GARY BRECKA AND SAGE WORKINGER

The Science of Optimizing Human Health

COURTNEY MCGEE

2025

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In the world of biohacking, functional medicine, and longevity, few names resonate as powerfully as Gary Brecka and Sage Workinger. As co-founders of The Ultimate Human company, the duo has made it their mission to help individuals unlock peak performance and vitality through science-backed approaches. The two biohacking powerhouses sat down with TereZa Hakobyan-Lolli and Anthony Lolli, Editors-in-Chief of longevity and wellness platform Biohack Yourself, for an interview for the influential upcoming women’s health documentary, “sHEALed,” to share their personal health journeys, the importance of genetic testing, and practical steps anyone can take to optimize their health.

The sHEALed Documentary is the sister documentary to Biohack Yourself, which became a massive success after exploding on the scene in December 2024 and ignited a firestorm of interest in information focused on health and longevity. Biohack Yourself features 114 prominent and respected high-profile politicians, doctors, bestselling authors, Ph.D.s, M.D.s, scientists, chemists, inventors, biotech investors, and world-renowned academics. Stemming from the success of Biohack Yourself, TereZa Hakobyan-Lolli and Anthony Lolli have grown Biohack Yourself Media to become the number one resource for health news, publishing over 500 articles ranging from breaking news to peer reviewed content.

A Journey from Mortality Science to Wellness Revolution

Before co-founding The Ultimate Human, Brecka worked as a mortality expert in the insurance industry, predicting life expectancy down to the month based on medical records and demographic data. "I saw the same patterns over and over—modifiable risk factors that people could change but weren’t even aware of," Brecka explained. This realization sparked his passion for functional medicine.

Workinger, on the other hand, came from a real estate background. Her personal health crisis—stemming from a car accident that led to years of chronic pain—became the catalyst for their venture into wellness. "For two years, I was in pain every night, crying myself to sleep," she recalled. "Gary became obsessed with figuring out how to get me out of pain, and that was the beginning of our journey."

The Power of Data: Genetic Testing and Biomarkers

One of the key tenets of The Ultimate Human philosophy is personalized health through genetic testing. Brecka emphasized the importance of understanding one’s unique genetic blueprint: "Most people don’t realize that they’re suffering from nutrient deficiencies because of genetic mutations that impact how their bodies process vitamins and minerals."

A pivotal moment in Workinger’s health journey came when she started taking a common multivitamin. Over four months, she experienced severe anxiety, depression, gut issues, and even suicidal thoughts. "I had no idea that the folic acid and synthetic B12 in those vitamins were wreaking havoc on my body," she shared. Brecka conducted a genetic test and discovered she had an MTHFR gene mutation, which made it impossible for her to properly metabolize certain nutrients.

"44% of women have this gene mutation and don’t know it," Brecka stated. "They think their anxiety, brain fog, or gut issues are just part of aging, but in reality, they’re nutrient deficiencies that can be corrected."

Beyond Supplements: A Lifestyle Approach to Health

While supplementation plays a crucial role in optimizing health, Brecka and Workinger stress the importance of lifestyle changes. "Exercise, sleep, and stress management are just as important as what you put in your body," Workinger noted.

Brecka outlined several key strategies:

Cold Plunging: "It enhances mood, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation. I tell people: you can’t be in a bad mood when you step out of a cold plunge."
Red Light Therapy: "This has been instrumental in reducing pain and improving sleep quality."
Hydrogen Water & Baths: "Hydrogen therapy helps reduce oxidative stress and improve cellular function."
Personalized Nutrition: "It’s not about following trends—it’s about eating what your body needs based on your biomarkers."

Debunking Myths About Aging

Brecka passionately challenges the notion that symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain are inevitable consequences of aging. "These are not consequences of getting older; they’re consequences of missing raw materials. When we restore these nutrients, people feel like they’ve reversed time."

One common complaint among women is unexplained weight gain around the midsection, often dismissed as a normal part of aging. "Many times, this is not fat but water retention in the interstitial space due to hormonal imbalances. When you correct those imbalances, the ‘estrogen band’ disappears."

The Intersection of Science and Relationships

Beyond optimizing health, Brecka and Workinger emphasize the role of understanding genetics in relationships. "We all have different genetic predispositions. I tend to be more impatient and action-driven, while Sage has a form of the MTHFR mutation that makes her more prone to anxiety," Brecka explained. "Knowing this has helped us communicate better and support each other more effectively."

Workinger added that one of the biggest lessons she has learned is the importance of self-care. "As women, we tend to put everyone else first—our kids, our spouse, our careers. But we have to put our oxygen mask on first. Taking care of myself has made me a better wife, mother, and entrepreneur."

Actionable Steps to Take Control of Your Health

For those looking to optimize their health, Brecka and Workinger offer these key takeaways:

Get Genetic Testing: "A simple genetic test can reveal crucial insights about your body’s nutritional needs and predispositions."
Optimize Your Nutrition: "Avoid synthetic vitamins and focus on whole-food-based supplements tailored to your needs."
Manage Stress Effectively: "Cold plunging, red light therapy, and proper supplementation can dramatically improve stress resilience."
Improve Sleep Quality: "Many women suffer from poor sleep due to nutrient deficiencies. Testing and correcting these imbalances can make a world of difference."
Rethink Aging: "Stop accepting fatigue and brain fog as normal. They are signs of imbalances that can be fixed."
Invest in Self-Care: "Prioritizing your own well-being will make you better at everything else you do."

Unlock Your Potential

Workinger ended with a powerful message: "Take control of your health. Educate yourself, get the right data, and make informed decisions. When women are healthy and vibrant, everyone around them flourishes."

Brecka echoed this sentiment: "The body is designed to heal itself. When you give it the right raw materials, you unlock the ultimate human potential."

Through The Ultimate Human, Gary Brecka and Sage Workinger are revolutionizing the way we approach health—proving that longevity, vitality, and well-being are within reach for those willing to take control of their own biology.

Check here for information about the upcoming spring 2025 edition Biohack Yourself Magazine, where the team at Biohack Yourself Media dives deeper into their insights on biohacking, longevity and cutting-edge wellness strategies. Biohack Yourself Magazine is the first peer-reviewed longevity publication with international distribution across the U.S. and Canada, bringing science-backed health optimization, functional medicine and performance-driven breakthroughs to a broader audience. Pick up a copy at major retailers, including Barber & Noble, Books-A-Million, Publix, Kroger, Indigo/Chapters, and select fitness gyms and pharmacies.