Life Balances: Glossary Of Biochemical Health Related Terms

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Glossary Of Biochemical Health Related Terms

Absorption: A process by which nutrients are absorbed through the intestinal tract into the body's bloodstream to be utilized by the body. If the nutrients are not absorbed, the body becomes deficient in constructing and healing substances.

Acids: Compounds often found in plant tissues that prevent secretion of fluids and shrink tissue. Nine important acids are: Acetic acid, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Lactic Acid, Retinoic Acid, Sorbic Acid and Sulfuric Acid. An acid is a substance that increases the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution.

Acidosis: A condition whereby the hydrogen ion concentration of the tissues is increased (and pH decreased). Respiratory acidosis is due to the retention of CO2; metabolic acidosis by retention of acids due either to kidney failure or diarrhea.

Alkaline: Having a pH of more than 7. Alkaline solutions are also said to be basic. Alkalinity is anabolic (builds up) whereas acidity is catabolic (tears down).

Allergy: A reaction anywhere in the body's tissue caused by a specific substance.

Amino Acid: An organic acid containing nitrogen chemical building blocks that aid in the production of protein in the body. Eight of the twenty-two known amino acids are considered "essential", and must be obtained from dietary sources because they cannot be synthesized by the body. An organic molecule possessing a carboxyl (COOH) and amino group. Amino acids serve as the monomers of polypeptides and proteins.

Anabolism: A metabolic pathway of biosynthesis that consumes energy to build a large molecule from simpler ones. (alkalinity is anabolic (builds up)).

Anemia: A condition resulting from an unusually low number of red blood cells or too little hemoglobin in the red blood cells.

Angina: Chest pain with sensations of suffocation caused by temporary reduction of oxygen to the heart muscle through narrowed diseased arteries.

Anion: A negatively charged ion.

Antacid: Neutralizes acid in the stomach, esophagus, or first part of the duodenum.

Antibiotic: Medication that helps the body fight infections by neutralizing or destroying bacteria.

Antibody: A protein molecule from the immune system that counteracts the effects of invading organisms and other foreign substances.

Antigen: Any substance that can elicit the formation of an antibody specific for that substance when introduced into a foreign species.

Antioxidant: A substance that slows oxidation (see oxidation). Examples include vitamins C and E, the minerals, enzymes, and some amino acids.

Auto Immune Disease: Occurs when the body's immune system reacts to and damages its own tissues and organs. Examples include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lumpic, and diabetes.

Bacteria: Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.

Bile: A substance released by the liver into the intestines for the digestion of fats.

Bioflavonoid: (vitamin P) Any of a group of colored flavones (crystalline compounds) found next to the peel in many fruits. Essential for the stability and absorption of ascorbic acid.

Blood Pressure: The hydrostatic force that blood exerts against the wall of a vessel.

Buffer: A substance that consists of acid and base forms in solution and that minimizes changes in pH when extraneous acids or bases are added to the solution.

Carbohydrate: A sugar (monosaccharide) or one of its dimmers (disaccharides) or polymers (polysaccharide).

Catabolism: The degradational breakdown aspects of metabolism, by which living things extract energy from food. Acidity is catabolic (tears down).

Catalyst: A substance that accelerates a chemical reaction without being permanently changed by the reaction. In biological systems, proteins called enzymes serve as catalysts.

Cation: An ion with a positive charge, produced by the loss of one or more electrons. (exchange) A process in which positively charged minerals are made available to a plant when hydrogen ions in the soil displace mineral ions from the clay particles.

Cellulose: A nondigestible carbohydrate found in the outer layers of fruits and vegetables.

Cholesterol: A crystalline substance, consisting of various fats, that is naturally produced by all vertebrate animals and humans. Cholesterol is widely distributed and manufactured in the body and facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids.

Complex-Carbohydrates: Made up of sugars, however, the sugar molecules are strung together to form longer, more complex chains. Complex-carbohydrates include vegetables, whole grains, peas and beans. This form of sugar is released into the bloodstream.

Diffusion: A simple example of diffusion could be shown using a glass of water and a cube of sugar. The elements in the cube of sugar are not free to move about while they are in a solid state. However, if you place a cube of sugar in a glass of water, the sugar dissolves. If the ratio of sugar to water is correct and you do not stir the water, eventually the sugar will diffuse through the entire glass until the water tastes sweet all through the glass, equally top to bottom. The sugar has diffused throughout the water. If there's too much sugar, the solution will reach saturation point and there will be a heavy syrup at the bottom of the glass. If you hold the glass up to the light, you will see this heavy layer. Saturation point is reached when a substance can no longer be diffused in a solution. It ceases to dissolve.

Diuretic: Increases urine flow, causing the kidneys to excrete more than the usual amount of sodium, potassium, and water.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): The substance in the cell nucleus that genetically codes amino acids and their peptide chain pattern, and determines the type of life form into which a cell will develop.

Edema: Fluid retention in the body resulting in swelling.

Element: Any substance that cannot be broken down into another substance by ordinary chemical means.

Emulsion: A suspension, usually as fine droplets of one liquid in another.

Endorphins: Natural polypeptide opiate-like substances in the brain. One function of endorphins is the suppression of pain.

Enzymes: Specific protein catalysis that increase chemical reaction time in the body without being consumed.

Epinephrine: A hormone produced as a response to stress; also called adrenaline.

Fat: A biological compound consisting of three fatty acids linked to one glycerol molecule.

Fatty Acids: Nutritional substances found in nature (fats and lipids), which include cholesterol, triglycerides, fatty acids, prostaglandins, and stearic, palmitic, linoleic, eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and decohexanoic acids. Important nutritional lipids include lecithin, choline, gamma-linoleic acid, and inositol.

Free Radical: A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that has a least one unpaired electron. Because another element can easily pick up this free electron and cause a chemical reaction, these free radicals can effect dramatic and destructive changes in the body. Free radicals are activated in heated and rancid oils and by radiation in the atmosphere, among other things.

GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid): A natural calming agent in the brain that is manufactured from the amino acid glutamine and glucose. It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning that it tends to shut things down.

Genetotrophic: Denoting a defect in metabolism which prevents the normal assimilation of essential food elements.

Gland: An organ that excretes materials and manufactures substances not needed for its own metabolic function.

Gustatory: Human taste perception is the way in which taste sensitivity and judgments about the acceptability of certain flavors are altered by both our physiological state and our health. Taste does not give us direct information about some aspects of the nutritional quality of foods. Partly as a result of this channel of information flow, infants are able to choose a balanced and sustaining diet with no direct adult intervention. So-called ÒcafeteriaÓ experiments, in which children were allowed to make their own food choices from a wide range of natural food-stuffs, have demonstrated this point conclusively.

Tests also prove that sodium-depleted persons (and animals) show a specific hunger for salty food. To people who are not short of salt, low salt concentrations taste pleasant and acceptable, while higher levels are unpalatable and, indeed, are likely to be toxic. In a salt-depleted person, the threshold of salt acceptability climbs so that very salty foods are thought to be attractively flavored despite the fact that they would normally be inedible.

Life Balances Trace Mineral Kit and Electrolyte drinks are base on each individuals gustatory system (taste protocol). Maintaining a good base in our bodies is an increasing challenge. Adding mineral supplements without knowledge of ratios and individual need compound these imbalances. When used properly following your individual gustatory system protocol, you will improve the concentration of minerals without creating deficiencies and excesses.

Hemoglobin: A molecule of which iron is an essential component. Necessary in the red blood cells' transport of oxygen.

Histamine: A chemical in the body tissues that constricts the smooth bronchial tube muscles, dilates small blood vessels, allows fluid leakage to form itchy skin and hives, and increases secretion of stomach acid.

Hormone: An essential substance produced by the endocrine glands that regulates many body functions.

Hydrogen Ion: A single proton with a charge of +1. The dissociation of a water molecule (H2O) leads to the generation of a hydroxide ion (OH-) and a hydrogen ion (H+).

Hydroxyl Ion: The OH- ion.

Immune System: A combination of cells and proteins that assist in the host's ability to fight (i.e., resist) foreign substances such as viruses and harmful bacteria. The liver, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and lymphatic system are inter-related in the immune system's normal function.

Inositol Triphosphate: The second messenger, which functions as an intermediate between certain nonsteroid hormones and the third messenger, a rise in cytoplasmic Ca++ concentration.

Insulin: The vertebrate hormone that lowers blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose by most body cells and promoting the synthesis and storage of glycogen in the liver; also stimulates protein and fat synthesis; secreted by endocrine cells of the pancreas called islets of Langerhans.

Interaction: Occurs when a substance is introduced in the body and reacts with an already present substance. Interactions occur between drugs and other drugs, and vitamins, herbs, and foods. Vitamins may interact with other vitamins, minerals, herbs, and foods. Minerals may also interact with other minerals, foods, and herbs, as can herbs with other herbs.

Ion: A charged chemical formed when an atom or group of atoms has more or less electrons than protons (rather than an equal number).

Ionic bond: A chemical bond due to attraction between oppositely charged ions.

Limbic System: A group of nuclei (clusters of nerve cell bodies) in the lower part of the mammalian forebrain that interact with the cerebral cortex in determining emotions; includes the hippocampus and the amygdala.

Lipid: One of a family of compounds, including fats, phospholipids, and steroids, that are insoluble in water.

Lymphatic System: A system of vessels and lymph nodes separate from the circulatory system that returns fluid and protein to the blood.

Lymphocyte: A type of white blood cell found in lymph, blood, and other specialized tissue such as bone marrow and tonsils. b- and T-lymphocytes are crucial components of the immune system. The b-lymphocytes are primarily responsible for antibody production. The T-lymphocytes are involved in the direct attack against invading organisms. The helper T-lymphocytes, a subtype, is the main cell infected and destroyed by the AIDS virus.

Matrix: The nonliving component of connective tissue, consisting of a web of fibers embedded in homogeneous ground substance that may be liquid, jellylike, or solid.

Melatonin: A secretion of the pineal gland which seems to play a role in the sleep/wake cycle. Function of the pineal gland appears to be influenced by the hypothalamus.

Metabolite: Any substance produced or used during metabolism (digestion). In drug use, the term usually refers to the end product that remains after metabolis

Metabolism: The chemical process of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds.

Melt-Emulsion: Chemical reaction heat and a stable dispersion of one liquid in a second immiscible liquid. The process of dispersion one liquid in a second immiscible liquid; the largest groups of emulsifying agents are soaps, detergents, and other surface-active compounds (surfactants). With a melt-emulsion, the combined sedimentation and coalescence of melt-emulsified drops of the dispersed phase do not settle out of the carrier liquid; this can be accomplished by a chemical reaction with the aid of chemical additives to increase the surface tension of the droplets.

Molarity: A common measure of solute concentration, referring to the number of moles of solute in 1 L of solution.

Mole: The number of grams of a substance that equals its molecular weight in daltons and contains Avogadro's number of molecules.

Molecule: Two or more atoms of one or more elements held together by ionic or covalent chemical bonds.

Neuro-transmitter: Any chemical that results in the transmission of nerve impulses between neurons in the brain and nerves.

Nucleic Acid: A chemical compound found in all viruses and plant and animal cells. RNA and DNA are the two principal types.

Orthomolecular Medicine: The idea holding that larger than usual doses of certain nutrients can actually prevent or cure disease.

Osmolarity: Solute concentration expressed as molarity.

Osmosis: The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane. Osmosis is a special kind of diffusion that happens when two different solutions (one of higher concentration of nutrients, the other lesser) are separated by a membrane that certain nutrients cannot penetrate (semipermeable membrane).

A semipermeable membrane only allows specific elements to pass through. The solutions of nutrients will pass through the membrane until the solutions are of similar density. Diffusion takes place with all the elements in solution, but osmosis takes place when the membranes that make up the walls of certain types of organs, muscle, tissue, etc. only allow certain elements to pass through. Without the water to transport the diffused elements (vitamins and minerals) to the cells, each one with its unique ability to accept certain types of elements, your body cannot be nourished.

By osmosis we refer to the selective acceptance of certain nutrients by the cells. Diffusion means that the elements become solutants (the elements in a solution of water) that can be transported to the cells that require those elements to nourish the different types of cells in the body.

Osteoporsis: Softening of the bones.

pH: A measure of the relative concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution; equal to the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration.

Plasma: The liquid matrix of blood in which the cells are suspended.

Polyunsaturated Fats: Originate from vegetables and are liquid at room temperature. These oils are a good source of the unsaturated fatty acids. They include flaxseed with added vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), sunflower oil, safflower oil, and primrose oil.

Potentize: to render the latent power of (anything) available. To potentize something means that you put a specific vibrational spin into a substance, like water, alcohol, or sugar tablets.

Protein: Complex compound formed from nitrogen and found in all animal and vegetable tissues. Essential in the body, protein is used for growth and repair. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed into amino acids in the body.

RNA: A ribonucleic acid found in plant and animals cells; a complex protein chemical. Important in the coding of genetic information with DNA carrying information from the nucleus of the cell into the cytoplasm.

Serotonin: A neurotransmitter present in nerve tissue. Considered essential for relaxation, sleep, and concentration.

Simple Carbohydrate: A simple form of sugar: glucose, lactose, fructose, etc. This type of sugar is rapidly absorbed into the blood stream.

Smell Sensitive Supplement: Volatile and Semi-volatile dietary supplements: a compound in a matrix to hold an aroma that exhibits a great influence on the fragrance of said supplement.

Sodium-potassium Pump: A transport protein in the plasma membrane that transports sodium out of and potassium into the cell against their concentration gradients.

Sonatotyping: The study of forms and compositions of the living body types.

Surface Tension: A tautness of the surface of a liquid, caused by the cohesion of the molecules of liquid. Water has an extremely high surface tension.

Synapse: The locus where one neuron communicates with another in a neural pathway; a narrow gap between a synaptic terminal of an axon and a signal-receiving portion of another neuron or effector cell. Neurotransmitters released by synaptic terminals diffuse across it, relaying messages to the postsynaptic cell.

Synergism: An interaction between two or more nutrients in which the action of the nutrients is greater when they are taken together than when taken individually.

Trace Element: An element indispensable for life but required in extremely minute amounts.

Triglyceride: A compound consisting of glycerol and a fatty acid. Tryglycerides are fat storage molecules and are the major lipid components of the diet.

Typolology: The study of types.

Virus: Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are totally dependent on the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.

Vitamin: Approximately fifteen essential nutrients that the body cannot manufacture and that need to be supplied for life and health. An organic molecule required in the diet in very small amounts; vitamins serve primarily as coenzymes or parts of coenzymes.

Water Soluble: Dissolves in water.

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