Allergens: Substances that cause allergies.
Allergies: An abnormal immune response to a harmless substance causing one or more of the following symptoms: itching (especially around the mouth), hay fever (sneezing), rash and swelling. Extreme reactions may lead to bronchospasm, anaphylactic shock and death.
Antibody: A protein produced by white blood cells in response to a specific substance, or antigen.
Antigen: A substance that stimulates the production of antibodies by the immune system.
Ayurveda: The foundation of this system of healing predates the Veda, the spiritual and philosophical writings of the fifth century BC, said to have been given to one or more Hindu ‘seers’ by the god Indra. Human life extends from the life of the creator, or ‘cosmic conscience’, and health is determined by the state of balance between the individual and this greater power.
In Ayurveda the body is composed of five great elements – Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. At the risk of oversimplification, therapy is based on identifying and correcting imbalances among these elements. The harmony of this balance is controlled by three forces – Vata, Kapha and Pitta. Each individual has all three forces, but one dominates the others unless a state of perfect health exists. The selection of foods, how they are prepared and how they are consumed are all essentials in the search for equilibrium.
Cancer: A rampant and purposeless abnormal growth that destroys healthy tissue. Great progress has been achieved in the prevention and treatment of cancer. International experts agree that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables significantly reduces the risk of cancer within the digestive system (see here).
Cell: The smallest complete unit of life. Each cell has an external membrane, nucleus, cell fluid and small structures called organelles. To function at their best, cells must have a nutrient-rich environment provided by a healthy digestive system.
Chinese Medicine (Traditional Chinese Medicine): More than 3,000 years old, the practice of traditional Chinese medicine is still used to treat tens of millions of people. Its central theme is that humanity is part of the universe, and is therefore a small part of a greater and constant ‘wholeness’. All parts of this wider creation (nature) comply with the same laws; and for humans to follow these laws is to be blessed with good health, long life and good luck. All the natural forces that shaped the universe are part of humanity, and thus part of our destiny and health.
The foundation of this healing system is the existence of two opposing forces, Yin and Yang, which together form the Tao. These forces affect all aspects of life, including the internal organ systems of the human body. Foods and herbs are categorized by the Yin and Yang system. As illness constitutes an imbalance in Yin and Yang, specific foods and herbs are prescribed in conjunction with other treatments to provide healing and restore balance.
Chronic degenerative diseases: Illnesses associated with the slow deterioration of body structures. These are often associated with the effects of ageing and include arthritis and coronary heart disease.
Digestion: The mechanical and chemical processes by which the body breaks down food into its component parts. The organs involved in this process are collectively known as the digestive system.
Elimination diet: The process of identifying specific foods, or food groups, which cause digestive sensitivity or allergic reactions in an individual.
Enzyme: A protein substance made by cells to perform a specific chemical task. Thousands of different enzymes are produced in the body.
False bleeding: The appearance of red-stained bowel motions or red staining from the rectum caused by eating fruits and vegetables containing red pigment. Beetroot is a common cause of false bleeding.
Gluten: A form of protein found in wheat, rye and barley that may cause food sensitivity and is the underlying factor in coeliac disease. Although gluten has no nutrient value for humans, it is frequently added to processed foods such as bread, canned soups, gravy granules and stock cubes to enhance the texture and appearance. People with coeliac disease should seek out products with labels clearly stating that they are gluten-free.
Helicobacter pylori: This bacterium has been identified as a factor in the development and persistence of stomach ulcers. It can be eradicated with a course of antibiotic, bismuth and specific acid-inhibitor drugs.
Inflammation/Inflammatory response: Localized pain, heat, redness and swelling that develop as part of an immune response. Increased blood flow, the concentration of fluid in an area, and the accumulation of white blood cells are involved. Inflammation is normally observed following an infection or injury.
Metabolism: The highly specific chains of chemical reactions that take place within the cells of living organisms. Metabolism involves the utilization of nutrients absorbed during digestion to produce cellular components and provide energy.
Modern medicine: The system of healing based on clinical knowledge obtained through experimentation, advanced technology and empirically derived pharmacology. Standard treatment by your GP, or in hospital, complies with the diagnostic standards and healing expectations of modern medicine.
As scientists explore and identify the value of alternative medicinal systems, modern medicine is incorporating some of their approaches into standard practice. It is no longer remarkable that a local GP might employ both homoeopathic and modern medical skills when caring for a patient.
NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to suppress pain and inflammation. Aspirin and ibuprofen are examples.
Remember: NSAIDs may encourage the formation of ulcers.
Nutrition: The balance of basic components in food that are needed for normal growth and good health. Well-balanced nutrition protects the body, whereas poor nutrition encourages disease. Poor nutrition can cause illness through dietary deficiency, or it can increase the possibility of illness by damaging the immune system and reducing the disease-resistance of body tissues.
Ulceration: The disintegration of skin or a mucous membrane to form an open sore. Most ulcers heal slowly. Causes include unusual rubbing and pressure, lack of an adequate blood supply, gastric acid (oesophagus, stomach and duodenum) and bacterial toxins.
Vitamins: A group of essential nutrients that cannot be manufactured by the human body but are present in food. The body’s demand for individual vitamins varies with age, physical condition and lifestyle. Smoking, for example, greatly increases the need for vitamin C. Menstrual bleeding and childbirth increase the body’s need for iron.
There are two types of vitamins: those that are soluble in water (vitamin C and all the B-vitamins are examples), and those that are soluble in oil (vitamins A, E and D).