NOTES ON HOMEOSTASIS

January 12, 2008

Yoga may be defined as SAMATWAM YOGA UCCYATE that means mental quanimity. i however also feel that the physiological equanimity of homeostasis may be related to it. Many students are confused about this term and so here are some nice notes i found somewhere on the net that explain this in a clear and simple manner

HOMEOSTASIS

What is Homeostasis?

Homeostasis

refers to a tendency towards stability, implying balance or equilibrium. In the human body maintaining homeostasis is critical to the health of the body, as well as to the well-being of individual cells. Maintaining a constant internal environment requires constant monitoring and adjustments as conditions change. (ie: monitoring vital signs in our patients.)

In order to maintain homeostasis in an ever-changing environment, there must be some sort of set point (such as a body temperature of 98.6 degrees). There must also be receptors so the brain can monitor where the body is relative to that set point. Lastly, there must be mechanisms for making appropriate adjustments and giving feedback to the control center. Because the internal and external environment of the body are constantly changing and adjustments must be made continuously to stay at or near the set point, homeostasis can be thought of as a dynamic equilibrium.

Homeostatic Properties

All sorts of factors affect the suitability of the human body fluids to sustain life; these include properties like temperature, salinity, and acidity, and the concentrations of nutrients.

Homeostatic systems show several properties

:

(1) They are ultrastable: the system is capable of testing which way its variables should be adjusted.

(2) Their whole organization (internal, structural, and functional) contributes to the maintenance of balance.

Where did Homeostasis come from?

The concept of homeostasis was first articulated by the French scientist Claude Bernard (1813-1878) in his studies of the maintenance of stability in the milieu interior. The term itself was coined by American physiologist Walter Cannon, author of The Wisdom of the Body(1932).

The word comes from the Greek homoios(same,like,resembling)and stasis (to stand,posture).

Pathways That Alter Homeostasis

A variety of homeostatic mechanisms maintain the internal environment within tolerable limits. Either homeostasis is maintained through a series of control mechanisms, or the body suffers various illnesses or disease. When the cells in your body begin to malfunction, the homeostatic balance becomes disrupted. Eventually this leads to a disease or cell malfunction. Disease and cellular malfunction can be caused in two basic ways: either, deficiency (cells not getting all they need) or toxicity (cells being poisoned by things they do not need). When homeostasis is interrupted in your cells, there are pathways to correct or worsen the problem. In addition to the internal control mechanisms, there are external influences based primarily on lifestyle choices and environmental exposures that influence our body's ability to maintain cellular health.

Nutrition: " You are what you eat! " The better your diet and nutrition habits, the better your cells will function. Without proper nutrition your cells function poorly leading to cellular malfunction, resulting in a disease. An example of this would be Anorexia nervosa--a lack of healthy food intake causes the cells to be deficient in a variety of minerals and vitamins essential for healthy living. This can lead to a weak heart and result possibly in death.

Toxins: Any substance that interferes with cellular function, causing cellular malfunction. This is done through a variety of ways; chemical, plant, insecticides, and or bites. An commonly seen example of this is drug overdoses. When a person takes too much of a drug their vital signs begin to waiver; either increasing or decreasing, these vital signs can cause problems including coma, brain damage and even death.

Psychological: Your physical health and mental health are inseparable. Our thoughts and emotions cause chemical changes to take place either for better, (meditation), or worse (stress). You can use negative or positive feedback, that one can use to change behavior as a result of the application of reinforcers or punishers from external sources(parents, doctor, enviorment, ect.) or by the individual(

i.e.: " If I practice at________, then I will better " ) Sometimes this can cause the individual is using the application of consequences in a self-regulatory manner.(note drugs can also affect this too.)

Physical: Physical maintenance is essential for our cells and bodies. Adequate rest, sunlight, and exercise are examples of physical mechanisms for influencing homeostasis. Lack of sleep is related to a lot of diseases such as irregular cardiac rhythms, fatigue, anxiety and headaches.

Genetic/Reproductive: Inheriting strengths and weaknesses can be part of our genetic makeup. Genes are sometimes turned off or on due to external factors which we can have some control over, but at other times little can be done to correct or improve genetic diseases. Beginning at the cellular level a variety of diseases come from mutated genes. For example, cancer can be genetically inherited or can be caused due to a mutation from an external source such as radiation or genes altered to a fetus when a mother that uses drugs. Aging is a complicated genetic process whose harmful effects can be slowed through lifestyle changes but cannot be avoided entirely.

Medical: Traditional and alternative medical practices have many benefits, but the potential for harmful effects is there. Whether by nosocomial infections, or wrong dosage of medication, homeostasis can be altered by that which is trying to fix it. For example trial and error with medications can cause potential harmful reactions and possibly death if not caught soon enough.

The factors listed above all have their effects at the cellular level, whether harmful or beneficial. Inadequate beneficial pathways (deficiency) will almost always result in a harmful waiver in homeostasis. Too much toxicity also causes homeostatic imbalance, resulting in cellular malfunction. By removing negative health influences, and providing adequate positive health influences, your body is better able to self-regulate and self-repair, thus maintaining homeostasis.

Mechanisms to Regain Homeostasis

Positive and Negative Feedback

When a change of variable occurs, there are two main types of feedback to which the system reacts:

Negative feedback: a reaction in which the system responds in such a way as to reverse the direction of change. Since this tends to keep things constant, it allows the maintenance of homeostasis. For instance, when the concentration of carbon dioxide in the human body increases, the lungs are signaled to increase their activity and expel more carbon dioxide. Thermoregulation is another example of negative feedback. When body temperature rises (or falls), receptors in the skin and the hypothalamus sense a change, triggering a command from the brain. This command, in turn, effects the correct response, in this case a decrease in body temperature.

positive feedback: a response is to amplify the change in the variable. This has a destabilizing effect, so does not result in homeostasis. Positive feedback is less common in naturally occurring systems than negative feedback, but it has its applications. For example, in nerves, a threshold electric potential triggers the generation of a much larger action potential. Blood clotting and events in childbirth are other types of positive feedback.

Summary

: Sustainable systems require combinations of both kinds of feedback. Generally with the recognition of divergence from the homeostatic condition positive feedbacks are called into play, whereas once the homeostatic condition is approached, negative feedback is used for " fine tuning " responses. This creates a situation of " metastability, " in which homeostatic conditions are maintained within fixed limits, but once these limits are exceeded, the system can shift wildly to a wholly new (and possibly less desirable) situation of homeostasis.

HOMEOSTASIS THROUGHOUT THE BODY

Each body system contributes to the homeostasis of other systems and of the entire organism. No system of the body works in isolation, and the well-being of the person depends upon the well-being of all the interacting body systems. A disruption within one system generally has consequences for several additional body systems. Here are some brief explanations of how various body systems contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis:

Nervous System

The nervous system, along with the endocrine system, serves as the primary control center of the body. For example, the hypothalamus of the brain is where the body's " thermostat " is found. The hypothalamus also stimulates the pituitary gland to release various hormones that control metabolism and development of the body. The sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the nervous system alternatively stimulate or inhibit various bodily responses (such as heart rate, breathing rate, etc) to help maintain proper levels. It also controls contractions like the arrector pili muscles (involved in thermoregulation) and skeletal muscles, which in addition to moving the body, also cause bone thickening and maintenance, which affects bone composition. The nervous system also regulates various systems such as respiratory (controls pace and depth of breathing), cardiovascular system (controls heart rate and blood pressure), endocrine organs (causes secretion of ADH and oxytocin), the digestive system (regulates the digestive tract movement and secretion), and the urinary system (it helps adjust renal blood pressure and also controls voiding the bladder). The nervous system is also involved in our sexual behaviors and functions.

Some ways to keep the nervous system healthy include:

Nutrition: Proteins and amino acids play an important role in normal brain function, particularly before birth when the concentrations in the blood of the developing fetus can be three times greater than in the mother. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you need to eat protein foods with a high biological value, i.e. those proteins that contain all the so-called "essential" amino acids, including meat, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products. The brain is high in fats, and it is important to consume adequate unsaturated fats. Omega-3 fatty acids (for example in fish oils) are considered good " brain food. "

Vitamins: The B-complex vitamins, a large group of water-soluble vitamins, all play a role in healthy nerve and brain function. The three main B vitamins, namely thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, as well as Vitamin B12, folic acid, and biotin are all important.

Exercise: Physical activity can lower stress hormones, which have an effect on the nervous system. Mental exercises such as puzzles, reading, playing music, making art, or anything else that gives your brain a workout help maintain and create synapses between the billions of neurons in your brain.

Protection: Wear a helmet when you ride your bike or play other sports that require head protection. Wear a seatbelt when driving.

Drugs: Abuse of alcohol or illegal drugs can have deleterious affects on brain functions.

Endocrine System

The endocrine system consists of glands which secrete hormones into the bloodstream. Each hormone has an effect on one or more target tissues. In this way the endocrine system regulates the metabolism and development of most body cells and body systems. To be more specific, the Endocrine system has sex hormones that can activate sebaceaous glands, development of mammary glands, alter dermal blood flow and release lipids from adipocytes and MSH can stimulate melanocytes on our skin. Our bone growth is regulated by several hormones, and the endocrine system helps with the mobilization of calitonin and calcium. In the muscular system hormones adjust muscle metabolism, energy production, and growth. In the nervous system hormones affect neural metabolism, regulate fluid/electrolyte balance and help with reproductive hormones that influence CNS development and behaviors. In the Cardiovascular system we need hormones that regulate the production of RBC's, elevate and lower blood pressure. Hormones also have anti-inflammatory affects as well as stimulates the lymphatic system. Too make this short the Endocrine system has something for everything!!! You name it, it has it even for the respiratory, digestive tract, urinary, and reproductive system. Without a healthy functioning endocrine system can bring some pretty bumpy side effects. Thus saying that some people result to special drugs that help replace the hormones released by the endocrine system but because this our endocrine system is so sensitive don't think it doesn't know the real stuff vs, synthetic. Now remember this: " A Lady says to pharmacist: " Why does my prescription medication have 40 side effects? " ...Pharmacist replies: " Cause that's all we've documented so far. " ......Funny uh? Anyways here are a few ways to keep a healthy Endocrine system:

pH: Depletion to lower levels causes a toxic inbalance making Acid Ash. The body is then deprived of essential vitamins and minerals and reserve levels become depleted. This may be due to diet, stress, smoking or general environment ie. life style.

Herbs: Herbal medicines are based on plants, and natural extracts from roots, flowers, bark or a combination of several extracts from various herbs. Certain herbal extracts are known to be effective in relieving endocrine symptoms at the time of hormonal change. (Always seek medical advice if you have an illness or take regular medication)

Exercise: Effects of Yoga on glands can help regulate hormonal productions and aids in the cleansing of the glands, improving their function. (note: this is what the international yoga teachers association says.)

Nutrition: To keep the Endocrine system healthy you need to cut back on sugar levels and eating and you also have to cut back on the fat that you eat. Hormones react very sensitively to things we eat.

Listen to your body: Each endocrine gland plays a distinct role in your body, but these actions overlap and therefore affect one another too. When one gland is overly or under-active, other glands feel the effect. The same goes for you. When part of your endocrine system is sick, you most likely are too. Fatigue is one symptom that many endocrine disorders have in common. If you feel very tired or can't seem to shake your fatigue, see your doctor. Once you've discovered the source of your fatigue--whether it's endocrine related or not--there are many natural remedies you can try under the guidance of a professional.

Integumentary System

The integumentary system is involved in protecting the body from invading microbes (mainly by forming a thick impenetrable layer), regulating body temperature through sweating and vasodilation, or shivering and piloerection (goose bumps), and regulating ion balances in the blood.Stimulation of mast cells also produce changes in blood flow and capillary permeablitiy which can effect the blood flow in the body and how its regulates. It also helps synthesize vitamin D which interacts with calcium and phosphorus absorption needed for bone growth and maintence for example if we ever broke a bone and it needed repair.Hair on the skin guard entrance in nasal cavity or other orfices preventing invades of getting further into our bodies. Our skin also helps maintain balance by excretion of water and other solutes (i.e.) the keratinized epidermis limits fluid loss through skin. Thus saying it provides mechanical protection against environmental hazards. We need to remember that are skin is our integumentary is our first line of deffense and to keep it balanced takes work. Ways to keep homeostasis in ourskin could be one of the following:

Hydrate: Dehydration causes your skin to be as flexible as leather and look about the same. Drink up! Alcohol dries the skin, so keep it off your skin and out of your diet for maximum skin protection. Sodas don't help. Their caffeine is dehydrating, as is their sodium. The carbonation reduces the amount of calcium in your bones, and that means earlier onset of osteoporosis. The sugar causes insulin problems. There is nothing of value in a soft drink, so always opt for a different beverage or go without.

Vitamins: C and E counter the effects of sun exposure.A is necessary for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue. B vitamin is biotin, a nutrient that forms the basis of skin, nail, and hair cells.As the nutrient responsible for helping blood clot.

lotions (i.e. sunscreen ect.)Oil, lotions, creams, or other suntan preparations do not increase the speed or depth of tanning. Such preparations may help prevent dryness. they may permit long exposure to the sun without burning. They do no product a tan.

Wearing Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts offer better protection than short-sleeved shirts do. And tightly woven fabrics such as denim are better than loosely woven fabrics such as knits.

Eating Healthy: The three basic food groups are fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.Good nutrition and healthy skin often go hand in hand.

Smoking causes vasoconstriction, which means you starve your skin of nutrient-bearing blood. So, your first step is to stay out of the sun and stay away from smoke. It doesn't matter if the cigarette belongs to someone else--you are breathing the same smoke they are. Steer clear or look like leather.

Clean regularly: Cleaning is an essential part of caring for your skin. The key is to [[treat your skin gently.

Prevent your skin from absorbing environmental pollutants.

A exercise program: consisting of both weights and aerobics will activate and rejuvenate the skin, while improving blood flow. Also, body sweat triggers production of sebum, which is the skin's own natural moisturizer

The natural state of your skin - homeostasis - or being in a state of complete balance, is built-in from birth. The natural look, feel and protective capabilities produced by your skin at homeostasis are softness to the touch with a beautifully smooth, healthy, glowing appearance. Cellular encoding defines the balance or internal equilibrium of your skin's natural processes. Sometimes what nature designs just needs a little help to regain its intended balance.

Skeletal System

The skeletal system serves as an important mineral reserve. For example, if blood levels of calcium or magnesium are low and the minerals are not available in the diet, they will be taken from the bones.Also the skeletal system provides Calcium needed for muscle contrations and cardiac muscle contraction. Also remember that lymphocytes and other cells of the immune response are produced and stored in the bone marrow. In the nervous system, brain, endocrine organs, chest and pelvic regions the skeletal system aids in protection of all these vital organs. Things we can do to keep our skeletal system in balance are:

Nutritional Supplements:Glucosamine Sulphate,Vitamin D,Vitamim E,Selenium,Boron,Magnesium,Calcium,L-lysine.

Protection:Remember bones are strong, but bones are always breakable. When you're bike riding, wear your helmet to protect your skull. When you skate, wear the wrist, elbow, and knee pads that are recommended for the sport. Use the proper protective gear when you play contact sports like football, hockey, or soccer. And when you are in the car, buckle up.

Nutrition:The foods you eat can work to keep your bones strong as you age, and some can even help you replace lost bone mass. Remember to get plenty of calcium and vitamin D. Also don't overdo it on the meat too much animal protein can interfere with the way your body absorbs calcium. Cut back on booze becuase drinking more than two alcoholic beverages per day can harm bone cells and disrupt their absorption of calcium and vitamin D.

Avoid Smoking: Cigarette smoking was first identified as a risk factor for osteoporosis more than 20 years ago. Recent studies have shown a direct relationship between tobacco use and decreased bone density. Analyzing the impact of cigarette smoking on bone health is complicated. It is hard to determine whether a decrease in bone density is due to smoking itself or to other risk factors common among smokers. For example, in many cases smokers are thinner than nonsmokers, tend to drink more alcohol, may be less physically active, and have poor diets. Women who smoke also tend to have an earlier menopause than nonsmokers. These factors place many smokers at an increased risk for osteoporosis apart from their tobacco use.

Exercise: Exercise is key factor in maintaining the health of the skeletal system. To help slow the rate of bone loss later in life, it is important to build as much bone mass as possible early in life.Bones are specialized to bear or carry weight. Without this stress, they lose calcium. It cannot be emphasized too strongly that bones have to be physically stressed to remain healthy. The more they are used, the stronger they become. Exercising regularly builds and strengthens bones. Weight-bearing exercises—where bones and muscles are used against gravity—are best. These include aerobics, dancing, jogging, stair climbing, walking, tennis, and lifting weights. The exercise need not be too strenuous, but it should be engaged in regularly.

Muscular System

The muscular system is largely responsible for maintaining body temperature through heat production. It also contributes to blood glucose balance by storing energy as glycogen. Indirectly it contributes to the well-being of the organism by simply allowing a person to move about (to find and consume food, find shelter from weather extremes, etc).by having our skin intact muscles help us with our facial expressions. In the nervous system it help with monitor body position. Muscles provide us with protecting our endocrine glands and digestive organs. It also contols contracions during sex producing sensations, and controls muscles that alow is to hold are urine when you are thousands of miles away from the nearest bathroom with no toilet paper(and pertend that socks are out of the question!).Muscles also aid in moving blod through veins and protect deep blood vessels and help the lymphatic system move lymph along too. Here are some ways to keep muscles healthy and balanced:

Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality from many chronic diseases. Millions of Americans suffer from chronic illnesses that can be prevented or improved through regular physical activity. Remember though, all good things can be abused so dont over do it.

Nutrition: Foods that are essential to eat are those high in calcium, magnesium, zinc and potassium. You will find nuts and seeds can be beneficial in all of these nutrients. Dark leafy bitter greens as well as fresh green herbs can help keep an adequate supply of these nutrients in the body. It is important to introduce a little of any of these foods daily into the diet.

Weight: In order to maintain a healthy weight, there must be a balance between calories consumed and calories expended through metabolic and physical activity. Although overweight and obesity are caused by many factors, in most individuals, weight gain results from a combination of excess calorie consumption and inadequate physical activity.

Vitamins:Magnesium and Calcium are essential to muscular health along with zinc and potassium.

Avoid Drugs/Alcohol: The muscles and the other organs of the body may be chemically injured or poisoned in various ways. Sometimes people who work in trades where they have to use poisonous compounds, like certain lead salts, are poisoned by them. Sometimes people who eat too much, or too much of particular things, are poisoned by the results of decay of food in their intestines. Among the commonest injuries of this kind are those due to alcoholic drinks and narcotic drugs. It is recognized that the use of such drugs do lots of harm.

Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system, in addition to needing to maintain itself within certain levels, plays a role in maintenance of other body systems by transporting hormones (heart secretes ANP and BNP) and nutrients(oxygen, EPO to bones,ect.), taking away waste products, and providing all living body cells with a fresh supply of oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.Our skin, bones, muscles, nevous system, endocrine, lymphatic system, lungs, digestive tract, urinary system and reproductive use the cardiovascular system as it's " road " or " highway " as far as distribution of things that go on in our body. There are many risk factors for an unhealthy cardiovasular system. Some diseases associated are typically labeled " uncontrollable " or " controllable. " The main uncontrollable risk factors are age, gender, and a family history of heart disease, especially at an early age.In general there are ways to keep this system functioning properly like:

Exercise: Exercise improves heart function, lowers blood pressure and blood cholesterol, and boosts energy. And being overweight forces the heart to work harder because its has to push more in oyur body that shouldn't be there.

Nutrition: A heart-healthy diet means a diet that's low in fat, cholesterol, and salt, and high in fruits, vegetables, grains, and fiber. (rent the movie " super size me " )problem solved!

Blood Pressure: It's important to keep on top of your blood pressure levels through regular doctor visits. High blood pressure disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minority groups. The condition is known as a silent killer because there are no symptoms. If your lifestyle changes alone don't bring your blood pressure within the normal range, medications may also be needed, but remember to consult your doctor!

Control blood cholesterol: Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in the blood. High levels of triglycerides, another form of fat in the blood, can also indicate heart disease risk, this can be measured by having a blood test after fasting for nine to 12 hours. A lipoprotein profile will reveal your total cholesterol to see if it is within normal range.

Diabetes: Prevent this because is a serious condition in which blood glucose levels affected which can affect the cardiovascular system greatly.

Quit Smoking: Along with raising your risk of lung cancer and other diseases, the mixture of tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke increases the risk that your arteries will harden, which restricts blood flow to the heart ending in a heart attack.

Stress: The link between stress and heart disease isn't completely clear, but what's known for sure is that stress speeds up the heart rate, and people with heart disease are more likely to have a heart attack during times of stress.

Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system has three principal roles: first is maintenance of blood and tissue volume. Excess fluid that leaves the capillaries under pressure would build up and cause edema if the lymphatic system was not functioning. Secondly the lymphatic system is how the body absorbs fatty acids and triglycerides from fat digestion (these components of digestion do not enter directly into the blood stream). Third, the lymphatic system is involved in defending the body against invading microbes, and the immune response. This system assists in lots of maintence like bone repair after injuries, muscle repair after an injury. Some other defenses like maintaining the acid pH of urine to fight infections in the urinary system and the tonsils is our bodies help defend us agianst infections and toxins absorbed from the digestive tract and the tonsils protect agianst infections at entrance to out lungs. So since this is our bodies great defense after intrusion do these things to keep this system healthy:

Exercise: The bulk of your lymphatic vessels are enmeshed within your big muscle groups. The more you move, the more your muscles will generate pressure against your lymphatic vessels, which in turn will promote strong and regular flow of fluid through these vessels. All of your lymphatic vessels contain numerous one-way valves that cause all applied forces to channel fluid flow in the desired direction.

Nutrion: Eat foods that promote flexible blood vessel walls. Many of your lymphatic vessels run side-by-side with your arterial blood vessels. Healthy arterial blood vessels produce strong pulsations that can generate force against adjacent lymphatic vessels.

Massage: Get a Lymphatic Massage!!! Lymph vessels are sensitive! and for effective drainage the massage of them must be very light! Plus it feels GGRREAATT!!!!!

Electro Lymphatic Therapy: This is an accelerated method of moving stagnant, sticky lymphatic fluid out of the body. Your lymphatic drainage therapist will use a hand-held wand to send high-frequency electrical pulses into your lymphatic system. These healing frequencies break up congestion, rebalance the cells and enhance your immunity. The one-hour session is painless, relaxing and revitalizing. (I personally have never tried it but know people who have that say it really works!)

Loose Weight!: Toxins and lymph fluid accumulate in the pockets of fat. Improving the circulation of lymph in areas prone to cellulite and reducing toxic burden are two successful ways to diminish cellulite from the inside out.

Toxins: Remove toxins and decrease your toxicity load. This usually begins where most toxins enter our system, in the gut and liver, but importantly includes decreasing exposure to environmental and emotional toxins.

Respiratory System

The respiratory system works in conjunction with the cardiovascular system to provide cells within every body system the oxygen needed for cellular metabolism. The respiratory system also removes carbon dioxide. Since CO2 is mainly transported in the plasma as bicarbonate ions, which act as a chemical buffer, the respiratory system also helps maintain proper blood pH levels which is very important for homeostasis. It also helps the lymphatic system by trapping pathogens and protecting deeper tissues with in. Note that when you have increased thoracic space it can provide adominal pressure through the contraction of respiratory muscles can assist in defecation. Remember the lungs are the gateway for our breath of life. Ways to keep your Respiratory healthy can be:

Exercise: Aerobic exercises make your lungs strong and make you breathe in more oxygen. In fact the word

aerobic has to do with your muscles using oxygen.

Smoking: Don't smoke. Quitting smoking is the best protection you can give your lungs and reduces your risk of lung disease. Cigarette smoking is a major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer is caused by cigarette smoking. When someone inhales cigarette smoke, irritating gases and particles cause one of the lungs' defenses " the cilia " to slow down. Even one puff on a cigarette slows the cilia, weakening the lungs' ability to defend themselves against infections. Cigarette smoke can cause air passages to close up and make breathing more difficult. It causes chronic inflammation or swelling in the lungs, leading to chronic bronchitis. And cigarette smoke changes the enzyme balance of the lungs, leading to destruction of lung tissue that occurs in emphysema.

Pollutants: Avoid lung hazards. Secondhand cigarette smoke, air pollution, and lung hazards at work can cause some lung diseases.

Vaccinations: Lung diseases like influenza (flu) and pneumococcal pneumonia can be prevented with vaccination.

Herbs: Pleurisy Root, Mullein, Horehound, Fenugreek, Yerba Santa, Ground Ivy Leaf, and Carotenoids, support the lungs. (visit your local health food store)

Nutrition: Healthy lungs begin with a diet rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables, high-quality protein, essential fats and, pure water.

Protection: Some occupations have hazardous substances you breathe at work that can cause lung trouble, too. Things in the air like dusts like those from coal, silica, asbestos, or raw cotton and metal fumes or chemical vapors - can develop lung disease, including occupational asthma.

Digestive System

Without a regular supply of energy and nutrients from the digestive system all body systems would soon suffer because it absorbs organic substances, vitamins, ions, and water that are needed all over the body.In the skin the digestive tract provides lipids for storage in the subcutaneous layer, and yellow bone marrow. Note that food undergoes three types of processes in the body: digestion, absorption, and elimination. If one of these is not working, you will have probelms that will be extremely noticiable. Mechanics of digestion can be chemical digestion, movements, ingestion absorption, and elimination. In order to maintain a healthy and efficient digestive system we have to remember it is dependant on a number of things and if these are disturbed, digestive health may be compromised.

Vitamins: Regular supplementation with a good quality, easily assimilated, multivitamin and mineral formula is often appropriate.

Urinary System

Toxic nitrogenous wastes accumulate as proteins and nucleic acids are broken down and used for other purposes. The urinary system rids the body of these wastes. The urinary system is also directly involved in maintaining proper blood volume (and indirectly blood pressure) and ion concentration within the blood. One other contribution is that the kidneys produce a hormone (erythropoietin) that stimulates red blood cell production. The kidneys also play an important role in maintaining the correct water content to of the body and the correct salt composition of extracellular fluid. External changes that lead to excess fluid loss trigger feedback mechanisms than then act to maintain the body's fluid content by inhibiting fluid loss.

Reproductive System

The reproductive is unique in that it does little to contribute to the homeostasis of the organism. Rather than being tied to the maintenance of the organism, the reproductive system relates to the maintenance of the species. Having said that, the sex hormones do have an effect on other body systems, and an imbalance can lead to various disorders (

e.g. a woman whose ovaries are removed early in life is at much higher risk of osteoperosis).

Other Examples

Thermoregulation

The skeletal muscles can shiver to produce heat if the body temperature is too low.

Non-shivering thermogenesis involves the decomposition of fat to produce heat.

Sweating cools the body with the use of evaporation.

Chemical regulation

The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon to control blood-sugar concentration.

The lungs take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide, which regulates pH in the blood.

The kidneys remove urea, and adjust the concentrations of water and a wide variety of ions.

Main examples of homeostasis in mammals are as follows:

The regulation of the amounts of water and minerals in the body. This is known as osmoregulation. This happens primarily in the kidneys.

The removal of metabolic waste. This is known as excretion. This is done by the excretory organs such as the kidneys and lungs.

The regulation of body temperature. This is mainly done by the skin.

The regulation of blood glucose level. This is mainly done by the liver and the insulin and glucagon secreted by the pancreas in the body.

Most of these organs are controlled by hormones secreted from the pituitary gland, which in turn is directed by the hypothalamus.

-- Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani

ChairmanICYER and Yoganjali NatyalayamPondicherry, South Indiawww.icyer.comwww.geocities.com/yognat2001

January 15, 2008

Excellent article indeed. The layman and the pundit

alike would read it with great fervour....Highly

informative and lucidly written. Thanks Dr.Ananda.

Regards

Dr.vellore A.R.Srinivasan

_________

Support the World Aids Awareness campaign this month with For Good

http://uk.promotions./forgood/

January 19, 2008

Namaste Ananda, Very Informative and Clarifies Many Points, Thanks. Regards, Murali Raghavan Srinivasan <drvars_2000 wrote: Excellent article indeed. The layman and the punditalike would read it with great fervour....Highlyinformative and lucidly written. Thanks Dr.Ananda.RegardsDr.vellore

A.R.Srinivasan________Support the World Aids Awareness campaign this month with For Good http://uk.promotions./forgood/