Saccharin - a zero calorie artificial sweetening agent. Saccharin, the oldest of the intense artificial sweetening agents, is currently derived from refined, synthetic methyl anthranilate, which is a chemical substance naturally present in grapes. It is 300 times sweeter than sugar, retains its properties when heated, and does not promote tooth decay. It has a long shelf-life, but has a slightly bitter aftertaste. It is neither digested nor stored by the human body, but quickly eliminated in urine.
Acetone - a chemical formed if the digestive system breaks down fatty acids in lieu of simple sugars to generate energy. Levels go up and acetone `leaks` into the urine and is exhaled in the breath, producing a `fruity` smell. (Also see `Ketone bodies`.)
Simple Sugars - monosaccharides (with one molecule) such as glucose, fructose, and galactose.
Stearate - a saturated fatty acid comprised of 18 carbon atoms in its molecular composition, which is basically non-reactionary in effect on coronary heart illness in humans (which means that it does not noticeably increase LDL levels in the blood). Due to the ability to resist oxidation and the neutral impact on heart disease, stearate-containing oils make excellent cooking oils.
Yoga - an exercise regimen for attaining bodily or mental control and well-being. The several schools of yoga include yogic postures (known as `asanas`) to boost muscle tone and agility, breath-control exercises that calm and purify the body, and meditation to help the mind and body relax and manage stress better.
Orlistat - also known and marketed as `Xenical`, a medication for the treatment of obesity. This drug impairs the absorption of some of the dietary fat. It acts by blocking pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that synthesizes fat in the intestine. Without lipase, fat from the diet is excreted undigested, and not absorbed by the body. It also prevents the body from absorbing certain fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids such as beta-carotene. Individuals who are on this medication need to take a vitamin supplement that contains fat soluble (A, D, E, and K) vitamins and beta carotene. The most common side-effects of orlistat / Xenical are gas with some anal leakage, fecal incontinence, greasy stools, and repeated bowel movements.
Placebo - also popularly known as a `sugar pill`, a `fake` medical treatment which appears to be identical to the real treatment. Placebo treatments are used to eliminate skewed results from any preconceptions, for or against, that may arise from the expectation that a treatment should produce an effect.
Phytate - a chemical complex (large-moleculed) substance, which is the dominant (that is, 60 to 80 percent) chemical form of phosphorous within cereal grains, oilseeds, and their derivative products. Monogastric animals having only one stomach, like humans (such as, pigs) are unable to absorb and use the phosphorus within phytate, because they lack the enzyme known as `phytase` in their digestive tracts, and consequently phosphorus (phytate) is excreted into the atmosphere. If phytase enzyme is present in the ration of a monogastric animal at a high enough level, the monogastric mammal is then able to digest the phytate, and by doing so, release phosphorus for digestion.
Caffeine - an organic stimulant present in the leaves, seeds, or fruits of more than sixty-three plant species around the world and that belongs to a category of compounds known as methylxanthines. The most popularly known sources of caffeine are coffee and cocoa beans, cola nuts, and tealeaves. Caffeine is a pharmacologically active substance and, based on the dose, can stimulate the nervous system to a moderate extent. Caffeine is not stored or accumulated in the system over a period of time and is normally purged within several hours of consumption.
NIDDM - Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes.
Salmonella - a Gram-negative bacterium that may cause intestinal infection and diarrhea, found in several species of animals and birds, particularly fowl and pigs. Within ecological surroundings, salmonella can be found in soil, insects, factory and kitchen surfaces, animal excreta, and raw meats, poultry (including eggs), and seafood.
Post Harvest Waxes - wax coating on fresh produce. After a fruit or vegetable is harvested, it still requires moisture in order to remain edible and fresh. In order to help seal in moisture, certain varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables are given a fresh wax coating in order to replace the natural wax the fresh produce loses in the course of harvest and shipping. If a fungicide is mixed with the wax to prevent mold or fungus, retail markets are required to put a label on the wax-treated fruit or vegetable.
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) - a compound that is the chief source of energy for most metabolic processes in living organisms, including muscle contraction, and various other tasks.
Binge Eating Disorder - an eating disorder marked by uncontrolled eating of vast amounts of food.
NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) - a series of surveys which comprise data from medical history to monitor trends in health status and health care delivery, vital statistics, biochemical reviews, physical health tests and dietary intake of population groups in the US. The NHANES is carried out by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approximately every five years.
Risk Factor - describes documented activity or factor that may increase the chance of developing a disease; however, a risk factor need not necessarily infer cause and effect.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB) - also referred to as `gastric bypass` and `gastric bypass surgery`. A bariatric surgical procedure in which surgeons create a small stomach pouch by sectioning off a part of the patient`s stomach and re-route the intestine to bypass the duodenum, so that fewer nutrients (and calories) are absorbed. Surgeons make the stomach smaller by using surgical staples. The reduced stomach sac is connected to the middle section of the small intestine. Ingested food bypasses the upper part of the small intestine and sectioned-off stomach, and goes into the central portion of the small intestine through a narrow channel. Circumventing a section of the stomach restricts the amount of food an individual can eat. By closing off a portion of the small intestine, the quantity of nutrients and calories the body assimilates is decreased. The narrow opening decreases the speed at which food leaves the stomach pouch. One of the risks for patients is `rapid gastric emptying`. This happens if the contents of the stomach pass more quickly than is normal through the small intestine. Symptoms of gastric dumping might include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and diarrhea after food consumption. Adverse effects could include infection, leaking, a sudden blood clot in the pulmonary artery of the lungs (pulmonary embolism), gallstones (`pebbles` that form in the gall bladder or bile duct), and insufficient nutrition.
Vitamins - organic micronutrients which are key nutrients in small amounts to control metabolic processes and are only available through dietary nutrients. Vitamins are typically classified by their solubility, which, to some limit contributes to their stability; presence in dietary nutrients; distribution in body fluids; and capacity to be stored in body tissues. Vitamins are grouped into two classes: fat-soluble (A, D, E, and K) and water-soluble (C, B group). The human body can keep a reserve of fat-soluble vitamins in the liver and fat tissues and utilize these stores when needed. Water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored this way and must be replenished frequently. Vitamins are absolutely vital for a healthy body. Most of the water-soluble vitamins are ingredients of necessary biological systems that manufacture enzymes. A lot of them are involved in the physiological reactions that metabolize food to produce energy. These vitamins are not routinely stored as reserves for future use in the body in noticeable quantities and are usually eliminated as bodily wastes through the urine. Therefore, it is worthwhile to ensure daily consumption of these vitamins to safeguard against depletion and interruption of normal physiological functions.
Ascorbic Acid - also called Vitamin C, it is crucial in building collagen (the protein that makes up the connective tissues of the skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments). Vitamin C promotes the manufacture of new cells in wound healing and it`s an antioxidant that prevents free radicals from attaching themselves to other molecules to produce harmful toxins capable of causing damage to tissues. This vitamin boosts the functioning of the immune system, helps fight off infections, decreases the impact of hypersensitive reactions and plays a role in the synthesis of hormones and other body chemicals. Vitamin C is found in fresh fruit like lemons, oranges, grapefruit, mandarins, and strawberries as well as in vegetables like green peppers.
Subcutaneous - below or under the skin tissue before muscle or fibrous tissue.
|
