This article presents a review of the allostatic processes involved in the human physiological regulatory response embedded in the interaction between environmental and social systems, where chronic stress plays a relevant role in the emergence of chronic non-transmissible diseases. The concept of stress in the field of physical anthropology details the organic and behavioural dynamics of the individual embedded in the social environment where the concepts of allostasis and allostatic load acquire an unparalleled importance by combining the notion of variability, learning, adaptation and the subject's capacity for anticipation. In order to complement the predominant notion of homeostatic regulation mechanisms since the point of view about physiological reactivity of health and disease process working with other perspectives, the study of allostatic dysregulation is based on an integration between the nervous, metabolic, neuroendocrine and immune systems and encompasses the multifaceted character of the environment as an agent inducing strongly harmful conditions for the individual or as an environment with the capacity to provide support for the development and human well-being.
Gaytán Ramírez, E. (2021). The allostatic response to the environment. The social environment as a regulatory factor in human physiology and health. Revista Chilena De Antropología, (43), 147–166. https://doi.org/10.5354/0719-1472.2021.64437
