Healthy Life Info

Daily Value (DV) - a term on food labels. DV`s are reference values created by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to show how foods meet recommended nutrient intake levels, and help consumers use food label information to plan a nutritious diet. Daily values are comprised of two sets of standards - DRVs and RDIs.


Bulimia Nervosa - a psychological disorder characterized by recurrent binge eating (gulping down large quantities of food in a very short time), feeling total loss of control when this happens, and allowing body weight and shape to have an overpowering effect on one`s sense of self-esteem. This disorder has two categories: purging and non-purging. In the former, the individual regularly engages in purging by forcing him/herself to throw up the food eaten, or frequently misusing laxatives, diuretics, or even enemas. Conversely, in the non-purging type, the subject prevents weight gain through severe dieting, fasting, or extreme physical exercise. This binge eating before self-induced vomiting, and feelings of guilt, depression, and self-condemnation, is often linked with another eating disorder, anorexia nervosa. In several instances, there is no noticeable loss in weight and the condition might not be recognized as such until the person pleads for help.


Collagen Hydrolysate - a useful element of gelatin, which could help ease some symptoms connected with osteoarthritis.


Urine Testing - an examination of urine to identify whether it contains glucose (sugar) and ketone bodies (substances produced when the body uses fat instead of sugar for energy). Reagents (special strips of paper or tablets) are put into a small amount of the urine sample or in a solution of urine and water. Color changes in the strip or tablet indicate the quantity of glucose or ketones in the urine. Urine testing is the only means to see if the urine contains ketones, a symptom of a life-threatening disease.


Lignans - a class of chemical compound found in flax, rye, and pumpkin seeds, broccoli, and some berries, which can provide the health benefits of reducing `bad` cholesterol, total cholesterol and improving the lipid profile, thus protecting against heart disease and some malignancies.


Antioxidant - nutrients or chemicals such as beta carotene (orange-colored plant pigment) and vitamins C and E, which guard key cell components by retarding and slowing the action of free radicals, which are organic waste products of cell metabolism. Free radicals are released during oxidation, or when oxygen is processed for bodily functions. They move through tissue cells, seeking, attacking, and damaging the structure of other molecules, causing cellular damage. Such cell damage is believed to contribute to age-related deterioration and several health problems.


Retinopathy - any disease or disorder of the retina.


Morbid Obesity - a diagnosed condition for an individual with a body mass index of 40 or more, which is roughly equivalent to 100 pounds (45.5 kilos) or more over the ideal body weight; a weight level that is life-risking.


Sibutramine - also known as Meridia, a medical drug used together with a reduced-calorie diet plan to help obese individuals achieve weight loss and help to keep the pounds off. This drug is authorized for those whose BMI (body mass index) is 30+. Patients who have congruent risk factors, such as diabetes or hypertension, can also be treated with this drug when their body mass index is 27 or higher. Sibutramine may lead to an increase in pulse rate and blood pressure. During the time patients are on this drug, their physician will check their heart rate and blood pressure at regular visits. Individuals with uncontrolled hypertension are advised not to take this drug. Additional possible side-effects entail dryness of the mouth, headaches, constipation, sleeplessness, nervous tension, unusual annoyance or irritability, edginess, stuffy or runny nose, or problems with getting enough sleep.


Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA/EPA) - a type of fatty acid present in some fish and fish oils, which provide the health benefits of reduced risk of cardiovascular illnesses and help in enhanced mental efficiency and vision. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaneoic acid (EPA) are the important compounds in these fatty acids.


Salmonella - a bacterium that causes food poisoning, occurring in many birds and animals, specially poultry and pigs. Within ecological surroundings, salmonella can be found in soil, insects, factory and kitchen surfaces, animal excreta, and uncooked poultry and poultry products.