Allostasis Applied

Allostasis is maintaining stability via constant change. 
Key principles:
-Predictive regulation (not reactive): The brain anticipates demands (e.g., stress, energy needs) and adjusts systems like heart rate, hormones, and metabolism ahead of time. Change, fluctuations, and rhythm are the norm.
-Context always matters in this anticipatory view of how we continually change and evolve. 
-Dynamic set points: Unlike homeostasis (which aims for fixed “normal” levels), allostasis allows set points (like blood pressure or cortisol) to shift depending on circumstances. Set points change with purpose, i.e. hypertension is adaptive, a symptom of something else.
-Brain-centered control: The brain plays a central role in coordinating bodily systems based on past experience, context, and expected future needs.
-Allostatic load: Chronic overactivation of these adaptive systems leads to wear and tear on the body (illness) — called allostatic load.