What is allostasis in the brain?

Allostasis in the brain refers to the process by which the brain allocates resources to various functions based on the individual's goals and challenges. Dr. Andrew Huberman explains that allostasis involves adjusting the amount of fuel, like glucose, that different brain areas consume, depending on what the situation demands. This concept extends beyond the traditional notion of homeostasis, which is the maintenance of a stable internal environment, to include the dynamic redistribution of resources necessary for dealing with various mental tasks or stresses.

For example, if a person is engaged in an activity requiring intense visual focus, the brain might allocate more glucose to the visual cortex. Similarly, during physical exertion, the brain might minimize energy use in areas not crucial for that specific activity. This allocation role is particularly managed by the anterior mid cingulate cortex, which acts like a regulatory dial for how much energy different brain parts should use in a given context 1.