Adaptogen – A term for a substance, usually an herb, that produces suitable adjustment in the body. Adaptogens tend to normalize body function and are eliminated when the job is complete without side effects.

Allergen – A substance that provokes an allergic response.

Alternative Therapy – The treatment of disease by means other than conventional medical, pharmacological, and surgical techniques.

Amino Acid – Any of twenty-two nitrogen containing organic acids from which proteins are made.

Antigen – A substance that can elicit the formation of an anti-body when introduced into the body.

Antioxidant – A substance that blocks or inhibits destructive oxidation reactions.

Arteriosclerosis – A circulatory disorder characterized by a thickening and stiffening of the walls of  large and medium sized arteries.

Ascorbate – A mineral salt of vitamin C. Ascorbates are less irritating and provide for better absorption of both vitamin C and the mineral.

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.

Bioflavanoid – Essential for the stability and absorption of Vitamin C.

Blood Sugar – The glucose present in the blood.

Blood-Brain Barrier – A mechanism that prevents many substances from passing out of the blood vessels to be absorbed by brain tissue.

Candida Albicans – A type of fungus normally present in the body but in overabundance can cause a yeast infection.

Carbohydrate – Organic substances, almost all 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.

Cholesterol – A crystalline substance that is soluble in fats that, in excess, can be a potential threat to health.

Coenzyme – A molecule that works with an enzyme to enable the enzyme to perform its function in the body; essential in the utilization of vitamins and minerals.

Complex Carbohydrate – A carbohydrate that releases its sugar in to the body relatively slowly and also provides fiber. Also known as polysaccharides.

Diuretic – Tending to increase urine flow, or a substance that promotes the excretion of liquids.

Elastin – A protein that gives tissue its elasticity.

Electrolyte – Soluble salts dissolved in the body’s fluids.

Ellagic Acid – A phytochemical found in strawberries and grapes that helps rid the body of free radicals.

Endorphin – Natural hormonelike substance found in the brain; suppresses the sensation of pain.

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

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) – Three unsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid-that are essential for health and cannot be manufactured by the body.

Free Radical – An atom or group of atoms that is highly chemically reactive because it has at least one unpaired electron. Free radicals can attack cells and cause damage in the body.

Free Radical Scavenger – a substance that removes or destroys free radicals.

Gastritis – Inflammation of the stomach lining.

Gastroenteritis- Inflammation of the mucous lining of the stomach and intestines.

GERD – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; frequent indigestion or heartburn.

Gingivitis – Inflammation of the gums surrounding teeth.

Glycogen – A complex carbohydrate that is the main form in which glucose is stored in the body, primarily in the liver and muscles.

HDL cholesterol- A type of lipoprotein commonly referred to as “good cholesterol” because high levels indicate a low risk for heart disease.

Herbal Therapy – The use of herbal combinations for healing or cleansing purposes.

Homeopathy – A medical system based on the belief that “like cures like”, 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.

Hyaluronic Acid – An organic acid known as the most effective natural skin moisturizer.

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

Hypoallergenic- Having a low capacity for inducing allergic responses.

Immunodeficiency – A defect in the functioning of the immune system. It can be inherited or acquired, reversible or permanent.

Insulin – A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates the metabolism of glucose in the body.

Intestinal Flora – The friendly bacteria present in the intestines.

Isoflavones- A class of phytochemical that inhibits the uptake of estrogen, which may help prevent estrogen based cancers such as breast cancer.

IU – International Unit. A measure of potency based on an accepted international standard.

LDL Cholesterol – A type of lipoprotein that is commonly referred to as bad cholesterol because high levels indicate a high risk of heart disease.

Lecithin – A mixture of phospholipids that is composed of fatty acids, glycerol, phosporus, and choline or inositol. All living cell membranes are largely composed of lecithin.

Lipid – Substances found in nature that are soluble in the same organic solvents as fats and oils.

Lipoprotein – A type of protein molecule that incorporates a lipid.

Lutein – A phytochemical found in kale, spinach and other green leafy vegetables that is beneficial for eyes.

Lycopene – A phytochemical found in tomatoes that appears to afford protection against prostate cancer and to protect the skin against harm from ultraviolet rays..

Metabolism – The physical and chemical processes necessary to sustain life, including the production of cellular energy, the synthesis of important biological substances and degradation of various compounds.

Microgram – A measurement of weight equivalent to 1/1000 milligram.

Millogram – A measurement of weight equivalent to 1/1000 gram.

Naturopathy – A form of health care that uses diet, herbs, and other natural methods and substances to cure illness without the use of drugs.

Nutraceutical – A food or nutrient based product or supplement designed and/or used for a specific clinical and/or therapeutic purpose.

Nutrient – A substance that is needed by the body to maintain life and health.

Organic – A term used to describe foods that are grown without the use of synthetic chemicals.

Osteoporosis – A disorder in which minerals leach out of the bones, rendering them progressively more porous and fragile.

Oxidation – A chemical reaction in which oxygen reacts with another substance, resulting in a chemical transformation.

Pathogen – A toxin or small organism that can cause disease.

Peptide – A substance composed of two or more amino acids.

PH – Potential of Hydrogen. A scale used to measure the relative acidity or alkalinity of substances.

Placebo – A pharmacologically inactive substance, primarily used in experiments to provide a basis for comparison with pharmacologically active substances.

Probiotics – Elements that encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the body.

Serotonin – A neurotransmitter found principally in the brain that is considered essential for relaxation, sleep and concentration.

Sublingual – “Under the tongue”.

Toxicity – The quality of being poisonous.

Triglyceride – A compound consisting of three fatty acids plus glycerol.

Virus – Any of a vast group of minute, often disease-causing structures not affected by antibiotics.