Homeostasis: a relatively stable state of equilibrium (balance and harmony) or a tendency toward such a state between the different but interdependent elements of an organism, population, or group.

Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.

The word 'homeostasis' is made from two Greek words: homeo, meaning 'the same or similar,' and stasis, meaning 'stable, or standing in the same place.'

The principle of homeostasis is the simple observation that life, although constantly changing and transforming, is at the same time very stable, reliable, and predictable. This paradox can cause confusion and frustration in understanding the issues related to nutrition and health.

Homeostasis refers to the observable phenomenon that something other than 'us' is responsible for maintaining, controlling, initiating, and biomodulating the various physiological mechanisms of cells, organs, and systems of the human body. It refers to the observable phenomenon that nothing other than 'us' is ultimately responsible for properly (or improperly) nourishing the various physiological mechanisms of our body.

Homeostasis makes possible our biological individuality. This means that while each and every one of us is unique, we are simultaneously governed and controlled by the same biological principles. Understanding and applying the principle of homeostasis in a way that advances our desire for greater health and well-being, and to prevent and avoid the symptoms of sickness and dis-ease, comes down to these two essential realizations:

1. Nothing is neutral.
2. Everything is relatively complementary or insulting.

As it relates to every choice we make in our diet and lifestyle, nothing has a neutral impact. Everything we do, including everything we eat and drink, the supplements we use, the medicines we take, and every lifestyle and environmental influence either pushes us in the direction of health and the realization of our full human potential or pushes us in the direction of dysfunction, illness, and dis-ease. When the choices we make push us in the direction of normal homeostatic functioning, we experience the symptoms of health. We call these choices complementary. When the choices we make push us in the direction of abnormal homeostatic functioning, we experience the symptoms of dis-ease. We call these choices insulting. Knowing the difference between the complementary and insulting forces, habits, choices, influences, environments, people, places, and things in our lives, is absolutely one of the most important things we will ever learn. A good place to review some of these most essential habits and influences is right here in The Journey to Better Nutrition: The Habits of Naturally Healthy People.

In Conclusion...

The human body's ability to grow, regulate, repair, and defend itself when given natural, high quality, full-spectrum nutrition is called homeostasis. The secret is to focus on complementary nutritional choices and avoid insults and toxins in the rest of our diet and lifestyle. Complementary biomodulators are nutritional substances that increase the synergy of the body, helping everything work better, more effectively, and closer to our original design and function. Our bodies are designed to function normally. And normal physiological functioning is the simplest definition of physiological health.

Action Steps:

1. Identify one habit in your current diet and lifestyle that is complementary to homeostasis. Write the answer in your journal or in your Weekly Benefits Chart. How can you improve upon this complementary habit?

2. Identify one habit in your current diet and lifestyle that you are certain is insulting to homeostasis. What action could you take today to minimize this insult or even eliminate it entirely?

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