This is a reference guide to many of the terms associated with Alternative Medicine and Health Care.
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Achlorhydria: Lack of Hydrochloric Acid production in the stomach.
Adrenal Cortex: The portion of the adrenal gland that secretes a group of hormones that vary in quantity and quality. These hormones are all synthesized from cholesterol; some of these hormones consist of cortisol, corticosterone, which act principally on carbohydrate metabolism. Other hormones consist of aldosterone, and DHEA, which affect metabolism of the electrolytes, sodium and potassium.
Adrenal Glands:
A pair of triangular shaped body covering the superior surface of each kidney and is part of the endocrine system. Known mainly for its secretion of adrenaline.
Anabolic:
The building up of the body substance; the constructive phase of metabolism by which a cell takes from the blood the substance required for repair and growth, building it into a cytoplasm, thus converting a nonliving material into the living cytoplasm of the cell. This can lead to increased muscle mass, stronger bones, and a greater energy supply. Hormones classified as anabolic consist of DHEA, testosterone, and growth hormone.
Antioxidant: Agent that prevents or inhibits oxidation (free radical`production). Vitamin A, C and E are known antioxidants.
Antigen: A substance that induces the formation of antibodies that interact specifically with it. This antigen-antibody reaction forms the basis for immunity. An antigen may be introduced into the body or it may form within the body.
Amino Acid:
A large group of organic compounds known as the body's building blocks. Amino acids are classified as essential and nonessential. Essential amino acids are required for growth and development, amino acids that cannot be produced by the body must be obtained from food. Nonessential amino acids are produced by the body and are not required in the diet. Deficiencies can prevent absorption of vitamins and minerals and impair the body's ability to repair metabolic breakdown.
Arrhythmia:
Variation from the normal rhythm, especially of the heart beat. NOTE: The omega 3-fatty acids (EPA-DHA) have been shown to have beneficial effects as well as Magnesium.
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Betaine HCL:
When ingested converts to hydrochloric acid (HCL)which is necessary in protein digestion and aides in the conversion of pepsinogen to pepsin to the end product peptones.
Bioflavinoids aka Vitamin P: Bioflavinoids act to strengthen the capillaries and stop capillary bleeding by lowering the permeability of the capillary walls; Vitamin P stands for permeability.
Biotin: A B Vitamin necessary for certain enzymes to be able to function normally. Without these enzymes the body can't utilize carbohydrates, proteins and fats. When that happens, specific abnormal metabolites (poisons) build up in the body, creating a whole host of devastating symptoms. Immune deficiencies in children have been linked to biotin deficiency.
Bone Resorption: The wearing away of the bone matrix, which can eventually leading to osteopenia and/or osteoporosis, and fractures.
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Calcium Citrate: A better form of Calcium for absorption. Affects histamine levels, is considered an ash mineral, helps prevent loss of bone in osteoporosis.
Candida Albicans: Found in the gastrointestinal tract as a microscopic yeast that is kept in check by the immune system. It can overgrow due to bad diet, antibiotics or immune deficiency causing a variety of symptoms; asthma, allergies, headaches, myalgia (achy muscles), fatigue, depression, anxiety, skin problems, PMS, menstral problems, frequent yeast infections, chronic sinusitis, digestive problems, or environmental sensitivity.
Carbohydrate: A group of chemical substances, including sugars, glycogen, starches, dextrins and celluloses. Classified as one of the three nutrients. Carbohydrates are a basic source of energy; stored in the body as glycogen virtually in all the tissues but principally in the liver and muscle tissue.
Catabolic: The destructive phase of metabolism, the opposite of anabolism.
Catabolism: Catabolism includes all the proceses in which complex substances are converted into simpler substances, usually with the release of energy.
Cell: A mass of protoplasm containing a nucleus or nuclear material. Cells and the products of cells comprise all the tissues of the body. All functional activities of the body are carried on by cells. Cells only arise from pre-existing cells through DNA by cell division.
Cell Membrane: The cell border which consists of proteins and lipids. The membrane controls the movement of substances inside and outside of the cell.
Chlorophyll: The substance responsible for photo-synthesis and the green color of food. Chlorophyll salts help maintain kidney health by dissolving calcium oxalate (kidney stones). An excellent liver purifier.
Choline: An essential dietary component found in a wide range of meat and vegetable foods. Choline is a precursor of acetylcholine, a brain compound that is essential for smooth flow of nerve impulses. It has been shown to enhance memory and cut learning time in half.
Chromium: The effect of chromium on glucose metabolism apparently requires its conversion to glucose tolerance factor (GTF). GTF has been shown to potentiate the action of insulin at the cellular level. Also helps with increased triglycerides, insulin, carbohydrate sensitivity and reduced HDL. With adult onset diabetes has been shown to improve glucose tolerance.
CoEnzyme A: This enzyme is a metabolic (active) form of pantothenate (Vitamin B5). CoA is vital in the health of the adrenal glands and in the production of the adrenal gland hormones, the hormones that give emotional and physical energy to cope with stress, any stress.
CoEnzyme Q10 ( CoQ10 ): Also called ubiquinone, plays a key role in energy production from the oxidation of fat, carbohydrate and amino acids by mitochondria. As these fuels funnel into the Citric Acid Cycle to produce CoQ10 in order to generate ATP. Without adequate CoQ10, energy production is reduced and cell function is compromised. Heart and skeletal muscle are particularly dependent on CoQ10. Studies show that decreased levels of CoQ10 in serum and in myocardial tissue are highly correlated with decreased cardiac output. Conditions linked to low tissue oxygen, such as cardiac ischemia, as well as conditions related to infection, inflammation and stress correlate with reduced tissue and serum CoQ10 levels.
Collagen: A fibrous insoluble protein found in connective tissue including skin, bone, ligaments and cartilage. Collagen represents 30% of the total body protein.
Copper: A mineral that helps increase, and maintain hemoglobin levels in red blood cells. Copper is necessary for the utilization of iron. Liver is a superb source of copper.
Cortisol: An adrenocortical hormone, usually referred to as hydrocortisone. Closely related to cortisone in physiological effects. It is released daily to help with our sleep rythums; usually high in the morning, decreasing as the days wares on so we can sleep. This is disrupted with adrenal fatigue, obesity and/or immune dysfunction.
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Degenerative: Deterioration or impairment of an organ or part in structure of cells and the substances of which they are a part. A general term used in conjunction with aging.
Detoxification: One of the body's self-defense mechanisms is the conversion and neutralization of metabolic waste products into soluble, safe by-products that can be eliminated.
DHEA: DHEA is sometimes called the "mother hormone" because it is a precursor to testosterone, estrogen, and other sex hormones. Produced in the adrenal glands it is also used for support of the immune system, improvement of cognition, memory and mood, for stress, and for menopausal conditions including osteoporosis.
Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO): A sulfur-containing substance produced from wood pulp, has been used topically for relief of osteoarthritis symptoms. It is a scavenger of reactive oxygen species, and it functions as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Dysbiosis aka Leaky Gut: Increased permeability in the intestinal tract that causes an imbalance in bowel flora that can lead to disorders such as yeast over-growth, bacterial imbalance and decreased immune response.
Dysinsulinemia: An imbalance in blood sugar levels. A state of decreased insulin levels in the blood.
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Essential: A substance necessary for body function that cannot be produced by the body but must be obtained from food.
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Fatty Acid: The unsaturated fatty acids that are essential are linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic. These can only be synthesized from food and have been considered to be necessary to maintain health. Consider with increased or decreased blood fats, immune insufficiency, as a calcium synergist, with prostate hypertrophy, skin conditions, cardio-vascular support, increased serum fibrinogen levels, benign breast lesions and as preventive support where a genetic pre-disposition to free radical problems is present. Good sources for essential fatty acid's are butter, flax seed oil, sesame seed oil, black walnut seed oil and black currant seed oil
5-HTP (5-hydrozy-L-tryptophan): An amino acid that aids in the synthesis of serotonin.
Folic Acid: Used in the prevention of cervical cancer. Consider with anemia, chronic fatigue, digestive inflammation, increased and decreased serum uric acid, increased MCV/MCH, nerve degeneration or inflammation.
Oral contraceptives interfere with folate metabolism causing lowered folic acid levels in the blood.
Functional Medicine: A term created in 1993 to describe the integrated medicine of the future. Functional medicine links research in basic sciences with emerging options in clinical care to create safe and effective treatment of complex, chronic illness. It is a patient-centered approach through patient environment, physiological, biochemical function, and a fundamental biological process.
A unique approach to health care that focuses on achieving health through optimizing physiological function through alternative as well as medical approaches.
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Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA): In healthy people, the body converts GLA from linoleic acid (LA), the most abundant n6 fatty acid in average western diet. GLA is the precursor for arachadonic acid, dihomogamma linolenic acid (DGLA) and of certain prostaglandins (PGE1) which in turn play important roles in maintaining 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 (HGH):
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.
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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.
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Hydrochloric Acid (HCL): A normal constituent of gastric juice produced by the partietal cells of the stomach. The HCL concentration in the stomach is variable, depending upon the type of food eaten. It serves to convert pepsinogen into pepsin and produces an acid medium favorable for the activity of pepsin; dissolves and disintegrates proteins and collagen; inhibits multiplication of bacteria, prevents putrefactive organisms that ferment lactic acid and pathogenic forms. In pernicious anemia, HCL is absent from the stomach (achlorhydria).
Hypochlorhydria: Decreased production of Hydrochloric Acid in the stomach.
Idiopathic: A primary disease without apparent cause.
IgF-1
IgF-1 is needed for all connective tissue repair. Convertion happens when Growth Hormone, secreted by the pituitary, travels peripherally where it is converted into IgF-1 in the liver. (see article on Growth Hormone).
High insulin levels can prevent the production of IgF-1.
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: An excess amount of insulin in the blood.
Iodine: Aids in the development and function of the thyroid gland, formation of thyroxine and prevention of goiter. The amount of iodine in the entire body averages 50 mg. of which one-third to one-fifth is found in the thyroid. Iodine helps to keep skin, nails and hair healthy.
Inositol: Helps remove fats from the blood and liver and, promotes healthy nerve and brain function. Consider with glycemic problems, elevated blood fats, diabetes, skin lesions, slow growth, hair loss, lymph edema and in some cases of constipation.
Iron: Essential in hemoglobin formation, it is essential to life. Iron is also present in enzymes that permit cellular respiration to occur. It plays a role in the nutrition of epithelial tissues as well. Used to treat some forms of anemia.
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Lycopene: The red pigment in tomatoes, a carotene (antioxidant). It is also present in other red fruits and berries. Recent studies have shown that this antioxidant (lycopene) is used preventatively for prostate cancer.
Lymphocyte: Lymph cell or white blood cell.
Lymphokines: Substances released by sensitied lymphocytes when they contact specific antigens. They help to produce cellular immunity by stimulating macrophages and monocytes.
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Magnesium:
Found in muscle tissue and is involved in many energy producing reactions in the body. Prevents heart arhythmias, associated with regulation of body temperature, neuromuscular contraction and synthesis of protein.
Manganese:
An essential trace mineral needed for normal bone matabolism and many enzyme reactions.
Metabolism:
The total of all physical and chemical changes that vast range of cellular and biochemical processes the body uses to create and convert the substances necessary for health and existence.
Microbe: A minute one-celled form of life not distinguishable as to its animal or vegetable nature. They are bacteria; germs producing fermentation, putrefaction and disease.
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Neurotransmitter: Substance such as norepinephrine, acetycholine and dopamine that is released when the nerve end (terminal) of a nerve is excited. The substance then travels across the synapse to act on the target cell to either inhibit or excite it.
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Osteoporosis: Increased loss of bone matrix causing bones to become brittle and susceptible to fractures.
Oxidative Stress: An unstable cellular environment which causes an excess of free radical production that causes tissue damage. The outcome of which can be accelerated aging, wrinkles and early degenerative disorders.
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PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid): This B Vitamin is the most potent sun screen on the market. PABA protects against the UVB wavelengths of the sun. UVB is the form of ultraviolet radiation which causes sunburn and other skin problems. At the same time PABA permits UVA rays, which are the less dangerous, tanning rays, to travel through to the skin.
Potassium: The principal cation in intracellular fluid and is of primary importance in its maintenance. In conjunction with sodium and chloride, it aids in regulation of osmotic pressure and acid-base balance. A proper balance of potassium, calcium, and magnesium ions is essential for normal excitability of muscle tissue, especially cardiac muscle and it plays a role in the conduction of nerve impulses.
Protein:
Proteins are a source of heat and energy to the body. They are essential for growth, the building of new tissue, and the repair of injured or broken-down tissue. They form an integral part of the protoplasm of every cell.
Prostaglandin (PGE1): Vital for maintaining cardiovascular health. They prevent blood platelets from sticking together and help regulate cholesterol production in the liver. They also help the body utilize the glucose regulating hormone insulin and help protect the bosy against inflammatory immunoresponse conditions. Necessary for maintaining health and are dependent on adequate GLA for their production.
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SAMe (S-Adenosyl-Methionine): Used to help some forms of depression. SAMe is found throughout the body and is naturally formed by the combination of ATP (adenosyl-triphosphate) and the amino acid methionine (sulfur bearing).
Selenium: One of the three most important natural antioxidants. Along with Vitamin E and C they can block the formation of tumors.
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Toxic: A poisonous state generated in the body that cause an overload of toxins that lead to increased production of free radicals and systemic damage to the body.
Toxin: A poisonous substance of animal or plant origin. Produced by bacteria, virus, and fungi by products.
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Vitamin A (Beta Carotene): Needed for smooth, healthy looking skin and helps build resistance to colds. Keeps moist the mucous membranes that line your mouth, respiratory passages and urinary tract-thus ensuring resistance to infection. Vitamin A also bolsters the body's natural immunity and helps counter the damaging effects of stress and aids in wound healing and detoxifying certain poisonous chemicals. Has long been known to support mucosal cell surfaces as well.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Essential for metabolizing sugar, carbohydrates and fats. It is also essential for the liberation of energy and disposal of pyruvic acid. Maintains digestion, nervous system, circulatory and endocrine systems.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Helps prevent cataracts, conjunctivitis, fatigue, dermatitis, birth defects and according to some researchers-cancer. This water soluble nutrient is quickly destroyed by light. In the body, drugs like birth control and tranquilizers inhibit absorption. Riboflavin participates in the respiration of every single cell.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Niacin for brighter moods and better memory. Specific to central nervous system health. Depression can be a symptom of niacin deficiency; also prevents most irritability and anxiety. Can also help to lower cholesterol.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid):
The anti-stress vitamin. The body turns Vitamin B5 into another substance, Coenzyme A (CoA) which enables the body to deal with stress.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Used in the treatment of hyperactive children, asthma, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune disorders, infertility, recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stone and for prevention and treatment of toxemia during pregnancy. In addition according to an editorial in Lancet, B6 may benefit heart patients by reducing the tendency of thier blood to form dangerous clots. Also used in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin): Vitamin B12 is touted as a treatment for tiredness. It is used to treat pernicious anemia as well. Jo Anne Brasel, M.D. noted that some women who cannot conceive-and for whom no medical reason can be found-may be deficient in B12.
Vitamin B15 (Pangamic Acid): The vitamin that isn't. Filled with skepticism since its absence in the body isn't linked to any deficiency disease the way vitamin C is to scurvy. Benefits that are attributed to vitamin B15 are positive affects with heart disease, diabetes, schizophrenia, alcoholism, asthma, nerve and joint infections, eczema, etc. Discovered by the Russian "Ernest Krebses" the studies done were pretty sloppy without proper controls and were loaded with unsubstantiated data.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): An anti-oxidant that works well in combination with Vitamin A and Vitamin E. Stress increases the need for Vitamin C. Aids in decreased wound healing time, regulates the formation and maintenance of intercellular cement and collagen (a supportive protein that helps bind up wounds). The structural integrity of every tissue and organ is dependent on Vitamin C. Supports healthy capillaries and gums.
Vitamin D (Parathyroid Hormone): Essential to the health of strong bones. Know as the "sunshine vitamin" the main input is via the skin, where ultraviolet light from the sun converts a form of cholesterol into vitamin D. Without vitamin D, the body cannot properly utilize calcium.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E lubricates the circulation. Decreases platelet aggregation significantly. Protects cell membranes, especially, from the destructive effects of oxidation.
Vitamin K: Vitamin K is required for the production of a number of coagulation factors, substances in the blood which are essential for normal blood clotting. Nosebleeds, bleeding in the intestines and stomach, and blood in the urine are all common in vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K is also beneficial in maintaining bone density. especially in postmenopausal women.
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Yeast: Unicellular fungi which reproduces by budding. A component of bowel flora capable of fermenting carbo-hydrates. Yeast thrives in a warm, dark, moist environment. Bowel flora can be disrupted by antibiotic use, stress or poor diet which can cause an overgrowth that can lead to various health problems.
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Zinc:
Zinc is found in every cell in the body. Consider with immune insufficiency, loss of sense of taste or smell, for wounds that heal slowly, acne, reduced sex drive, prostate hypertrophy, chronic yeast infections, macular degeneration, hair loss, dandruff, premature graying of the hair, white spots on in sufficiencyails and as a synergist to vitamin B-6, chromium and magnesium.
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