Homeostasis is the way that the body maintains a healthy, balanced system of intake, output, temperature, hydration, digestion, etc.
Homeostasis can be illustrated by what happens when we eat salty foods, like a snack of potato chips, for instance. It isn’t long before your body requires additional hydration. So when you take a drink of water, your body tells the brain how much to drink in order to restore balance.
In the brain, the hypothalmus controls and regulates our temperature using the principal of homeostasis and feedback.
| Body Component | Cool Mode | Warm Mode |
|---|---|---|
| small blood vessels | constriction | dilation (enlargement) |
| sweat glands | de-activation | activated |
| muscles | shivering | relaxed |
The body is wonderfully equipped to operate in a peaceful state. We can change that state by something as simple as wearing a heavier coat or turning on the air conditioner.
CLICK HERE for more details about how homeostasis helps us understand healing.
How we respond mentally to stress in our lives has everything to do with the health of our physical bodies. At Wellspring, we know that you want to know a lot more about the mind-body connection. That’s why we offer Dr. Art Mathias’ book In His Own Image. It is a book that combines medical studies, psychology and Scripture to show us how negative thoughts and emotions cause most of our problems and diseases.
If you, or someone you love, is having difficulty with a physical problem or you just want to have better health, order the book today. And consider getting the companion volume Biblical Foundations of Freedom. It will help you as you work through issues that will bring you freedom in relationships and life.
