Acidophilus: Sometimes called "probiotics," these friendly bacteria, such as Lactobacillus -acidophilus, are beneficial in preventing and treating certain intestinal problems. Probiotics help improve the environment of the intestinal tract by producing acids and other compounds which inhibit the growth of undesirable bacteria. Acidophilus occurs naturally in our bodies or can be consumed in certain dairy products or through dairy or non-dairy supplements.

Adenosine is a molecule made inside cells from folate, amino acids (glutamine, glycine and aspartic acid), respiratory carbon dioxide, and the sugar, ribose. It is one of several similar molecules, called "purine nucleosides", made during purine synthesis. Guanosine and inosine are others.

Amino acids: These are the building blocks of proteins. The body makes many amino acids but others are required from nutrients in order to manufacture proteins in the liver. Within the small intestine ingested proteins are broken down into amino acids, which can then be absorbed by the small intestinal cells.

Antibodies: Also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), antibodies are specialized proteins produced by white blood cells that circulate in the blood recognizing and binding to foreign proteins, microorganisms or toxins in order to neutralize them. They are a critical part of the immune response.

Atom: The smallest component of an element that still has properties of the element (remember the periodic chart from chemistry).

Bifidus: Another probiotic that can be used to enhance intestinal health.

Bioavailable: The portion of a nutrient ( or other chemical) that can be absorbed, transported, and utilized physiologically.

Bowel Dysbiosis: According to Dr. Leo Galland, dysbiosis is a state of living with intestinal flora that have harmful effects. It can be described as being due to putrefaction, fermentation, deficiency, or sensitization. A number of inflammatory diseases within the bowel or involving skin and connective tissue have been reported in association with dysbiosis.

Candida albicans: A form of yeast naturally found in small amounts in the body, C. albicans can cause a "yeast infection" if the natural flora is thrown out of balance (usually by the use of antibiotic medication. ) Depending on what tissues are affected, infections can be very localized (e.g. a vaginal yeast infection or a yeasty rash on the bottom) or more systemic.

Candidiasis: An infection of a body part with a fungus from the genus Candida.

Casein: Casein is one of several proteins found in all mammalian milk~ 80% of milk protein is casein.

Chelate: The combination of a metal with an organic molecule to form a ring-like structure known as a chelate. Chelation of a metal may inhibit or enhance its bioavailability .

Creatine: Creatine is an amino acid that needs SAM (S-adenosylmethionine) for its formation. Once formed, creatine becomes an energy carrier for muscles and for cells that have to perceive and respond to messages or communications. Neuronal cells, especially those in the brain, are very dependent upon energy delivery by creatine as creatine phosphate (phosphocreatine ). Creatine gets the high-energy phosphate from A TP, traverses distances inside cells and between cells, and delivers the phosphate energy to ADP. (Creatine does energy shuttling where ATP itself can't.) Without this process, some cells cannot listen (receive messages) and cannot speak (send out messages or release neurotransmitters).

Cysteine: Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is synthesized from homocysteine. Its levels are rate-Iimiting for the synthesis of glutathionine. Free cysteine binds heavy metals and helps to detoxify them. Cysteine residues in proteins are common targets for heavy metals.

Dimethylglycine: (DMG) is a non-protein amino acid present in plant and animal cells. The chemical structure of DMG is actually a glycine molecule holding onto two methyl groups; like TMG it is considered a "methyl donor". In the body, with the help of a coenzyme of riboflavin, DMG supplies methyl groups which attach to folic acid to form methylene tetrahydrofolate, an important component of many biochemical processes in the body including cellular perception and response.

Element: One of the 103 chemical substances that cannot be divided into simpler substances by chemical means.

Enterocolitis: Enterocolitis is a severe form of infection that can affect the small or large intestine. The most common symptoms are fever, abdominal swelling and diarrhea.

Enzyme: A biological catalyst. A substance that increases the speed of a chemical reaction without being changed in the overall process. Enzymes are vitally important to the regulation of the chemistry of cells and organisms.

Essential Fatty Acids: Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are essential nutrients, meaning that they cannot be produced by the body and must be ingested in food or supplements.

Folate: Folate and folic acid are forms of water soluble B vitamins. Folic acid refers to the synthetic vitamin used in supplements, whereas folate is the form found in foods. The term comes from the latin "folium" which means leaf, which makes sense since folate is found in leafy vegetables. Critical for the proper development and maintenance of cells, especially during times of rapid cell division such as fetal development and childhood, it was discovered several years ago to be critically important for avoiding neural tube birth defects, and folic acid supplementation is recommended for all women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.

Folinic acid: Also known as 5-formyl tetrahydrofolate, is one active form in a group of vitamins known as folates. In contrast to folic acid, a synthetic form of folate, folinic acid is one of the forms of folate found naturally in foods. Folate deficiency is believed to be the most common vitamin deficiency in the world due to food processing, food selection, and intestinal disorders. In the body folinic acid may be converted into any of the other active forms of folate. Folate coenzymes are responsible for the formation of purines and pyrimidines. Folate coenzymes are also needed in the formation of heme, the iron-containing protein in hemoglobin and the formation of the amino acid methionine from homocysteine (Vitamin B-12 as methylcobalamin is also needed for this conversion).

Glutathione (GSH) is a tri-peptide, made from glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. It is the major anti-oxidant species in cells and, along with cysteine, it is critical for binding and detoxifying heavy metals. GSH is also required for synthesis of methylB 12, so low levels can contribute to reduced methionine synthase activity .

Gluten: Glutens are proteins found in the Plant Kingdom Subclass of Monocotyledonae, the grass family of wheat, oats, barley, rye and triticale. Derivatives of these grains include: malt, grain starches, hydrolyzed vegetable/plant proteins, textured vegetable proteins, grain vinegar, soy sauce, grain alcohol, flavorings and the binders and fillers found in vitamins and medications.

Heavy Metals: Mercury , lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals cannot be metabolized by the body and, if accumulated, can cause toxic effects by interfering with various physiological functions. These substances are called "heavy metals," a term applied to metallic elements whose specific gravity is about 5.0 or greater, especially those that are poisonous.

Homocysteine: A sulfur-containing amino acid, which is an intermediate in the metabolism of another sulfur-containing amino acid, methionine.

Immunoglobulin (Ig): Immunoglobulins (antibodies) are proteins produced by plasma cells. They are designed to control the body's immune response in by binding to substances in the body that are recognized as foreign antigens ( often proteins on the surface of bacteria or viruses ). Antibodies are diverse, with more than 1010 possible variations, yet each antibody is designed to recognize only a specific antigen. The antibodies are released into the intercellular fluid where they bind to the infecting antigen, identifying it for destruction by the immune system.

Immunoglobulins also playa central role in allergies when they bind to antigens that are not necessarily a threat to health and provoke an inflammatory reaction. There are five main types of antibody: IgA, IgD, 19E, IgG and IgM are the most common.

Leaky Gut Syndrome: An increase in intestinal permeability.

Metallothionein: Metallothioneins (MTs) are ubiquitous low molecular weight proteins and polypeptides of extremely high metal and sulfur content. They are thought to play roles both in the intracellular fixation of the essential trace elements zinc and copper, in controlling the concentrations of the free ions of these elements, in regulating their flow to their cellular destinations, in neutralizing the harmful influences of exposure to toxic elements such as cadmium and mercury and in the protection from of a variety of stress conditions (Kag! & Schaffer 1988).

Methionine: Methionine is an essential amino acid, meaning that it cannot be produced by the body and must be provided by the diet. It supplies sulfur and other compounds required by the body for normal metabolism and growth. Methionine provides sulfur and methyl groups -see below. Methionine also belongs to a group of compounds called lipotropics, or chemicals that help the liver process fats (lipids).

Methionine Synthase is the enzyme that converts homocysteine to methionine by adding on a methyl group. The methyl group comes from methyltetrahydrofolate, one of two essential co- factors for methionine synthase, the other being vitamin B 12 (cobalamin). Methionine synthase can contain either three or four domains. The more common four-domain enzyme can repair B12 when it gets oxidized, but the three-domain enzyme requires replacement with methylB 12 ( methylcobalamin ).

Methylation: Methylation is the transfer of a methyl group to another molecule. It makes adrenaline from norepinephrine, and melatonin from serotonin. It is crucial for the transcription ofDNA, and other entities.

Methylcobalamin: Methylcobalamin is a form of B12. Vitamin B12 comes in several forms, but only the methyl form is used in the central nervous system. Cyanocobalamin (the form used in vitamin supplements) is converted by the liver into methylcobalamin but not in therapeutically significant amounts.

Methyltetrahydrofolate is the methyl-donating co-factor form of folic acid. It is synthesized by the enzyme 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), and polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene (e.g. 677C>T or 1298 A>C) are associated with autism. Methionine synthase utilizes methyltetrahydrofolate as a co-factor for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.

Non-Systemic antifungal: A non systemic antifungal is a medication which is not absorbed into the blood stream. Its action is limited to the alimentary canal (digestive tract). An example of this is the drug Nystatin.

Nucleotide: The structural components, or building blocks, of DNA and RNA. A nucleotide consists of a base (one of four chemicals: adenine-A, thymine-T, guanine-G, and cytosine-C) plus a molecule of sugar and a phosphate. Nucleotides deliver energy as phosphate to drive metabolism steps, provide molecules needed for cellular communication, and help to regulate cellular function.

Opioids: Class of drugs ( e.g., heroin. codeine, methadone) that are derived from the opium poppy plant, contain opium, or are produced synthetically and have opium-like effects. Opioid drugs relieve pain, dull the senses and induce sleep. Opioids have powerful analgesic capacity but are highly addictive and have potent effects on the central nervous system.

Opioids: Class of drugs ( e.g., heroin. codeine, methadone) that are derived from the opium poppy plant, contain opium, or are produced synthetically and have opium-like effects. Opioid drugs relieve pain, dull the senses and induce sleep. Opioids have powerful analgesic capacity but are highly addictive and have potent effects on the central nervous system.

Parasite: A parasite is an organism living in, with, or on another organism. A parasite is dependent on its host organism for existence or support, but makes no useful contribution to the host.

Pathogen: A disease causing agent such as a virus or a bacteria.

Peptide: A peptide is a chain of two or more amino acids, joined by a "peptide bond".

Protein: One or more peptides linked together. Proteins are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's cells, tissues, and organs, and each protein has unique functions.

Purines and Pyrimidines: Purines and pyrimidines are best known as the basic constituents of the polynucleotides DNA and RNA. The class of chemical compounds known as purines was first encountered in a waste product of metabolism known as uric acid, which causes gout. "Purine," coined by chemist Emil Fischer in the 19th century, comes from the Latinpurus (pure, clean) and New Latin ~ (from urine). Different metabolic pathways exist for making purines, converting purine compounds, reusing purines consumed in the diet and disposing of excess punnes.

Pyrimidines: Pyrimidines are another type of nucleotide; they have only a six-membered nitrogen-containing ring. Cytosine is found in both DNA and RNA. Unlike purine metabolism, in pyrimidine metabolism there is no well-defined end-product.

Sulfation: Sulfation is the introduction into an organic molecule of the sulfuric ester group ( or its salts), -OSOJH. where the sulfur is linked through an oxygen atom to the parent molecule. Adding sulfate (sulfate conjugation or sulfation) to a molecule is a common form of detoxification.

Systemic antifungal: A systemic antifungal is a medication that targets yeast via absorption into the blood stream thus allowing the compound to travel throughout all your tissues. These differ from Nystatin. which does not enter the bloodstream and has yeast-killing effects only in the gut -with benefits that may, however, extend beyond the gut. Examples of a systemic anti-fingal are: Diflucan (Fuconazole ), Sporonox (Itraconazole ), Nizerol (Ketoconazole) and Lamisil (Terbinafine ).

Parasite A parasite is an organism living in, with, or on another organism. A parasite is dependent on its host organism for existence or support, but makes no useful contribution to the host.

Pathogen: A disease causing agent such as a virus or a bacteria.

Peptide: A peptide is a chain of two or more amino acids, joined by a "peptide bond".

Protein: One or more peptides linked together. Proteins are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's cells, tissues, and organs, and each protein has unique functions.

Purines and Pyrimidines: Purines and pyrimidines are best known as the basic constituents of the polynucleotides DNA and RNA. The class of chemical compounds known as purines was first encountered in a waste product of metabolism known as uric acid, which causes gout. "Purine," coined by chemist Emil Fischer in the 19th century, comes from the Latinpurus (pure, clean) and New Latin ~ (from urine). Different metabolic pathways exist for making purines, converting purine compounds, reusing purines consumed in the diet and disposing of excess purines.

Pyrimidines: Pyrimidines are another type of nucleotide; they have only a six-membered nitrogen-containing ring. Cytosine is found in both DNA and RNA. Unlike purine metabolism, in pyrimidine metabolism there is no well-defined end-product.

Sulfation: Sulfation is the introduction into an organic molecule of the sulfuric ester group ( or its salts), -OSOJH. where the sulfur is linked through an oxygen atom to the parent molecule. Adding sulfate (sulfate conjugation or sulfation) to a molecule is a common form of detoxification.

Systemic antifungal: A systemic antifungal is a medication that targets yeast via absorption into the blood stream thus allowing the compound to travel throughout all your tissues. These differ from Nystatin. which does not enter the bloodstream and has yeast-killing effects only in the gut -with benefits that may, however, extend beyond the gut. Examples of a systemic anti-fingal are: Diflucan (Fuconazole ), Sporonox (Itraconazole ), Nizerol (Ketoconazole) and Lamisil (Terbinafine ).

Thimerosal: Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative that has been used in some vaccines and other products since the 1930s. Thimerosal is the most widely used preservative in vaccines; its introduction allowed drug companies to put multiple doses of vaccines in each vial, since the compound prevented spoilage. The FDA estimates that it is used in more than 30 licensed vaccines and biologics currently marketed in the U.S. Although the FDA and CDC insist that thimerosal is safe, critics of its use have shown that with the currently endorsed vaccination schedule, babies are receiving mercury in amounts far exceeding those accepted as safe. Critics also point out that many symptoms of autistic spectrum disorders closely resemble those of mercury poisoning. Concerned parents should question their pediatricians about the vaccines being used and ensure that they are thimerosal-free.

TMG (trimethylglycine): TMG is also called betaine, and it is glycine with three attached methyls. In the body, TMG is formed from choline, and it becomes DMG by giving away one of its methyls. In this case, the methyl acceptor is the amino acid homocysteine, and when homocysteine gets that methyl it becomes methionine. TMG assists cobalamin (vitamin 812), folate and vitamin 86 in controlling cellular levels of homocysteine and homocysteine's precursor, adenosylhomocysteine.

Transfer Factors: Transfer Factors are protein immunomodulators that transfer immunity from a donor to an immune-deficient recipient or from "an immunized donor to nonimmune recipient.

Vitamin: An organic ( carbon-containing) compound necessary for normal physiological function that cannot be synthesized in adequate amounts, and must therefore be obtained in the diet.

Absorption: The traversal of nutrients from the small intestine through the cells lining the small intestine and subsequently into the blood vessels. The small intestine breakdown ingested food into fats, proteins (amino acids) and carbohydrates. Specific areas of the 'small intestine then absorb these nutrients through the cell walls.

Colon: Another term for the large intestine.

Digestion: The term referring to the entire process of breaking down food into simple substances, its absorption and subsequent storage in the body.

Digestive system: The term referring to the entire digestive tract. The digestive tract includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, biliary tract, liver, colon and rectum.

Duodenum: The first part of small intestine; where secretin is excreted.

Endoscopy: A term reflecting the use of a fiber-optic scope to evaluate and treat disease in the upper GI tract, small intestine and colon.

Epithelial cells: A cell type that lines the inner portion of any structure of the body. Esophagus: A soft muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Gastric: A term referring to the stomach.

Gastrointestinal: Referring to, or affecting, the stomach and intestines.

Hyperplasia: an abnormal increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue.

lleum: A term indicating the ileum or the last part of the small intestine.

Jejunum: The middle section of the intestines between the duodenum in the ileum.

Large Intestine: Also called the colon; water absorption occurs here.

Liver: Has many important jobs for the body. It makes a substance called bile, which helps digestion, and other substances needed by the body to fight disease. The liver also removes certain types of poisons and wastes ( detoxification).

Lymphoid Tissue: Tissue that is particularly rich in lymphocytes (such as macrophages), particularly the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, Peyer's patches, pharyngeal tonsils, and adenoids.

Pancreas: Organ located behind the stomach. The head of the pancreas is connected to the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). The pancreas makes enzymes that help digest food in the small intestine, and makes hormones.

Secretin: A hormone that controls digestion. Secretin stimulates the pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes, the stomach to produce pepsin, and the liver to produce bile.

Small intestine: The section of the intestines between the stomach and colon. It is divided into three major sections the duodenum, the jejunum and the ileum. Digestion and absorption occurs primarily in these areas.