Glossary of Medical Terms
Adrenal Glands
Two walnut-sized hormonal glands that sit on top of the kidneys and produce over 50 hormones, including cortisol, DHEA, and aldosterone; the adrenals are also a secondary producer of sex hormones (after the ovaries and testicles).
Cortisol
This is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that orchestrates the body’s response to stress; it is also the anti-inflammatory hormone responsible for fighting inflammation. Cortisol is the hormone responsible for the well-known ‘fight-or-flight’ reaction.
Insulin
A hormone produced by the pancreas which enables the sugars and carbohydrates we eat to enter the liver where they can be processed into either useable energy, stored energy (glycogen), cholesterol, or triglycerides (the last explaining why too much of these foods makes you gain weight). Elevated cortisol blocks both the production of insulin and the cells’ sensitivity to it, which can result in diabetes.
Intestinal Tract Inflammation (ITI)
Although this condition typically affects the small intestines, the large intestines can also become inflamed. ITI is the result of the same dietary abuses as systemic inflammation, but with the over-use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprophen, Motrin®, Aleve®, etc.) and antibiotics being a major contributor.
Omega-3 Oils
These are the anti-inflammatory fatty acids derived from coldwater fish (e.g., salmon) as well as from some unroasted nuts (excluding peanuts). Omega-3 oils can be supplemented in the diet by taking a good quality omega-3 capsule which has been screened by the manufacturer for pesticides, mercury, and environmental pollutants.
Omega-6 Oils
This is the inflammatory fatty acid that is largely responsible for systemic inflammation from the foods and soda we consume, as it triggers a chemical chain reaction which results in the production of inflammatory substances. While omega-6 oils are natural to the body, they should ideally exist in a 1:1 ratio (and no more than 4:1) with the omega-3 oils. The Standard American Diet has a 32:1 ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 oils.
Receptor Sites
These are finger-like projections in the outer wall of the body’s cells. Receptor sites act like specific magnets for the chemicals the cell needs to function properly. As an example, insulin needs to be able to bind to a cell receptor site so that sugar (glucose) can enter the cell and provide energy.
Systemic Inflammation
This refers to the production of chemicals that create inflammation inside the body as a direct result of the foods and beverages we consume, particularly grains, fried foods, processed and ‘fast’ foods, caffeine, alcohol, and soda.