Why You Should Understand ‘Allostatic Load’

This functional medical term, and the associated biochemistry, isn't that complicated, but it's important

Stress creates a burden for the body that causes a biochemical chain reaction. That isn't necessarily a bad thing—unless you never manage to unburden yourself.pathdoc/Shutterstock

Are you stressed?

The word “stress” can be ambiguous. In the functional medicine world, the wear and tear on the body is referred to as “allostatic load.” This load is the sum total of all sources of stress in our lives and their impact on the brain and body.

Homeostasis and Allostasis

Homeostasis and allostasis were intense areas of study by neuroendocrinologist Bruce McEwen. He studied the environmental and psychological effects of stress for a couple of decades. In fact, he coined the term allostasis, a term used to describe the body’s ability to remain stable amid stress.