The relationship between regulatory processes

Five central regulatory processes

THE FIVE REGULATORY PROCESSES FOR OUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

BALANCE IN NEUROTRANSMITTERS AND NEUROMODULATORS

Brain and nerve health

The balance between neurotransmitters (signal substances in the nervous system) and neuromodulators (substances that control different neurotransmitters) and the sensitivity of the receptors (receivers) that receive these signals determines brain health. The brain is at the top of the internal hierarchy.

FUNCTIONING OF THE AUTONOMOUS NERVOUS SYSTEM AND HORMONES

Neuro-hormonal health

Neuro-hormonal health involves the functioning of the autonomic nervous system and hormones. The brain decides what is threatening or not. The stress response begins deep in the brain in a structure called the Hypothalamus. This center sends a signal to the adrenal glands that react with the production of adrenaline. Adrenaline prepares the body for the stress response. This phase, in which adrenaline therefore plays the main role, is the immediate response to stress. The brain then deploys the elite troops: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in which the nervous, endocrine and immune systems together respond to the disruption.

DEFENSE SYSTEM AGAINST DISEASES AND INJURIES

Immune health

The immune system is the defense system against internal and external pathogens and injuries. The immune system is also used to clear away waste products or diseased body cells. We distinguish first-line defense and second-line defense. The first-line defense is a body’s own barrier that keeps harmful substances out, such as the skin or the mucus layer in the intestines. The second-line defense is formed by a defense line in the blood when harmful substances or pathogens enter the body.

PROCESSING FOOD INTO BUILDING BLOCKS FOR THE BODY

Gastrointestinal health

Gut health involves the processing of food into building blocks for the body. The composition of the microbiome (bacteria, fungi and yeasts that reside in our body and protect it) and its influence on the whole body.

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE WORLD

Extracellulair matrix health

The extracellular matrix consists of connective tissue and fluid that is located between the cells. The extracellular matrix is the last link between the supply and drainage structures and the nervous system and the individual cells. The extracellular matrix is primarily the main communication system between the inner world (inside the cells) and the outer world, as well as providing strength and structure to tissues.

A LITTLE STRESS IS NOT WRONG, BUT NOT RECOVERING RESULTS IN A BURN-OUT

Stress

Central regulatory processes allow the body to adapt to the circumstances that life brings. Inwardly oriented processes monitor the internal balance, outwardly oriented processes monitor the external balance and respond to external influences. If there is a disturbance of that balance, we talk about stress. Life without stress does not exist. More often than is consciously experienced, stress finds its way into the body. We roughly distinguish between three types of stress:

Stress that is not consciously experienced: for example due to incorrect nutrition, environmental toxins, synthetic hormones or micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses and fungi).
Stress that is consciously experienced: such as mental-emotional stress, pain, sadness or psychological overload due to, for example, the loss of a loved one or excessive work pressure.
Stress related to genetics or epigenetics. This type of stress is determined by disturbances that affect growth and development. Epigenetic dysregulation can be passed down through generations, but is not part of the genes. If left uncorrected, epigenetic disturbances can be life determinants of health.

ESSENTIAL FEATURE: BIOMATRIX MODEL

Coherence

Biocoherence bases its working method on the ‘Biomatrix theory‘ system model. This scientifically developed meta-model describes system dynamics based on processes. A process always has a direction and a goal, just like a river flows from high to low and eventually flows into the sea.

We distinguish two types of processes. Inward oriented processes are part of the internal dynamics. Outward oriented processes mean that we as humans are part of a larger whole, the living environment, social structures, economic traffic, our work, etc. The internal processes must ensure that the estimated 35-40 trillion cells and their cohesion, staying in a good condition, under constantly changing circumstances.

HET BIOMATRIX MODEL: EFFECTS

Example – The Metabolic Syndrome

We can best illustrate looking at health from the perspective of processes by means of an example.

Metabolic syndrome is a common metabolic disorder. It is estimated that 40-50% of the Dutch population is affected by this. As is known, the syndrome comprises a set of symptoms that occur with a disturbed glucose metabolism. It is at the root of obesity, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, disturbed blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) and type 2 diabetes. The central disturbance in this syndrome is insulin resistance.