Glossary: Integrative Medicine and Nutrition

Anti-Inflammatory

An agent that regulates a proper inflammatory response in the body. It is also taken to reduce pain, heat and other symptoms of inflammation. Common anti-inflammatory herbs include Boswellia (Boswellia spp.), Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and White Willow Bark (Salix alba L.).

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

A diet with a reduced intake of inflammatory foods such as wheat, corn, soy, dairy, nightshade vegetables, sugar, margarine, partially hydrogenated oils, alcohol, and peanuts. Consists of 40-50% carbohydrates, 30% fat, and 20-30% protein.

Anxiolytic

Reduces or prevents anxiety.

Aphrodisiac

Herbs that enhance the capacity for sexual arousal. Common aphrodisiac herbs include Chocolate (Theobroma cacao L.), Cordyceps (Cordyceps spp.), Damiana (Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult.), Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) and Yohimbe (Pausinystalia johimbe (K.Schum.) Pierre ex Beille).

APOE (apolipoprotein E)

There are three types of the APOE gene, called alleles: APOE2, E3 and E4. The allele 4 increases risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia and heart disease. A simple salivary test can identify the gene status and nutritional, herbal and exercise interventions can be used to reduce risk.

Atheist

A person who does not believe in the existence of a god or gods.

Atkins Diet

A low-carbohydrate, high protein (carnivore) diet. Often used for weight loss and is effective for eliminating carbohydrate cravings.

Attributional Theory (of Learned Helplessness)

A theory that helplessness cannot be caused simply by being exposed to an uncontrollable event; rather, learned helplessness results from the expectation of uncontrollability of future outcomes.

Autonomic Hyperarousal

A symptom of PTSD characterized by extreme arousal of the autonomic nervous system, with symptoms including increased heart and respiratory rates, heart palpitations, flashbacks, and hypervigilance.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the basic regulatory systems of hunger, thirst, sex, temperature, heart rate, urination, and blood pressure.

Ayurveda

A traditional Indian medicine modality, also considered a complementary and alternative medicine modality, with an emphasis on the balance of the body, mind, and soul through diet and lifestyle.

Ayurvedic Diet

Vegetarian diets based on the ancient Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda. Diets are determined according to one’s “dosha,” or pre-dominant constitution, of which there are three: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, corresponding to the elements of air, fire, and water/earth. Specific diets bring balance to these constitutional types.