A localized cavity of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue formed as the result of an infection. An abscess can develop in tissues, organs or other confined spaces within the body.

A substance that strengthens the body's immune, endocrine and nervous systems, which enhances resistance to external and internal stress.Amino acids

Chemical substances found in foods and produced by the body that are commonly called the building blocks of protein.

There are 21 amino acids, which are classified as either nonessential (ones the body can manufacture) or essential (ones which can only be derived from food).

Nonessential amino acids include alanine, argine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, taurine and tyrosine.

Essential amino acids include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.

A severe allergic reaction to a food, drug, venom, or other stimulus. Also called anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock can occur immediately, resulting in collapse, convulsions, and unconsciousness. Or it may come on gradually, starting with typical allergic symptoms and progressing to life-threatening heart and breathing problems.

A cramping or tightening sensation in the chest that results from lack of sufficient blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. Usually caused by plaque buildup within the arteries, angina pain typically begins below the breastbone and spreads across the shoulders, arms or jaw; an attack often rises and subsides within 15 minutes. Medically known as angina pectoris.

A drug that kills or inhibits the growth of infection-causing bacteria. Some antibiotics are produced naturally by bacteria, fungi or other microorganisms; others are synthetic (artificially created). Common types of antibiotics include penicillins, erythromycins and cephalosporins.

A drug that acts to elevate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. Types of antidepressants include tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

A drug that blocks the effects of histamine, a naturally occurring compound within the body that initiates symptoms of allergic reactions, including swelling, itching, sneezing, watery eyes and hives.

Any substance that protects cells from the damaging effects of free radicals (highly reactive oxygen molecules). Some antioxidants are manufactured by the body; others, such as vitamins C and E, are obtained through diet or supplements.

A group of diseases (including atherosclerosis) in which the arterial walls become thickened and lose elasticity. It is often associated with hypertension and diabetes.

A disorder of the arteries in which deposits (plaques) of cholesterol, lipids, and cellular debris line the inner layers of arterial walls. It is a major cause of serious heart disease and is associated with increasing age, obesity, tobacco use, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus.

An immunologic disorder that results in the production of antibodies that react against an individual's own cells or cell products. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is often associated with autoantibody production, resulting in the destruction of the b-cells of the pancreas.

 B

Blood glucose level

The concentration of glucose ("blood sugar") in the bloodstream. Blood glucose levels are usually determined after an overnight fast, but can also be determined randomly or at set times after the ingestion of glucose. A fasting plasma glucose level of less than 110 mg/dL is considered normal. Elevated levels of glucose may be indicative of diabetes mellitus.

A calculated value (kg/m²) that describes weight in kilograms (kg) in relation to height in meters (m). For an online calculation of BMI http://nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm.

 C

Calorie

Calories are used to measure both the energy potential in foods and the amount of energy used by the body to burn those foods. We get calories from the carbohydrates, proteins and fat in the foods we eat. Carbohydrates and proteins have four calories per gram; fat has nine calories per gram.

The tiny blood vessels that connect veins to arteries. Arteries pass oxygen-rich blood to the capillaries, where the gases are exchanged within tissue, and the capillaries then pass their waste-rich blood to the veins for transport back to the heart.

One of the three major components of foods, along with protein and fat. Carbohydrates are carbon compounds that the body turns into glucose and burns as fuel. Simple carbohydrates are sugars; complex carbohydrates are starches. Carbs supply energy and usually contain vitamins, minerals and fiber. They are found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains.

A substance for which there is significant evidence that it may cause cancer or lead to the growth of cancer cells. Aflatoxins, tobacco smoke and alcoholic beverages are believed to be carcinogenic.

A malignant neoplasm made up of epithelial cells tending to infiltrate the surrounding tissues and give rise to metastases. It is a histological type of neoplasm but is often wrongly used as a synonym for "cancer."

The phytochemicals that are responsible for the red, orange and yellow pigments in fruits and vegetables. The body converts some carotenoids, including beta carotene, into vitamin A. Other carotenoids include lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin. Their antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties are being studied.

A painless progressive eye disease that distorts vision by producing a cloudiness in the lens or its surrounding membrane.

A waxy lipid. Cholesterol circulates in the blood as part of a lipoprotein complex. High cholesterol levels put one at increased risk for atherosclerosis. (See high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.)

A tough, fibrous protein that provides support throughout the body and helps form bones, cartilage, skin, joints and other tissue.

A detailed visual examination of the entire colon using a long flexible tube called a Colonoscope.

A computer-enhanced X-ray that creates a detailed visualization of a cross section of the body. Its two-dimensional, high-resolution image can be used to detect tumors, accumulations of fluid and damaged or dead tissue, and to monitor treatment. Body parts typically scanned include the head and the chest.

A condition where the amount of blood the heart is able to pump is chronically inadequate to meet the body's needs. This inability may be the result of a heart attack, persistent high blood pressure, lung disease, long-term drug or alcohol abuse, or an infection of the muscles or valves of the heart.

A narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels serving the heart, lessening the amount of blood and oxygen that reaches the cardiac muscle. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is normally caused by the gradual build up of arterial plaque known as atherosclerosis.

Any of the natural or artificial steroids associated with the adrenal cortex. Corticosteroids are used in hormone therapy, as anti-inflammatory agents and in the suppression of immune responses.

Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. It primarily causes ulcerations (breaks in the lining) of the small and large intestines, but can affect the digestive system anywhere from the mouth to the anus. It is named after the physician who described the disease in 1932. It also is called granulomatous enteritis or colitis, regional enteritis, ileitis, or terminal ileitis

 D

Decongestant

A drug, substance or treatment that reduces nasal secretions, shrinks swollen nasal mucous membranes and improves airflow.

Dehydroephiandrosterone, the most prominent hormone in the bloodstream, is found in very high concentrations in the brain, DHEA is secreted by the adrenal glands, skin, testicles and ovaries. It's needed by the body to produce other hormones and to maintain a consistent hormonal balance. In supplement form, DHEA has shown some promise in combating certain age-related diseases.

A chronic disease in which the body is either unable to produce enough of the hormone insulin or unable to use insulin efficiently. This results in high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood and can lead to heart and kidney disease, nerve damage, vision loss and other complications. Insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1) usually appears before age 30; non-insulin-dependent diabetes (type 2) develops later and accounts for 90% of cases.

Diabetes-related nerve damage that produces loss of sensation, numbness, tingling or burning; often occurs in the limbs.

A substance that draws water from the cells of the body, increasing the output of urine.

 E

A protein that speeds up specific chemical reactions and processes in the body, such as digestion and energy production.

Essential fatty acids (efas)

The building blocks that the body uses to make fats. You must get various kinds of EFAs through diet or supplements (such as fish oils and flaxseed oil) to assure proper health.

The tube within the ear that drains fluids and mucus from the ear down into the back of the throat. The eustachian tube equalizes middle ear pressure with the air pressure on the outside.

A pill, powder, tincture or other form of an herb that contains a concentrated, and usually standard, amount of therapeutic ingredients.

 F

Fat

One of the three macronutrients found in foods. Dietary fats are vital to many of the body's functions. Fats are composed of chains of fatty acids. These fatty acids are classified as either saturated or unsaturated, according to the number of hydrogen atoms they contain: saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated. Saturated fats are usually solid at room temperature. Highly polyunsaturated fats include corn, safflower and sesame oils, while olive and canola oils are highly monounsaturated fats.

Highly reactive and unstable oxygen molecules generated during normal body processes that can harm basic genetic material (DNA) as well as other cell structures and tissues.

Exposure to heat, radiation and environmental pollutants (including cigarette smoke), and drinking alcohol can also promote the formation of free radicals.

Free-radical damage can lead to heart disease, cancer, cataracts, arthritis, neurological diseases and other ailments. Antioxidants help minimize free-radical damage.

 H

Iron derived from animal sources. Heme molecules are found in hemoglobin and are responsible for carrying oxygen to tissues that give off large amounts of carbon dioxide. Heme iron is more efficiently absorbed into the bloodstream than non-heme iron, which comes from plants.

The oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells. Made of iron and protein, hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to the cells and transports carbon dioxide from the cells back to the lungs.

A plant or plant part--the leaves, stems, roots, bark, buds or flowers--which can be used for medicinal or other purposes (such as flavoring foods).

Medically known as hypertension, this condition occurs when the heart needs to work harder, exerting a higher pressure on the veins and arteries, to get the blood to circulate throughout the body. Aggravating causes include smoking, obesity, a high-sodium diet or genetic predisposition. Hypertension is defined as an average blood pressure measurement of 140 (systolic) over 90 (diastolic) or higher on at least two separate readings.

A lipoprotein present in the plasma in association with cholesterol and triglycerides. About 50% of the molecular mass of HDL-C is protein. HDL is produced in the liver and plays a role in cholesterol transport. HDL-C is often referred to as "good cholesterol." High HDL-C levels (greater than 60 mg/dL) are considered protective against heart disease. Conversely, low HDL-C levels (less than 35 mg/dL) have been correlated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease.

A chemical produced by the cells of the skin, nasal and respiratory passages, the stomach and other areas. Histamines aid digestion by triggering stomach acid secretion. In response to pollen or other allergens, they can also cause inflammation, hives, itching, excessive mucus and constriction of the airways.

An amino acid that circulates in the blood. People who have elevated homocysteine levels are at increased risk of arterial blockage, resulting in a heart attack or stroke. Normally, three of the B vitamins (folate, vitamin B[6] and vitamin B[12]) assist in the conversion of homocysteine into other non-damaging amino acids.

Any of various chemical messengers produced by the adrenal, pituitary, thyroid, ovaries, testes and other glands that have far-reaching effects throughout the body. Hormones regulate everything from growth and tissue repair to metabolism, reproduction and blood pressure.

See "High Blood Pressure."

Abnormally increased content of sugar in the blood.

An abnormally diminished concentration of glucose in the blood, which may lead to tremulousness, cold sweat, piloerection, hypothermia, and headache, accompanied by irritability, confusion, hallucinations, bizarre behavior, and ultimately, convulsions and coma.

 I

The body's response to irritation, infection, or injury, typically characterized by redness, heat, swelling, pain, and sometimes loss of function.

The introduction of a fluid, nutrient or drug into the body either by injection or

Heart disease characterized by deficiency of the blood supply to the heart muscle.

The hormone produced by the b-cells of the islets of Langerhans in response to an elevation of blood glucose. An absence of, insufficiency of, or decreased sensitivity to insulin results in an altered pattern of glucose and fat metabolism.

Insulin resistance

A condition in which the body's cells do not respond adequately to the hormone insulin. It can lead to higher blood sugar (glucose) levels, increased insulin production by the pancreas and possibly even to diabetes.

Any of various virus-fighting proteins that are made by the body and that activate the immune response.

A condition caused by poor circulation in the legs (usually from atherosclerosis) that is characterized by painful calf cramps, often after walking or other exercise. It is relieved by rest.

 L

A plasma lipoprotein containing a higher percentage of cholesterol and triglycerides than protein. LDL-C, also known as "bad cholesterol," has been shown to transport lipid from the blood to the tissues. High levels of LDL-C are considered a risk factor for developing coronary artery disease, and the treatment goal for LDL-C is generally agreed to be less than 130 mg/dL.

 M

Melanin

A black or dark-brown pigment (color) that occurs naturally in the skin, hair and eyes.

Menopause

The cessation of menstruation, which is the monthly releasing of eggs by a woman's ovaries. This process is triggered by the gradual decrease in female hormones, particularly estrogen, and is said to be complete when a woman has not menstruated for 12 consecutive months.

Mucous membranes

The pink, shiny skin like layers that line the lips, mouth, eyelids and other cavities and passages in the body.

Mucus

A viscous, slippery secretion that moistens and protects the body's mucous membranes. Mucus typically contains the protein mucin, water, sloughed-off cells and inorganic salts.

 N

Neurotransmitter

Any of the various chemicals found in the brain and throughout other nervous system tissues that transmit signals among nerve cells.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (nsaid)

A drug--such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen--that reduces pain and inflammation by blocking the body from producing prostaglandins (also see "Prostaglandins").

 O

Orbital cellulitis

An acute bacterial inflammation that affects the tissues around the eyes and sinuses. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, bulging and sometimes eye paralysis. Orbital cellulitis may damage the eye and facial nerves and in very rare cases can lead to blindness or even death.

Osteoarthritis

A progressive, degenerative joint disease, the most common form of arthritis, especially in older persons. The disease is thought to result not from the aging process but from biochemical changes and biomechanical stresses affecting articular cartilage. In the foreign literature it is often called osteoarthrosis deformans.

Oxidative stress

 P

PCOS (procyanidolic oligomers)

A group of antioxidant compounds, also called proanthocyanidins--found in pine bark, grape seed extract, green tea, red wine and other substances--that may help protect against heart and vascular disease.

Placebo

Also called a dummy pill, it is a substance that contains no medicinal ingredients. Often used in scientific studies as a control so its effects can be compared with those of the drug or supplement under study.

Polyp

An excrescence or tumor like growth that surfaces from mucous membrane.

Polyphenols

Phytochemicals that show promise as disease-fighters. Polyphenols act as antioxidants and, in the laboratory, have been shown to have antiviral and anticarcinogenic properties. Flavonoids, isoflavones and ellagic acid are all polyphenols.

Probiotics

"Friendly" bacteria, similar to that found in acidophilus supplements, that are normally present in the intestine and help to promote healthy digestion.

Prostaglandins

Hormone like chemicals occurring naturally in the body that produce a wide range of effects, such as inducing inflammation, stimulating uterine contractions during labor and protecting the lining of the stomach.

Protein

The basic building material of our bodies, protein consists of chains of amino acids. Some foods provide complete protein; that is, they have a full complement of essential amino acids. Foods from animal sources fall into this category. Among plant-derived foods, only soybeans contain complete protein; all other plant foods are deficient in one or more essential amino acids.

 R

Recommended dietary allowance (RDA)

Established by the National Academy of Sciences, the RDAs are standards that specify the amount of nutrients required daily for the maintenance of good health. They set the minimum intakes of vitamins, minerals and protein to meet the body's needs and prevent a deficiency.

Reference daily intakes (RDIS)

 S

Scurvy

A deficiency disease caused by a lack of vitamin C (less than 10 mg a day) in the diet. Symptoms include weakness, anemia, swelling, spongy and bleeding gums, and loosening of the teeth. Now occurs only rarely in the industrialized world.

Serotonin

A compound made from the amino acid tryptophan that serves as one of the brain's main neurotransmitters. Differing levels of serotonin affect mood, may promote sleep and can act to help inhibit pain.

Sinusitis

An irritation of any or all of the four pairs of sinus cavities located within the bones of the face. Sinuses can become inflamed as the result of an allergic reaction or from a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. Symptoms can include congestion, pain, pressure, facial swelling and excessive postnasal drip.

Soy isoflavones

A plant-based substance chemically similar to estrogen that is found in soybean products. Although isoflavones are weaker than estrogen, they can block human estrogen receptors in the cells, helping to prevent the development of such hormone-related diseases as breast cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease. They also seem to ease hormone-related symptoms such as menopause's hot flashes. The major isoflavones in soybeans include genistein and daidzein.

Standardized extract

A form of an herb that contains a concentrated but set (standardized) percentage of active ingredients. When used in supplements, standardized extracts help guarantee a consistent dosage strength, or potency, from one batch of the herb to the next.

Available for selected herbs, standardized extracts are produced in pills, tinctures or other forms.

Stroke

A hemorrhage or blockage in a blood vessel, resulting in the insufficient delivery of blood and oxygen to parts of the brain. Although small strokes may occur without symptoms, many can cause some degree of paralysis as well as do damage to speech or to other bodily or mental functions.

 T

T-cells

Circulating immune cell produced in bone marrow that function to regulate, among other things, B-cell activity. One type of T-cell, the helper cell, boosts production of B-cell-derived antibodies..

Tincture

A liquid usually made by soaking a whole herb or its parts in a mixture of water and ethyl alcohol (such as vodka). The alcohol helps extract the herb's active components, concentrating and preserving them.

Triglyceride (TG)

A lipid molecule composed of three fatty acids combined with glycerol.

Type 1 diabetes

Formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas makes little or no insulin because the insulin-producing b-cells have been destroyed. This type of diabetes usually appears suddenly and most commonly in people younger than 30 years of age. Management consists of daily insulin injections or use of an insulin pump, a planned diet, regular exercise, and daily self-monitoring of blood glucose.

Type 2 diabetes

 V

Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)

A plasma protein that is composed mainly of triglycerides. It transports cholesterol from the liver for storage at peripheral tissue sites. Elevations in VLDL levels are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis.

Vitamin

Organic compounds that regulate reactions taking place in the body. They enable the body to convert food to energy and help the body to protect itself from disease and to

Vitamin B complex