Episode 316: The Stress Paradox: How Stress Can Enhance Your Health with Dr. Sharon Bergquist

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I chat with Dr. Sharon Bergquist about her fascinating new book, The Stress Paradox: Why You Need Stress to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier. We unpack why not all stress is bad — and how the right kinds, in the right doses, can actually make us stronger and more resilient. We dive into the biochemistry of stress, the different types of stressors, and how they affect cellular health, metabolic flexibility, and longevity.We also explore the role of exercise, supplements, interval training, and environmental stressors like cold and heat exposure. Dr. Bergquist shares insights on how a varied, phytochemical-rich diet supports health and why building stress capacity is critical for long-term well-being.Sponsors:Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20%LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.comTriphasic 2 book now available!Go to https://triphasic2.com/Episode Chapters:00:17 Introducing Dr. Sharon Bergquist and Her New Book01:22 The Science of Stress and Longevity01:51 The Role of Supplements and Mitochondrial Health02:34 Sponsor Messages and Product Recommendations03:44 Welcoming Dr. Sharon to the Podcast04:16 Historical Perspective on Stress Research07:07 The Biochemistry of Stress Responses09:50 Modern Lifestyle and the Lack of Stressors15:06 The Importance of Food Variety and Micronutrition17:47 The Benefits of Phytochemicals and Plant Toxins37:52 Cold Exposure and Brown Adipose Tissue42:03 The Metabolic Effects of Cold Water Immersion44:07 Understanding Shivering Thermogenesis45:49 Cold Water Immersion and Fat Loss46:43 Cognitive and Mood Benefits of Cold Exposure52:25 The Role of Supplements in Health58:08 The Importance of Exercise01:00:13 Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Longevity01:07:53 Mitochondrial Health and Exercise01:19:11 The Stress Paradox Book Release Flex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy: Episode 154: Managing High-Stress Situations and Growing from Trauma: An Interview with Kristina Hoyer Episode 225: The Intersection of Fitness, Stress, and Nutrition: A Conversation with Expert Jenny the NutritionistConnect with Dr Bergquist: Website: https://drsharonbergquist.com/The Stress Paradox: https://www.amazon.com/Stress-Paradox-Essential-Management-Mind-Body-Soul-ebook/dp/B0CW13NLBZGet In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpgEmail: https://miketnelson.com/contact-us/ Get the Daily Fitness Insider newsletter (free): https://www.miketnelson.com/newsletter