Glossary: Nutrition Essentials for Mental Health

The systematic collaborative process of reducing or withdrawing from medications, aimed at optimizing medication therapy, minimizing potential side effects, and improving overall patient health and quality of life. Deprescribing is particularly important for children and adolescents due to the risk to health and limited evidence for the use of drugs in children, and it is also essential in older adults due to the increased risk of adverse effects and drug interactions associated with polypharmacy.

The process of removing or neutralizing toxins from the body, which can be achieved through various biological, chemical, or lifestyle methods. Detoxification primarily occurs in the liver, where enzymes break down harmful substances into less toxic forms for excretion. Also called Biotransformation, detoxification can also involve dietary and lifestyle changes, such as increased hydration, balanced nutrition, and avoiding substances that contribute to toxin buildup. 

A dietary plan designed to help prevent and manage high blood pressure (hypertension), emphasizing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy, while reducing intake of saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium. Foods rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium are encouraged for their benefits for cardiovascular health. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods and limiting processed foods, the DASH diet aims to improve overall heart health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

An omega-3 fatty acid crucial for brain health, eye function, overall cell membrane integrity, and contributing to cognitive development and visual acuity. DHA is found in high concentrations in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, and in supplements and fortified foods to support cardiovascular and neurological health.

A neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the brain's reward and pleasure systems, regulating movement and emotional responses, and in various functions such as motivation, reinforcement learning, and mood regulation. Imbalances in dopamine levels are linked to several neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and addiction.

A dietary strategy used to identify and manage food sensitivities, allergies, or intolerances. Specific foods or food groups are eliminated from the diet for a period of time, then gradually reintroduced one at a time while monitoring symptoms. This helps to identify which foods may be causing adverse reactions and to tailor the diet to avoid those triggers, thereby improving overall health and well-being. 

End of life care encompasses the comprehensive support and medical treatment provided when a person is nearing the end of life, including physical, emotional, and spiritual care. It emphasizes comfort, dignity, and enchancing quality of life for the patient and also addresses the needs of the families during this difficult time.

A complex cell signaling system in the body that is involved in all aspects of mental and physical health, including mood, pain, appetite, addiction, immune response, the microbiome and gut permeability, the stress response, obesity and eating disorders, and the “bliss states.” It consists of endocannabinoids (naturally occurring lipid-based neurotransmitters), cannabinoid receptors (such as CB1 and CB2), and enzymes that synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids. This system helps maintain homeostasis by modulating neurotransmitter release and maintaining balance in response to changes in the internal and external environment. 

Deficiency or dysfunction in the endocannabinoid system contributing to chronic pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, and certain mood disorders. Proposed by Ethan Russo, M.D. 

The study of changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. It refers to internal and external exposures which can activate or silence genes. These modifications can be influenced by environmental factors, lifestyle and nutrition, and developmental stages, and they play a crucial role in development, aging, and disease. 

A hormone and neurotransmitter (also known as adrenaline) produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress or danger. It plays a vital role in the body's "fight or flight" response by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and mobilizing glucose from energy stores to prepare the body for immediate action. Epinephrine also affects blood flow to muscles and enhances mental alertness, helping individuals respond quickly to stressful situations.

A member of the herpesvirus family and one of the most common human viruses, causing infectious mononucleosis ("mono" or "kissing disease"), characterized by symptoms like fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. EBV is also transmitted through saliva or other bodily fluids, and is associated with some cancers and autoimmune diseases. 

Polyunsaturated fats that the body cannot synthesize on its own that must be obtained through the diet, primarily omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3s, found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, are crucial for brain function, reducing inflammation, and supporting heart health. Omega-6s from vegetable oils and nuts are important for skin health and immune function.  

Individuals who have a faster metabolic rate and process nutrients more quickly than average. Fast oxidizers tend to burn through carbohydrates and fats at a rapid rate, leading to quicker energy release and higher appetite. Managing their diet typically involves balancing macronutrients to avoid potential issues such as rapid energy spikes or nutritional deficiencies. 

The level of glucose (sugar) in the blood after an individual has not eaten or consumed any caloric beverages for at least 8 hours. This measurement assesses how well the body regulates blood sugar and is used in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes and prediabetes. Normal fasting glucose levels typically range between 70 and 99 mg/dL; levels above this range may indicate insulin resistance or diabetes.