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The Empowering Neurologist Podcast

Yes, Stress Can Be Good: The Health Benefits of Doing Hard Things - with Jeff Krasno | EP 195

Feb 24, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Jeff Krasno, co-founder of Commune Media and author of "Good Stress," explores the surprising benefits of low-level stressors like exercise and fasting. He discusses how embracing stress can enhance self-awareness and overall well-being. Krasno challenges the notion of avoiding stress and shares personal anecdotes that highlight its transformative power. The chat also touches on adaptive stress responses in our modern culture, emphasizing the need for intentional stressors to improve health in today's convenience-driven society.
01:20:54

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Low-grade stressors like exercise and cold exposure can enhance physiological resilience and lead to improved health outcomes through hormesis.
  • Engaging in structured fasting and environmental stressors, like heat and cold, triggers beneficial cellular adaptations that support metabolic health.

Deep dives

The Role of Stress in Adaptation

The body is remarkably fine-tuned to handle certain types of stress, which can actually lead to positive health benefits. This concept, known as hormesis, suggests that low levels of stressors—such as exercise, intermittent fasting, or exposure to extreme temperatures—can enhance physiological resilience. For instance, adaptations like improved blood sugar regulation and decreased blood pressure are achieved through controlled stress encounters. Understanding and applying this can empower individuals to utilize stress positively rather than fearing it.

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