For proper cell function , it is imperative that cells get the vitamins and minerals they need to function at optimal level . An imbalanced diet disrupts homeostatic balance increasing the risk of disease .
they need to function at optimal level . An imbalanced diet disrupts homeostatic balance increasing the risk of disease .
For example , people with an inadequate dietary intake of iron will become anemic and will not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body ’ s tissues . Hemoglobin is essential for transferring oxygen in your blood from the lungs to the tissues . Approximately 98 % of total oxygen transported in the blood is bound to hemoglobin , while only 2 % is dissolved directly in plasma . Therefore , people with iron deficiency anemia may experience fatigue , shortness of breath and persistent headaches due to poor oxygen circulation .
Physical Activity
Physical activity is essential for proper functioning of the body . The World Health Organization ( WHO ) defines physical activity as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure . During exercise , your body goes through lots of processes . You sweat , breath heavily and move your muscles and joints . These processes are all signs that your body is hard at work maintaining homeostasis , also known as your body ’ s equilibrium . Sustaining homeostasis is important for regulating your body ’ s internal balance so that all of your organs and cells function properly .
Genetics
Studies have shown that genetic factors can cause an imbalance in homeostasis . This leads to increased risk of genetic diseases and sometimes little can be done to prevent the development of these diseases and disorders . In such cases , nutrition intervention and medicines can help a person ’ s body regain homeostasis .
An example is Type 1 diabetes , which is a disorder where the pancreas is no longer producing adequate amounts of insulin to respond to changes in a person ’ s blood glucose levels . Insulin replacement therapy in conjunction with dietary adjustments and careful monitoring of blood glucose concentrations , is the best strategy to bring the body ’ s capacity to handle glucose back into balance . A person may also inherit a predisposition to develop a disease such as heart disease . Such diseases can be delayed or prevented if the person maintains a healthy lifestyle .
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For proper cell function , it is imperative that cells get the vitamins and minerals they need to function at optimal level . An imbalanced diet disrupts homeostatic balance increasing the risk of disease .
Aging , Homeostatic Imbalance , and Disease
Homeostasis is the collection of mechanisms the body uses to keep its operating variables near their desired set points . Aging affects the ability to maintain and restore homeostasis because some of the mechanisms used by the organism are no longer as effective as in a young body . In many cases the inability to restore homeostasis can affect the body ’ s activities and can result in reduced capabilities and disease .
Typical parameters for which homeostasis has to be maintained or restored and which are affected by aging include : Body temperature , glucose levels and blood water balance . The mechanisms by which these parameters are kept within a desirable range include the action of hormones , the activities of cells and action on the part of the organism . If homeostatic regulation is not possible and the values of these parameters stay outside the required limits , disease may result .
Kepha Nyanumba is a Consultant Nutritionist at Crystal Health Consultants Limited . You can engage him via mail at : KNyanumba @ chc . co . ke , or follow him on twitter : @ knyanumba or Blog : kephanyanumba . blogspot . com .