Diet and exercise in lifestyle medicine: The hormetic effects of bioactive compounds on human health

The present review aims to discuss the role of bioactive compounds in the context of the hormetic-based lifestyle medicine. The dose–response relationships of nutritional hormetins and exercise are non-linear and individual variability was found on the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in human studies. Other molecular pathways, epigenetic mechanisms, bioactive metabolites of dietary factors, as well as oxygen concentration, are involved in the regulation of hormesis. Studies of the interactions among phytochemicals, other food components, endogenous and microbial metabolites should be performed in individuals with different health, nutritional, and training status. In conclusion, lifestyle medicine implies personalized training and dietary interventions to induce resilience and avoid both oxidative and reductive stress.