Hormesis is a compensatory defense response to a stressor that conditions the body against future stressors. Heat exposure – from sauna use, hot tubs, or even hot baths – is a powerful hormetic stressor. Heat stress benefits the body's cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, and musculoskeletal systems, extending both healthspan and lifespan.

In this episode, part I of a two-part series, Dr. Rhonda Patrick describes the many hormetic effects of heat stress, explain differences between various heat stress modalities, such as traditional sauna versus infrared, and answer questions about whether hot tubs promote sweating and the effects of infrared sauna on the skin and cardiovascular system.