Homeostasis refers to the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. Therefore, the opposite of homeostasis is often considered to be ‘allostasis’.
While homeostasis focuses on keeping internal parameters constant, allostasis refers to the process of achieving stability through change. During allostasis, the body adapts to new conditions by altering its physiological states, such as when stress responses shift the body’s functions to deal with new challenges. In simpler terms, while homeostasis is about maintaining balance, allostasis allows for flexibility and adaptation in response to varying demands.