When one thinks of the term homeostasis, one immediately thinks of “balance;” and although homeostasis does indeed refer to the balanced state of a healthy human body, it isn’t a very solid or encompassing definition. The human body is an amazing piece of work, whether you believe in creation or evolution, it is no doubt that the human body is a very complex entity. Similarly, the functions of the body are also quite complex. Homeostasis then is more than jut balance, it is the combination of changing parts within the body that are constantly in different states, yet also constantly adapting to internal and external variables in their environment.
Homeostasis allows for the body to adapt to a wide variety of environments, both internally and externally. In order for the body to maintain healthy, it needs to remain in a state of balance, homeostasis. When the body is unable to maintain homeostasis, disease often ensues. A great many factors can affect the body in such a way as to throw off homeostasis. Stress is one of these many factors. As is commonly known, stress on the body can induce both physical and psychological changes in the body. According to Leza et al., (1998) when stress is relieved, the body can return to its normal equilibrium, while continued levels of stress force the body to create a new equilibrium. Depending on the form of stress, positive or negative, this new equilibrium can be harmful or helpful to the body (vol 268, no 3). Sheline et al., (1996) also states that research has found that chronic stress leads to hippocampal atrophy.
Positive stress, such as that brought on by exercise of either body or mind, can cause a positive change within the body and promote better health through a stronger body and mind. However, extended periods of negative stress wear down the body throwing off homeostasis and weakening the immune system enough to allow for infection.
Other factors affecting homeostasis are diet, rest, and activities which we participate in (partying, exercising, drinking, smoking, etc). While the body is able to adjust to natural changes within the body, and generally without (temperature changes, etc), it cannot adjust to activities which we subject ourselves to. Smoking promotes changes within the body which homeostasis has no control over. It cannot defend against the harmful effects of smoking, drinking alcohol in excess, or depriving our bodies of necessary sleep. Likewise, poor dietary habits can take a toll on the body for which homeostasis can do to nothing to recover balance.
While homeostasis is an essential part of human health, it seems this necessary balance can only be maintained within a conscientious body. It is impossible to maintain homeostasis without first maintaining the appropriate surroundings for homeostasis to occur and maintain itself. This amazing balance of the body can equalize a great many internal and external factors in order to fend off disease. Yet it still needs a little help, stress, diet, and daily activities greatly affect our health, our body’s homeostasis.
References:
Chiras, D. P.,(2005). Human Biology, 5th Ed. Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Leza, J. C., Salas, E., Sawicki, G., Russell, J. C., & Radomski, M. W. (1998). The Effects of Stress of Homeostasis in JCR-LA-cp Rats: The Role of Nitric Oxide. The Journal of Pharmocology and Experimental Theraputics, 286, Retrieved January 20, 2008,from http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/cgi/reprint/286/3/1397.pdf.
