Glossary: Integrative Medicine and Nutrition

Nadis

Channels in the body through which prana (life energy) flows. Nadis correspond to acupuncture meridians.

Natto

A Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. Natto may be added to miso soup or spread on toast in small amounts.

Nattokinase

A product derived from Natto, a fermented soy product, shown in some trials to degrade amyloid associated in dementia.

Nervines

There are many types of nervines which are defined by their action on the nervous system. They may stimulate, relax or tonify the nervous system. Nervine tonics, also called trophorestoratives, strengthen the whole system, while relaxing herbs aid in sleep, reduce pain or soften digestive distress. Stimulants may lift mood and reduce fatigue. Common nervine herbs include (Nervine Stimulants) Coffee (Coffea arabica L.), Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A.Mey.), Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.), (Nervine relaxants ) Kava Kava (Piper methysticum G.Forst.),  Lavender (Lavandula spp.), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.)., ( Nervine Tonics) Oats (Avena sativa L.), Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.), Passionflower (Passiflora edulis Sims).

Neurobehavioral

Refers to the relationship between neurology and the emotions, learning, and behavior.

Neurofeedback

A form of biofeedback in which subjects respond to a display of their own brainwaves or other electrical activity of the nervous system.

Neuropeptide

An endogenous peptide that influences neural activity or functioning.

Neurotransmitter

A brain chemical that relays signals between neurons, communicating information throughout our brain and body. Neurotransmitters affect mood, sleep, concentration, weight, carbohydrate cravings, and addictions and can contribute to depression, pain, anxiety, and insomnia when out of balance.

Night Eating Syndrome

A pattern of eating with increased intake in the evening and/or nighttime with at least 25% of food intake consumed after the evening meal, and two episodes of nocturnal eating per week. Includes significant distress and/or impairment in functioning.

Nootropics

“Cognitive enhancers” or “smart drugs” used to enhance mental performance. Nootropics are available as dietary supplements, synthetic compounds, and prescription drugs.

Nutrition Trauma

The disruption in access to endemic, natural food resources due to overwhelming forces that make inaccessible foods bio-culturally and biochemically suited to healthy digestion and nutrient utilization. Nutrition trauma occurs when introduced foods overwhelm the capacity of the local peoples to digest and metabolize these new foods, leading to conditions that were unknown or rare before the colonial process.

Nutritional Genomics

How nutrients affect gene expression.