What is the Origin of Physiological Debt?

This concept is derived from analogy with financial debt applied to the bodys internal resources where consistent negative energy balance or chronic stress creates an accumulating liability against homeostasis. It emphasizes the temporal aspect of physiological strain.

What is the Mechanism of Physiological Debt?

The debt accumulates through persistent activation of the HPA axis leading to sustained high cortisol which suppresses anabolic processes like growth hormone and sex hormone synthesis. Furthermore chronic inflammation consumes cellular resources necessary for repair creating a state where the body operates with reduced functional capacity until significant restorative inputs are applied to repay the accrued deficit.

Physiological Debt

Meaning

Physiological Debt describes the cumulative deficit incurred when the body’s demand for resources energy or repair exceeds the supply or capacity for restoration over a sustained period. This imbalance results in chronic systemic stress often manifesting as compromised endocrine function impaired immune surveillance and reduced adaptive reserve. It is the consequence of consistent overdraw on biological capital.