

471: How to Hack Stress for Better Health and Longevity | Sharon Horesh Bergquist, MD
34 snips Mar 12, 2025
Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist, a board-certified internal medicine physician and lifestyle medicine expert, dives into the nuances of stress and health. She reveals how beneficial stressors like exercise can enhance resilience and well-being. Exploring the concept of 'good stress,' she advocates for dietary diversity to activate positive health responses. The discussion touches on the dangers of ultra-processed foods and emphasizes the benefits of intermittent fasting and embracing discomfort for personal growth. A must-listen for anyone looking to improve their health!
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Stress Response Misconception
- The stress response is designed to help us adapt and become stronger.
- Chronic stress is harmful, but brief, intermittent stress can be beneficial.
Distress vs. Eustress
- Differentiate between harmful and beneficial stress by how you feel afterward.
- Feeling energized indicates good stress, while exhaustion suggests harmful stress.
Hormetic Stressors
- Good stressors, called hormetic stressors, excite the body and promote adaptation.
- Examples include exercise, phytochemicals in plants, time-restricted eating, heat/cold exposure, and mental challenges.