Abscessed tooth – an infected tooth, usually with swelling and inflammation in the gum and surrounding tissue. Sometimes, as in root canals, it is too subtle to be detected on cursory examination.
Adaptogen – a substance, often an herb, that normalizes a biochemical process or tissue function, i.e. it brings the process or function back towards normal, no matter if it is too high or too low. Adaptogens are usually non-toxic and often have other beneficial effects.
Addison’s disease – adrenal failure or severe adrenal insufficiency, usually caused by an auto-immune process but can be induced by stress, direct infection, destruction, or other causes.
Adrenal glands – two glands that sit over the kidneys, primarily responsible for governing the body’s adaptations to stress of any kind.
Adrenal cascade – the bio-chemical process in the adrenals involved in changing cholesterol to the various adrenal hormones.
Adrenal cell extracts – dietary supplements containing the extracts of the adrenal glands, usually from beef.
Adrenal cortex – the outer portion of the adrenal gland comprising about 80% of the adrenal gland. The cortex is divided into three and possibly four zones. It is responsible for producing over 50 hormones including cortisol, aldosterone, DHEAS and is a secondary producer of the sex hormones. (See adrenal zones).
Adrenalcorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) – a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate the production of cortisol and other adrenal hormones.
Adrenal fatigue –a term used to denote a syndrome due to the decreased ability of the adrenal glands to respond adequately to stress. It affects the daily life of those suffering from it. Adrenal fatigue is a less severe condition than Addison’s disease.
Adrenal medulla – the inner part of the adrenal gland responsible for producing epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenalin).
Adrenal reserves – the untapped but available capacity of the adrenal glands to respond to stress.
Adrenal zones – the three (probably 4) zones of the adrenal cortex, including the zona fasciculata, from which cortisol is produced; zona glomerulosa, that produces aldosterone; zona reticularis, that produces DHEA & DHEAS; and in humans an interface zone between the zona fasciculata and the zona reticularis, probably responsible for producing the sex hormones, along with the zona reticularis.
Adrenalfatigue.org – the website dedicated to helping people who are suffering from adrenal fatigue.
Adult onset diabetes – often referred to as “adult onset non-insulin dependent diabetes,” or Type II diabetes. This is the most common type of diabetes and is caused more from insulin resistance of the cell rather than lack of production of insulin.
Alarm reaction – the first of three stages of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) of Hans Selye.
Aldosterone – a hormone produced by the Zona Glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex, responsible for sodium and potassium levels in the blood and individual cells throughout the body, greatly influencing the fluid volume.
Androgens – male sex hormones. The adrenal glands are the chief auxiliary source in males and the only main source in females.
Anti-inflammatory – hormones such as cortisol and other substances that decrease inflammation of tissues (heat, redness, swelling).
Antioxidants – substances produced by the body or dietary supplements that prevent chemical oxidation in the body from happening too rapidly and/or prevent the accumulation of oxygen with unpaired electrons within the cell.
Apoptosis - programmed cell death
Ashwagandha – an East Indian herb known for its beneficial effects on the adrenal glands, as well as other properties.
Asthenia – Weakness, lack of strength to do normal tasks.
Atherosclerosis – hardening of the arteries.
Auto-immune disorders –a process where the immune system attacks one or more parts of the body. Auto-immune disorders are greatly enhanced in people with adrenal fatigue.
Basophils – one of the white blood cells. Basophils are responsible for secreting IgE immunoglobulins that cause histamine reactions in allergies and produce inflammation of tissue.
Bioflavinoids – substances found in conjunction with Vitamin C in all vegetables and fruits containing vitamin C. Bioflavinoids enhance the activity of Vitamin C and have independent beneficial functions of their own in the human body.
Blood pressure, postural – blood pressure taken in reference to what position the body is in at the time the blood pressure is taken; sitting, standing or lying down.
Bronchitis – inflammation of the bronchial tree, the passageways to the lungs, caused by irritation or infection.
Burn-out – a term used to denote the signs and symptoms of someone who has totally depleted their energy reserves by driving themselves to the point of exhaustion.
Carbohydrates – that portion of food composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Carbohydrates can be divided into unrefined (whole grains), refined (processed grains, white flour and sugar products), and fiber. Most carbohydrates can be burned for energy, except for fiber, and are the major source of energy in most diets.
Cellular metabolism – the work done inside the cells to manufacture energy and make new chemical and physical products.
Central nervous system (CNS) – that part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.
Central obesity – central obesity, also called abdominal fat, is a term used to describe the accumulation of fat around the abdomen (spare tire). It is an indication of high cortisol levels, and/or an overconsumption of refined carbohydrates that is also seen in some cases of adrenal fatigue.
Cerebral allergies – a term used to denote allergies or sensitivities to foods or inhalants that affect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Cerebral allergies often produce changes in behavior or thought processes.
Cholesterol – a four-ring carbon chain manufactured by the liver and consumed in the diet, used in the manufacturing of steroid hormones including all hormones from the adrenal glands.
Chromium – a mineral in trace elements important in helping to regulate blood sugar and necessary for the manufacture of insulin.
Chronic fatigue syndrome – persistent debilitating fatigue of recent onset, with reduction of physical activity to less than half of usual, accompanied by some combination of muscle weakness, sore throat, mild fever, tender lymph nodes, headache, and depression, with the symptoms not attributable to any other known cause.
Circadian rhythm – the cyclic fluctuations of hormones or other substances within a 24-hour cycle.
Colloidal silver – minute particles of silver suspended in water by an electrical process, used to kill over 300 microorganisms.
Corticosteroids (also known as adrenal cortical hormones and corticoids) - steroid hormones (excluding the sex hormones) secreted by the adrenal cortex. Corticosteroids are divided into two major groups: glucocorticoids, which affect fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, and mineral corticoids, which affect the regulation of electrolyte and water balance. Cortisol is a major glucocorticoid and aldosterone is the major mineral corticoid.
Corticoids – See Corticosteroids
Corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) – the hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that directs the pituitary to create adrenal corticotrophic hormones (ACTH). CRF is the major regulator of the production of cortisol.
Cortisol – the hormone produced by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex that is necessary for life.
Cushing’s disease – a disease of excessively high levels of circulating cortisol. The most common cause of Cushing’s disease is the use of prescription steroids, It can also be caused by excessive secretion of ACTH from the pituitary.
Cytokines – substances secreted by white blood cells, especially lymphocytes. Cytokines include interferons, interlukins, and transfer factors.
Cytosol – the liquid inside of the cell.
Detoxification – the process of removing poisons and other toxic substances from the cells, tissues, interstitial fluid, blood, or body as a whole.
Dehydroepiandosterone (DHEA) – a hormone secreted in the adrenal cascade serving as a precursor to sex hormones in the adrenal cortex and in several other tissues of the body.
Diabetes Mellitus – a chronic syndrome of impaired fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism owing to insufficient secretion of insulin or to insulin resistance at the target tissue.
Electrolyte drink – a beverage containing high amounts of electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, chloride and sodium). Most of the commercial electrolyte drinks are high in potassium and low in sodium, and also contains refined carbohydrates as an energy source.
Electrolyte homeostasis – the balance of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride) within the cells and in the blood.
Endocrine Glands – ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, influencing metabolism and other body processes. The endocrine glands include the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, parathyroid, adrenals, thymus, pineal and gonads (ovaries and testicles).
Endocrinologist – a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the endocrine glands of the body.
Energy suckers – usually people, but sometimes situations, which cause a drop in energy of the person experiencing them.
Environmental toxins – toxic substances encountered by touching, inhaling, or some other method of contact.
Eosinophils – one of the white blood cells often elevated in adrenal fatigue, allergies and parasitic infections.
Epinephrine – one of the two hormones secreted by the adrenal medulla, also known as adrenaline.
Essential fatty acids – the two fatty acids that are necessary for human life and health; alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid.
Fats – one molecule of glycerin, serving as a backbone to three fatty acid molecules. Fats can be solid or liquid.
Fats, hydrogenated – a fat in which one or more of the double bonds normally occurring in that fat has been replaced by a hydrogen molecule. Hydrogenated fats increase shelf life, but are responsible for many conditions of ill health.
Fats, monounsaturated – a fatty acid in which there is only one unsaturated double bond.
Fats, unsaturated – fats in which there are one or more double bonds in their fatty acids. The essential fatty acids are unsaturated.
Fats, saturated – fats in which there are no unsaturated double bonds. All are filled with hydrogen molecules.
Fatty acids – strings of carbon from 4-27 carbons long that serve as key building blocks of all fats and oils in our foods and bodies. Fatty acids play key roles in the construction of maintenance of all healthy cells.
Fiber – indigestible or partially digestible carbohydrates, an abundance of which is important for proper intestinal and overall health. Unrefined grains, vegetables, seeds, nuts and some fruits are high in fiber. Fiber includes cellulose, hemi-cellulose and pectins.
Fibromyalgia – A group of rheumatic disorders not involving the joints characterized by pain, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles, areas of tendon insertions and adjacent soft tissue. Fibromyalgia may be primary or secondary to another underlying condition. It may be generalized or localized.
General adaptation syndrome (GAS) – a term coined by Dr. Hans Selye to describe the three phases of stress; the alarm phase, the resistance phase, and the exhaustion phase.
Ginger root – a herb commonly used as an adaptogen in adrenal fatigue, also for nausea and intestinal upsets.
Glucocorticoids – steroids secreted by the adrenal cortex affecting blood sugar, the most common by far is cortisol.
Gluconeogenisis – the making of blood sugar by converting fatty acids or amino acids into glucose.
Glucose intolerance – sensitivity to increases in glucose by the cells, often producing symptoms known as hyperglycemic reactions.
Glycemic index – an index describing the effects of various foods on circulating blood glucose levels.
Glycolysis – the process used by cells to break down glucose into pyruvic acid, and finally into the Krebs (tricarboxylic acid) cycle for metabolism that creates energy.
Herbal extracts – the end product of extracting the ingredients from herbs using alcohol, water, or another solvent.
Holistic (wholistic) medicine – a term to denote the consideration of the whole person in the treatment process.
Homeostasis – the balance of the internal body mechanisms and processes.
Hormone replacement – taking hormones created outside the body, either orally or by injection, to replace a lack of the hormone circulating the body.
Hydrocortisone – a name in medicine, given to the synthetic pharmaceutical preparation of cortisol. In physiology, hydrocortisone is the name of one of the hormones in the adrenal cascade.
Hydrogenated oils – see fats, hydrogenated
Hypertension – high blood pressure
Hypoadrenia – low adrenal function
Hypoglycemia – low blood sugar
Hypotension – low blood pressure
Hypothalamus – an endocrine gland situated in the brain below the thalamus and above the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus regulates most of the functions of the endocrine system and many other automatic functions of the body.
Hypotonia – lack of muscle tone.
International Classification of Disease (ICD) Codes – the use of various numbers to represent all disease states and health conditions. It is used by all hospitals, physicians and insurance companies. Immunoglobulins – “y” shaped proteins secreted by the B-lymphocytes, one of the white blood cells, used to protect the body against infections and other foreign substances.
Indian ginseng – see Ashwagandha
Individual biochemical variation (also known as biochemical individuality) –recognition that each person has unique biochemistry and often can’t be classified within a group and must be considered alone, as a unique process. This is in opposition to assuming that people are biochemically the same.
Inflammatory reaction – reactions of the body that involve redness, swelling, heat, and sometimes pain and loss of function.
Insomnia – the inability to sleep
Insulin resistance – lack of response of cells to the presence of insulin, often seen in non-insulin dependent diabetes and syndrome X.
Lactose – milk sugar
Lethargy – A clinical term used to denote a condition of listlessness, drowsiness, apathy and indifference.
Lymphocytes – one of the white blood cells. Lymphocytes are divided into two broad classifications of B and T lymphocytes, both of which are greatly involved in the immune process.
Lipolysis – the breakdown of fat into fatty acids and often further into glucose through gluconeogenesis.
Magnesium – one of the minerals used by the body and often deficient in people with adrenal fatigue. Magnesium is important in creating energy from blood sugar in several biochemical reactions and several functions of the body.
Manganese – a metal used by the body in some key biochemical reactions, such as the manufacture of insulin and some functions of the hypothalamus. It is also a critical component in the structure of tendons, ligaments and joint tissue.
Marmite – a commercial vegetable paste.
Metabolism – the breakdown or creation of chemical and structural elements in the body.
Millet – a round yellow whole grain used as a staple in some parts of the world.
Miso – a soup base composed of fermented soy beans and rice or barley. Used as a staple in Japanese cooking, rich in minerals, trace minerals and protein.
Mitochondria – the power plant of the cell that manufactures most of the energy used by the cell to carry out its functions.
Monocytes – one of the white blood cells, especially active in recovering from infections.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) – a niacin containing coenzyme present in many of the steps in the adrenal cascade.
Neurons – nerve cells in the human body, sometimes many inches or even feet long.
Niacin – one of the B vitamins. Niacin is very important in helping people recover from adrenal fatigue and is essential in the reactions involving NAD in the adrenal cascade.
Noradrenalin (also known as norepinephrine) - a hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla.
Norepinephrine – see noradrenalin
Nutrient – any food or substance that nourishes the cell or the body.
Orthostatic blood pressure – blood pressure taken in the standing position.
Pantothenic acid – one of the B vitamins. Although occurring in all cells, pantothenic acid is especially essential for the adrenal glands and is used in high amounts in the rehabilitation from adrenal fatigue.
Partially hydrogenated oils – unsaturated oils that have had one or more hydrogens replace the normal double bond, but still have at least one double bond free. These are oils that have usually been synthetically manipulated and interfere drastically with your health and should be avoided.
Pectin – a type of soluble fiber appearing in many fruits.
Potassium – one of the macronutrients. Potassium is the most abundant mineral inside the cell. During adrenal fatigue, potassium levels can be abnormally high.
Pro-oxidants – a substance that encourages oxidation within the cell, sometimes to the detriment of the cell.
Pyridoxine – one of the B-vitamins. It has a significant role as a co-factor in many metabolic pathways, including the adrenals. Pyridoxine is available in two forms, pyridoxine hydrochloride (HCl) and pyridoxine 5 phosphate (P5P). P5P is a natural form that appears in your body.
Refined carbohydrates – starches and sugars that have been refined and in doing so, have had the nutrition removed, leaving only the energy portion. This includes all white sugar and white flour products, white rice, and most pasta.
Reframing – the ability of the mind to shift its perception of a situation and to see it from a different perspective. A classic example of reframing would be to shift from seeing a glass half full to seeing a glass half empty. Reframing is a powerful psychological tool.
Sandwich stress –the stress created when one is caught in the middle position of different demands and lacks the power or the authority to resolve the situation. Typical example of this is a middle executive in a corporation.
Selenium –one of the natural elements of the earth. It is important in several aspects of human metabolism, especially those involving immunity.
Siberian ginseng –the popular herb that is not from Siberia and not ginseng, but acts somewhat like ginseng in its effects on the body. Siberian ginseng is valuable in helping adrenal fatigue and reestablishing normal hormone levels, especially in females.
Sodium – one of the natural elements used extensively in the body to balance electrolytes. Sodium is probably the most critical element in adrenal fatigue. It’s deficiency in the blood and inside the cell causes many of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue.
Steroids – steroids are hormones or hormone like substances formed from cholesterol in the body and created synthetically by many drug companies. The balance of steroid hormones are extremely important in balancing body chemistry. The adrenals use approximately 50 steroid hormones, of which about a dozen go out to effect the entire body.
Stressor – anything that causes a disruption in the body balance (homeostasis of the body). Stress can be physical, emotional, psychological, environmental or of an infectious source.
Suprarenals – an older term used for adrenals glands.
Syndrome – a collection of signs and/or symptoms occurring together in a disease or medical disorder.
Synthetic Corticosteroids –manufactured steroids imitating the actions of the adrenal cortex. These often have serious side effects that can include liver damage, immune shut down and even death. Synthetic steroids must be used very cautiously and monitored judiciously to prevent destruction.
Trace Minerals –those minerals occurring naturally needed in small amounts for the body to maintain health. Examples of trace minerals include zinc, manganese, selenium, chromium, and copper.
Triglycerides – three fatty acids attached to glycerol that normally circulate in the blood. Fatty acids are elevated by consumption of refined carbohydrates or carbohydrate metabolism impairment.
Vena cava – the largest vein in the body going from the liver to the heart that carries blood back to the heart.