absorption.  Nutritionally, the process by which nutrients  are absorbed through the intestinal tract into the  bloodstream to be used by the body. If nutrients are not properly absorbed, nutritional deficiencies can result.

acetic acid. A weak inorganic acid that is the active ingredient in vinegar; a 4- to 5-percent solution of acetic acid in water makes vinegar.

acid. Any of a class of compounds that share certain basic chemical characteristics. Acids have low pH, are usually sour to the taste, and, in their pure form, are of ten corrosive. They can be either organic or inorganic compounds. Acids found in plant tissues (especially fruits) tend to prevent the secretion of fluids and shrink tissues.

acute illness. An illness that comes on quickly and may cause relatively severe symptoms, but is of limited duration.

adaptogen. A term for a substance, usually an herb, that produces suitable adjustments in the body. Adaptogens tend to normalize body functions, and when the job is completed, they are eliminated or incorporated into the body without side effects. Some beneficial adaptogens include garlic, ginseng, echinacea, ginkgo, goldenseal, and pau d'arco.

adrenal gland. One of a pair of glands situated atop the kidneys. The adrenal glands are the source of the stress hormones epinephrine (adrenaline) and cortisol, among others.

AIDS. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

allergen. A substance that provokes an allergic response.

allergy. An inappropriate response by the immune system to a normally harmless substance. Allergies can affect any of the body's tissues. Hay fever is a common type of allergy.

amino acid. Any of twenty-two nitrogen-containing organic acids from which proteins are made.

anabolic compound. A substance that allows the conversion of simple nutritive material into complex materials that are part of living tissue during the constructive phase of metabolism.

analgesic. Tending to relieve pain, or a substance that relieves pain.

anemia. A deficiency in the blood's ability to carry oxygen to the body tissues.

anesthetic. Causing loss of sensation, or a substance that causes the loss of sensation, especially the ability to feel pain.

angina. Angina pectoris. A syndrome of chest pain with sensations of suffocation, typically brought on by exertion and relieved by rest.

antacid. A substance that neutralizes acid in the stomach, esophagus, or the first part of the duodenum. 

antibiotic. Tending to destroy or inhibit the growth of micro-organisms, especially bacteria and/or fungi; or a substance that has this property.

antibody. A protein molecule made by the immune system that is designed to intercept and neutralize a specific invading organism or other foreign substance.

antigen. A substance that can elicit the formation of an antibody when introduced into the body.

antihistamine. A substance that interferes with the action of histamines by binding to histamine receptors in various body tissues (see histamine).

antioxidant. A substance that blocks or inhibits destructive oxidation reactions. Examples include vitamins C and E, the minerals selenium and germanium, the enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Qlo, and some amino acids.

arrhythmia. See cardiac arrhythmia.

arteriosclerosis. A circulatory disorder characterized by a thickening and stiffening of the walls of large and mediumsized arteries, which impedes circulation.

artery. A blood vessel through which blood is pumped from the heart to all the organs, glands, and other tissues of the body.

ascorbate. A mineral salt of vitamin C. Taken as nutritional supplements, ascorbates are less acidic (and therefore less irritating) than pure ascorbic acid, and also provide for better absorption of both the vitamin C and the mineral.

ascorbic acid. The organic acid more commonly known as vitamin C.

atherosclerosis. The most common type of arteriosclerosis, caused by the accumulation of fatty deposits in the inner linings of the arteries.

autoimmune disorder. Any condition in which the immune system reacts inappropriately to the body's own tissues and attacks them, causing damage and/or interfering with normal functioning. Examples include Bright's disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

autologous transfusion. A transfusion of one's own blood that has been collected and kept for later use. 

bacteria. Single-celled microorganisms. Some bacteria can cause disease; other ("friendly") bacteria are normally present in the body and perform such useful functions as aiding digestion and protecting the body from harmful invading organisms.

benign. Literally, "harmless." Used to refer to cells, especially cells growing in inappropriate locations, that are not malignant (cancerous).

beta-carotene. A substance the body uses to make vitamin A.

bile. A bitter, yellowish substance that is released by the liver into the intestines for the digestion of fats. 

biofeedback. A technique for helping an individual to become conscious of usually unconscious body processes, such as heartbeat or body temperature, so that he or she can gain some measure of control over them, and thereby learn to manage the effects of various disorders, including acute back pain, migraines, and Raynaud's disease. 

bioflavonoid. Any of a group of biologically active flavonoids.They are essential for the stability and absorption of vitamin C. Although they are not technically vitamins, they are sometimes referred to as vitamin P.

biopsy. Excision of tissue from a living being for diagnosis.

blood count. A basic diagnostic test in which a sample of blood is examined and the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets determined; or the results of such a test.

blood-brain barrier. A mechanism involving the capillaries and certain other cells of the brain that keeps many substances, especially water-based substances, from passing out of the blood vessels to be absorbed by the brain tissue.

bronchi. The two main branches of the trachea (windpipe) that lead to the lungs.

capillaries. Tiny blood vessels (their walls are about one cell thick) that allow the exchange of nutrients and wastes between the bloodstream and the body's cells.

carbohydrate. Any one of many organic substances, almost all of them of plant origin, that are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and serve as the major source of energy in the diet.

carcinogen. An agent that is capable of inducing cancerous
changes in cells and/or tissues.

cardiac. Pertaining to the heart.

cardiac arrhythmia. An abnormal heart rate or rhythm.

carotene. A yellow to orange pigment that is converted into vitamin A in the body. There are several different forms, including alpha-, beta-, and gamma-carotene.

CAT scan. Computerized axial tomography scan. A computerized x-ray scanning procedure used to create a three-dimensional picture of the body, or part of the body, for the purpose of detecting abnormalities. 

cauterization. A technique used to stop bleeding that involves applying electrical current, a laser beam, or a chemical such as silver nitrate directly to a broken blood vessel.

cell. A very small but complex organic unit consisting of a nucleus, cytoplasm, and a cell membrane. All living tissues are composed of cells.

cellulose. An indigestible carbohydrate found in the outer layers of fruits and vegetables.

cerebral. Pertaining to the brain.

chelation. A chemical process by which a larger molecule or group of molecules surround or enclose a mineral atom.

chelation therapy. The introduction of certain substances into the body so that they will chelate, and then remove, foreign substances such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and other heavy metals. Chelation therapy can also be used to reduce or remove calcium-based plaque from the linings of the blood vessels, easing the flow of blood to vital organs and tissues.

chemotherapy. Treatment of disease by the use of chemicals (such as drugs), especially the use of chemical treatments to combat cancer.

chiropractic. A system of healing based on the belief that many disorders result from misalignments (called subluxations) of the spinal vertebrae and other joints. Chiropractors primarily treat illness by using physical manipulation techniques to bring the body into proper alignment and thus restore normal health and functioning.

chlorophyll. The pigment responsible for the green color of plant tissues. It can be taken in supplement form as a source of magnesium and trace elements.

cholesterol. A crystalline substance that is soluble in fats and that is produced by all vertebrates. It is a necessary constituent of cell membranes, and facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. Excess cholesterol, however, is a potential threat to health.

chronic illness. A disorder that persists or recurs over an extended period, often for life. Chronic illnesses can be as relatively benign as hay fever or as serious as multiple sclerosis.

citric acid. An organic acid found in citrus fruits. Often used to lower the pH of cosmetic products, to bring them closer to the natural pH of the skin.

clotting factor. One of several substances, especially vitamin K, that are present in the bloodstream and are important in the process of blood clotting.

cobalt 60. A radioactive form of the element cobalt that is widely used in radiation therapy.

co-carcinogen. An agent that acts with another to cause cancer.

coenzyme. A molecule that works with an enzyme to enable the enzyme to perform its function in the body. Coenzymes are necessary in the utilization of vitamins and minerals.

cold-pressed. A term used to describe food oils that are extracted without the use of heat in order to preserve nutrients and flavor.

colic. Sharp abdominal pains that result from spasm or obstruction of certain organs or structures, especially the intestines, uterus, or bile ducts.

colonoscope. An instrument for examining the colon.

complete protein. A source of dietary protein that contains a full complement of the eight essential amino acids.

complex carbohydrate. A type of carbohydrate that, owing to its chemical structure, releases its sugar into the body relatively slowly and also provides fiber. The carbohydrates in starches and fiber are complex carbohydrates. Also called polysaccliarides.

complication. A secondary infection, reaction, or other negative event that makes recovery from illness more difficult and/or longer.

congenital. Present from birth, but not necessarily inherited.

contraceptive. Tending to prevent conception, or a device, substance, or method used to prevent pregnancy. 

contusion. A bruise; an injury in which the skin is not broken.

convulsion. A seizure characterized by intense, uncontrollable contraction of the voluntary muscles that results from abnormal cerebral stimulation.

coryza. The nasal symptoms of the common cold.

cruciferous. Literally, "cross-shaped." A term used to refer to a group of vegetables-including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, turnips, and rutabagas-that have characteristic cross-shaped blossoms and that contain substances that may help to prevent colon cancer.

cystoscope. Instrument used to examine the urinary bladder.

dementia. A permanent acquired impairment of intellectual function that results in a marked decline in memory, language ability, personality, visuospatial skills, and/or cognition (orientation, perception, reasoning, abstract thinking, and calculation). Dementia can be either static or permanent, and can result from many different causes.

demulcent. Soothing, especially to mucous membranes.

dermis. The layer of skin that lies underneath the epidermis.Blood and lymphatic vessels and the glands that secrete perspiration and sebum are all found in the dermis.

detoxification. The process of reducing the buildup of various poisonous substances in the body.

disorientation. The loss of a normal relationship to one's surroundings; the inability to comprehend time, people, and place.

diuretic. Tending to increase urine flow, or a substance that promotes the excretion of fluids.

DNA. Deoxyribonucleic acid. Substance in the cell nucleus that genetically contains the cell's genetic blueprint and determines the type of life form into which a cell will develop.

echocardiogram. A diagnostic test that uses ultrasound to detect structural and functional abnormalities of the heart.

edema. Retention of fluid in the tissues that results in swelling.

EDTA. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. An organic molecule used in chelation therapy.

EEG. Electroencephalogram. A test used to measure brain wave activity.

EKC (or ECG). Electrocardiogram. A test that monitors heart function by tracing the conduction of electrical impulses associated with heart activity.

electrolyte. Soluble salts dissolved in the body's fluids. Electrolytes are the form in which most minerals circulate in the body. They are so named because they are capable of conducting electrical impulses.

ELISA. Enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay. A test that determines the presence of a particular protein, such as an antibody, by detecting the presence of an enzyme that is linked to that protein.

embolus. A loose particle of tissue, a bloot clot, or a tiny air bubble that travels through the bloodstream and, if it lodges in a narrowed portion of a blood vessel, can block blood flow.

emulsion. A combination of two liquids that do not mix with each other, su ' ch as oil and water; one substance is broken into tiny droplets and is suspended within the other. Emulsification is the first step in the digestion of fats.

endemic. Native to or prevalent in a particular geographic region. Often used to describe diseases.

endocrine system. The system of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream. Endocrine glands include the pituitary, thyroid, thymus, and adrenal glands, as well as the pancreas, ovaries, and testes.

endorphin. One of a number of natural hormonelike substances found primarily in the brain. One function of endorphins is to suppress the sensation of pain, which they do by binding to opiate receptors in the brain. 

endoscope. Instrument for examining the interior of a hollow organ.

enteric. Pertaining to the small intestines.

enzyme. One of many specific protein catalysts that initiate or speed chemical reactions in the body without being consumed.

epidemic. An extensive outbreak of a disease, or a disease occurring with an unusually high incidence at certain times and places.

epidermis. The outer layer of the skin.

Epstein-Barrvirus (EBV). Avirus thatcauses infectious mononucleosis and that may cause other health problems as well, especially in people with compromised immune systems.

erythema. Reddening, especially of the skin.

essential. A term for nutrients needed for building and repair that cannot be manufactured by the body, and that therefore must be supplied in the diet. At present, there are some forty-two known essential nutrients.

excision. Surgical cutting away and/or removal of tissue.

fat-soluble. Capable of dissolving in the same organic solvents as fats and oils.

fatty acid. Any one of many organic acids from which fats and oils are made.

FBS. Fasting blood sugar. The level of glucose present in a blood sample drawn at least eight hours after the last meal.

fiber. The indigestible portion of plant matter. Fiber is an important component of a healthy diet because it is capable of binding to toxins and escorting them out of the body.

flatulence. Excessive amounts of gas in the stomach or other parts of the digestive tract.

flavonoid. Any of a large group of crystalline compounds found in plants.

free radical. An atom or group of atoms that is highly chemically reactive because it has at least one unpaired electron. Because they join so readily with other compounds, free radicals can attack cells and can cause a lot of damage in the body. Free radicals form in heated fats and oils, and as a result of exposure to atmospheric radiation and environmental pollutants, among other things.

free radical scavenger. A substance that removes or destroys free radicals.

fungus. One of a class of organisms that includes yeasts, mold, and mushrooms. A number of fungal species, such as Candida albicans, are capable of causing severe disease in immunocompromised hosts.

gastritis. Inflammation of the stomach lining.

gastroenteritis. Inflammation of the mucous lining of the stomach and the intestines.

gastrointestinal. Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

genetic. Inherited.

gingivitis. Inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth.

gland. An organ or tissue that secretes a substances for use elsewhere in the body rather than for its own functioning.

globulin. A type of protein found in the blood. Certain globulins contain disease-fighting antibodies.

glucose. A simple sugar that is the principal source of energy for the body's cells.

gluten. A protein found in many grains, including wheat, rye, barley, and oats.

glycogen. A polysaccharide (complex carbohydrate) that is the main form in which glucose is stored in the body, primarily in the liver and muscles. It is converted back into glucose as needed to supply energy.

hair analysis. A method of determining the levels of minerals, including both toxic metals and essential minerals, in the body by measuring the concentrations of those minerals in the hair. Unlike mineral levels in the blood, those in the hair reflect the person's status over several preceding months.

heavy metal. A metallic element whose specific gravity (a measurement of mass as compared with the mass of water or hydrogen) is greater than 5.0. Some heavy metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, are extremely toxic.

hematocrit. The percentage of blood (by volume) that is composed of red blood cells.

hematoma. A bulge or swelling that is filled with blood. Hematomas are usually the result of a blunt injury or other trauma that causes a blood vessel under the skin to break.

hemicellulose. An indigestible carbohydrate resembling cellulose, found in plant cell walls, that absorbs water. 

hemoglobin. The iron-containing red pigment in the blood that is responsible for the transport of oxygen. 

hemorrhage. Profuse or abnormal bleeding.

hepatic. Pertaining to the liver.

hepatitis. A general term for inflammation of the liver. It can result from infection or exposure to toxins. 

herbal therapy. The use of herbal combinations for healing or cleansing purposes. Herbs can be used in tablet, capsule, tincture, or extract form, as well as in baths and poultices.

hernia. A condition in which part of an internal organ protrudes, inappropriately, through an opening in the tissues that are supposed to contain it.

histamine. A chemical released by the immune system that acts on various body tissues. It has the effect of constricting the smooth bronchial tube muscles, dilating small blood vessels, allowing fluid to leak from various tissues, and increasing the secretion of stomach acid. HIV. Human immunodeficiency virus. The virus that causes AIDS.

Hodgkin's disease. A type of lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system).

homeopathy. A medical system based on the belief that "like cures like"-that is, that illness can be cured by taking a minute dose of a substance that, if taken by a healthy person, would produce symptoms like those being treated. Homeopathy employs a variety of plant, animal, and mineral substances in very small doses to stimulate the body's natural healing powers and to bring the body back into balance.

hormone. One of numerous essential substances produced by the endocrine glands that regulate many bodily functions. 

host. An organism in or on which another organism lives and from which the invading organism obtains nourishment.

hyaluronic acid. An organic acid known as the most effective natural skin moisturizer. It is present in human skin, and is able to hold 500 times its own weight in water.

hydrochloric acid. A strong, corrosive inorganic acid that is produced in the stomach to aid in digestion.

hydrogenation. A chemical process used to turn liquid oils into more solid form by bombarding the oil molecules with hydrogen atoms. Hydrogenation destroys the nutritional value of the oil and also results in the formation of potentially cis- and trans-fatty acids, strangely altered fatty acid molecules that do not occur in nature.

hypercalcemia. The presence of, abnormally high amounts of calcium in the blood.

hypertension. High blood pressure. Generally, hypertension is defined as a regular resting pressure over 140/90. 

hypoallergenic. Having a low capacity for inducing hypersensitive (allergic) reactions.

hypocalcemia. The presence of abnormally low amounts of calcium in the blood.

hypotension. Low blood pressure.

hypothalamus. A portion of the brain that regulates many aspects of metabolism, including body temperature and the hunger response.

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