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Discover why you need stress with Dr. Sharon Bergquist, an award-winning physician and author of The Stress Paradox. In this episode of The Ready State podcast, we explore how stress, often misunderstood as harmful, can actually help you live longer, healthier, and happier. Dr. Bergquist breaks down the science of good stress, including the concept of hormesis and how small, manageable stressors can regenerate your body, boost resilience, and improve mental and physical performance.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
- Why “stress-free” living is not the goal — and may actually be a risk factor
- How your daily discomforts build long-term disease resistance
- The 5 good stressors your body needs to thrive (and how to reintroduce them)
- Why eating late at night might be as bad for your sleep as drinking alcohol
- How plant-based foods gently “stress” your cells to make you stronger
- Why the science of hormesis is the future of preventive medicine
Learn why stress is essential for growth, the importance of aligning eating habits with your body’s natural clock, and how even emotional and mental challenges can enhance your capacity to thrive. Packed with actionable tips and real-life examples, this conversation will reshape how you view stress and empower you to embrace it as a tool for better living. Listen now to unlock your full potential!
Key Highlights:
00:00 - Intro
01:14 - Laird Superfood Benefits
03:18 - Guest Introduction: Dr. Sharon Bergquist
06:28 - Comfort in the Modern World
07:05 - Benefits of Stress
10:22 - Importance of Longitudinal Observation
14:13 - Stress as a Thermostat
16:40 - Utilizing Stress as a Tool
20:47 - The Comfort Conundrum Explained
28:52 - Importance of Hydration
31:37 - Best Protein Sources for Health
33:55 - Key Stressors in Modern Life
34:50 - Phytochemicals: A Positive Stressor
42:00 - Circadian Fasting Benefits
48:48 - Minimum Viable Dose Explained
54:30 - Surprising Research Findings
57:41 - Mental and Emotional Stress Insights
01:05:25 - Key Takeaways on Stress
01:05:56 - Growth Through Discomfort
01:08:13 - Finding Dr. Bergquist Online
01:08:54 - Outro
Sponsors
This episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by Laird Superfood, Momentous, and LMNT.