161: Good Stress-Bad Stress. When survival turns Self Destructive

161: Good Stress-Bad Stress. When survival turns Self Destructive

Author: Dr. Steve Hughlett December 15, 2025 Duration: 26:44

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Stress isn't always bad. In this episode, Dr. Steve explains how "good stress" helps you survive and stay sharp, and how "bad stress" slowly tears down your body, energy, and health when it never turns off. You'll learn how adrenaline and cortisol work, why short bursts of stress can be healthy, and how chronic stress leads to weight gain, fatigue, poor sleep, and even type 2 diabetes. Dr. Steve also shares practical, natural ways to calm your system so you are not relying on more and more medications.

Main talking points

  • Why the body needs stress in short bursts for survival, focus, and performance.

  • Fast "alarm" phase: adrenaline kicks in within seconds to raise heart rate, breathing, and blood flow to muscles.

  • Follow‑up phase: cortisol arrives about 10 seconds later to keep you alert and to raise blood sugar so you have fuel to respond.

  • Sympathetic ("fight or flight") vs parasympathetic ("rest and digest") systems and why you must be able to shift back into calm mode.

  • How cortisol normally peaks in the morning to help you wake up and then should fall through the day as melatonin rises at night.

  • What happens with chronic stress: constant high cortisol, fatigue, anxiety, depression, weight gain (especially belly and upper back), poor immunity, high blood pressure, headaches, bone loss, and higher diabetes risk.

  • Signs of too little cortisol (adrenal insufficiency): fatigue, weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, dizziness, mood changes, and blood sugar swings.

  • Why adding more medications often creates more problems and side effects instead of real solutions.

  • Natural supports: morning sunlight and walking, limiting bright screens at night, simple stress‑management practices, and brief, controlled "good stress" like short sprints or cold exposure to train your body to recover.

    • Check out our Thrive Naturally Transformation course at drstevehughlett.com under the "Work With Us" tab to help reverse type 2 diabetes, get off medications, and regain energy and confidence in their health.​

    • If you'd like even more information on this topic, you can go to Amazon or Audible and pick up my book, Your Plate Is Your Fate.

      Check out our website: drstevehughlett.com

      You can also check us out on Youtube.

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      For more in-depth answers on how to lose weight the healthy way, how to decrease the need for medications, and how to eliminate diseases like type 2 diabetes, sign up for our FREE weekly Thrive Naturally Newsletter released every Thursday

       

    • Disclaimer:  The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications.

     

There’s a quiet revolution happening in how we think about health, one that questions whether a pill is always the answer. Nutrition Prescription: Wellness vs Medications explores that space where food and lifestyle intersect with conventional medicine. Hosted by Dr. Steve Hughlett, this podcast digs into real, practical strategies for building vitality that don’t rely on restrictive diets or costly supplement regimens. Each episode is built around actionable tips and genuine success stories from people who have navigated similar challenges. You’ll hear conversations focused on cultivating more natural energy and confidence, fundamentally shifting the approach from managing symptoms to fostering lasting health. It’s for anyone who feels stalled by their current routine, is curious about reducing reliance on medications under proper guidance, or simply wants a more balanced and informed relationship with food. The discussions steer clear of quick fixes, emphasizing instead sustainable habits and a deeper understanding of how nutrition acts as foundational medicine. Tune in for a grounded, evidence-informed perspective that makes holistic wellness feel accessible and practical, one meal and one mindful choice at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Nutrition Prescription: Wellness vs Medications
Podcast Episodes
128: The Ins and Outs of Digestive Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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127: 134 lb Weight Loss and Off All Medications [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:22
In this episode, Dr. Steve interviews Gary, who has undergone an incredible transformation, losing 134 lbs in just under a year and coming off nearly all of his medications. He shares his journey of changing his diet, im…
126: Do Elimination Diets Work? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this episode, Dr. Steve dives into the concept of elimination diets, breaking down their purpose, how they work, and the various popular approaches that people use to identify food sensitivities and improve overall he…
125: What Are 10 Basic Principles of a Healthy Lifestyle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:07
In this episode, Dr. Steve breaks down 10 essential principles for living a healthy lifestyle. He also reveals why protein is the foundation of your body, why fat isn't something to fear, and how controlling carbs can be…
123: What Is Metabolic Syndrome? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this episode, Dr. Steve explains the concept of metabolic syndrome, a term he's used frequently without fully defining it. He talks about how poor metabolic health, largely due to eating the wrong foods like carbs and…
122: Is Our Medical System Broken? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:08
In today's episode, Dr. Steve dives into the deep issues facing our medical system and explore why it's so broken. From focusing on symptom treatment rather than disease prevention to the profit-driven motives of pharmac…
121: Stop Believing These 12 Health Lies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:12
In this episode, Dr. Steve tackles the 12 most damaging health myths we've been misled to believe for the past 40-50 years. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Philip Ovadia's book Stay Off My Operating Table, Dr. Steve explain…
120: How Much Should We Walk Every Day? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:57
In this episode, Dr. Steve explores the essential benefits of walking for health, challenging the common notion of needing 10,000 steps. He explains how just 2,000 to 4,500 steps can still provide great health benefits.…
119: Is Running Better Than Walking? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:08
In this episode, Dr. Steve tackles a question he gets asked all the time: Is running really better than walking? The answer might surprise you! He dives into the science behind movement, the impact of chronic cardio on t…