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Glossary Of Terms
A
Quick-Reference Guide to many of the terms associated with
Functional Medicine and Health Care
Adrenocortex
The outer yellowish region of the adrenal gland that secretes many
important steroid hormones, including DHEA.
Adrenal Glands
A pair of small, pyramid-shaped glands located on the top of each
kidney, which produce important "stress" hormones such
as cortisol, DHES, and adrenaline.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Lipoic acid is normally made in the human body, where it functions primarily as an important metabolic nutrient -- especially in the conversion of Pyruvic acid into Acetyl coenzyme A. As such, it plays a crucial role in the metabolism of both fats and carbohydrates into energy. In addition, Lipoic acid functions as an extremely powerful antioxidant capable of trapping many different types of free radicals in the body. Because it is both water and fat soluble, Lipoic acid is able to operate in a broader range of body tissues than most other antioxidants. Its small size allows Lipoic acid to enter areas of the body not easily accessible to many other substances; this allows Lipoic acid, for example, to enter the cell nucleus and prevent free-radical damage to DNA. Because it is such a powerful antioxidant, and can easily function and exist in both a reduced and oxidized state, Lipoic acid is able to protect other important antioxidants such as glutathione, Vitamin E and Vitamin C. Lipoic acid is also able to chelate heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, free iron, and free copper out of the
body.
Anabolic
The building up of proteins from simpler molecules in the body,
(such as proteins forming from amino acids). This generative
process results in increased lean muscle mass, stronger bones, and
a greater energy supply. Anabolic hormones include DHEA,
testosterone, and growth hormone.
Antioxidant
A substance that works to slow or prevent the generation of free
radical molecular groups in the body, thereby protecting against
degenerative cell damage associated with oxidative stress.
Amino
Acid
The primary chemical building blocks the body uses to produce
protein. A deficiency of even a single amino acid can impair the
body's production of many proteins, and result in hormone
imbalances, breakdown of muscle tissue, and weakened immune
function.
BETAINE HCL
Hydrochloric acid (HCL) initiates the conversion of pepsinogen to pepsin & assists protein digestion. HCL renders your stomach sterile against orally ingested pathogens, prevents bacterial & fungal overgrowth of your small intestine, encourages the flow of bile & pancreatic enzymes, aids the absorption of folic acid, vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron,
calcium, magnesium & zinc.
Bioflavinoids
Treats rare bioflavinoid deficiency characterized by fragile capillaries and unusual bleeding . May act as an anti-oxidant, preventingvitamin C and adrenaline from being oxidized by copper-containing enzymes.
Biotin
Helps the formation of fatty acids. Facilitates metabolism of amino acids and carbohydrates. Promotes normal health of sweat glands
Bone Resorption
The wearing away of bone tissue, which can eventually lead to
osteoporosis, spinal deformities ("dowager's hump"), and
fractures.
Calcium Citrate
Helps prevent osteoporosis in older people. Treats calcium depletion in people with hypothyroidism, osteomalacia and rickets. Prevents tetany (severe muscle spasms) caused by insect bites, sensitivity reactions, cardiac arrest and lead poisoning. Promotes normal growth and development.
Buffers acid in the stomach and acts as antacid. Aids in
building bones and teeth. Helps regulate heartbeat, blood clotting and muscle contraction. Calcium Citrate is absorbed at least twice as much as Calcium Carbonate, thus reducing the risk of kidney stones.
Candida
Albicans
A normally harmless microscopic yeast that lives within the human
gastrointestinal tract, it can overgrow and cause fatigue,
depression, joint pain, headaches, and recurrent infections.
Carbohydrate
A class of foods that serve as the body's main source of energy.
They include starches, grains, vegetables, and sugars. Most
carbohydrates are easily digested and quickly converted to glucose
to provide energy for the cells.
Catabolic/Catabolism
Breaking down of proteins and other chemical compounds in the
body. Catabolism results in a weakening of bone and muscle tissue,
a loss in skin resilience, as well as a general decline in other
important body functions.
Cell
The primary unit of physical life, whose integral structure and
optimal status is crucial for the healthy functioning of the human
body.
Cell
Membrane
The surrounding border of the cell, formed of proteins and lipids,
that encloses the cell and controls the movement of substances
inside and outside of the cell.
Choline
Protects against damage to cells by oxidation. People taking niacin or nicotinic acid for treatment of high-serum cholesterol and triglyerides need lecithin of choline supplements because nicotinic acid and nicotinomide (vitamin B-3) can reduce normal amounts of choline and lecithin available
for basic body needs.
Chromium
Promotes glucose metabolism. Helps insulin regulate blood sugar. Decreases insulin requirements and improves glucose tolerance of some people with adult-onset diabetes.
Collagen
Collagen is the major protein found in the connective tissue of
cartilage and bone.
Copper
Promotes normal red-blood-cell formation. Acts as a catalyst in storage and release of iron to form hemoglobin for red blood cells. Assists in the production of several enzymes involved in respiration. Promotes connective-tissue formation and central nervous system function. Is used as a nutritional supplement for anyone receiving prolonged feedings
through veins or tubes into the stomach.
Cortisol
A hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress,
affecting the body's metabolism of glucose, proteins, and fats.
Cortisol is normally released by the body in a regular daily
pattern of highs and lows. Imbalances are associated with fatigue,
depression, obesity, and immune dysfunction.
Degenerative
Describes a gradual wearing away or breaking down of cells/tissue
in the body, characteristic of diseases such as Alzheimer's and
multiple sclerosis, as well as the general process of aging.
Detoxification
The process the liver uses to break down harmful substances in the
body, such as toxins, drugs, and waste products, to render them
harmless and eliminate them from the body.
DHEA
An important hormone produced in the adrenal glands, the body's
primary source for the production of the sex hormone testosterone.
Peak levels of DHEA are reached in an individual's early to
mid-20s. Optimal levels are associated with increased energy,
healthy immune and cardiovascular function, improved memory and
elevated mood.
DMAE Dimethylaminoethanol
Depending on how it is packaged, dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) can be considered a drug or a nutrient. It is naturally present in small amounts in the human brain, and is found in certain seafoods, including sardines and anchovies, in which it is considered a food or nutrient. DMAE has much the same effects as centrophenoxine or Lucidril. It increases
intelligence, memory, and learning
abilities, as well as producing a better mood and more energy. DMAE is a central-nervous-system stimulant and has an uplifting effect similar to that of amphetamines, without the "rush" and subsequent let down or "crash." In small doses it has a milder, continuing effect. During the first two weeks of use, the stimulating effect gradually builds
up. People report that mood elevation is continually present. When discontinued, people report no depression or other let down.
Dysbiosis
The state of a disordered microbial ecology that causes disease.
It may exist in the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract or vaginal
cavity. In dysbiosis, normally harmless bacteria, yeasts, and
protozoa trigger disease by altering the nutrition or immune
responses of their host.
Dysinsulinemia
A state characterized by abnormal insulin levels in the blood.
Essential
Describes a substance that the body requires which must be
obtained through diet, since the body cannot independently produce
it. Many fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins are
essential.
Folic Acid
Promotes normal red-blood-cell formation. Maintains the nervous system, intestinal tract, sex organs, white bloods cells and normal patterns of growth. Regulates embryonic and fetal development of nerve cells. Promotes normal growth and development. Treats animas due to folic-acid deficiency occurring from alcoholism, liver disease, hemolytic
anemia, sprue, pregnancy, breast-feeding and oral contraceptives.
Functional
Medicine
Also called complementary medicine, integrative medicine, or
natural medicine, this discipline focuses on using a holistic
approach to analyze and treat interdependent systems of the body
and to create a dynamic balance integral for good health.
Glucose
Blood sugar the body uses as a primary source of energy, and the
end product of carbohydrate metabolism. Fluctuating levels of
glucose can affect mood states and fat metabolism, and act as key
triggers in the development of diabetes.
Growth
Hormone
Hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth and
development of muscle tissue, energy production, sexual function,
skin resilience, bone density, and other important functions. A
decline in growth hormone levels often accompanies the
degenerative process associated with aging.
Hormones
Chemical messengers released inside the body that circulate
through the bloodstream to produce physiological responses.
Hormones are important for regulating a diverse range of body
functions relating to sleep, energy production, sexual function,
emotions, stress response, and many others.
IGF-1
Literally, insulin-like growth factor 1, a crucial blood protein
produced in the liver in response to stimulation by growth
hormone. IGF-1 provides the best indicator of growth hormone
levels and optimal levels are linked to healthy bone, heart,
thyroid, skin, and nervous system.
Insulin
A hormone secreted by pancreatic cells in response to increasing
levels of glucose and/or amino acids in the bloodstream. Insulin
enables the body to transport and store these important "fuel
molecules" for energy production. Imbalances of insulin are
common in diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and obesity.
Insulinemia
Refers to the status of insulin levels within the blood; often
used to indicate elevated levels of insulin.
Iodine
Promotes normal function of the thyroid gland. Promotes normal cell function. Shrinks thyroid prior to thyroid surgery. Tests thyroid function before and after administration of a radioactive form of iodine. Keeps skin, hair and nails healthy. Protects the thyroid gland after accidental exposure
to radiation. Prevents goiters.
Inositol
Plays an important role similar to choline in helping move fats out of the liver. Deficiencies cause hair loss, constipation, eye abnormalities and high cholesterol.
Iron
Prevents and treats iron deficiency anemia due to dietary iron deficiency or other causes. Stimulates bone-marrow production of hemoglobin, the red-blood-cell pigment that carries oxygen to the body's cells. Forms part of several enzymes and proteins in the body.
Lycopene
Recent studies conducted by a Harvard professor give hope for a new weapon in the war against prostate cancer. These studies indicate that lycopene, the red pigment of the tomato, which is a powerful carotenoid, seems to be one of the most potent antioxidants that works for prostate cancer prevention. There is mounting evidence that carotenoids
prevent damage to DNA and help keep prostate cancer from forming.
Magnesium
Aids in bone growth. Aids function of nerves and muscles, including regulation of normal heart rhythm. Keeps metabolism steady. Conducts nerve impulses. Works as a laxative given in large doses. Acts as an antacid in small doses. Strengthens tooth enamel.
Maldigestion
Impaired digestion, which can cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal
symptoms and overall poor health.
Manganese
Promotes normal growth and development. Promotes normal cell function. Helps many body enzymes generate energy. Without manganese they could not function. Used as a supplement for those receiving long-term nutrition intravenously or through a naso-gastric tube.
Metabolism
The vast range of cellular and biochemical processes the body uses
to create and convert the substances necessary for health and
existence.
Microbe
A tiny living organism such as bacteria or yeast that has the
potential to trigger chronic illness and disease.
Osteoporosis
A thinning of bone tissue caused by gradual bone loss over a long
period of time. Osteoporosis produces dry, brittle bones that may
easily crack or collapse. Approximately 1 out of every 2 women are
at high risk for developing osteoporosis.
Oxidative
Stress
A state characterized by an excess of free radical groups in the
body, which creates a potentially unstable cellular environment
linked to tissue damage, accelerated aging, and degenerative
disease. Oxidative stress can result from many factors, including
exposure to alcohol, medications, poor nutrition, trauma, cold,
toxins, and over-exercise.
PABA Para-Aminobenzoic Acid
Shields the skin from damage of ultraviolet radiation when used as a topical sunscreen. Treats vitiligo, a condition characterized by discoloration or depigmentation of some areas of the skin.
Potassium
Promotes regular heart rate. Promotes normal muscle contraction. Regulates transfer of nutrients to cells. Preserves or restores normal function of nerve cells, heart cells, skeletal-muscle cells, kidneys and stomach-juice secretions. Treats potassium deficiency due to illness or taking diuretics (water pills), cortisone drugs or digitalis
preparations.
Protein
The second most common component of the body, besides water.
Protein is crucial for the body's tissue development and growth.
The body builds protein from amino acids. Common food sources
include eggs, fish, chicken, red meat, milk and cheese, and brown
rice.
Pycnogenol
As all serious athletes soon learn, peak performance requires more than physical training. Leading athletes need the best delivery and use of energy and oxygen. Energy and oxygen provide the forces and power that make it possible for the body to carry out its physical functions. An efficient vascular (blood flow) system makes sure every body cell is supplied with energy-providing glucose and oxygen. The anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activity of PycnoGenol is based on its powerful antioxidant activity whereby it can neutralise free radicals. This antioxidant mechanism of PycnoGenol is one explanation why small amounts of red wine appear to have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. It is thought that some of the natural extracts from the grape seeds are captured during production of wine and supply the protective antioxidants.
Selenium
Complements vitamin E to act as an efficient anti-oxidant. Promotes normal growth and development. Functions as an anti-oxidant itself.
Toxic or Toxin
A poisonous substance that can damage living cells and tissue
inside the body. Toxins can enter the body from the outside
environment (drugs, alcohol, pollution) or they can be produced
inside the body as waste by-products of metabolism.
Vitamin A Beta Carotene
Aids in the treatment of many eye disorders,including the prevention of night blindness and the formation of visualpurple in the eye. Promotes bone growth, teeth developments and reproduction. Helps to form and maintain healthy skin, hair and mucous membranes. Builds the body's resistance to respiratory infections.
Vitamin B1 Thiamin
Keeps mucous membranes healthy. Maintains normal function of the nervous system, muscles and the heart. Aids in the treatment of herpes zoster. Promotes normal growth and development. Treats beriberi (thiamin- deficiency disease). Replaces deficiency caused by alcoholism, cirrhosis, overactive thyroid, infection breast-feeding, absorption diseases,
pregnancy, prolonged diarrhea and burns.
Vitamin B2 Riboflavin
Aids in the release of energy from food. Maintains healthy mucous membranes lining the respiratory, digestive, circulatory and excretory tracts when used in conjunction with vitamin A. Promotes normal growth and development. Aids in the treatment infections, stomach problems, burns, alcoholism and liver disease.
Vitamin B3 Niacin
Maintains normal function of skin, nerves and digestivesystem. Reduces cholesterol and tryglycerides in the blood. Corrects niacindeficiency. Dilates the blood vessels. Treats vertigo (dizziness) and ringing in the ears. Prevents premenstrual headaches. Treats pellagra.
Vitamin B5 Pantothenic Acid
Promotes normal growth and development. Aids in the release of energy from foods. Helps synthesis of numerous body materials.
Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine
Participates actively in many chemical reactions of proteins and amino acids. Helps normal brain function. Promotes normal red-blood-cell formation. ,Maintains chemical balance among body fluids.
Regulates excretion of water. Helps in energy production and resistance to stress. Acts as co-enzyme in carbohydrates, protein and fat metabolism. Treats
some forms of anemia. Treats cycloserine and isoniazid poisoning
Vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin
Promotes normal growth and development. Treats some kinds of nerve disease. Treats pernicious anemia. Treats and prevents vitamin B-12 deficiency in people who have had a portion of the gastrointestinal tract removed. Prevents vitamin B-12 deficiency in vegan vegetarians and persons with absorption diseases.
Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid
Promotes healthy capillaries, gums and teeth. Aids iron absorption. Helps to heal wounds and broken bones. Prevents and treats scurvy. Treats animas, especially for iron-deficiency anemia. Treats urinary tract infections. Helps form collagen in connective tissue. Increases iron absorption from the intestines. Contributes to hemoglobin and
red-blood-cell formation in the bone marrow.
Vitamin D
Regulates growth, hardening and repair of bone by controlling absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the small intestine. Prevention of rickets. Treats hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in the blood) seen in kidney disease. Treats postoperative muscle contractions. Works with calcium to control bone formation. Promotes normal growth and
development of infants and children, particularly bones.
Vitamin E
Promotes normal growth and development. Treats and prevents Vitamin E deficiency in premature or low birth weight infants. Prevents oxidation of free radicals in the body. Acts as a blood-clotting agent. Protects tissue against oxidation. Promotes normal red-blood cell formation.
Vitamin K Menadiol
Promotes normal growth and development. Prevents hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Prevents abnormal bleeding, particularly in those with chronic intestinal disease or those taking anti-coagulant medicines. Vitamin K is normally manufactured in the intestinal tract by friendly bacteria. If bacteria are destroyed or damaged by disease or
antibiotic, vitamin K deficiency may develop.
Yeast
Microscopic fungal organisms that thrive in warm, moist
environments, including the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Normally harmless, intestinal yeast can overgrow as a result of
antibiotic use, stress, poor diet, and other factors, triggering a
wide range of health problems.
Zinc
Functions as an anti-oxidant. Maintains normal taste and smell. Promotes normal growth and development. Aids in wound healing. Promotes normal fetal development. Helps in the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Promotes cell division, cell repair and cell growth. Maintains normal level of
vitamin A in the blood.
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