Article: Stress, Adaptation, and Disease.

The article "Stress, Adaptation, and Disease: Allostasis and Allostatic Load" by B.S. McEwen, introduces the concepts of allostasis and allostatic load to explain how the body responds to stress and the potential health consequences of these responses. Allostasis refers to the body's ability to achieve stability through change, involving the activation of neural, neuroendocrine, and immune mechanisms to adapt to stressors. When these adaptive systems function efficiently—activating and deactivating appropriately—the body manages challenges effectively. However, when these systems are overstimulated or fail to shut off properly, they lead to allostatic load, the cumulative burden of chronic stress. This load can contribute to various health issues over time and if not addressed can contribute to long term suffering.

Interested in learning more? Read the full article below.

Stress, adaptation, and disease. Allostasis and allostatic load - PubMed