Super Immunity (35 page)

Beriberi:
A disease caused by the body's lack of thiamine (vitamin B
₁
). Beriberi can affect the cardiovascular system or the nervous system and is fatal if not treated. This disease can be prevented by a diet containing B
₁
, rich in vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.

Cancer cells:
Cells that have lost their ability to divide in a
controlled
fashion, which leads to uncontrolled or rapid cell division and growth—that is, tumor development. A malignant (or cancerous) tumor consists of a population of rapidly dividing cancer cells that may eventually travel to other locations in the body.

Carcinogen:
An agent that causes cancer. Commonly known carcinogens include asbestos, arsenic, and tobacco smoke. In food, carcinogens may be found in pesticides or in plastic packaging. Carcinogens can also be formed during the process of cooking foods at high temperatures, such as grilling, roasting, or frying.

Carotenoids:
Naturally occurring chemicals with nutritive properties that exist in the pigment that colors fruits and vegetables. They act as antioxidants and can be converted into essential vitamins by the body.

Cervical dysplasia:
Abnormal changes in the cells on the surface of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus (womb), where it opens at the top of the vagina. Although these cell changes are not cancer, they can lead to cancer of the cervix if not treated or removed.

Chronic illness:
A disease characterized by a long duration and generally slow progression.

Coronary vessels:
Blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with blood.

Cretinism:
A condition, present from birth, caused by a deficiency of iodine or thyroid hormone during prenatal development. The condition is characterized by dwarfism and mental retardation.

Crohn's disease:
A condition characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract. This disease causes abdominal pain or diarrhea, which can lead to malnutrition. The exact cause remains unknown, but is associated with a problem with the body's immune system.

Dendritic cells:
A special type of cell that is a key regulator of the immune system. These cells trap foreign material, which is later destroyed by other immune cells.

Detoxification:
The body's efforts to reduce its toxic load by changing irritants to a less harmful form, or one that can be more readily eliminated; or the body's efforts to force the expulsion of such substances through channels of elimination, such as mucus, urine, or skin.

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid):
An omega-3 fatty acid important for normal brain function and the development of the nervous system. The body can manufacture DHA from alpha-linolenic acid, found in seeds and greens, or get it directly from certain fish, from an algae-derived supplement, or from a fish oil supplement.

Endogenous waste:
A waste product that originates from within an organism, tissue, or cell.

Enzyme:
A type of protein that increases the rate of a chemical reaction, without being destroyed or altered in the process.

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid):
An omega-3 fatty acid that has the ability to reduce inflammation, inhibit cancer development, and protect blood vessels. EPA can be obtained from fish, supplements of fish oils, or special yeast.

Epigenetic change:
An intracellular change in gene activity and expression that does not involve alterations to the genetic code but still gets passed down to at least one successive generation. Genetic changes can result from environmental or external factors.

Exogenous waste:
A noxious substance that originates outside of an organism, cell, or tissue.

Flavonoid:
A polyphenolic compound that is ubiquitous in nature. Over 4, 000 flavonoids have been identified in colorful fruits and vegetables and are known to have antiviral, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant activities.

Flexitarian:
A person who eats a mostly vegetarian, plant-based diet but will occasionally eat animal products such as meat, poultry, or fish.

Free radical:
An atom or molecule with an odd number of electrons. The resulting “unpaired” electrons make the free radical reactive and unstable. Once formed, free radicals start a chain reaction that can damage important cellular components, such as DNA. Free-radical damage can result in a variety of diseases and even cancers.

Gene:
A sequence of DNA that codes for specific proteins that determine an organism's characteristics. The information stored in genes is passed from generation to generation.

Glucosinolate:
A class of protective phytochemicals that occur naturally in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, etc.). Approximately 120 different glucosinolates help the body eliminate carcinogens and give cruciferous vegetables a mildly bitter taste.

Goiter:
A condition resulting from a lack of iodine in the diet. Goiter causes the thyroid gland to enlarge, leading to a visible swelling at the front of the neck.

Homocysteine:
An intermediate protein in the synthesis of the amino acid cysteine, which increases as a result of certain nutritional deficiencies (especially vitamin B
₁₂
or folate). The elevation of homocysteine has been implicated in coronary artery disease and heart attacks
.

Immune memory:
The immune system's ability to recognize and deal with a previously encountered pathogen. If the body is reinfected with a pathogen it has previously overcome, it will have an adapted subpopulation of B cells on hand to provide a very specific and rapid secondary response. This secondary response is usually so fast and efficient that we are not aware we have been reinfected.

Inoculum:
The collection of microbes or viral load being introduced into the body.

Interferon:
A protein made in the body in response to the presence of pathogens (viruses, bacteria, parasites) or cancerous cells. Interferons allow communication between cells and trigger the protective defenses of the immune system to kill invading pathogens.

Isothiocyanates (ITCs):
Sulfur-containing phytochemicals formed from the glucosinolates present in cruciferous vegetables. ITCs neutralize carcinogens (cancer-causing substances), inhibit cellular proliferation or rapid growth, and induce cellular death.

Laryngeal Papillomas:
Benign (noncancerous) epithelial tumors that affect the larynx and upper respiratory tract. They are caused by infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Lymphocytes:
The white blood cells primarily responsible for protection against viral illnesses. The three major types of lymphocyte are T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells.

Natural killer (NK) cells:
A type of lymphocyte (white blood cell) and a component of the immune system. NK cells play a major role in defense against abnormal (dysplastic) cells that could develop into tumors and cancers, as well as virally infected cells. NK cells distinguish infected cells and tumors from normal and uninfected cells by recognizing level changes of a surface molecule called MHC (major histocompatibility complex). Activated NK cells release cytotoxic (cell-killing) granules, which then destroy the abnormal cells.

Natural killer T (NKT) cells
: A subset or type of T cell that has natural killer (NK) cell molecular markers on its surface. Not to be confused with NK cells, NKT cells share properties of both T cells and NK cells. They produce interferon and other chemo-attractive molecules that activate an immune response.

Macronutrients:
Fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, which supply calories (energy) and are necessary for growth and normal function.

Macrophage:
A large scavenger cell that engulfs and destroys bacteria and other foreign debris. Macrophages are involved in the immune response and help destroy bacteria, protozoa, and tumor cells. They present antigens and release substances that stimulate other cells of the immune system, such as neutrophils and T cells, to join the attack. As scavengers, macrophages rid the body of worn-out cells and other debris.

Malignant:
The tendency of a medical condition, especially a tumor, to become progressively worse. In routine use, the word refers to a tumor that is cancerous. A malignant tumor (cancer) is capable of spreading to nearby tissues.

Meningitis:
A potentially dangerous infection that affects the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis is a more serious condition than viral meningitis.

Methylation:
The addition of a simple four-atom molecule (one carbon and three hydrogen atoms, known as a “methyl group”) to a substance. The addition or removal of a methyl group creates changes in the DNA and has been associated with the development of cancer.

Microbe or microorganism:
A microscopic living organism, such as bacterium, fungus, protozoan, or virus. It is arguable whether a virus is living or not since it cannot reproduce outside a host, but it is still considered a microbe.

Micronutrients:
Essential dietary elements required in small quantities for various bodily needs, but not a source of calories. Micronutrients include minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals.

Mortality rate:
A measure of the number of deaths in a population.

Mucilage:
A thick, gluey substance produced by most plants.

Neutrophil:
A type of white blood cell designed to fight off infections and diseases that enter the body. Neutrophils are filled with tiny sacs of enzymes that kill and digest microorganisms that the neutrophils surround and swallow. An increased amount of neutrophils in the blood is a common finding with bacterial infections. During the beginning phase of a bacterial infection, neutrophils are among the first responders, tackling inflammation in particular.

Nosocomial infection:
An infection that occurs as a result of treatment in a hospital or health care facility.

Nutritarian:
A person who has a preference for foods and/or a health-promoting diet-style high in micronutrients. This word was coined by Dr. Fuhrman.

Omega-3 fatty acid:
A class of fatty acid that includes ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) from vegetables, seeds, and nuts, but also includes the longer-chain omega-3s, EPA and DHA, which are commonly found in fish oil (but which the body can manufacture from ALA). Omega-3 fatty acids confer a number of health benefits and are necessary for optimal functioning of the immune system, brain, and cardiovascular system.

Oncologist:
A physician who studies, diagnoses, and treats cancer.

Osteoarthritis:
A common joint disorder in which joints of the body are stiff or painful and difficult to move.

Osteoporosis:
A common bone disease in which bones become thinner and less dense over time.

Otitis media:
Commonly referred to as an ear infection, or inflammation of the middle ear.

Pathogen:
An infection agent, such as a virus, bacterium, or fungus, that can cause disease.

Pellagra:
A disease that occurs when a person does not get enough niacin (one of the B vitamins) or tryptophan (an amino acid). Pellagra can cause dementia, diarrhea, skin disease, and even death.

Phenol:
Chemical compound found in plant products that acts as an antioxidant.

Phytochemicals:
Numerous newly discovered micronutrients present in plant foods with substantial ability to maximize the body's defenses against developing disease, including protection from toxins and carcinogens.

Phytoestrogen:
A group of chemicals found in beans, seeds, and grains that can act like the hormone estrogen.

Placebo:
An inactive pill, medication, or treatment that is used in studies as a standard against which the active, experimental treatment is compared.

Prebiotics:
Foods or supplements that promote the growth of probiotics.

Probiotics:
Bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of beneficial organisms (microflora) in the intestines.

Rickets:
A disorder caused by lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. Any of these deficiencies, but especially all in combination, lead to softening and weakening of the bones.

Scurvy:
A disease caused by lack of vitamin C. Scurvy can cause general weakness, anemia, gum disease, and skin hemorrhages.

Standard American diet (SAD):
A dietary habit chosen by many people in developed countries, especially America. It is characterized by high intakes of animal products, sweets, cooking oils, high-fat foods, and processed foods. SAD is associated with heart disease and cancers.

Streptococcus pneumoniae:
A type of bacterium that causes pneumonia, otitis media (ear infection), and bacterial meningitis.

T cell
or
T lymphocyte:
A type of white blood cells that plays a central role in cell-mediated immunity. The abbreviation T, in T cell, stands for “thymus,” the principal organ responsible for the T cell's maturation. Several different subsets of T cells have been discovered, each with a distinct function. The types include memory T cells, responsible for immune memory to prior antigens and infections, and cytotoxic T cells for killing viruses and abnormal cells, as well as helper and suppressor cells that control the immune response by signaling the production of B cells and macrophages.