Glossary

The process through which the end results of digestion are absorbed into the blood or lymph from the small intestinal mucosa.

Also called adaptive immunity or specific immunity, this immune response is specific to the pathogen presented.

A dramatic physiological and psychological reaction to a specific event, whose effects are immediate and that are not long lasting.

WHO's definition: refined sugars added during cooking or manufacturing, not including naturally occurring sugars and fruit juice.

Natural molecules, mostly found in plant foods, that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies.

The nutrients that are present in the blood after absorption reach the target cells and tissues which utilize them to synthesize new biological compounds.

hearing

Something that does not threaten health or life.

Physiological or psychological response induced by a long-term internal or external stressor. Prolonged stress that can lead to a range of negative health effects.

Of or relating to a condition that is present at birth, as a result of either heredity or environmental influences.

The process in the alimentary canal by which food is broken up physically, as by the action of the teeth, and chemically, as by the action of enzymes, and converted into a substance suitable for absorption and assimilation into the body.

Avoiding certain foods for a specific period of time then introducing them back slowly to see if symptoms return.

Outermost layer of skin.

Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) has been a popular remedy for a variety of ailments for hundreds of years. Today, people mostly use it in a bath for muscle soreness and stress. When epsom salt is dissolved in water, it releases magnesium and sulfate ions, and the theory is that your skin absorbs these transdermally. Research hasn't proven that, but there are plenty of folk remedy claims without a lot of studies to back them up. Many people are actually magnesium deficient and don't know it. As there presently isn't sufficient evidence to suggest that magnesium enriched bathwater is absorbed well via the skin, people with magnesium insufficiency should take oral supplements. Magnesium is involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions that benefit our heart and nervous system. It is known to be essential for proper sleep and stress management, as well as help muscle spasms and pain.

The process that biological organisms use to expel or eliminate the waste products produced by their metabolisms.

Potentially harmful substances that result from metabolism and the environment.

WHO’s definition of free sugars: all monosaccharides and disaccharides added to foods by the manufacturer, cook or consumer, and sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates.

tasting

Digestive system

Non-specific immune response consisting of physical, chemical, and cellular defenses against pathogens.

Subtle. Gradual and cumulative effect.

A sleep disorder in which people have trouble sleeping. They may have difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep as long as desired. Insomnia is typically followed by daytime sleepiness, low energy, irritability, and a depressed mood.

learning that involves physical activity

A hormone released by the pineal gland in the brain at night that is associated with control of the sleep–wake cycle.

Converts nutrients into forms that can be used (or stored in the body), and also into forms that are removed (excreted) from the body.

The ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization.

Also called skin microbiota, refers to communities of microorganisms that reside on the skin and are usually non-pathogenic, and are not harmful or even offer a benefit.

smelling

bad news

Bone cells responsible for the building and mineralization of bone

A type of bone cell that breaks down bone tissue.

An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Increased free radicals leads to cell and tissue damage over time.

To reflect on a matter over and over again in the mind.

touching

An amino acid needed to produced serotonin, the neurotransmitter involved in sleep and mood.

Pertaining to the internal organs of the body.

seeing

Weighted blankets have become a stress relief and sleep enhancing tool for many people. Weighing between 5 and 30 pounds, weighted blankets are therapeutic blankets that mimic deep pressure therapy, a technique that has been shown to benefit people with anxiety, depression, autism, and ADHD. The deep pressure, which can be likened to a hug, helps relax the nervous system. Numerous people use weighted blankets to help them sleep, and others use them to help reduce perceptions of chronic pain.

A group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India