Glossary: Integrative Medicine and Nutrition

Edible parts of plants or other carbohydrates that are resistant to digestion and absorption in the small intestine; fermentation, complete or partial in the large intestine.

A symptom of PTSD characterized by a sense of discontinuity between a person’s memories, thoughts, feelings, and sense of self. Experiences of dissociation range from absorption and imagination to dissociative amnesia, and may include symptoms of depersonalization and derealization.

N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a serotonin/melatonin analog. It is endogenous in the human brain and also found in plants around the world. Well-known as one of the components of the shamanic vision-producing “spirit vine” brew, “ayahuasca,” used ritually by indigenous peoples of South America and more recently by seekers of healing from the addictions.

A psychological condition characterized by feelings of intense depression.

Naturally occurring, lipid-based neurotransmitters. Endocannabinoids and their receptors occur in the brain and throughout the body, affecting mood, pain, and behavior as modulators of the ANS and the immune system. Endocannabinoids, also called endogenous cannabinoids, are similar to cannabinoids found in cannabis but they are made within the body.

Caused by factors inside the organism or system, as in an endogenous psychic depression.

A state in which two or more of the body’s oscillatory systems, such as respiration and heart-rhythm patterns, become synchronous and operate at the same frequency.

How the environment affects gene activity.

A term coined by Dr. Hans Selye that refers to a positive stressful challenge, such as that occurring when one is training for a marathon or learning the skills required for a new job.

Caused by factors (such as food or a traumatic factor) or an agent (such as a disease-producing organism) from outside the organism or system, as in exogenous obesity or exogenous psychic depression.

Fasting involves abstaining voluntarily from food and/or liquid for a given amount of time and is usually done for spiritual, political, or health reasons. Certain types of fasts, like juice cleanse, the Master cleanse, or fruit and vegetable fasts may be beneficial for detoxification, improving digestion, immune health, disease prevention, and mental clarity.

A syndrome of prolonged pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues throughout the body.

Part of the autonomic nervous system’s response to trauma that accelerates action by increasing stress hormones, heart rate, blood flow, and oxygen levels.

Somatosensory images from memories of trauma that repeat themselves, visually, aurally, and kinesthetically, from the memories of traumatic events.

An exposure technique that involves the use of highly feared stimuli to activate high levels of anxiety. It can be invoked either through imagination or in reality until anxiety reduction occurs.