Why Homeostasis Must Be Part of the Chronic Illness Conversation

The chronic illness epidemic is finally part of the national conversation. It’s unfortunate that political polarization distracts from the substance of the message, but the fact that elected leaders are actually talking about things like type 2 diabetes, childhood obesity, toxic ingredients in our food supply, and addressing the root cause of health problems is a good thing.

As a premed student in 1985, I didn’t know what type of doctor I wanted to be, but I knew taking on the chronic illness epidemic would be my mission and purpose in life. Now that the conversation is happening on a national scale, it’s important to understand homeostasis.

What Is Homeostasis?

The human body is constantly working to optimize itself. Immune response, blood pressure, , blood sugar levels, , metabolic rate, removal of toxins, and more are constantly being self-regulated and adjusted. 

There are also psychological, mental, emotional, and spiritual components to this process. The body must process varying levels of stress associated with strained relationships, a child’s difficulty at school, conflict with a co-worker, menopause, and other life circumstances.

Homeostasis is a state of stability and proper functioning in the human body. Everything is running smoothly. In other words, homeostasis is what the body is constantly trying to achieve through this balancing, regulation, and optimization.

The more inflammation and stress we have in our bodies, the more difficult it becomes for our bodies to move closer to homeostasis.

Disturbing Trends Are Not Getting Better

The sad reality in 2025 is that people are moving further away from homeostasis. Never in my career have I seen more confusion and fragmentation, mainly because the information people digest is just as toxic as the food they put into their bodies.

The healthcare establishment has been getting it wrong for decades, prescribing “a pill for every ill” to mask symptoms instead of identifying and treating the underlying causes of disease for each individual. Doctors tend to specialize in a specific type of care or a specific part of the body instead of looking at the human as a whole. 

However, the recent wave of untrained YouTube doctors and the unquestioned trust people place in them are making the problem even worse. More than anything else, these are entertainers whose goal is to generate clicks, views, likes, and shares, not deliver positive outcomes for patients.

The Path Towards Homeostasis

Health literacy is the key to longevity. Developing a basic understanding of biochemistry, bio-individuality, and the various interconnected systems in the human body takes time. And it’s not particularly sexy compared to what you might find on YouTube and TikTok. But this understanding is critical to addressing the chronic illness epidemic.

Of course, I went to school for years to learn these things. I’ve been expanding my knowledge in clinical practice for more than 30 years. It would be unrealistic to go through this journey on your own. There’s no shame in seeking guidance with your health that goes beyond an annual check-in with your primary care physician. 

You call the HVAC company to maintain your heating and cooling system twice a year. You bring your car in for an oil change based on manufacturer specifications. Why would you leave your health to chance instead of seeing a doctor – or a team of clinicians – who understand what it takes to feel better, function better, and live longer?

It’s time for individuals and families to reevaluate their sources of health information. What is their true purpose and mission? Is it based on scientific evidence and a deep understanding of how the body functions? Does their approach account for the physical, psychological, and nutritional components of the Triad of Health?

Homeostasis is the ideal outcome. Let’s start building steps that make it possible to move closer to homeostasis in our own homes, and finally end the chronic illness epidemic across the country.