational blood swapping treatment in an attempt to 'youthify' their bodies. In that procedure, he and his son, Talmage, had a litre of blood drained.

Even here in Australia, biohacking is often represented by a very male-dominated, elite group. This reinforces the misconception that biohacking is only for wealthy men who can afford expensive gadgets, treatments and supplements. That image doesn't reflect its accessible and inclusive potential.

That perception of biohacking has become polarising, and in some ways, it's giving it a bad name. At its core, biohacking is about experimentation and curiosity - being open to discovering what works best for your unique body. It's not about extremes or perfection; it's about making small, sustainable changes that help you feel better and live better.

I worry that some people's extreme obsession with reversing their age could become a mental illness - similar to how 'clean eating' can lead to eating disorders. While it's exciting to push the boundaries of what's possible in extending our health span (the years we're healthy for) it's important to do so within the realms of safety and balance. 

Biohacking should enhance our quality of life, not become an unhealthy fixation. Here are my top tips that anyone can do: 

1. Change how you eat, go 'Mediterranean' 

I changed the way I ate to help my body heal. At first, I followed a low-starch diet (avoiding starchy foods like potatoes and bananas) to reduce inflammation. Later, I switched to a diet free from gluten, dairy, sugar and processed foods. Instead, I focused on veggies, healthy fats (like avocado and olive oil) and proteins. A good, balanced diet like the Mediterranean diet has been proven to help you to live longer.

The Mediterranean diet is common in regions like Greece, Italy and Spain and typically involves fresh produce, lean meat like fish and chicken, and whole grains, while eating less red meat and sweets. It is considered one of the healthiest diets in the world thanks to its especially high omega 3 content from a high intake of oily fish.

Why it works: The Mediterranean diet works because it's rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and lean proteins, which reduce inflammation, improve heart health and support overall longevity. Research consistently shows that eating this diet reduces the risk of heart disease by 25 per cent, and premature death by 23 per cent.

2. Change your alcohol habits, drink clear spirits 

I quit drinking for 18 months to let my body detox and recover. Now, I only drink occasionally and use these simple hacks to minimise the damage:

• Choose clear spirits (like vodka, gin, tequila) with sugar-free mixers instead of wine or beer. Fill up with lots of soda or tonic (naturally sweetened) for extra hydration and your drink will last longer.

• Stay hydrated with water or coconut water.

• Take activated charcoal before and after drinking to help your body detox.

• Stop two to three hours before bed to protect your sleep to let your liver process alcohol.

Why it works: Clear alcohols are better for you because they have fewer toxins, less sugar and fewer additives compared to dark spirits, beer and wine, making them easier for your body to process and less likely to cause inflammation or hangovers.

3. Stay hydrated, add sea salt to your water 

I add a pinch of Celtic sea salt to my water to help my body absorb it better and replenish lost minerals. Our body is made up of water and salt, which is why we get saline drips in hospital. It's the most effective way to hydrate. Quality of salt is important, Celtic, Himalayan or Pink Murray have greater mineral qualities. Proper hydration helped reduce my fatigue, clear my brain fog, and ease joint pain.

Why it works: Adding salt, like Celtic sea salt, to water helps your body absorb it better, replenishes essential minerals, and balances electrolytes, improving hydration and energy levels.

4. Fast, stop eating after 7pm

I do intermittent fasting by eating my last meal by 7pm and fasting for 12 to 16 hours. The body needs a few hours before you sleep to digest food properly, so 7pm is a good cut-off. This gives my body optimal time to repair itself overnight while I'm sleeping; anyone can do this unless they are pregnant, breastfeeding or have an eating disorder.

Why it works: Fasting gives your body a break from eating so it can clean up old, broken cells - just like taking out the rubbish. It helps your body stay healthy and slows down the ageing process. 

5. Get in a sauna, try a sauna blanket

I use an infrared sauna to sweat out toxins and improve circulation. Sweating is one of the body's natural detox methods, and regular sauna use has been linked to longer lifespans. There are lots of at home saunas on the market now, as well as sauna blankets and they are more readily available locally at some gyms.

Why it works: Saunas reduce stress, boost heart health and help your body eliminate toxins that age you. They also release endorphins - a mood booster. 

The 'weirder' biohacking tricks Camilla has tried over the years  

• Methylene blue 

This is a powerful antioxidant with cognitive benefits. It is taken orally on your tongue to help improve mitochondrial function, respiration, oxygen consumption, ATP production, and glucose consumption. It is an interesting one; I still struggle with having a blue mouth and tongue and even your wee is blue. This needs to be taken in moderation.

• Cryotherapy 

This is amazing for inflammation and weight loss but it's intense at -130 degrees. It really works though, you feel amazing afterwards for days.

• Hyperbaric chamber

This is a strange experience and not great for anyone who is claustrophobic. It feels like you're going up or landing in an plane with ear pressure. I didn't feel any benefit after one session so you would have to do regularly which is expensive and not accessible.

• Shilajit 

This is a black mineral resin that seeps out mountain rocks at extremely high elevations throughout the world it contains rare antioxidants, minerals and unique compounds. It has been used as a supertonic for over 6000 years.

• Red light therapy

As mentioned below this is my go to now. I love it, my skin is great and it's repairing my cells and gives me energy. There are so many studies into this.

NB: Biohacking is about experimentation and science is just catching up with some the supplements and technologies

6. Walk outside, try 'rebounding'

Walking outside daily has become a non-negotiable for me. I soak up sunshine for vitamin D, breathe in fresh air and ground myself by walking barefoot on grass or sand. I also started rebounding (bouncing on a mini-trampoline) to support lymphatic drainage and circulation.

Why it works: Movement helps detox the body, reduces stress and gives you an energy boost. You only need five minutes on a rebounder to get the equivalent of 30 minutes running - it's a great hack. Plus, bouncing on a trampoline to tunes is great fun.

7. Have chilled showers, embrace cold exposure 

Cold showers were tough at first, but now they're my daily go-to for reducing inflammation and boosting energy. They cost nothing and leave you feeling alive! That said, people need to be careful with ice baths, especially women at certain times of their cycle. They should really be done with breathwork before and during yet people are just jumping in them with no guidance

Why it works: Cold exposure reduces inflammation, supports your immune system and energises your body. 

8. Give red light therapy a go

I used red light therapy to repair damaged cells and reduce inflammation. This gentle light reaches deep into your body to support healing and energise your body.

You can buy full-body infrared light machines online or start simple with a face mask. You can also use them at many gyms, saunas and day spas.

Why it works: It helps your body fix itself, so you feel stronger, healthier and full of energy. 

9. Place high value on sleep, eat raw honey before bed 

I prioritise good-quality sleep by going to bed at the same time, making my room dark and quiet, and avoiding screens before bed. I take magnesium because it helps support the nervous system and aids better sleep. I also have a teaspoon of raw honey before bed to stabilise my blood sugar, which improves sleep quality and the body's ability to repair itself.

Why it works: Sleep is when your body does its most important repair work, reducing inflammation and keeping you healthy. Only use raw or Manuka honey to reap the benefits. Studies have found that going to bed at the same time every night is even more important than getting seven or eight hours of sleep.  

10. Know the secret that adds 7.5 years to your life

Positivity. Healing starts in the mind. I focus on being hopeful, trusting my body, and adopting a pro-ageing mindset - seeing ageing as a positive journey, not something to fear. I have swapped my FOGO (fear of growing old) for JOGO (joy of growing old). 

Why it works: Studies show a positive attitude about ageing can add up to 7.5 years to your lifespan. 

These biohacks might sound small, but they've completely transformed my health and helped me reduce my biological age by 10 years.

I feel younger, healthier and more energised than I did in my twenties. And the best part? They are practical, affordable and accessible to anyone.

Biohacking doesn't have to be extreme or expensive. Start small, experiment and see what works for you. With just a few changes, you might feel better, look younger and live longer - no billionaire budget required.

Camilla Thompson is a qualified nutritionist and a health and wellbeing expert for the likes of Canva, Atlassian and the NSW Government.

See more of Camilla's biohacking tips here. As always, speak to your GP before undergoing any major lifestyle or diet changes to ensure they're right for your body.

• As told to Laura House