adipose tissue—the type of tissue used by the body to store energy in the form of lipids (fat); typically found beneath the skin, but in cases where there is too much adipose tissue, it can begin to back up in and around the organs.
aflatoxin—a mycotoxin produced by the type of mold often found in peanuts; one of the most carcinogenic substances known to man.
age-related disease—a disease occurring most frequently or with increasing frequency among older individuals; also, a disease or complication resulting from an individual’s advancement in age.
aging process—the natural process through which bodily cells die and regenerate. The process begins with birth and the rate of cell death increases with age.
artificial sweetener—synthetic sweeteners (not derived from natural sugars) such as aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and sugar alcohols.
biotoxins—toxins produced by microorganisms.
bisphenol A (BPA)—a type of chemical used to line soda cans; it has been linked to birth defects and improper development in children.
cleanse—to remove impurities or to wash clean.
colon hydrotherapy—also known as a colonic, this is a procedure used to cleanse the colon by injecting water into the colon through the rectum.
cynarin—a naturally occurring chemical that increases bile production and liver function.
detox—the removal of a harmful substance, such as a poison or toxin; also, this refers to the act of following a particular diet or engaging in certain eating habits in order to cleanse the body of accumulated toxins.
enzymes—molecules responsible for catalyzing bodily processes.
exorphins—substances produced by the body in response to opioids (peptides found in grains) that increase appetite and food cravings.
fast—the act of abstaining from food, liquid, or both for a defined period of time.
galactose—a simple sugar found in dairy products and some other foods that has been linked to ovarian cancer and inhibited immune function.
gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
goitrogens—a type of compound that suppresses the healthy function of the thyroid gland.
lectins—carbohydrate-binding proteins, which can be very toxic to the human body if consumed in excess or not properly cooked.
mycotoxin—a toxic substance produced by mold.
neurotransmitters—the chemicals found in the brain that transmitsignals, facilitating communication between brain and nerve cells.
phthalates—chemical compounds containing phthalic acid, which are found in many types of plastics, including water bottles, food containers, and toys.
phytates—substances found in grains and soy that bind to certain minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc, making your body unable to absorb those nutrients.
preservatives—substances added to food to prevent spoiling or to increase the shelf life of a product.
probiotics—bacteria that help promote healthy digestion by encouraging balance in the microflora of the intestines; the word probiotic may also be applied to dietary supplements containing live bacteria taken for the purpose of improving gut health and digestion.
refining—the process through which foods (such as sugar or flour) are altered to isolate the starch. This process often results in a loss of over 50 percent of the nutritional value of the food.
selenium—a trace element found in many foods that plays a critical role in reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, and white blood cell production.
small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)—a condition in which the bacteria in the small intestine reproduce too rapidly.
toxin—a harmful substance that can cause serious health problems, even in small doses.