Foreword

Life is a constant struggle between the intrinsic and extrinsic challenges and the ability to counteract, defend and adapt to those challenges. This is a highly dynamic process. However, beyond the evolutionarily required “essential lifespan” (ELS), a progressive failure of homeodynamics is the fate of life, manifested in Aging and eventual death. How to prevent or slow down this failure, or how to enhance our functionality and survival, is the challenge of Aging.

Comprehensive scientific studies over the past five decades have led to the conclusion that the traditional disease-orientated biomedical model of Aging needs to be abandoned for a wholistic concept. This is because there are no specific gerontogenes or any master controller molecule(s) that cause Aging and which can be counteracted one at a time. Maintaining health, and any possible extension of lifespan, require whole-body interventions. One such approach is the phenomenon of mild stress-induced hormesis, which is the subject matter of this book.

Hormesis, hormetins and hormetics are, respectively, the phenomenon, the agents and the science of bi-phasic dose response to stressors. This is a scientific and evidence-based approach. Marios Kyriazis’ book, which also includes a contribution from another author, deals with this subject of scientific and wholistic hormesis in a most comprehensive and accessible manner.

Hormesis works. Stress of choice is good for health. Food, physical activity and psycho-social engagement are the three pillars of health. These can be personalised and optimised by using the three principles of hormesis: pleasure, moderation and variety. This book helps in opening several new practical possibilities in this regard.