At this point, I think we’ve all gotten the memo that chronic stress is bad for us. We know that stress can mess with our gut health, our heart health and more.

BUT (and this is a big BUT)... did you know that some forms of “good” stress can actually make you not just healthier, but stronger and more resilient to chronic stress?

It’s kind of a mind-blowing proposition and in this episode of The Allsorts Podcast, I’m talking with Dr Sharon Bergquist MD about exactly what good stress is, and how it can make you a heck of a lot healthier, when applied intelligently.

Dr Bergquist is the author of a brand new book, The Stress Paradox, where she outlines the science of hormesis: exactly how - and what kinds of - good stress can influence cellular health and how that underlies all sorts of improvements in metabolism and resistance to chronic stress and disease.

I know this sounds like an outlandish internet concept - but one of the reasons why I love Dr Bergquist’s work so much is that it is deeply evidence-based and grounded in well-researched and agreed upon wellness practices like movement and plant-based nutrition.

There is something for everyone in this podcast, from the wannabe biohacker to the deep science nerd to the back to basics wellness skeptic!
About Dr Sharon Bergquist:

Sharon Horesh Bergquist, MD, is an award-winning Yale and Harvard-trained physician, innovative healthcare leader, and visionary researcher renowned for spearheading a science-based approach to applying lifestyle as medicine.

She has helped lead numerous clinical trials, including the Emory Healthy Aging Study and the NIH funded Emory Healthy Brain Study. She hosts The Whole Health Cure podcast and her popular Ted-Ed video on how stress affects the body has been viewed over eight million times and translated to 35 languages.

On this episode we chat about:

• Why this Harvard-trained internal medicine doctor shifted towards lifestyle medicine

• The difference between chronic, continuous stress and intermittent, positive stress

• How a cycle of stress and recovery helps build stronger, more resilient cells

• A doctor’s evidence-based take on adrenal fatigue

• The five good stressors to increase in your life

• Why antioxidant supplements are probably not as good as eating plants

• Specific phytochemicals you want to eat more of - and where to find them

• Is the sauna/cold plunge, beloved by Scandiavians, actually good stress?

• How to leverage cross-adaptation to build the good stress plan that works for you

• What does the research say about intermittent fasting and cellular health?

Support the Pod!

We couldn’t make this podcast happen without the support of our amazing listeners…I love hearing your feedback on these episodes to be sure to join the conversation on our instagram @theallsortspod @desireenielsenrd @thegoodstressdoctor
If you love this episode, please share it with your friends and family, or take a minute to rate, review or subscribe on your favourite podcast app. We appreciate EVERY. SINGLE. LISTEN!

Connect with Dr Sharon

Grab a copy of Dr Sharon’s new book, The Stress Paradox

Website: https://drsharonbergquist.com/

Instagram: @thegoodstressdoctor

I get it: we’re all busy…and sometimes, quite rightly, meal prep is not at the top of our priority list. But, what if you’re really feeling stuck in a food rut?

As a dietitian, I know that food ruts can suck the enjoyment out of healthy eating…so let’s break out!

Sometimes, all you need is someone to spark an idea, or shine a light on a kitchen hack - or ultra-delicious food - that you immediately know you need in your life…so I’m talking with my friend and colleague Michelle Jaelin RD all about her transition from cooking for two to cooking for four, easy ways to make basic meals more exciting and a few new amazing foods to pick up to shake up your eating routine.

About Michelle Jaelin:

Michelle Jaelin is a nutrition communicator, registered dietitian and content creator who focuses on Asian food and culturally inclusive healthy eating tips.

Michelle delivers dynamic educational talks on practicing inclusive nutrition, decolonizing health and wellness and busting myths about cultural foods locally and around the world. Michelle resides in Hamilton, ON with her spouse, twins and rescue dog.

On this episode we chat about:

• How becoming a new parent has changed mealtimes for Michelle

• Michelle’s path from fine art to dietetics

• How do we get stuck in food ruts in the first place?

• Why diversifying your diet helps you become a healthier eater

• Flavour boosters to keep on hand for elevating basic meals

• Tips to simplify your cooking routine when life is busy

• How to try new foods and love it

• Michelle’s recommendations for new foods to try

• Let’s mythbust: soy + MSG

Support the Pod!

We couldn’t make this podcast happen without the support of our amazing listeners… I love hearing your feedback on these episodes to be sure to join the conversation on our instagram @theallsortspod @desireenielsenrd @michellejaelin
If you love this episode, please share it with your friends and family, or take a minute to rate, review or subscribe on your favourite podcast app. We appreciate EVERY. SINGLE. LISTEN!

Connect with Michelle

Website: michellejaelin.com

Sign up for Michelle’s awesome newsletter here!

We’re hearing a LOT about ultra-processed foods: how they’re inflammatory, cause obesity and blood sugar spikes and more...but are ultra-processed foods really bad for you? What does the research say?

As a registered dietitian, I always want to A) help share evidence-informed advice to help you live your healthiest, happiest life and B) help myth-bust the all too common misinformation we see online every single day about nutrition.

So with all the yapping about ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, I thought it was high time we devote a solo episode to “processed foods” and take a look at what they are, why folks are concerned about them and ultimately, how we can include (or not include) them in our everyday diet so we can be our healthiest.
On this episode we chat about:

• What exactly is an ultra-processed food?

• How the NOVA classification is used in research

• Are UPFs nutritionally different from whole foods?

• What are the differences between ultra-processed and whole foods on our metabolism?

• Do ultra-processed foods cause obesity?

• What about ultra-processed foods with “clean” ingredients?

• How do ultra-processed foods affect our blood sugars?

• Does eating ultra-processed foods make us unhealthy?

• How to make daily nutrition choices that minimize your disease risk and maximize affordability and enjoyment

Support the Pod!

We couldn’t make this podcast happen without the support of our amazing listeners…I love hearing your feedback on these episodes to be sure to join the conversation on our instagram @theallsortspod @desireenielsenrd
If you love this episode, please share it with your friends and family, or take a minute to rate, review or subscribe on your favourite podcast app. We appreciate EVERY. SINGLE. LISTEN!