Dr. Sharon Bergquist, an internal medicine physician and author of "The Stress Paradox," explores the complex relationship between stress and resilience. They discuss how our modern lifestyle hampers physical strength and encourages disuse, emphasizing that embracing natural stressors can lead to health improvements. Dr. Bergquist introduces the concept of hormesis, highlighting how challenges can foster adaptation. The conversation also critiques overprotective parenting, advocating for balance in supporting children while empowering their independence.
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Astronauts' Muscle Atrophy
Astronauts returning from space after 10 months need wheelchairs.
Their muscles and bones weaken in a weightless environment, highlighting the body's adaptation to comfort.
insights INSIGHT
Culture Clashing with Biology
Our bodies adapt to comfort, losing resilience from lack of natural stressors.
Modern lifestyles clash with our biology's need for challenges.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Neanderthal Strength
A paleoanthropologist's research suggests modern humans are physically weaker than our ancestors.
Neanderthal women were likely stronger and faster than today's top athletes.
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Have we gotten the story on stress wrong? In The Stress Paradox, you’ll discover the latest science indicating the answer is yes, and that by incorporating five essential good stressors, we can unlock a sharper mind, improved mood, healthier gut, and reduced risk of common chronic diseases.
Dr. Sharon Bergquist
Episode 2624: Vinnie Tortorich speaks to Dr. Sharon Bergquist about resilience, our culture clashing with biology, using stress for growth, and more. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/03/stress-for-growth-dr-sharon-bergquist-episode-2624 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS YOU CAN WATCH ALL THE PODCAST EPISODES ON YOUTUBE - Culture Clashing with Biology Dr. Sharon Bergquist is an internal medicine physician ( you can find her online at ) and has a new book you can purchase through Vinnie's Book Club: The Stress Paradox book (2:15) It’s necessary to challenge yourself for physical strength and resilience. Our current lifestyle has weakened over several generations. (7:00) Today’s lifestyle has phased out needs and behaviors that years ago were relied upon for strength and resiliency. (9:00) This has contributed to poor health and decreased longevity. Our bodies are supposed to be interconnected with nature and the environment (15:00). Vinnie gives an example of a recent climb he did where another climber was missing out on the beauty of the surroundings. The Industrial Revolution started much of the culture change. (23:00) Many inventions have helped improve life; however, many have changed how we challenge ourselves. Reintroducing some of the challenges can help us to achieve better health, both mentally and physically. (26:00) Dr. Sharon explains hormesis, which is a form of adaptation. (30:00) The leading cause of disability in this country is disuse. (37:50) There is a more recent specialty in medicine called “exercise oncology.” It has been shown that exercise can improve cancer outcomes. (38:00) Stress For Growth There are various types of stress; however, too much and too inadequate amounts of stress can both be harmful. (46:00) The goal is to find the optimal or “Goldilocks level” of stress. A mild or moderate amount should work. There’s no real need to go to extremes to make a difference. Vinnie mentions his desire to get back to a “fitness middle class.” (51:00) “Stress inoculation” is an idea (not an actual vaccine and not childhood adversity) that exposes kids to small amounts of stress to help childhood development. (55:15) Giving kids the tools and the skills to find their way is a good start. (1:00:00) More News If you are interested in the NSNG® VIP group, closed for registration, but you can get on the wait list - Don’t forget to check out Serena Scott Thomas on Days Of Our Lives on the Peacock channel. “Dirty Keto” is available on Amazon! You can purchase or rent it . Make sure you watch, rate, and review it! Eat Happy Italian, Anna’s next cookbook is available! You can go to You can order it from . Anna’s recipes are in her cookbooks, website, and Substack–they will spice up your day! Don’t forget you can invest in Anna’s Eat Happy Kitchen through StartEngine. Details are at Eat Happy Kitchen. There's a new NSNG® Foods promo code you can use! The promo code ONLY works on the NSNG® Foods website, NOT on Amazon. https://nsngfoods.com/ PURCHASE DIRTY KETO (2024) The documentary launched in August 2024! Order it TODAY! This is Vinnie’s fourth documentary in just over five years. Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: Then, please share my fact-based, health-focused documentary series with your friends and family. Additionally, the more views, the better it ranks, so please watch it again with a new friend! REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! PURCHASE BEYOND IMPOSSIBLE (2022) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! FAT: A DOCUMENTARY 2 (2021) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: FAT: A DOCUMENTARY (2019) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:
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