Glossary
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Allergen
These are substance that causes an allergic reaction.
Allergy
It is a condition in which the body has an exaggerated response to a substance (e.g. food or drug).
Amino Acid
It is an organic compound that is a basic structural unit of peptides and proteins.
Antioxidant
This is a substance that inhibits oxidation and can guard the body from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Astaxanthin
It is a carotenoid pigment supplement and antioxidant.
Asthma
It is a lung disease in which tightening of the air passages characterized by wheezing and difficulty breathing; usually of allergic origin.
Autoimmune
It is a process by which a person's immune system attacks the body's own tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease.
Acetyl-l-carnitine
Acetyl-l-carnitine is a form of the L-carnitine. L-carnitine is a type of nutrient called an amino acid which is a building block of protein. It is a vital component in the production of energy within the body. Acetyl-l-carnitine is a superior form of l-carnitine as acetyl is a natural compound which helps with the utilization of l-carnitine in the body.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
It is a potent antioxidant known for anti-aging effects and used to help with blood sugar control and prevent nerve damage in diabetics.
Acidophilus
Acidophilus is important bacteria found naturally in the small intestine. It is essential in the digestive system as it helps promote immunity and proper nutrition. Sufferers of IBS, diarrhoea and bowel problems in general may have depleted acidophilus levels in their gut and may benefit from using an acidophilus supplement.
Beneficial Bacteria
Most people think of bacteria as micro-organisms responsible for a variety of diseases, but more and more people are waking up to the fact that although bacteria can be harmful, there is also such a thing as 'beneficial bacteria' (sometimes referred to as probiotics). This sort of good bacteria is vital for ensuring proper functioning of the digestive system as well as a strong immune system. Bifidobacteria, Acidophilus and Lactobacilli are all examples of beneficial bacteria.
Bromelain
It is derived from the pineapple, bromelain contains compounds which can help digestion and reduce inflammation within the body.
Beta-sitosterol
It is one of the main subcomponents of a group of plant sterols known as Phytosterols.
Bioavailability
These are rate and extent to which a drug is absorbed or is otherwise available to the treatment site in the body.
Bioflavonoid
It is a plant derivative with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
BMI - Body Mass Index
The number, derived by using height and weight measurements, that gives a general indication if weight falls within a healthy range.
BPH / Benign Prostate Hypertrophy
Enlargement of the prostate gland, which may interfere the flow of urine.
Bronchitis
Infection of the airways (bronchi) & Inflammation (swelling and reddening), leading to the lungs.
Carotenoid
It is red to yellow pigments responsible for the characteristic color of many plant organs or fruits, such as tomatoes, carrots, etc. They have antioxidant properties.
Cholesterol
A fatty substance (lipid) found in body tissue and fat.
Chondroitin
It decreases the activity of enzymes which break down cartilage in a joint. Stimulates the secretion of joint fluid & increases viscosity, anti inflammatory in nature.
CMO
This is a compound of an unsaturated fatty acid commonly found in fish oils, whale oils, dairy butter etc.
Co Q-10
It is an enzyme which is a constituent of every cell in the body. It is used in the production of energy.
Colostrum
The first milk secreted at the time of parturition, differing from the milk secreted later by containing more lactalbumin and lactoprotein, and also being rich in antibodies that confer passive immunity to the newborn. It is also called foremilk. It provides essential nutrients and infection-fighting antibodies.
Calcium
A crucial element introduced to the body through the diet, calcium is essential for a variety of bodily functions, such as neurotransmission, muscle contraction and proper heart function.
Cartilage
Cartilage is a spongy material that acts as the hinge in your joints. It plays a crucial part in overall joint health by protecting the ends of the bone that make the joint.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty, waxy substance present in all animal tissues. It is produced in the liver. It is a component of bile, carried in the blood by lipoproteins.
Chromium
This is a trace element mineral essential for health. It is found in the diet in foods such as liver and whole-grains and is essential for controlling the way your body manages blood sugar levels.
CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a form of linoleic acid (LA) - an omega-6 fatty acid important to human health. It helps with weight loss by regulating fat and protein metabolism.
DHA
This is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid - a vital component of the phospholipids of human cellular membranes, especially those in the brain and retina. It is necessary for optimal development.
Dietary Supplement
A prescribed dietary supplement is intended to supply nutrients (vitamins, minerals, fatty acids or amino acids) that are missing or not consumed in sufficient quantity in a person's diet.
Digestive enzymes
These are enzymes in the alimentary tract with a purpose of breaking down components of food which the person eats. They are secreted by different glands: the salivary glands, the glands in the stomach, the pancreas, and the glands in the small intestines.
Degenerative Disease
A degenerative disease is a disease that gets progressively worse over time due to age (e.g. arthritis) or lifestyle choice (e.g. the effects of excessive drinking or smoking).
Emollient
It is an agent that softens and soothes the skin when applied locally.
Echinacea Purpurea
This popular herb has active ingredients to help fight colds, flu and other infections. The various types of the plant used generally stimulate immune system cells that are key weapons against infection, combat bacteria, viruses and other disease-causing microbes. The herb also helps boost the cells' production of a virus-fighting substance called interferon.
EMU
A large, flightless prehistoric Australian bird (Dromiceius novaehollandiae) related to and resembling the ostrich and the cassowary.
EMU Oil
It is an oil rendered from the thick layer of subcutaneous fat on the back of the Emu. Emu oil is approximately 70% unsaturated fatty acids. it is a good emollient and water-binding agent and has anti-inflammatory properties.
EPA
EPA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid. It is found in fish oils of cod liver, herring, mackerel, salmon, menhaden and sardine. It is also found in human breast milk. It is anti-artherogenic and antithrombogenic.
Essential Fatty Acids - or EFAs
These are fatty acids that are required in the human diet. This means they cannot be synthesized by the body from other fatty acids and must be obtained from food. There are two closely related families of EFAs: omega-3 and omega 6. They were originally designated as Vitamin F when they were discovered.
Fibromyalgia
A syndrome characterized by chronic pain in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding joints, fatigue, and tenderness at specific sites in the body. It is also called fibromyalgia syndrome, fibromyositis and fibrositis.
Free Radicals
It is an atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron and is therefore unstable and highly reactive. In animal tissues, free radicals can damage cells and are believed to accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related diseases.
Flavonoids
Also known as 'bioflavonoid', flavonoids are found naturally in plants. They are shown to have potent anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The latter means they can help protect the body from free radical damage.
Folic Acid
It is a water-soluble form of a B-vitamin. As it is involved in cell growth and production, it is of particular benefit for children and pregnant women.
Grape Seed Extract
Grape Seeds are rich sources of 'oligomeric proanthocyanidins' (OPC's). These are special kinds of plant bioflavonoid with powerful antioxidant properties. Grape Seed Extract makes use of these natural powers to help protect against degenerative diseases.
Green Lipped Mussel
Green-Lipped Mussel is a New Zealand shellfish from which an extract has been shown to be useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Gut Bacteria
Human adults carry roughly 1kg of bacteria in their gut - some of it is bad or unfriendly, but some of it is also good or 'friendly'. Getting the correct balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut helps stimulate gut immunity and prevent digestive problems. Good bacteria (or 'probiotics') include 'lactobacilli' and 'Bifidobacteria'.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an amino polysaccharide. Glucosamine is concentrated in joint cartilage where it is incorporated in longer chains known as glycosaminoglycans and finally into very large structures known as proteoglycans. The proteoglycans function to attract water into the joint space for lubrication of the cartilage during movement. It reverses osteoarthritis,p rotects joints and tendons from injury and decreases inflammation.
Glycemic Index
A numerical index given to a carbohydrate-rich food that is based on the average increase in blood glucose levels occurring after the food is eaten. The higher the score, the faster is the increase in level of blood sugar.
Haemoglobin
It is the red pigment in blood cells. It absorbs oxygen breathed in through the lungs and then carries it around to the parts of the body where it is needed.
Hypertension
This is when blood is forced through the arteries at increased pressure. In cases of 'primary' hypertension, the cause is unknown, whereas 'secondary' hypertesnion can be caused by kidney-related problems, alcohol abuse and hormone imbalances. Hypertension can eventually lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure or heart failure.
HDL
A complex compound made of lipids and proteins in approximately equal amounts that functions as a transporter of cholesterol in the blood. High levels are associated with a decreased risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
Homocysteine
An amino acid used normally by the body in cellular metabolism and the manufacture of proteins. Elevated concentrations in the blood are thought to increase the risk for heart disease by damaging the lining of blood vessels and enhancing blood clotting.
Immune system
This is an integrated body system of organs, tissues, cells, and cell products such as antibodies that differentiates self from nonself (foreign) and neutralizes potentially pathogenic organisms or substances.
This is a body's system of defenses that protects the body against diseases & invasion by foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses, and from cancer cells.
Insomnia
Insomnia is the general inability to get to sleep or at least sleep for any prolonged period of time. It can be brought on by stress, fear, drug use, anxiety, caffeine and medication.
Iodine
As crucial as this mineral is, the body only needs a small amount of it to make use of it. Iodine's only known function in the body is an essential one: it helps the thyroid gland produce 'thyroxine' (a hormone needed to regulate cell metabolism).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder characterised by a group of symptoms such as: constipation, flatulence, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
Isoflavones
Isoflavones are 'phyto-estrogens' commonly found in soybeans. They are mainly used to strengthen bones and control estrogen levels and they are even thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. Their oestrogen controlling abilities make Soy Isoflavones a supplement of choice amongst sufferers of PMS and symptoms of the menopause.
Inflammation
A response of body tissues to injury or irritation; characterized by pain swelling, redness and heat.
Insomnia
This is inability to sleep or to remain asleep throughout the night.
Isotonic
It is a state of having the same salt concentration as blood. An isotonic cellular environment occurs when an equal solute concentration exists inside and outside the cell.
Joint/Joints
This is where two bones meet. "Tendons" and "ligaments" help hold the joint in place while "synovial fluid" surrounds the joint, thereby acting as a natural lubricant. "Cartilage" is a spongy material that acts as the hinge in your joints. It plays a crucial part in overall joint health by protecting the ends of the bone that make the joint. "Arthritis" sufferers experience pain due to the breakdown of cartilage caused by disease, age and/or wear and tear.
Kelp
Kelp is a very large type of seaweed that grows in large 'forests'. It contains high amounts trace minerals and elements - particularly iodine. The thyroid gland depends on iodine to help it control the body's metabolism.
Lactoferrin
An iron-binding protein found in milk, saliva, tears, and intestinal and respiratory secretions that interfere with the iron metabolism of bacteria; in conjunction with antibodies, it plays an important role in resistance to certain infectious diseases.
LDL
It is a Low density lipoprotein, known as "bad" cholesterol.
It is a complex compound with more amounts of lipid than protein that transports cholesterol in the blood. High levels are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
Lean body mass
It refers to the sum of the weight of your bones, muscles and organs basically the sum of everything other than fat in your body.
Lutein
A yellow carotenoid pigment, C40H56O2, found widely in nature, found in corpus luteum, in body fats, egg yolk, and green plants; xanthophyll. It is an excellent antioxidant.
Lycopene
It is a red carotenoid pigment, C40H56, found chiefly in blood, the reproductive organs, tomatoes, and palm oils. It is a very potent anti-oxidant& detoxifier.
Menopause
In short, the menopause is a permanent ending to the menstrual cycle. Menopause typically occurs in a woman's late forties to early fifties. It is a normal part of aging, marking the end of a woman's reproductive years. Often the drop in oestrogen levels associated with the menopause has various unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings.
Minerals
Organic substances needed in the diet in small amounts to help regulate various bodily functions. Unfortunately, modern farming methods, increased popularity in processed foods and hectic lifestyles, prevent most modern day humans from getting the correct amount of these vital nutrients.
Macular degeneration
It is a condition in which the cells of the macula lutea (central portion of retina) degenerates, resulting in blurred vision and ultimately blindness.
Metastasis
Spread of cancer cells from the original site to other parts of the body.
MSM
MSM is about one-third sulfur which acts as a dietary source of sulfur. It plays an important structural role in amino acid and protein metabolism. Sulfur is required for proper synthesis and maintenance of connective tissues such as skin, hair, nails, tendons and cartilage. It helps in relieving arthritic pain and stiffness and also helps in improving immunity.