Energy and structure are interdependent, at every level.
A given structure makes possible a certain level of useful energy, and adequate energy makes possible the maintenance of structure and function, enabling the advance to a higher and more efficient structural level.
The needs on the cellular level guide the organism’s adaptation.
Energy generates and maintains order in the system. Destruction of such order degrades the ability of cells to produce energy, by way of alteration of structure.
Any stress on the system demands energy in order for the system to overcome it.
Stress can be seen simply as an energy problem whereby the needs of the body at a given time outweigh its available resources.
When the available energy does not meet the cell’s energy requirements, if the cell is not quickly killed by stress, it will use some adaptive mechanisms, such as stopping some repair processes to reduce energy expenditure, and possibly stopping specialized functions to reduce energy needs. Typically the most energetically expensive tissues and processes are lost first eg. higher brain function.
Given the above, a state of good health could be defined as the ability to acquire, conserve, and adequately direct energy within the system to maintain metastability (adequate structure and function) through a range of varying situations.
Note that metastability may involve a stable system, despite a shift in processes. This may mean the system moves away from some advanced functions in order to remain stable in a stressful situation.
