Hormesis is a biological concept that refers to the notion that low-level exposure to toxins or stressors can actually have a beneficial effect on an organism. This is in contrast to the traditional understanding that more exposure to a toxin is always harmful.

One of the most commonly cited examples of hormesis is the effect of low levels of radiation. While high levels of radiation can cause harm, exposure to low levels has been shown to trigger a number of positive responses in the body, such as increased resistance to disease, a boost in the immune system, and even a longer lifespan. (1)

There is also evidence to suggest that hormesis can occur with other types of stressors, such as heat, cold, exercise, and even caloric restriction. (2, 3, 4, 5) For example, studies have shown that moderate exercise can increase endurance, strength, and cognitive function, while extreme exercise can lead to injury and exhaustion. (6)

Hormesis is thought to work by triggering a stress response in the body that leads to an increase in cellular and molecular processes that help protect against damage. This stress response is also thought to activate repair and maintenance processes that can help improve overall health and longevity.

While the concept of hormesis is still relatively new, it has implications for a wide range of fields, including health and wellness, environmental science, and toxicology. For example, researchers are exploring whether hormesis could be used to develop new treatments for diseases, or to help mitigate the negative effects of toxic exposure.

So grab your notepad and get ready to dive in! Hormesis is a fascinating and complex concept that is still being studied and understood. While there is evidence to suggest that low-level exposure to stressors can have beneficial effects, more research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and potential applications of hormesis. We are exploring some of that research in today’s episode.

In this episode you’ll Discover:

Intro: (0:00)
What is hormesis?: (3:05)
The difference between molecular and environmental hormesis: (6:44)
Glutathione's role on your health and how to trigger its production: (8:34)
Hidden dangers of consuming plant defense chemicals: (11:14)
Understanding molecular hormesis - are plants actually good for you?: (13:26)
How plant medicines became a trillion-dollar pharmaceutical industry: (29:26)
Dismantling the plant-based narrative - the healthy vs. unhealthy user bias: (34:20)
The Human Diet, animal-based nutrition | Plant-based medicine: (41:12)
Understanding environmental hormesis: (44:28)
Why veganism is one big modern-day experiment: (50:03)
Cold water therapy triggers glutathione production: (52:56)
Do you need fruits and vegetables to get antioxidants?: (53:43)
Major takeaways you can apply today: (56:38)