PLANTSTRONG Podcast Ep. 304: Dr. Sharon Bergquist: The Stress Paradox - Why You Need Stress to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier
Jun 5, 2025
Dr. Sharon Bergquist, a physician and author of The Stress Paradox, reveals that not all stress is harmful! She introduces the concept of 'good stress' and discusses fascinating stressors like intense exercise, thermal exposure, and circadian fasting that can enhance longevity. The conversation challenges the notion that comfort is healthy, offering insights into how manageable stress can boost our well-being. Bergquist also shares actionable strategies to build resilience and improve health by embracing beneficial stress in our lives.
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Cellular Health Is The Upstream Lever
- Cells are the most upstream unit of health and determine organ function across the body.
- Repairing cellular components like mitochondria and autophagy improves whole-body resilience and longevity.
Follow Five Hormetic Habits
- Use five hormetic stressors: plant phytochemicals, interval exercise, heat/cold exposure, circadian fasting, and mental challenges.
- Stack multiple stressors for synergy to activate repair pathways and increase resilience.
Plants Work By Activating Your Defenses
- Phytochemicals in plants act as mild stressors that trigger our internal antioxidant and repair systems.
- Their low measured levels work by activating our enzymes, not by direct antioxidant titration.
