AHS16 - Ancestral Health Symposium 2016

Hormesis – the beneficial response to low-dose stress -- is cited as one reason that Paleo-inspired diets, exercise programs and lifestyles promote robust health. Muscles and bones are strengthened by vigorous activity, and the immune system is trained by exposure to environmental insults. It makes evolutionary sense that biological species adapt to stressful environments by mounting specific adaptations and defenses. But what are the underlying mechanisms of hormesis and how generally do they apply? This talk will discuss the biology of hormesis, and show how it can be applied to improve fitness, reverse obesity, overcome addictions and even improve eyesight.