What are the factors that can affect homeostasis?

Homeostasis is the state of maintaining steady internal physical and chemical conditions in the body.  This balance may be disrupted by a combination of internal and external influences. 

Internal factors that can affect homeostasis include:  

• Genetics: Certain inherited diseases and disorders such as Type 1 diabetes or cancer affect the balance of internal body conditions, disrupting homeostasis. 

External factors that can affect homeostasis include:  

• Nutrition: An imbalanced diet prevents cells from getting the vitamins and minerals they need to function efficiently, creating an internal imbalance, which may increase the risk of disease. 
• Physical activity: Homeostasis is affected by levels of rest as well as levels of physical activity. Both are equally important for proper functioning of our cells and bodies. Too little or too much of either rest or activity can disrupt the balance in the internal environment, increasing the risk of developing various disorders. 
• Mental health: Mental and physical health are inextricably linked. An individual’s emotions can trigger chemical changes in the body, upsetting the delicate balance of the internal system. While regular physical activity can help restore the balance and improve physical and mental well-being, more serious mood or mental disorders may require an external influence such as medication to help stabilize homeostatic disruptions.
• Environmental exposure: Exposure to toxins, whether natural such as air pollution or synthetic such as synthetic drugs, interferes with cellular function and disrupts homeostasis with varying degrees of severity depending on the type and extent of exposure.