Glossary
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Some reference of terms used within health topics.
The following terms as used in:
Correlative Urinalysis:
The Body Knows Best, By M. T. Morter, Jr., BS, MA, DC, Copyright
Ó1987 by B.E.S.T.
Research Inc.
| A
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| acid ash
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Metabolic
residue of particular foods, including animal and vegetable protein.
Requires buffering, or neutralizing, before being eliminated through
the kidneys. Puts additional strain on the body.
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| acidosis
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High hydrogen ion concentration. The accumulation of more acid
in the body than can be handled effectively.
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| albumin
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Simple proteins found in plant and animal tissue, blood, milk,
eggs, and other substances. When albumin is coagulated by heat, it
becomes insoluble in water.
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| alkaline ash
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Metabolic residue of organic foods, including most vegetables
and fruits. Can be processed for elimination through the lungs and/or
kidneys. Causes little stress to the body. |
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| alkaline reserve
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Substances available to neutralize extracellular acid. Stored
in cells throughout the body but predominantly in the liver. Made up
principally of 1) bicarbonate ions, and 2) fixed reserves of sodium,
potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium.
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Low hydrogen ion concentration. Indicated by high pH readings
of urine and saliva. Symptoms similar to acidosis. For persons on a
high-protein diet, alkalosis is an advanced degree of acidosis.
Ammonia and bicarbonate can be responsible for the condition termed
alkalosis.
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alternative medicine (health) |
n. a group of health care and treatment
practices, including traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractic,
folk medicine, and naturopathy, that minimize or avoid the use
of surgery and the drugs produced by pharmaceutical companies.―Random
House Health & Medicine Dictionary |
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| anabolism
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Conversion
of nutrients into living tissue.
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| anaerobic |
The
process of forming adenosine triphosphate
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| glycolysis
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(ATP)
from glucose when little or no oxygen
is available.
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| ash
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Residue
of digested food that has been metabolized by the body. May be either
acid or alkaline in reaction depending upon the original food of which
it is a product.
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| atom
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Smallest part of an element capable of entering into a chemical reaction.
Neutral electrical charge. |
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| ATP |
Adenosine triphosphate. A high energy compound made from food by the
body, found in all cells of the body, particularly muscle cells.
Produces high energy when substance is split.
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| autointoxication |
Poisoning
by substances produced by the body. Can be normal substances existing
in excess amounts. |
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| B
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| bile |
Continuous
secretion of liver, stored in gall bladder. Liver bile is straw
colored; gall bladder bile is yellow, brown, or green. Bile performs
emulsifying action for digestion of fats and oils. Composed of
water, bile salts, bilirubin, cholesterol, fatty acids, lecithin,
sodium, potassium, calcium, chlorine, and bicarbonate. Normal bile is
always alkaline in nature and yellow in color.
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| bile salts |
Alkali
salts performing emulsifying or detergent function and as aid in
absorption of fatty acids. Absence of bile salts reduces absorption of
fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
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| bilirubin |
Bile
pigment produced from biliverdin in the
breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
Normal finding in blood; abnormal finding in urine.
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| biliverdin
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A
greenish pigment in bile resulting from red blood cell destruction.
Biliverdin is reduced to bilirubin.
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| buffer
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A substance that maintains the original hydrogen-ion
concentration of a solution when either an acid or base is added.
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| buffer systems
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Bicarbonate,
phosphate, and protein buffer systems adjust pH of intracellular and
extracellular fluids to pK of environment.
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| C
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candidiasis
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Yeast
infection of mucous membrane, skin, or nails.
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| catabolism |
Breakdown
of complex compounds. Opposite of anabolism.
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| cholesterol
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A
monohydric alcohol occurring in a variety of substances, i.e., egg
yolk, fats, nerve tissue of the brain and spinal cord, and the
liver. Can be synthesized in the liver and is a precursor of various
steroid hormones. Highly fat soluble; only slightly water soluble. A
normal constituent of bile that is found in most gall stones.
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| contractive foods |
Predominantly
acid-ash producing foods. Have a restrictive influence on the body
that is characterized by a nervous, intense, high-strung, or violent
personality.
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| contralateral
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Affecting
opposite sides of the body; simultaneously integrated; crossed.
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| cooking bonds
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Alteration
in bonding structure of ions caused by heat.
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| covalent bonds
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Loose
chemical link of electrons shared between two atoms. Atoms easily
separated, bond easily broken. The type of bond predominant in all
living systems.
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| D
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detoxify
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Removal
of toxic nature of substance.
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| digestive residue |
Waste
material from food. Those portions of food that are not metabolized
for use by the body. Passes through the small and large intestine and
is eliminated through the bowel.
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| disassociation |
Separation of ions of an electrovalent substance
during solution process.
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| E
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electrode |
The
degree of ability of an ion to accept or release potential electrons to become an atom.
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| electron
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Negatively
charged particle of atom.
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| electrovalent
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Strong
bond between atoms where each accepts from or
bonds donates to the other. An ionic link that is not easily broken. The
pre-dominant bond of mineral kingdom.
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| enzymes
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Complex
proteins capable of producing chemical change in other substances without
being altered themselves. Efficiency of enzyme activity can be
affected by reaction of medium in which they function.
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| expansive foods
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Predominantly stimulatory substances with little nutritional
value and an acidifying effect on the body. Overindulgence may
produce a sense of euphoria and loss of ability to concentrate.
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| extracellular
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Outside the
cell.
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G
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glucose
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A form of simple sugar. The end product in metabolism of
complex carbohydrates The principal source of energy for the body.
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| glucosuria
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Sugar in the urine.
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| glycogen
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Glucose
stored for future use. Animal starch.
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| glycogenesis
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The
process of converting excess glucose to glycogen during passage of
glucose through the liver.
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| glycolysis
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A
process that converts glucose into ATP within the cells. Breaking down
of glucose into smaller compounds yielding energy the body can use.
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| glyconeogenesis |
Process
taking place in the liver that forms
glycogen from noncarbohydrate sources under
conditions such as low carbohydrate consumption or
starvation. Syn.: gluconeogenesis
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| H
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Holistic
or |
(hō lis'tik) adj. 1 of or relating
to holism 2 of, concerned with, or dealing with wholes or
integrated systems rather than with their parts [holistic
health care] ―ho∙lis'ti∙cal∙ly adv.
―Webster's New World College Dictionary |
| Whole |
(hōl) adj. 1 a) in sound
health; not diseased or injured b) healed 2 not
broken, damaged, defective, etc.; intact [a whole yolk] 3
containing all the elements or parts; entire; complete [a
whole set, whole blood] 4 not divided up; in a
single unit 7 in all aspects of one's being,
including the physical, mental, social, etc. [the whole man]
―Webster's New World College Dictionary |
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Homeostasis |
Equilibrium or balance of internal
environment of the body.
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| Hydroxyl
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Commonly referred to as a base or alkali. A radical that can
accept one ion of hydrogen and form water.
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| I
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indican |
Potassium
salt found in urine and sweat, formed by
conversion of tryptophan to indole through bacterial
action in the intestine then further modified to
indican in the liver.
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| inorganic |
Indicates chemical substances other than living
entities found in nature.
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| inorganic acids
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Component parts held together by strong electrovalent bonds.
Highly ionized; up to 95% of hydrogen ions active at a time. Highly
corrosive. Eliminated through excretory system after having been
buffered.
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| intracellular |
Within the cell.
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| ion
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Atom or atoms with imbalance of electrons and protons.
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| ionic bond
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Strong, electrovalent bond. Restricts separation of
components of substances such as sodium chloride, thereby impeding use
of elements by the body.
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| ionization
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The disassociation of acid, base, or salt compounds into their
constituent ions. The formation of ions from polar solute molecules
by the action of a solvent.
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| ionization
potential
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The
degree of ability of an atom to gain or lose electrons to become an ion.
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| J
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jaundice
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A yellowish tint to the skin often caused by excessive
bilirubin in the extracellular fluids.
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dietary jaundice |
Non-pathological
yellowing of the skin brought about by the consumption of
large quantities of
carrot juice.
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hemolyti
jaundice |
Yellowing of skin and eyes resulting from excessive
red blood cell destruction occurring at a rate
greater
than the liver can adequately handle.
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obstructive
jaundice
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Yellowing of skin and eyes caused by partial or
total blockage of bile ducts, or by damage to
liver
cells.
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| jejunum
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A part of the small intestine, about 8 feet in length,
connecting the duodenum and ilium.
Important in
re-absorption process of bile salts and absorption of
nutrients during digestion.
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| junk food diet
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Contemporary diet of many Americans. Consists of high
percentage of highly refined carbohydrates, fats, and additives.
Processed foods, convenience foods, and fast food restaurant fare
are dominant features.
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| K
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ketones
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An organic chemical substance that
is an end product of fat metabolism. Found in urine under starvation,
diabetic, or rapid cleansing conditions.
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| ketonuria
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Acetone bodies in the urine.
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| ketosis
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Accumulation
of large quantities of ketone bodies, including acetoacetic acid, in
blood and interstitial fluids. Can be due to starvation or rigid diets
devoid of carbohydrates that cause body to metabolize stored fat. Also
evident in diabetes mellitus.
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| L
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lysis |
Destruction of blood cells by an enzyme.
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| M
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metabolism
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Physical
and chemical changes within the body
transforming nutrients, foods and other substances
into usable form.
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| molecule
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The
smallest quantity of a chemical substance that can exist
independently and maintain its characteristics. Positive and
negative charges evenly balanced.
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| N
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naturopathy
for a more in depth definition
click
here
for the basis or principles & practices click
here
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A distinct system of primary health care - an
art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosis, treatment
and prevention of illness.
 | the healing power of nature |
| identify & treat the causes |
| first do no harm |
| doctor as teacher |
| treat the whole person |
| prevention |
―American Association of Naturopathic
Physicians
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nitrates |
Salts
of nitric acid. May be found in urine after eating bacon or other
similarly processed foods. |
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| nitrites
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Salts
of nitrous acid. When found in urine, may indicate a bladder infection
with reducing bacteria present.
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| O
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organic
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Indicates
chemical compounds containing carbon. Living substances. Covalently
bonded.
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| organic acids
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Substances,
resulting from the digestion of fruits and vegetables, having
component parts held together by loose, covalent bonds. Easily
metabolized. Can be eliminated through lungs.
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| oxidation potential
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The
relative value of the ease with which an element's electrons move.
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| P
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parietal cells
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Large
cells of peptic glands that, in the stomach, produce hydrochloric acid
that is covalent in nature.
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| pathology
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Abnormal
physical conditions produced by disease.
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| pH
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Potential
of Hydrogen. Indicates level of acidity or alkalinity of solution.
Measured on a scale of 0- 14 with 7.0 being neutral. The lower the
number, the more acid the solution; the higher the number, the more
alkaline the solution.
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| pK |
The
ionization constant of a solution.
-
of bicarbonate buffer 6. l
-
of phosphate buffer 6.8
- of protein buffer 7.4
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| proton
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Positively charged particle of atom.
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R
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reticuloendothelial
cells
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Cells
of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) that ingest and destroy substances such as bacteria,
cell debris, and dust particles.
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| reverse
osmosiswater (RO
water)
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Water purified by filtration of
most minerals and
impurities
through membrane that allows only
molecules to pass. More vital than
distilled water that
has been boiled.
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| S
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Standard
American Diet (SAD)
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Conventional
American diet consisting of the four
basic
food groups: dairy products, meats, fruits and
vegetables,
and cereals and grains. Considered by many to be basis of
well-balanced meals. Affords excessive amounts of protein.
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toxic |
Resembling poison. Causes stress to the body.
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| U
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urobilin |
Brown
pigment formed by oxidation of urobilinogen in urine or stools.
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| urobilinogen
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Colorless
derivative of bilirubin formed by action of intestinal bacteria.
Highly soluble, reabsorbed through intestinal wall into blood to be
excreted into urine by kidneys.
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The following is
from: The Medical Advisor, The Complete Guide to Alternative &
Conventional Treatments, by the Editors of Time-Life Books,
Alexandria, Virginia. Copyright Ó
1996 Time Life Inc.
Abbreviations:
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cal |
calorie
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gal
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gallon
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in |
inch
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F
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Fahrenheit
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IU
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international
units, measurement used for fat-soluble vitamin
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mcg |
microgram
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mg
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milligram
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oz
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ounce
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pt
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pint
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qt |
quart
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spp. |
Various species, often
used with botanical names of herbs to indicate that more than one
species of a plant may be used medicinally
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| tbsp
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tablespoon
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tsp
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teaspoon
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c |
in homeopathic dosages,
indicating a dilution ratio of 1 part to 99 parts
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x
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in homeopathic dosages,
indicating a dilution ratio of 1 part to 9 parts
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Key to Professional Titles
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CA |
Certified Acupuncturist
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DC
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Doctor of Chiropractic
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DDS
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Doctor of Dental Surgery
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DHANP
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Diplomat
of Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians
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Dipl
Ac NCCA
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Diplomat of
Acupuncture,
National
Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturist
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DO
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Doctor of Osteopathy
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DSc
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Doctor of Science
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EdD
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Doctor of Education
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FAAAI
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Fellow of the American
Academy
of Allergy and Immunology
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FAAN
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Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology
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FAAO
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Fellow of the American
Academy
of Ophthalmology
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FAAO
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Fellow of the American
Academy of Osteopathy
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| FAAOS
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Fellow of the American Academy of Osteopathy
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FAAP
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Fellow of the American Academy of
Pediatrics |
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FACCP
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Fellow of the American
College
of Chest Physicians
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FACE
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Fellow of the American College
of Endocrinology
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FACP |
Fellow of the American College
of Physicians
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FACS
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Fellow of the American
College of Surgeons
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FAOSSM
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Fellow of the
American
Orthopaedic Society
for
Sports
Sports Medicine
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FICC
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Fellow of the
International College of Chiropractors
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FNAAOM
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Fellow of the National Academy
of Acupuncture
and
Oriental Medicine
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JD
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Doctor of Jurisprudence
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Lac
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Licensed Acupuncturist
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LCSW
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
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MA
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Master of Arts
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MALS |
Master of Arts in Library Sciences
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MBA
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Master of Business Administration |
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MD
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Doctor of Medicine
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MD(H)
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Licensed Homeopathic
Physician
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MNIMH
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Member of the National Institutes
of Medical
Herbalists
(British)
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MSPH |
Master of Science in
Public Health
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ND
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Doctor of Naturopathy
(British)
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OMD
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Oriental Medical Doctor
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PhD
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Doctor of Philosophy
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PT
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Physical Therapist
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RN
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Registered Nurse
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RPh
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Registered Pharmacist
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Feedback
| chelated |
minerals are not always easily
absorbed; however, there is evidence suggesting an amino acid bound to a
mineral increase absorption. Minerals bound to amino acid are called “chelated,”
and are usually recommended. ¾
Encyclopedia of Natural Healing, A Practical Self-Help Guide, Alive
Research Group, Siegfried Gursche, MH Editor – Zoltan Rona, M.D., MSC Ó
1997. Natural Life Publishing, Inc. Blaine, WA.
Pg.
206
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| iatrogenic |
nduced
unintentionally by the medical treatment of a physician: iatrogenic
symptoms. ¾Health
& Medicine Dictionary, 2nd edition, Ó
1997, Random House
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The following definitions
from Webster's New World College Dictionary:
| addict
|
1. to give (oneself) up (to some
strong habit): usually in the passive voice
2. to cause (someone) to become addicted to some habit
-n.
a person addicted to some habit, esp. to the use of a narcotic drug
3. an ardent supporter; devotee [a TV addict]
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| doctor |
1.
orig., a teacher or
learned man 2. a
person who holds a doctorate 3. physician or surgeon (MD)
4. a person licensed to practice any of the healing arts, as on
osteopath, dentist, veterinarian, etc.
5. a title used in addressing any person who hold a doctorate
6 a witch doctor or medicine man
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| doctorate |
1. any degree at the highest
level awarded by universities, either as an indication of the successful
completion of academic study, as Doctor
of Philosophy, or as an honorary degree and title, as Doctor
of Laws: also doctor's (degree)
2. the status of doctor
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| drug
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1. any substance used as a
medicine or as an ingredient in a medicine which kills or inactivates
germs, or affects any body function or organ
2. any substance used in chemistry, dyeing, etc.
3. a narcotic, hallucinogen, etc., esp. one that is habit forming
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| knowledge |
1. the act, fact, or state of
knowing; specif., a)
acquaintance or familiarity (with a fact, place, etc.)
b) awareness c) understanding
2. acquaintance with facts; range of information, awareness, or
understanding 3. all that
has been perceived or grasped by the mind; learning; enlightenment;
4. the body of facts, principles, etc., accumulated by mankind
5. carnal knowledge
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| medicinal |
of or having the properties of,
medicine; curing, healing, or relieving
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| medicine
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1. the science and art of
diagnosing, treating, curing, and preventing disease, relieving pain,
and improving and preserving health 2. the branch of this science and art that makes use of
drugs, diet, etc., as distinguished esp. fro0m surgery and obstetrics
3. a) any drug or other
substance used in treating disease, healing, or relieving pain b)
a drug or other substance, as a poison, love potion, etc., used for
other purposes * 4. among North American Indian peoples
a) any object, spell,
rite, etc. supposed to have natural or supernatural powers as a remedy,
preventive, protection, etc. b) magical
power
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| metaphysical |
1. of,
connected with, or having the nature of, metaphysics 2. very abstract, abstruse, or subtle: often a derogatory
usage 3. beyond the
physical or material; incorporeal, supernatural, or transcendental
4. designating or of the school of early 17th cent. English poets
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| nutrition |
Act or process of nourishing
or being nourished. The sum of the process by which an animal or plant
absorbs, or takes in and utilizes, food substances. Assimilation is
the essential and final part of the process, but is preceded in man
and the higher animals by digestion, absorption (accompanied by more
or less chemical change) through the mucous membrane of the alimentary
canal, and transportation of the absorbed nutritive matter by the
blood and lymph to its place of utilization.
-Webster’s
New Dictionary of the English Language – 1930 Edition
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| opinion
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1. a belief not based on
absolute certainty or positive knowledge but on what seems true, valid,
or probable to one's own mind; judgment 2. an evaluation, impression, or estimation of the quality or
worth of a person or thing 3.
the formal judgment of an expert on a matter in which advice is sought
4. Law the formal
statement by a judge, court referee, etc. of the law bearing on a case
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| philosophy
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1. orig., love of, or the search for
wisdom or knowledge 2.
theory or logical analysis of the principles underlying conduct, thought
, knowledge, and the nature of the universe: included in philosophy are
ethics, aesthetics, logic, epistemology, metaphysics, etc.
3. the general principles or laws of a field of knowledge,
activity, etc. [the philosophy of
economics] 4. a)
a particular system of principles for the conduct of life b) a treatise covering such a system 5. a study of human morals, character and behavior
6. mental balance or composure thought of as resulting from the
study of philosophy
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| physic |
natural science
1. rare var. of PHYSICS
2. [Archaic] the art or science of healing; medical science
3. a medicine or remedy, esp. a laxative or cathartic
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| physician
|
1. a person licensed to practice
medicine; doctor of medicine 2. any medical doctor other than one specializing in surgery
3. any person or thing that heals, relieves, or comforts
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The information found in
this site should only be used to educate and not as a basis for diagnosis or
treatment. It is not
intended to replace the advice of a licensed professional.
|
