The Role of Buffers in Establishing a Balance of Homeostasis and Maintaining Health

Abstract

Homeostasis is the body’s ability to self-regulate biological processes. There are several buffer systems in the body that operate cooperatively to maintain health. A buffer system consists of two components, one that acts on its counterpart. In acid-base homeostasis, almost all physiological processes in the body occur as a result of a buffer that allows a solution to tolerate pH changes. Buffers can be used beyond the concept of hydrogen ion donors or acceptors. A body consists of numerous components and their counterparts, such as excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, entropy and potential energy, and anabolic and catabolic metabolic processes. As for values, they can be material and non-material; behaviours can be permitted or prohibited. Buffers play an important role in maintaining balance, but their capacity needs to be improved in order to handle stress more effectively. It is appropriate to evaluate buffering systems by analogy to acid-base buffers, and the results can be interpreted in terms of maintaining balance. A well-coordinated and compatible system helps maintain a balance between matter and its counterpart, enabling the immune system to function effectively and maintain homeostasis.