Venturing into the realm of health and wellbeing can be quite challenging at first. There are numerous terms and phrases you may not have encountered before, or if you have, you might not fully understand their meanings. To aid you in navigating this complex field, we present an ever-growing and evolving health and wellbeing dictionary.
Absorb/ed To take in or soak up something via a chemical or physical reaction. For example, your body will absorb nutrients from your food within the small intestine. Once it has been absorbed the body can then use the nutrients for important processes.
Active Form The biologically functional version of a substance, such as a vitamin or hormone, after it has been processed by the body and is ready to perform its role. An inactive form of a substance circulates the body but is unable to perform a function.
Acute Something that is intense or severe and/or of short duration. For example, stubbing your toe typically leads to acute pain.
Active Ingredients The chemical compounds in drugs, supplements or herbal remedies that have an effect on the body and mind.
Additive Effect When two or more things that do the same job, such as, taking naturally blood thinning Omega 3 supplements alongside a blood thinning medication. Or when something causes the other to have a stronger or faster reaction, for example, having caffeine with paracetamol causes it to work faster and potentially have a greater overall effect. This additive effect can therefore be positive, neurural or negative depending on what is interacting and what effect you are aiming for.
Adipose Tissue Body fat that stores energy, cushions organs, and helps regulate body temperature. It also functions as an endocrine organ, producing hormones and signaling molecules.
Adverse Having a negative or unwated effect on something or someone. For example, a medical treatment could have an adverse effect, such as, nausea or dizziness.
Age of Consent The age at which you can legally do something. For example, those aged 16 and over in the UK are at the age of consent to make their own medical choices, such as, having a specific treatment or not.
Air Purifier A device that removes pollutants, allergens, dust, smoke, and other particles from indoor air to improve air quality. It works by filtering the air and can help reduce symptoms for people with allergies, asthma, or sensitivities to airborne irritants. It can also reduce the number of toxins your body is exposed to each day that can lead both short-term and long-term conditions, such as, chronic fatigue and certain cancers.
Allergens Things that cause an allergic reaction. Examples include, dust, pollen, gluten and milk.
Antagonist In nutrition or biology, an antagonist is a substance that blocks or reduces the effects of another substance. For example, in the body, some nutrients can act as antagonists by competing with each other for absorption, reducing the effectiveness of one another.
Anti-Inflammatory Something that has the potential to reduce inflammation. Your body requires lots of anti-inflammatory foods, such as, berries and Omega-3 from SMASH fish or flaxseeds. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can help to reduce inflammation, however, they can lead to inflammation in other areas of your body, such as, your digestive system.
Antimicrobial - A substance or treatment that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Examples include disinfectants, antibiotics, and certain essential oils.
Antioxidant A substance that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules) and oxidative stress. Examples include vitamins C and E, and certain plant compounds.
B Vitamins Water-soluble vitamins that play a crucial role in many of the body's metabolic processes, including energy production, the formation of red blood cells, and the proper functioning of the nervous system. There are eight distinct B vitamins, each with its own specific functions and benefits. B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), B7 (Biotin), B9 (Folate/Folic Acid) & B12 (Cobalamin). These all tend to work synergistically (positivity work) with one another within the body.
Bacteria - Tiny, single-celled microorganisms that exist everywhere, including inside and on the human body. Some bacteria are beneficial, such as those in the gut that help with digestion, while others can cause infections and diseases.
Beneficial Fats (See Omega 3, Unsaturated & Saturated Fats)
Biochemical Reactions Chemical processes that occur within living organisms to sustain life, such as digestion, energy production, and cellular repair.
Caffeine A chemical that has a stimulatory effect. For example, feeling more energised or wired.
Calcium An important mineral that plays numerous vital roles within the body, including bone health, muscle functions and blood clotting.
Cephalic Phase The first stage of digestion triggered by the sight, smell, taste, or thought of food. It prepares the body for eating by stimulating saliva, digestive juices, and stomach activity.
Chronic Something that is of mild to moderate intensity and lasts a number of months. For example, chronic fatigue or type 2 diabetes.
Chronic Fatigue Persistent and severe tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest and lasts for six months or more. It can interfere with daily activities and is often linked to underlying health issues. It is important to look for all of the root causes that may be leading to an energy imbalance and an inability to recover, including, heavy metals, mould, nutritional imbalances and latent viruses.
Cofactors Substances, usually vitamins or minerals, that help enzymes work properly to carry out chemical reactions in the body.
CoQ10/Coenzyme Q10 Is a naturally occurring antioxidant that is found in almost every cell of the body. It is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like compound that plays a crucial role in the production of energy within cells, specifically within the mitochondria, which are often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell. There are two main forms: ubiquinone (the oxidized form) and ubiquinol (the reduced, active antioxidant form). Dietary sources include fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, and sardines), organ meats (like liver), and whole grains.
Deficiency A lack of or shortage of something. For example, a deficiency in magnesium could result in tighter muscles as there is not enough magnesium within the body to do it's job. Deficiency can result from a lack of something being received or more of it being used or removed.
Digestive Enzymes Proteins produced by the body that speed up the breakdown of food into smaller molecules, such as amino acids, sugars, and fats, so they can be absorbed. Examples include amylase (breaks down carbs), lipase (breaks down fats), and protease (breaks down proteins). They are also available in various supplements.
DNA Synthesis The biological process by which cells replicate their DNA, enabling growth, repair, and reproduction in living organisms.
Effective/Effectiveness How sucessfull something was at producing the desired effect or intended results. For example, if you drink more water and you no longer have a headache due to dehydration it was effective. If you were to drink lots of dehydrating coffee instead of water and your headaches got worse, the coffee is not effective and reducing dehydration and your headaches. Or if you take 2x supplements and it has more of the desired effect you were looking for than when taking just 1x supplement, it is more effective to take 2x supplements than 1x.
Efficient/Efficiency Working smart and/or well within the time given.
Endocrine Refers to the system of glands in the body that produce and release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones regulate various functions, such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and mood. The endocrine system includes glands like the thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and pituitary gland.
Excreted The process by which waste products or excess substances are eliminated from the body, typically through urine, faeces, or sweat.
Extra Demands There are numerous things that can make extra or additional demands on your body and mind. There can be extra nutritional, emotional, spiritual, physical and mental demands. These demands can be tempoary (i.e. a few seconds) or long-term (i.e. week, months or years) and they can be very small or very large. Examples include, puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, exercise, menopause, grief, stress, relationship issues, etc.
Fat Soluble Are able to dissolve and be transported in fat. Fat soluble vitamins include, Vitanin A, D, E & K. These vitamins benefit from being eaten alongside fatty foods and drinks.
Fight-or-Flight The body’s automatic response to stress or danger, controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. It prepares the body to either confront or escape a threat by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels.
Food First Approach Starting by getting your essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals from whole foods rather than relying on dietary supplements. This approach emphasises the consumption of a balanced and varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, focusing on nutrient density, minimal processing, and the synergistic effects of nutrients naturally found in food.
Formulated Something that has been created with something specific in mind. For example, a supplement can be formulated to support with sleep. Those making the supplement will consider what ingredients should go into the supplement and how much of each ingredient will go into it.
Fortified Refers to foods that have had nutrients added to them, often to prevent deficiencies. Common fortified foods include cereals, milk (with added vitamin D), and orange juice (with added calcium).
Fibre A type of complex carbohydrate that has such a long structure it is not broken down by the time it reaches your small intestine. They can be found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Dietary fibre is crucial for digestive health, helping to regulate bowel movements, lower cholesterol levels, control blood sugar levels, and maintain a healthy weight. There are two main types of dietary fibre, soluble (dissolves in water) and insoluble (does not dissolve in water). The average adults should aim to consume 30-50g per day.
Health Condition Any state of physical or mental health that deviates from the normal state of well-being and functioning. Health conditions can be temporary or chronic, mild or severe, and can affect various aspects of a person's life. They may arise from genetic factors, environmental influences, lifestyle choices, infections, injuries, or a combination of these factors. Examples include, diabetes, anxiety and anaemia.
Health Status A measure of how someone's physical and mental health is. Someone with a good health status, will be healthier than someone with a poor health status. Your health status will be reduced if you are experiencing any health conditions or symptoms. Your health status will be improved if you are no longer experiencing a certain health condition or symptom.
Healthy Fats Fats that are beneficial for health, typically unsaturated fats found in foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, and fish. They support heart health and reduce inflammation.
HEPA Filter High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, is a filter designed to capture 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger. HEPA filters are commonly used in air purifiers to remove dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles. Some companies, have UltraHEPA filters that will remove particles smaller than 0.3 microns which are great for mould support.
Immune System The body's defense system against infections and diseases, consisting of various organs, cells, and proteins that work together to identify and neutralize harmful pathogens.
Inactive Doing nothing or not having an effect. For example, a membership may be inactive, you cannot use the services any more. Or a supplement may contain inactive ingredients; for example, fillers to bulk out a supplement, the shell of a capsule or carrier oils. These ingredients are there not because they will provide the effect you are looking for, they are there to support with the processing or sales of a product. Some are harmless inactive ingredients, while others can have a negative effect on your health.
Inflammation Is an essential part of your body's healing process. It occurs when inflammatory cells travel to the place of an injury or foreign body like bacteria. However, inflammatory cells stay too long, it may lead to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can cause damage to numerous bodily systems and processes. For example, sugar is an inflammatory substance when it is in your bloodstream. If you have highly blood sugars for too long it can cause damage to your cardiovascular system (i.e. arteries and veins) and this can lead to a range fo cardiovascualr diseases. Alternatively, if you continue to run and an injured knee the inflammation that is triggered to help heal your knee can eventually begin to cause damage. Chronic inflammation can be supported by reducing inflammatory factors and increasing supportive nutrients, such as, anti-inflammatory foods and drinks.
Informed Choice/Consent Knowing all the information and facts before making a decision. Such as, the side effects of a medication, supplement or treatment. You have the option to way up the pros and cons before making the choice to continue or not.
Interact/Interactions When two or more things come together and have an effect. This could be positive, neutral or negative.
Interactions Check Pharmacists and qualified healthcare practitioners (Nutritionists & Herbalists) are all trained to run interactions checks. This means that they can check for you if a medication, supplement, herbal remedy or food will interact if taken together. This can be two medications taken together, two supplements taken together or a mixture of all of them.
Interpret To look at something and then explain the meaning of it based on your current knowledge and understanding or against research. For example, interpreting the results from a Vitamin D test would involve looking at the data, compare the results to recommended levels and then determining if levels are within a healthy range of need support.
Ion A molecule or atom with a positive or negative electrical charge. Electroltyes are are a type of ion.
Ioniser A device that releases negatively charged ions into the air, which attach to positively charged particles like dust, pollen, or smoke, causing them to fall out of the air. This can help reduce airborne particles. They should be used inconjunction with an air purifier. It is recommended that you only use them for short periods of time when you are not in the room due to potential issues with Ozone that may effect your health.
Iron An essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, particularly in the production of red blood cells. There are two main types heme and non-heme. Heme is typically found in animal based products and is more easily absorbed than non-heme iron that is typically found in plant-based foods.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia Where your body does not produce enough red blood cells because the level of iron in your blood is too low. Symptoms range from no noticeable changes in health to varying degree of fatigue, pale skin, faster heartbeat, etc.
Legumes A group of nutrient-dense plants, including beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas, that are high in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
Macro Nutrients Nutrients that you need larger amounts of for your body to function optimally. For example, water, carbohydrates, fat and protein.
Magnesium Is a mineral that is crucial for numerous bodily functions, including the relaxation of muscles, bone health and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium can be found in food, mineral water, supplements, creams and epsom salt.
Maintenance Level The level at which something can continue to run without needing further action or assitance. For example, if you are looking to keep your Vitamin D levels where they currently are, you could consider taking a small dose of a supplement. If you would like to do more than just maintain your levels and you would like to increase them, you would want to take a theraputic dose. Another example, is your weight. If you are looking to maintain your weight you should continue eating the same amount of food. If you are looking to gain/loose weight you need to eat more/less that the maintenance level.
Mechanical Phase Part of digestion involving physical processes, like chewing and stomach churning, to break down food into smaller pieces for easier chemical digestion.
Medications Substances or compounds used to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure diseases and medical conditions. They can come in various forms, such as pills, capsules, liquids, injections, creams, and patches, and are prescribed by healthcare professionals or available over-the-counter.
Melanin A natural pigment found in the skin, hair, and eyes that determines their color and provides protection against UV radiation.
Menstrual Cup A reusable, flexible, bell-shaped device made of silicone, rubber, or latex that is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. Unlike pads or tampons, it doesn’t absorb the flow but holds it until emptied. Menstrual cups are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on the flow.
Metabolism The sum total of all of the chemical reactions and interactions within the body, from building new cells to breaking down hormones that are no longer needed.
Micro Nutrients Nutrients that you need only a small quanity/amount of for your body to work optimally. For example, vitamins and minerals.
Microbes - Microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Some microbes are essential for life, such as those involved in digestion, while others can cause disease.
Mindfulness - A mental practice where you aim to focus on the present moment with awareness and without judgment. It often involves using all of your senses, for example, what can you see, what can you smell, what can you hear, what can you feel and what can you taste. The aim is to avoid thinking about the past or the future and focus only on the present moment.
Mineral A naturally occurring inorganic substance that is essential for the growth, development, and overall health of living organisms. Minerals are obtained primarily through the diet and are crucial for various bodily functions, including the formation of bones, blood clotting, muscle contraction, and maintaining fluid balance. Examples of minerals include iron and zinc.
Misleading To lead someone/cause someone to believe something that is not true. For example, that a product is healthy because it is low in fat while it is very high in sugar.
Mould A type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditions, often indoors on surfaces like walls, ceilings, and fabrics. It can be caused by condensation, water damage and poor ventialtion. Mould releases spores and mycotoxins, which can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. It is difficult to remove once it grows and needs to be carefully dealt with.
Multi Vitamin Are a type of supplement that contains a range of vitamins and minerals. They come in numerous forms, i.e. capsules, tablets, chewy sweets, liquid and powder. Each multi vitamin will differ based on who it is aimed at, for example, pre-menopausal women requiring more iron, sports support, children, immune support. They can be made of natural or synthetic ingredients.
Nausea Feeling sick.
No One-Size-Fits-All When a standard size, dosage, amount, etc is not suitable or will not work for everyone. For example, there is no one diet that will suit everyone in the world. Babies need milk, athletes need more food then someone who is more sedentary and someone who is elderly may require food that is easier to eat and digest.
Nutrient A substance that provides nourishment essential for the growth and maintenance of life. For example, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Nutritional Gaps Deficiencies or insufficiencies in the intake of essential nutrients needed for optimal health. These gaps occur when a person's diet does not provide the necessary levels of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, or other nutrients required for the body to function properly.
Omega 3 Are polyunsaturated fats (or "healthy fats") you get from certain foods or supplements. You body is unable to make them internally and require external sources. They are important for every cell in your body; they give you energy; and they help keep your heart, lungs, blood vessels, and immune system working optimally. SMASH fish are the highest food sources of Omega 3 fatty acids.
Optimal Nutrition Eating the right balance of nutrients (like vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) in the right amounts to support your body’s best possible health, growth, and function. It helps maintain energy, prevent disease, and promote overall well-being.
Orachatoxin A A type of mycotoxin produced by certain moulds, particularly Aspergillus and Penicillium species. It can can be found in certain foods and in water damaged buildings (homes, schools, places of work). It is harmful to the body if exposed to large amounts or small amounts over a longer period of time. You can test your internal levels using a urine test.
Organic Refers to foods produced without synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic farming also emphasizes sustainable practices and animal welfare.
Osteoporosis A bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases, or when the quality or structure of bone changes. This can lead to a decrease in bone strength that can increase the risk of broken bones (fractures). Causes can include pregnancy, nutrient deficiencies and certain medications.
Physiological Relating to the normal functioning of living organisms and their parts, including processes that occur within the body.
Prebiotic A type of non-digestible fibre that serves as food source for beneficial bacteria and other microbes within your body, promoting their growth and activity. Prebiotics are typically found in various plant-based foods and help improve gut health and overall well-being. Foods rich in prebiotics include garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, and whole grains.
Prevention Strategies and actions taken to reduce the risk of developing diseases, injuries, or other health conditions. The goal of health prevention is to promote well-being and prolong life by preventing health problems before they occur.
Probiotic Live microorganisms, usually bacteria or yeast, that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Probiotics are commonly found in fermented foods and dietary supplements and contribute to maintaining or restoring a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Foods rich in probiotics include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and other fermented products.
Pro-Hormone A substance that the body changes into a hormone. It’s like a raw material that needs to be processed to become active and do its job.
Protein Large and complex molecules that the body needs to function. It is made up of different amino acids (like lego blocks) that the body then uses to make things, such as, muscles and organs. It is needed for growth and repair.
Potent Having greater power, influence or effect. This potency can have a positive, neutural or negative effect. For example, using 2x ginger tea bags rather than 1x will be more potent both in taste and the effects it can have on the digestive system.
Recreational Drugs Drugs that are typically taken for enjoyment, such as, cannabis (weed), tobacco or cocaine.
Reputable Having a good reputation. It works well and can be trusted. For example, a reputable supplement brand will be recommneded by Nutritionists due to their products being of high quality, from a good company and they can trust the product that they are recommending to their clients. A non-reputable brand may have poor quality ingredients, poor reviews and is not a brand that would be recommended by Nutritionists.
Restricted Diet A dietary plan that limits or excludes certain types of foods or nutrients. This type of diet can be adopted for various reasons, including medical conditions, allergies, personal preferences, ethical beliefs, or weight management goals. While restricted diets can provide significant benefits, they should be approached with careful planning and, ideally, under the guidance of a healthcare professional or nutritionist to ensure all nutritional needs are met.
Rob Peter to pay Paul Taking resources (such as nutrients, energy or time) from one area to fulfill a need in another, essentially solving one problem while creating another. It implies a short-term solution that does not address the underlying issue, merely shifting the problem from one place to another.
Root Cause/s The fundamental reason/s why something is happening. For example, someone who is dehydrated all the time, as they only drink water has lots of headaches. Drinking lots of coffee and no water is the root cause of their dehydration and headaches. Or someone developed chronic fatigue and after a few months of living in a mouldy flat. The root cause of their chronic fatigue is the mould.
SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) A type of low mood/depression that occurs at certain times of the year, often in the winter, due to reduced exposure to sunlight. Symptoms include low energy, changes in appetite, and mood disturbances.
Satiety The feeling of fullness and satisfaction after eating, which signals the body to stop eating. It is regulated by hormones and the brain.
Saturated Fat Fat that is typically solid at room temperature, such as, butter, ghee and coconut oil. They are very important for your health in small quantities and are best when not subject to too much heat, which can cause them to oxidise (become inflammatory). See our online course Nutrition: The Corner Pieces for an in-depth explanation.
Sauté A cooking method where food is quickly cooked in a small amount of oil or fat over high heat, typically to enhance flavour and texture.
Scurvy A disease caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C, leading to symptoms like weakness, anaemia, gum disease, and skin problems.
Seasonal Support There are certain health imbalances and conditions that occur at specific times of the year. For example, hayfever is most common in the months of March to July and colds and flu are more common in the months of October to March. These imbalances and conditions therefore do not need to be supported all year round, they can just be supported during the months when signs and symptoms are most prominent.
Self-Prescribing Taking medication, supplements, or other treatments without consulting a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis, guidance, or prescription. This can involve using over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or even obtaining prescription medications without a doctor's approval.
Side Effect/s An unwanted effect of doing or taking something. For example, an unwated side effect of some hayfever medication is drowsiness, or a side effect of running in poorly fitting shoes could be blisters.
Sleep Hygiene The habits and practices that help promote good quality sleep on a regular basis. This includes things like having a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, limiting caffeine and screen time before bed, and keeping the sleep environment dark, quiet, and comfortable.
Small Intestine A long, coiled organ in the digestive system where most digestion and nutrient absorption occur. It is divided into three parts: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
SMASH Fish Fish with the highest levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. SMASH stands for Salmon, Mackerel, Anchovies, Sardines and Herring.
SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) Small genetic variations in a single DNA building block (nucleotide) that occur among individuals. SNPs can influence traits, health risks, and how a person responds to certain treatments or nutrients.
Steroid A type of organic compound, including hormones like cortisol and testosterone, that plays key roles in the body's physiological processes. Steroids can also be synthetic drugs used to reduce inflammation or mimic natural hormones.
Stimulatory To encorage something to start or progress further. In the instance of stimulatory chemicals, such as caffeine it causes a reaction within the sympathetic nervous system resulting in being more alert and an increased heart rate in some.
Suboptimal Less than optimal/where it needs to be. For example, suboptimal Vitamin D would mean that someone does not have the right amount of Vitamin D within their body to serve all of the different systems and functions that require it. This can lead to negative signs and symptoms, such as, frequent colds and poor bone health. You can also have suboptimal levels of specific hormones, energy, digestive enzymes, etc.
Substance A substance is a kind of matter that is made up of the same stuff all the way through. It has its own special qualities that make it different from other kinds of matter. Substances can be really simple, like a single type of material, or more complex, like a mix of materials that are stuck together in a special way. Oxygen or gold is an examples of a simple substance made of just one kind of atom. Water is an example of a substance made up of 2 types of atoms, hydrogen and oxygen.
Supplement Something that is added to something else in order to complete or enhance it’ - from a health perspective, supplements can be described as a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals or other substances, that are ‘added to the diet’, supporting an individual to bridge any nutritional gaps.
Sympathetic Nervous System The system within the body that controls your ability to fight, flight or freeze. It is there to protect you from perceived dangers.
Synergistically Refers to how two or more substances or factors work together to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their individual effects. Think of it like a group of gardeners all working together to grow vegetables. Together they do a better job than if one gardener tried to do everything themselves.
Therapeutically Active A substance or compound that has a beneficial effect in the treatment, prevention, or management of a disease or medical condition. When a substance is described as therapeutically active, it means that it possesses properties that can positively influence the health condition being targeted.
Therapeutic Dose The amount of something that you need to make a significant or worthy impact or change. For example, someone who has a Vitamin D deficiency may require a theraputic dose (i.e. a higher or more potent dose) of Vitamin D supplementation than someone whos levels are only slightly below healthy levels. If a theraputic dose is needed but not given, the person may not have any noitcable changes to their symptoms or test results. A therapeutic dose should ideally be overseen by a healthcare provider.
Therapeutic Effect The response after a treatment of any kind (e.g. drug, supplement or lifestyle changes) the results of which are judged to be useful or favorable. These effects can be intended or unintended.
Theraputic Grade Something at a level at which it is able to induce mild to significant change. For example, a theraputic grade supplement contains a good amount of a specific or multiple nutrients that can have a noticable impact on signs (e.g. blood tests) or symptoms (e.g. more energy or less bloating). Theraputic grade supplements, treatments, medications, etc should all be used under the guidance of a trained healthcare professional.
THP The Health Puzzle. This is the website you are currently on.
Toxic/Toxicity/Toxin Something that is very harmful or deeply unpleasant. For example, heavy metals, such as, cadmium or lead are toxic to the body. When the body comes into contact with heavy metals, it struggles to remove them, the heavy metals bind to different parts of the body and prevent important systems and organs working properly. The greater the amount of heavy metals, the longer the exposure and the health status of the individual the greater the level and risk of toxicity.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) A rare but serious condition caused by toxins produced by certain bacteria, like Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It can occur from using super-absorbent tampons, menstrual cups, or from skin infections, burns, or surgical wounds. Symptoms include fever, low blood pressure, rash, muscle aches, and confusion. TSS requires immediate medical attention.
Trace Refers to a very small amount, especially in the context of trace minerals (like iron, zinc, or selenium), which are essential for health but only needed in tiny amounts.
Ubiquinol See CoQ10.
Ubiquinone See CoQ10.
Ultra-Processed Refers to foods that are highly industrially processed, containing artificial additives, preservatives, and ingredients not typically found in home cooking. Examples include sugary cereals, crisps, and fizzy drinks.
Unsaturated Fat Fats that are typically liquid at room temperature. They are found primarily in plant-based oils (olive oil), nuts (almonds), seeds (pumpkin seeds), and fatty fish (SMASH Fish). There are two main types, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. See our online course Nutrition: The Corner Pieces for an in-depth explanation.
UV (Ultraviolet) A type of radiation from the sun that is invisible to the human eye. UV light is responsible for vitamin D production in the skin but can also cause sunburn and skin damage.
Vitamin A vitamin is a type of nutrient that your body needs in small amounts to stay healthy and work properly. Vitamins help with lots of important jobs, like keeping your skin, eyes, and bones healthy, and making sure your body can turn food into energy. One example of a vitamin is Vitamin C.
Vitamin B There are 8 types of B vitamins, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), B7 (Biotin), B9 (Folate) & B12 (Cobalamin). Each of these plays a vital role within your body and the frequently work symbiotically, meaning they each work alongside one another. Foods high in B vitamins, include leafy green vegetables, peas, nuts and wholegrains.
Vitamin D Is a fat-solulbe vitamin that your body need to helps regulate calcium and phosphate. Vitamin D is important for bone health, muscles, immune function and many other important bodily functions. Your body makes vitamin D when direct sunlight converts a chemical in your skin into an active form of the vitamin (calciferol). Only a small amount of Vitamin D can be found in food, such as, mushrooms but these levels are extremely low.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) A group of chemicals that easily become gases at room temperature, often found in household products like paint, cleaners, and furniture. VOCs can contribute to indoor air pollution and can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and other health problems when inhaled over time.
Water Soluble Refers to vitamins (like Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins) that dissolve in water and are not stored in the body, so they need to be consumed regularly.
Whole Foods Are foods that are as close to their natural form as possible. They are subject to very little processing, so they keep most of their nutrients. Whole foods are usually healthier because they don't have added sugars, unhealthy fats, or artificial ingredients. Examples include, whole grain, fruit, vegetables and nuts.
Wholefood See Whole Foods
Zinc An important mineral needed throughout the body as is important for numerous body systems and organs, including the immune system and your metabolism.
What to learn more about Nutrition?
Check out our online course 'Nutrition: The Corner Pieces' where you can learn about the foundations of Nutrition.
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