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Hormetic Stress Adaptation

Meaning

Hormetic Stress Adaptation refers to the beneficial biological response elicited by exposure to low, non-damaging doses of environmental or physiological stressors, which ultimately increases the organism’s resilience and improves cellular function. This concept is clinically relevant as it underpins many lifestyle interventions, such as exercise, intermittent fasting, and cold exposure, used to enhance hormonal sensitivity and longevity. The adaptive response is characterized by an overcompensation that strengthens the system beyond its baseline state.