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Hormesis and Adaptive Stress

Meaning

Hormesis and Adaptive Stress is a dual concept describing the biological phenomenon where a transient, low-dose exposure to a stressor that would be harmful at a high dose induces a beneficial, adaptive, and protective response in the organism. Adaptive stress, or preconditioning, acts as a molecular stimulus, strengthening the cell’s intrinsic defense and repair systems. This moderate, intermittent challenge enhances overall systemic resilience, improving cellular maintenance and longevity pathways. Clinical applications, such as strategic exercise or intermittent fasting, leverage this principle to enhance the body’s capacity to withstand more severe future insults.