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Hormesis or Harm?

Kathryn Faraj • June 9, 2023

Perfectionism is not a requirement



Hormesis: a beneficial or stimulatory effect caused by exposure to low doses of an agent known to be toxic at higher doses.


Whether a substance is hormetic or harmful is dependent on both the amount and the individual.

 

There are certain things in life that prime us to be better, for example, a disappointing life event teaches us how to handle disappointments, how to get back up on our feet. Exercise breaks down muscle tissue in order to rebuild it.


Other things that stimulate or prime our body for health that, in excess can cause harm, but in balance contribute to health are:


  • Appropriate radiation for stimulating vitamin D synthesis.
  • In excess this would cause mitochondrial damage
  • Adventure: small amounts provide us with joy/ improved sleep.
  • Too much can be scary and floods us with inappropriate adrenaline on an ongoing basis.
  • Cortisol: necessary to stimulate hormone receptors
  • But a constant flow will over work the adrenal glands
  • Insulin: appropriate levels allow sugar into the cells for energy
  • In excess will cause organ dysfunction
  • Methionine restriction: has been shown in repeated studies to help increase mitochondrial health, increase mitohormesis- greater mitochondrial biogenesis, increase ATP synthesis, but this is done in a short time with an appropriate end.
  • Oxygen, water, cholesterol, and estrogen are all necessary but detrimental in excess.
  • Weight bearing exercise
  • Fasting temporarily
  • Temperature stress


Balanced hormesis means that the stimulus is limited. Meaning, at some point it stops. It has limited duration and intensity, which actually allows us to step away from the challenge so that we can rest, recover, fortify, heal, and get replenished. We must allow our parasympathetic to be  activated after the challenge, the challenge must stop, and this is a critical lesson to learn. 

Hormesis or harm is completely dependent on the individual: is this mountain climb going to give me a good aerobic challenge, or will it be a life-threatening experience? 

It’s not about the mountain





...or the virus, or the bacteria, or the stressor. It is about the dose of the challenge for the person and WHO THEY ARE RIGHT NOW.



Hormesis also means that perfectionism is NOT NECESSARY and can actually be disease promoting. We need the little challenges, the small toxic exposures, the pro oxidant challenges so that our bodies can work in balance and release antioxidants, build muscle, and develop resiliency.

 


If you are worried to begin a functional medicine program because you feel it requires perfection, remember that perfection NOT A REQUIREMENT and our program actually advises against it!


Stay Vibrant and Empowered 


- Kathryn

6 Tips for when your kiddos are sick

By Kathryn Faraj • December 17, 2023
Here are my top 6 tips for sick season with kiddos: 1. ๐ŸŒž Get outside , no matter what the weather is. In the hospital we give you an incentive spirometer to help prevent pneumonia. This is designed to expand your lungs since you are sitting in a bed most of the day. But the BEST way to expand lungs is to GET UP AND MOVE. Going outside and moving helps open those lungs up, get a small dose of vitamin D (which boosts the immune system), and gets us out of the stale toxic air inside our homes in the winter. 2.๐Ÿ’ฆ Humidifier in their bedroom as close to their bed as possible. This helps moisten the nasal passages when we are surrounded by dry air in the winter time. With the size of kids noses and airways (tiny), the dry air can make it even harder to breath than an adult with adult anatomy. Our nasal passages are supposed to be moist to trap bacteria and viruses and can really dry out in the winter. On top of this, even when the kids aren’t sick, the dry air can make it hard to sleep at night, putting more pressure out their immune system. 3.๐Ÿงด Kid safe essential oils . I see an extremely noticeable difference when I use essential oils right under my kids’ nose right before bed. I personally use sniffle ease by young living. 4.๐Ÿ’Š Good quality multivitamin - should include a probiotic and vitamin D. Here is a link to my favorites. Cheap vitamins usually do not have a good bio available form of certain vitamins (meaning your body wont absorb it well), so high quality vitamins are essential. 5.๐Ÿญ Stay off sweets. I know this is probably the hardest one. But bacteria love sugar AND it is extremely inflammatory. When you see your kiddo coming down with something it’s important to limit sugar intake so their immune system doesn’t take an additional hit. 6. ๐Ÿคง Don’t forget kids are supposed to get sick . This may be the most important. Kids are developing immune systems. Keep their immune systems strong with the above advice. And when they do get sick remember we don’t get stronger without exercise. Kids are supposed to get sick at this time in their life to ultimately strengthen and prime their immune system. What are some of your stay healthy tips? Share them with us!

Sync & Shine: A Guide to Thriving with Menstrual Cycle Alignment

By Kathryn Faraj • November 21, 2023
Optimize the way you run your life based on your menstrual cycle, not in spite of it.

Exercises the whole family can enjoy

By Ethan Clark • July 27, 2023
Read on for some great ideas to get the whole family moving!
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