Glossary

absorption:

uptake by the digestive tract

acid reflux:

splashing of stomach acid into the throat

acidity:

measure of the tendency of a molecule to lose hydrogen ions, thus behaving as an acid

acidosis:

elevated acid level in the blood

acupuncture:

insertion of needles into the skin at special points to treat disease

acute:

rapid-onset and short-lived

adequate intake:

nutrient intake that appears to maintain the state of health

adipose tissue:

tissue containing fat deposits

aerobic:

designed to maintain adequate oxygen in the bloodstream

allergen:

a substance that provokes an allergic reaction

allergic reaction:

immune system reaction against a substance that is otherwise harmless

allergy:

immune system reaction against substances that are otherwise harmless

amenorrhea:

lack of menstruation

Americanized:

having adopted more American habits or characteristics

amine:

compound containing nitrogen linked to hydrogen

amino acid:

building block of proteins, necessary dietary nutrient

anabolic:

promoting building up

anaerobic:

without air, or oxygen

anaphylaxis:

life-threatening allergic reaction, involving drop in blood pressure and swelling of soft tissues especially surrounding the airways

anemia:

low level of red blood cells in the blood

angioplasty:

reopening of clogged blood vessels

anorexia nervosa:

refusal to maintain body weight at or above what is considered normal for height and age

anthropometric:

related to measurement of characteristics of the human body

antibiotic:

substance that kills or prevents the growth of microorganisms

antibody:

immune system protein that protects against infection

antioxidant:

substance that prevents oxidation, a damaging reaction with oxygen

anxiety:

nervousness

appendicitis:

inflammation of the appendix

aqueous:

water-based

artery:

blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart toward the body tissues

arthritis:

inflammation of the joints

assisted-living:

facility that provides aid in meal preparation, cleaning, and other activities to help maintain independent living

asthma:

respiratory disorder marked by wheezing, shortness of breath, and mucus production

asymptomatic:

without symptoms

atherosclerosis:

build-up of deposits within the blood vessels

atole:

a porridge made of corn meal and milk

atoms:

fundamental particles of matter

ayurvedic:

an Indian healing system

B vitamins:

a group of vitamins important in cell energy processes

bacteria:

single-celled organisms without nuclei, some of which are infectious

bactericidal:

a substance that kills bacteria

bacteriostatic:

a state that prevents growth of bacteria

basal metabolic rate:

rate of energy consumption by the body during a period of no activity

basal metabolism:

level of body energy consumption and chemical processes in the absence of exertion

behavioral:

related to behavior, in contrast to medical or other types of interventions

bile:

substance produced in the liver which suspends fats for absorption

binge:

uncontrolled indulgence

bioavailability:

availability to living organisms, based on chemical form

biochemical:

related to chemical processes within cells

biodiversity:

richness of species within an area

biological:

related to living organisms

biotin:

a portion of certain enzymes used in fat metabolism; essential for cell function

biotoxin:

poison made by living organisms

blood clotting:

the process by which blood forms a solid mass to prevent uncontrolled bleeding

blood pressure:

measure of the pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels

body mass index:

weight in kilograms divided by square of the height in meters times 100; a measure of body fat

bone marrow:

dividing cells within the long bones that make the blood

botanical:

related to plants

botulism:

poisoning from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum

bowel:

intestines and rectum

brain allergy:

allergy whose symptoms affect brain function

bulimia:

uncontrolled episodes of eating (bingeing) usually followed by self-induced vomiting (purging)

calcium:

mineral essential for bones and teeth

calorie:

unit of food energy

cancer:

uncontrolled cell growth

candidal:

related to the yeast Candida

candidiasis:

a yeast infection

carbohydrate:

food molecule made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, including sugars and starches

carbohydrate metabolism:

breakdown and use of sugars and starches in the body

carcinogen:

cancer-causing substance

cardiovascular:

related to the heart and circulatory system

cardiovascular disease:

disease affecting the heart and/or circulatory system

caries:

cavities in the teeth

carotenoid:

plant-derived molecules used as pigments

carrageenan:

a thickener derived from red seaweed

catabolism:

breakdown of complex molecules

catalyze:

cause to happen more rapidly

cataract:

clouding of the lens of the eye

cellulose:

carbohydrate made by plants; indigestible by humans

chiropractic:

manipulation of the spine and other bones for healing

cholera:

bacterial infection of the small intestine causing severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration

cholesterol:

multi-ringed molecule found in animal cell membranes; a type of lipid

chronic:

over a long period

chronic disease:

diseases that occur over a long period, in contrast to acute diseases

clinical:

related to hospitals, clinics, and patient care

cloning:

creation of an exact genetic copy of an organism

congenital:

present from birth

Congregate Dining:

a support service that provides a meal at a central location on a specified day

constipation:

difficulty passing feces

consumerism:

reliance on buying, rather than making, items necessary for living

contraindicated:

not recommended

convenience food:

food that requires very little preparation for eating

coronary heart disease:

disease of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels surrounding the heart

cretinism:

arrested mental and physical development

crossbreeding:

breeding between two different varieties of an organism

cuisine:

types of food and traditions of preparation

cytoplasm:

contents of a cell minus the nucleus

deamination:

removal of an NH2 group from a molecule

dehydration:

loss of water

dementia:

loss of cognitive abilities, including memory and decision making

dentition:

formation of the teeth

deoxyribonucleic acid:

DNA, the molecule that makes up genes

dependence:

a condition in which attempts to stop use leads to withdrawal symptoms, including irritability and insomnia

depression:

mood disorder characterized by apathy, restlessness, and negative thoughts

DETERMINE:

checklist used to identify nutritionally at-risk individuals

development:

the process of change by which an organism becomes more complex

diabetes:

inability to regulate level of sugar in the blood

diet:

the total daily food intake, or the types of foods eaten

dietary assessment:

analysis of nutrients in the diet

Dietary Reference Intakes:

set of guidelines for nutrient intake

diphtheria:

infectious disease caused by Cornybacterium diphtheriae, causing damage to the heart and other organs

disaccharide carbohydrate:

molecule composed of two linked sugars

diuretic:

substance that depletes the body of water

diversity:

the variety of cultural traditions within a larger culture

diverticulosis:

presence of abnormal small sacs in the lining of the intestine

DNA:

deoxyribonucleic acid; the molecule that makes up genes, and is therefore responsible for heredity

drugs:

substances whose administration causes a significant change in the body's function

dyslipidemia:

disorder of fat metabolism

dysmorphia:

the belief that one's body is different (fatter, thinner, etc.) than it really is

eating disorder:

behavioral disorder involving excess consumption, avoidance of consumption, self-induced vomiting, or other food-related aberrant behavior

ecological:

related to the environment and human interactions with it

eczema:

skin disease causing itching and flaking

edema:

accumulation of fluid in the tissues

efficacy:

effectiveness

electrolyte:

salt dissolved in fluid

elemental:

made from predigested nutrients

elimination diet:

diet in which particular foods are eliminated to observe the effect

endotoxin:

toxic substance produced and stored within the plant tissue

enema:

substance delivered via the rectum

energy:

technically, the ability to perform work; the content of a substance that allows it to be useful as a fuel

enrichment:

addition of vitamins and minerals to improve the nutritional content of a food

enteric:

pertaining to the intestine; delivered via a tube into the intestine

entrepreneur:

founder of a new businesses

environment:

surroundings

environmental illness:

illness due to substances in the environment

enzymatic:

related to use of enzymes, proteins that cause chemical reactions to occur

enzyme:

protein responsible for carrying out reactions in a cell

epinephrine:

hormone that promotes "fight or flight;" also called adrenaline

epithelial cell:

sheet of cells lining organs throughout the body

Escherichia coli:

common bacterium found in human large intestine

essential fatty acids:

particular molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that the human body must have but cannot make itself

estradiol:

female hormone; a type of estrogen

estrogen:

hormone that helps control female development and menstruation

etiology:

origin and development of a disease

eukaryots:

organisms whose cells contain nuclei

failure to thrive:

lack of normal developmental progress or maintenance of health

famine:

extended period of food shortage

fast food:

food requiring minimal preparation before eating, or food delivered very quickly after ordering in a restaurant

fat:

type of food molecule rich in carbon and hydrogen, with high energy content

fat-soluble:

able to be dissolved in fats, including the membranes of cells

fatigue:

tiredness

fatty acids:

molecules rich in carbon and hydrogen; a component of fats

fermentation:

reaction performed by yeast or bacteria to make alcohol

fiber:

indigestible plant material that aids digestion by providing bulk

folate:

one of the B vitamins, also called folic acid

food additive:

substance added to foods to improve nutrition, taste, appearance, or shelf-life

food poisoning:

illness caused by consumption of spoiled food, usually containing bacteria

fortification:

addition of vitamins and minerals to improve the nutritional content of a food

fortified:

altered by addition of vitamins or minerals

free radical:

highly reactive molecular fragment, which can damage cells

functional food:

food whose health benefits are claimed to be higher than those traditionally assumed for similar types of foods

fungal:

of or from fungi

galactosemia:

inherited disorder preventing digestion of milk sugar, galactose

gamma rays:

very high energy radiation, more powerful than x rays

gastric:

related to the stomach

gastric mucosa:

lining of the stomach

gastrointestinal:

related to the stomach and intestines

gastrointestinal system:

the digestive tract (mouth to anus) plus associated organs

gastrointestinal tract:

the continuous tube through which food passes including throat, stomach, and intestines

gene:

DNA sequence that codes for proteins, and thus controls inheritance

gene expression:

use of a gene to make the protein it encodes

genetic:

inherited or related to the genes

genetic engineering:

manipulation of genes to change the characteristics of a living organism

globalization:

development of world-wide economic system

glucagon:

hormone that promotes release of sugar from the liver to raise the level of blood sugar

glucose:

a simple sugar; the most commonly used fuel in cells

gluten:

a protein found in wheat

glycerol:

simple molecule that forms a portion of fats

glycogen:

storage form of sugar

glycolysis:

cellular reaction that begins the breakdown of sugars

growth factor:

protein that stimulates growth of surrounding cells

growth hormone:

hormone produced by the pituitary gland that increases the rate of growth

growth spurts:

periods of rapid growth

guar gum:

a thickener made from a tropical bean

Harris-Benedict equation:

a formula for calculating a person's minimum energy expenditure

HDL:

high density lipoprotein, a blood protein that carries cholesterol

health-promotion:

related to advocacy for better health, preventive medicine, and other aspects of well-being

heart attack:

loss of blood supply to part of the heart, resulting in death of heart muscle

heart disease:

any disorder of the heart or its blood supply, including heart attack, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease

heavy metal:

lead, chromium, and other metals found in the middle section of the periodic table of the elements

hemoglobin:

the iron-containing molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen

hemorrhoids:

swollen blood vessels in the rectum

hepatitis:

liver inflammation

hepatitis B:

viral disease affecting the liver

herbal:

related to or made from herbs

high blood pressure:

elevation of the pressure in the bloodstream maintained by the heart

high potency:

a claim about vitamin or mineral content, defined as 100% or more of the Recommended Daily Intake

homeostasis:

regulation of the proper internal state

hookworm:

parasitic nematode that attaches to the intestinal wall

hormone:

molecules produced by one set of cells that influence the function of another set of cells

hydration:

degree of water in the body

hydrolyze:

to break apart through reaction with water

hygiene:

cleanliness

hype:

advertising and brash claims

hypercholesterolemia:

high levels of cholesterol in the blood

hyperglycemia:

high level of sugar in the blood

hyperlipidemia:

high levels of lipids (fats or cholesterol) in the blood

hypertension:

high blood pressure

hypertrophy:

excess increase in size

hypoglycemia:

low blood sugar level

hypoglycemic:

related to low level of blood sugar

immune system:

the set of organs and cells, including white blood cells, that protect the body from infection

immunocompromised:

having a weakened immune system

immunologic:

related to the immune system, which protects the body from infection

incidence:

number of new cases reported each year

incisor:

chisel-shaped tooth used for cutting; one of the types of primary teeth

indigestion:

reduced ability to digest food

infectious diseases:

diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or protozoa, which replicate inside the body

informed consent:

agreement to a procedure after understanding the risks

injera:

spongy flat bread

insoluble:

not able to be dissolved in water

insulin:

hormone released by the pancreas to regulate level of sugar in the blood

internship:

training program

interstitial:

between the tissues

intestines:

the two long tubes that carry out the bulk of the processes of digestion

intravenous:

into the veins

iron:

nutrient needed for red blood cell formation

isoflavones:

estrogen-like compounds in plants

job sharing:

splitting a single job among two or more people

junk food:

food with high fat and sugar content, without correspondingly high amounts of protein, vitamins, or minerals

keto-acid:

an acid compound containing the reactive CO group

ketoacidosis:

accumulation of ketone bodies along with high acid levels in the body fluids

ketones:

chemicals produced by fat breakdown; molecule containing a double-bonded oxygen linked to two carbons

ketosis:

build-up of ketone bodies in the blood, due to fat breakdown

kidney stones:

deposits of solid material in kidney

killer-cell:

type of white blood cell that helps protect the body from infection

kinetic:

related to speed of reaction

Krebs cycle:

cellular reaction that breaks down numerous nutrients and provides building blocks for other molecules

kwashiorkor:

severe malnutrition characterized by swollen belly, hair loss, and loss of skin pigment

lactic acid:

breakdown product of sugar in the muscles in the absence of oxygen

lactose intolerance:

inability to digest lactose, or milk sugar

learned behaviors:

actions that are acquired by training and observation, in contrast to innate behaviors

leavening:

yeast or other agents used for rising bread

legumes:

beans, peas, and related plants

lifestyle:

set of choices about diet, exercise, job type, leisure activities, and other aspects of life

lipid:

fats, waxes, and steroids; important components of cell membranes

lipoprotein:

blood protein that carries fats

listeriosis:

infectious disease caused by Listeria bacteria

long-term care facilities:

hospitals or nursing homes in which patients remain for a long time for chronic care, rather than being treated and quickly discharged

lymph node:

pocket within the lymph system in which white blood cells reside

lymph system:

system of vessels and glands in the body that circulates and cleans extracellular fluid

lymphatic system:

group of ducts and nodes through which fluid and white blood cells circulate to fight infection

macrobiotic:

related to a specific dietary regimen based on balancing of vital principles

macronutrient:

nutrient needed in large quantities

macular degeneration:

death of cells of the macula, part of the eye's retina

malabsorption:

decreased ability to take up nutrients

malaise:

illness or lack of energy

malaria:

disease caused by infection with Plasmodium, a single-celled protozoon, transmitted by mosquitoes

malignant:

spreading to surrounding tissues; cancerous

malnourished:

lack of adequate nutrients in the diet

malnutrition:

chronic lack of sufficient nutrients to maintain health

marasmus:

extreme malnutrition, characterized by loss of muscle and other tissue

meditation:

stillness of thought, practiced to reduce tension and increase inner peace

menopausal:

related to menopause, the period during which women cease to ovulate and menstruate

menopause:

phase in a woman's life during which ovulation and menstruation end

menstrual cycles:

the build-up and sloughing off of the lining of the uterus in women commencing at puberty and proceeding until menopause

metabolic:

related to processing of nutrients and building of necessary molecules within the cell

metabolic activities:

sum total of the body's biochemical processes

metabolism:

the sum total of reactions in a cell or an organism

metabolism-free radical:

highly reactive molecular fragment, which are created through metabolism, or processing of nutrients

metabolite:

the product of metabolism, or nutrient processing within the cell

metabolize:

processing of a nutrient

microflora:

microscopic organisms present in small numbers

micronutrient:

nutrient needed in very small quantities

microorganisms:

bacteria and protists; single-celled organisms

mineral:

an inorganic (non-carbon-containing) element, ion, or compound

miscarriage:

loss of a pregnancy

mitochondria:

small bodies within a cell that harvest energy for use by the cell

molar:

grinding tooth toward the rear of the mouth

molecule:

combination of atoms that form stable particles

monocultural:

from a single culture

monoglyceride:

breakdown product of fats

morbidity:

illness or accident

mucosa:

moist exchange surface within the body

muscle wasting:

loss of muscle bulk

mycotoxin:

poison produced by a fungus

myoglobin:

oxygen storage protein in muscle

nandrolone:

hormone related to testosterone

nausea:

unpleasant sensation in the gut that precedes vomiting

needs assessment:

formal procedure for determining needs

nervous system:

the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that extend throughout the body

neural:

related to the nervous system

neural tube defects:

failures of proper development of the spinal cord

neurological:

related to the nervous system

neuropathy:

malfunction of nerve cells

neurotransmitter:

molecule released by one nerve cell to stimulate or inhibit another

NHANES:

National Heath and Nutrition Examination Survey

niacin:

one of the B vitamins, required for energy production in the cell

nitrite:

NO₂, used for preservatives

nitrogen:

essential element for plant growth

nonpathogenic:

not promoting disease

nonpolar:

without a separation if charge within the molecule; likely to be hydrophobic

nutrient:

dietary substance necessary for health

nutrient deficiencies:

lack of adequate nutrients in the diet

nutrition:

the maintenance of health through proper eating, or the study of same

nutritional deficiency:

lack of adequate nutrients in the diet

nutritional requirements:

the set of substances needed in the diet to maintain health

obese:

above accepted standards of weight for sex, height, and age

obesity:

the condition of being overweight, according to established norms based on sex, age, and height

opacity:

impermeability to light

opportunistic infections:

infections not normally threatening, which gain a foothold in people with weakened immune systems

oral-pharyngeal:

related to mouth and throat

osteoarthritis:

inflammation of the joints

osteoblast:

cell that forms bone

osteomalacia:

softening of the bones

osteopathic:

related to the practice of osteopathy, which combines standard medical therapy with manipulation of the skeleton to correct problems

osteoporosis:

weakening of the bone structure

over-the-counter:

available without a prescription

overweight:

weight above the accepted norm based on height, sex, and age

oxidative:

related to chemical reaction with oxygen or oxygen-containing compounds

oxygen:

O₂, atmospheric gas required by all animals

paralysis:

inability to move

parasite:

organism that feeds off of other organisms

parasitic:

feeding off another organism

parasitic diseases:

diseases caused by parasites, including amebic diseases, Giardia, roundworms, and others

pasteurization:

heating to destroy bacteria and other microorganisms, after Louis Pasteur

pathogen:

organism that causes disease

pH:

level of acidity, with low numbers indicating high acidity

phenylketonuria:

inherited disease marked by the inability to process the amino acid phenylalanine, causing mental retardation

phospholipid:

a type of fat used to build cell membranes

phosphorus:

element essential in forming the mineral portion of bone

physiological:

related to the biochemical processes of the body

physiology:

the group of biochemical and physical processes that combine to make a functioning organism, or the study of same

phytate:

plant compound that binds minerals, reducing their ability to be absorbed

phytochemical:

chemical produced by plants

phytoestrogen:

plant-derived estrogen compound

pituitary gland:

gland at the base of the brain that regulates multiple body processes

plaque:

material forming deposits on the surface of the teeth, which may promote bacterial growth and decay

plasma:

the fluid portion of the blood, distinct from the cellular portion

plateaus:

periods during which growth is greatly reduced

pluralistic:

of many different sources

pneumonia:

lung infection

polar:

containing regions of positive and negative charge; likely to be soluble in water

polyunsaturated:

having multiple double bonds within the chemical structure, thus increasing the body's ability to metabolize it

potable:

safe to drink

pre-renal:

kidney disease caused by change in the blood supply to the kidney

prevalence:

describing the number of cases in a population at any one time

preventive medicine:

treatment designed to prevent disease, rather than waiting for it to occur before intervening

processed food:

food that has been cooked, milled, or otherwise manipulated to change its quality

proscription:

prohibitions, rules against

prostaglandin:

hormone that helps regulate inflammation and other tissue processes

prostate:

male gland surrounding the urethra that contributes fluid to the semen

protein:

complex molecule composed of amino acids that performs vital functions in the cell; necessary part of the diet

protein digestion:

breakdown of proteins into amino acids in the digestive tract

psoriasis:

skin disorder characterized by red, dry, scaly skin

psychological:

related to thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences

psyllium:

bulk-forming laxative derived from the Plantago psyllium seeds

puberty:

time of onset of sexual maturity

reactivity:

characteristic set of reactions undergone due to chemical structure

Recommended Dietary Allowances:

nutrient intake recommended to promote health

renal failure:

inability of the kidneys to cleanse the blood

respiratory system:

the lungs, throat, and muscles of respiration, or breathing

rice genome:

the set of genes possessed by rice

rickets:

disorder caused by vitamin D deficiency, marked by soft and misshapen bones and organ swelling

ritual:

ceremony or frequently repeated behavior

RNA:

ribonucleic acid, used in cells to create proteins from genetic information

salmonellosis:

food poisoning due to Salmonella bacteria

saturated fat:

a fat with the maximum possible number of hydrogens; more difficult to break down than unsaturated fats

scurvy:

a syndrome characterized by weakness, anemia, and spongy gums, due to vitamin C deficiency

sedentary:

not active

serotonin:

chemical used by nerve cells to communicate with one another

serum:

noncellular portion of the blood

serum estrone:

blood level of estrone, a steroid hormone that is one of the estrogens, a type of female hormone

shock:

state of dangerously low blood pressure and loss of blood delivered to the tissues

sideroblastosis:

condition in which the blood contains an abnormally high number of sideroblasts, or red blood cells containing iron granules

sleep apnea:

difficulty breathing while sleeping

smallpox:

deadly viral disease

smog:

air pollution

social group:

tribe, clique, family, or other group of individuals

socioeconomic status:

level of income and social class

staples:

essential foods in the diet

steroid:

class of hormones composed of carbon rings, necessary for sexual development and mineral balance

steroid hormones:

class of hormones composed of carbon rings, necessary for sexual development and mineral balance

steroids:

group of hormones that affect tissue build-up, sexual development, and a variety of metabolic

sterol:

building blocks of steroid hormones; a type of lipid

stillbirth:

giving birth to a dead fetus

stress:

heightened state of nervousness or unease

stroke:

loss of blood supply to part of the brain, due to a blocked or burst artery in the brain

subcutaneous:

beneath the skin

sucrose:

table sugar

temperate zone:

region of the world between the tropics and the arctic or Antarctic

testosterone:

male sex hormone

thalassemia:

inherited blood disease due to defect in the hemoglobin protein

thermogregulate:

regulate temperature

tofu:

soybean curd, similar in consistency to cottage cheese

tolerance:

development of a need for increased amount of drug to obtain a given level of intoxication

toxicant:

harmful substance

toxins:

poisons

trace:

very small amount

trans-fatty acids:

type of fat thought to increase the risk of heart disease

triglyceride:

a type of fat

tuber:

swollen plant stem below the ground

tuberculosis:

bacterial infection, usually of the lungs, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis

tularemia:

bacterial infection by Francisella tularensis, causing fever, skin lesions, and other symptoms

type II diabetes:

inability to regulate the level of sugar in the blood due to a reduction in the number of insulin receptors on the body's cells

typhoid:

fever-causing bacterial infection due to Salmonella typhi; transmitted contaminated food or water

typhus:

bacterial disease transmitted by infected rodents

ulcer:

erosion in the lining of the stomach or intestine due to bacterial infection

uncharged:

neither positively nor negatively charged

undernutrition:

food intake too low to maintain adequate energy expenditure without weight loss

uric:

from urine

vaccine:

medicine that promotes immune system resistance by stimulating pre-existing cells to become active

vegan:

person who consumes no animal products, including milk and honey

viral disease:

disease caused by viruses, including flu, colds, AIDS, hepatitis, and others

virus:

noncellular infectious agent that requires a host cell to reproduce

vitamin:

necessary complex nutrient used to aid enzymes or other metabolic processes in the cell

vitamin D:

nutrient needed for calcium uptake and therefore proper bone formation

wasting:

loss of body tissue often as a result of cancer or other disease

water-soluble:

able to be dissolved in water

wean:

cease breast-feeding

wellness:

related to health promotion

white blood cell:

immune system cell that fights infection

yeast allergy:

allergy to yeasts used in baking or brewing

zinc:

mineral necessary for many enzyme processes