Diet Pharmacy Lexicon

Hypertrophy - the enlargement in the size of an organ. It should be recognized as different from hyperplasia, which is attributed to an excessive growth of tissue on account of cells dividing; hypertrophy occurs due to an increase in cell size instead of division. It is most commonly seen in muscle mass which has been actively stimulated, the most recognized reason being workouts.


Xylitol - also called `wood sugar` found in fruits and vegetables (such as strawberries, lettuce, and carrots) and used as a sugar substitute.


Weight Bearing Exercise - an exercise routine where one bears one`s own weight or does weightlifting. Weightlifting or engaging in a weight-bearing exercise (like walking, running, or skiing) can help in decreasing the rate of bone loss and osteoporosis, and therefore reduce bone breakages.


LapBand - a hollow, adjustable band installed around an obese individual`s upper stomach. It is used to restrict the amount of food that can enter the stomach, and to control how much food is moved to the small intestine.


Hormone - a chemical substance produced by endocrine glands, which triggers or regulates particular functions in another part of the body.


Hydrogenation - the process of adding hydrogen molecules directly to an unsaturated fatty acid from sources such as vegetable oils to convert it to a semi-solid form such as shortening. Hydrogenation gives important textural properties to food. The degree of hydrogenation affects the consistency and spreadability of margarine products, flakiness of pie shells or pastry and the creaminess of puddings. Trans fats (hydrogenated oils) are sometimes utilized in lieu of other fats that contain larger proportions of fats from animal sources, such as butter or lard. Eating a large amount of hydrogenated fats may pose a health risk for heart ailments.


Reasonable Goal - an achievable aim that individuals on a weight loss program can meet in order to motivate subsequent good observance of a weight loss program.


Placebo - also informally referred to as a `sugar pill`, a `sham` pill, injection, or topical application which seems identical to the authentic treatment. Placebo treatments are used to eliminate bias that might affect responses in clinical trials of a new drug.


Self-Fixer - the natural ability of seed-pod plants (legumes) like soyabeans to `fix` nitrogen, which means these plants draw the natural nitrogen available in the soil and air. These natural nitrogen fixers (that `pull` the available nitrogen) refill the supply of natural nitrogen in the ground that was used to grow them. Agriculturists wish to produce other crops which are able to `fix` their own nitrogen, which would go a long way toward reducing cultivators` use of artificial fertilizers, while maintaining plentiful harvests.


Amino Acid Score - a computation of the precise levels of individual amino acids found in any food substance, or in the diet compared to the need for the amino acid. Does not gauge if the amino acid can be absorbed and assimilated by the body.


Lecithin - a natural antioxidant formed by processing fat in soya oil and that is also found in eggs, red meats, spinach, and nuts. Since many years, lecithin has been used in commercial food processing as a natural emulsifier and lubricant. When digested, lecithin provides choline (essential in the metabolism of fat), and is a vital part of the lipoproteins which carry cholesterol molecules and fat in the bloodstream. Lecithin (choline) promotes synthesis of HDLs (high-density lipoproteins) - also known as `good` cholesterol - by the tissues of the liver, when it is consumed by humans.


Hypoglycemia - a lower than normal amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. This occurs when an individual having diabetes has injected more than the required amount of insulin, eaten too little food, or has not allowed for additional food when exercising. A person suffering from hypoglycemia might feel on edge or moody, shaky or unsteady, wrung-out, or clammy and sweaty, and have an aching head, indistinct vision, and a craving for food. Taking small amounts of sugar, sweet juice, or food with sugar will most often help the individual recuperate inside of 10-15 minutes.


NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) - a sequence of surveys which incorporate information from medical records, measurements, biochemical reviews, physical health tests and dietary intake of population groups within the US. The NHANES is implemented by the U.S. DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) roughly once in five years.


Health - a state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being, along with the absence of disease or ailment.


Sweeteners and Health - signifies the influence of sweetening agents on human health and wellness. Whether it is table sugars (white and brown), reduced-calorie sweeteners, blended mixtures of two or more sweeteners, or sugar alcohols (such as sorbitol, mannitol, and maltitol) that are utilized to provide that much-appreciated taste of many popular foods, nutritionists are in accord that sweet foods may be part of a healthy diet. The key is watching the caloric intake in order to make sure that foods containing sweeteners, a few of which may contribute a small number of nutritive calories to the food consumed, do not take the place of foods that supply the body with essential nutrients and relatively fewer calories. Forbiddance of sweets and sweetened foods only seems to increase the desire for them, with the `danger` of overeating and feelings of guilt and remorse if individuals `surrender`. Subsequent attempts at eliminating sweet foods from the diet may launch a `yo-yo` pattern of deprivation and overindulgence, which can finally result in the inability to meet dietary targets. Sweeteners (including sugar) are not responsible for hyperactivity in children, adult-onset diabetes, or any other chronic diseases. The findings of scientific research do not confirm the link between the consumption of sugar and overweight or obesity in humans. Additional research on non-nutritive (non-caloric) sweetening agents conducted by the European Commission (EC) and the French Food Standards Agency reaffirms their health safety and positive contribution to dietary intake. They have the potential to serve as supportive aids for results-driven weight management and control when used in harmony with physical activity and sensible food choices.


Bariatrics - the medical science pertaining to the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity, using both medical drugs and surgical options.


Resistive Cuffs and Boots - equipment made of foam (to add resilience) that is placed on the wrists and/or ankles to yield additional resistance for water sports, such as water aerobics (cardiovascular workout in the pool with minimal impact on the joints) and water running. This equipment can increase the intensity of the workout by upto 5 times.


Stretch Reflex - a self-protective, instinctive nerve response, which causes muscular contraction. Bouncing or overstretching can activate this reflexive action, in which muscle tissues are attempting to safeguard themselves from damage.


RICE - stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This is the standard recommended treatment plan for acute injuries such as sprains. If there is any doubt about the nature of the injury, the opinion of a trained medical practitioner is required.


Antibiotics - drugs that fight infection caused by bacteria.


Counseling - expert guidance provided by professional counselors in specific areas.