Glossary Of Naturopathic Medicine Terms

Acupuncture is a form of medicine that comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It’s based on the idea that placing tiny needles at specific points on your body can stimulate the healing process. Though scientific research has yet to explain exactly how this works, there is a growing body of evidence that it helps with a variety of different ailments. Naturopathic doctors are trained in the practice of acupuncture.

For articles related to Acupuncture, click here.

Your adrenal glands sit above your kidneys. You have two of them, and they’re part of your endocrine system. Among other things, they produce cortisol, which helps your body respond to stress.

For articles related to Adrenal Glands, click here.

An antioxidant is a molecule that fights free radicals in your body. Free radicals have been linked to a number of different illnesses, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Your body has its own antioxidant system, but getting more antioxidants through your diet is a good idea as well. Whole foods in general are good sources of antioxidants. More specifically, green tea, berries, dark chocolate, and coffee have higher levels of antioxidants.

For articles related to Antioxidant, click here.

You may recognize ascorbic acid better as vitamin C. This vitamin is essential for metabolizing protein and iron, and maintaining your immune health. Ascorbic acid is found in abundance in most fruits, especially tomatoes, mangoes, strawberries, and citrus fruits. You can also get your vitamin C from cabbage, potatoes, lettuce, and sweet peppers.

For articles related to Ascorbic Acid, click here.

An autoimmune condition is a condition in which your immune system mistakes part of your own cells as a pathogen and attacks them. Some examples of autoimmune conditions include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis.

For articles related to Autoimmune, click here.

Beta-carotene is not a vitamin on its own, but your body can convert it into vitamin A. Vitamin A is useful for keeping your eyes, skin, and bones healthy. You can get beta-carotene from fruits like apricots, cantaloupes, and pumpkin, as well as sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, and leafy greens.

For articles related to Beta-Carotene, click here.

Biotin is better known as vitamin B7, part of the B-complex of vitamins. Your body uses it to metabolize energy, and is found in abundance in many foods, including eggs, almonds, and cauliflower.

For articles related to Biotin, click here.

Blood sugar is the amount of glucose sugar present in your bloodstream. Diet and hormones are the primary influencers of this. Neither high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) nor low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) are beneficial for your health.

For articles related to Blood Sugar, click here.

Botanical medicine is a field of medicine based on using the healing power of plants to address health concerns. Botanical medicines may be derived from a plant’s herbs, roots, seeds, fruit, bark, or stems. Naturopathic doctors are trained in the practice of botanical medicine.

For articles related to Botanical Medicine, click here.

Calcium keeps your teeth, bones, muscles, and immune system healthy, and helps regulate your blood pressure. You can find calcium in dairy products. However, as more and more people are steering clear of dairy, you can also find it in broccoli, mustard greens, and legumes.

For articles related to Calcium, click here.

Chromium is a mineral your body uses to maintain your blood sugar levels. It works alongside insulin. Whole grains, nuts, cheese, liver, and brewer’s yeast are all good dietary sources of chromium.

For articles related to Chromium, click here.

Clinical nutrition is about finding the optimal foods for you to eat, based on your own unique health concerns. This includes discovering any allergies or intolerances you may have, any nutrient deficiencies you may be facing, and any symptoms you may have which certain foods may be able to help with. Naturopathic doctors are trained in clinical nutrition.

For articles related to Clinical Nutrition, click here.

Cobalamin is better known as vitamin B12. Your body uses it to maintain your nerves and for building the membrane of new cells. It’s abundant in animal proteins, so vegans may have to supplement it.

For articles related to Cobalamin, click here.

Your body uses copper to metabolize iron. Good dietary sources of copper include nuts, seeds, legumes, and organ meats.

For articles related to Copper, click here.

Cortisol is the hormone your body uses to help you manage stress. If you have low cortisol levels, it could be linked with anxiety or chronic fatigue. It’s produced by your adrenal glands.

For articles related to Cortisol, click here.

Your endocrine system is made up of a collection of different organs and glands in your body. They all have in common the fact that they secrete hormones into your bloodstream. These hormones serve as chemical messengers to tell the various parts of your body how to function. It includes your adrenals, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid, reproductive organs, and more. Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine system.

For articles related to Endocrine System, click here.

Folic acid is better known as vitamin B9. Your body uses folic acid to create new cells, especially red blood cells. It also has a role in the creation of DNA. Dietary sources of folic acid include oranges, legumes, leafy greens, and seeds.

For articles related to Folic Acid, click here.

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition resulting in an overactive thyroid gland. It can also lead to other complications, like Graves’ ophthalmopathy, which leads to bulging eyes, or Graves’ dermopathy, which leads to red and swollen skin. Dr. Pat has a special interest in treatment for Graves’ disease.

For articles related to Graves’ Disease, click here.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition resulting in an underactive thyroid gland. Dr. Pat has a special interest in treatment for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

For articles related to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, click here.

Homeopathy is a field of medicine founded in the late 18^th century, in response to the brutal surgical practices of the time. It’s based on the idea that “like cures like”, or that substances which trigger symptoms may, in tiny doses, be able to reduce those symptoms. Naturopathic doctors are trained in the use of homeopathy.

For articles related to Homeopathy, click here.

Think of hormones like your body’s messengers. They travel through your bloodstream, sending signals to the various parts of your body and telling them how to behave. Hormones are secreted by glands in your body’s endocrine system. Examples of hormones include testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, insulin, and adrenaline.

For articles related to Hormones, click here.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where your thyroid gland overproduces the hormone thyroxine, also known as T4. It can lead to sudden weight loss, sweating, nervousness, irritability, digestive issues, and more. Dr. Pat has a special interest in treatments for hyperthyroidism.

For articles related to Hyperthyroidism, click here.

Hypothyroidism is a condition where your thyroid gland produces too little of the hormone thyroxine (T4). Many of the symptoms are the opposite of hyperthyroidism – weight gain, fatigue, depression, sensitivity to cold, and hair loss. Dr. Pat has a special interest in treatments for hypothyroidism.

For articles related to Hypothyroidism, click here.

Iodine is a mineral your body uses to maintain your thyroid function.  Iodine deficiency is considered uncommon here in the West now, because the Western diet includes iodized salt in much of its foods. However, the popularity of low salt diets calls this assumption into question.  Otherwise, you can find iodine in kelp and dairy products.

For articles related to Iodine, click here.

Insulin is a hormone produced in your pancreas. Its job is to lower your blood sugar. If you’re diabetic, your pancreas either doesn’t produce insulin, doesn’t produce enough of it, or the insulin that is produced is ineffective.

For articles related to Insulin, click here.

Iron carries oxygen through your bloodstream to the rest of your body. This essential mineral is most commonly associated with red meats and eggs, but you can also get it from legumes, leafy greens, dried fruits, and some types of chocolate. If you’re deficient in iron, you may experience anemia.

For articles related to Iron, click here.

Magnesium is a mineral your body uses to maintain your muscles, bones, and immune system, and to make protein. Good dietary sources of magnesium include seafood, legumes, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, artichokes, and chocolate.

For articles related to Magnesium, click here.

Manganese is a nutrient used in many different processes in your body. It helps you process cholesterol, carbohydrates, and protein, and may also be involved in bone health. Manganese is abundant in most fruits and vegetables.

For articles related to Manganese, click here.

Your metabolism refers to how quickly your body burns the fuel you give it. Depending on your metabolism, you may experience fluctuations in energy, weight, mood, body temperature, digestion, and more.

For articles related to Metabolism, click here.

A modality is a form of treatment you may receive from a naturopathic doctor, or other healthcare practitioner for that matter. Acupuncture, for example, is a modality, as is clinical nutrition.

For articles related to Modality, click here.

Niacin is better known as vitamin B3. Your body uses niacin to manage your metabolism, nervous system, and digestive system, as well as to keep your skin healthy. Niacin is found in abundance in animal proteins, as well as mushrooms, leafy greens, asparagus, peanuts, and whole grain bread.

For articles related to Niacin, click here.

Pantothenic acid is also known as vitamin B5. Your body uses it to metabolize energy. It’s found in abundance in most foods.

For articles related to Pantothenic Acid, click here.

Your body uses phosphorus to maintain the strength of your bones and teeth. It also maintains the pH balance of your body. Phosphorus is found in animal proteins, as well as in processed foods. Too much phosphorus may lead to health issues though – just one more reason why avoiding processed foods is a good idea.

For articles related to Phosphorus, click here.

Potassium is a nutrient your body uses to keep your nerves and muscles working properly, as well as to maintain a fluid balance. Potassium is found in abundance in bananas, as well as in animal proteins, and most other fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

For articles related to Potassium, click here.

Pyridoxine is vitamin B6. Your body uses it to build red blood cells and maintain healthy brain function. It’s commonly found in most foods.

For articles related to Pyridoxine, click here.

Vitamin B2 is riboflavin. Your body uses it to keep your vision and skin healthy, as well as to maintain your metabolism. You can get riboflavin from dairy, leafy greens, and whole grain breads.

For articles related to Riboflavin, click here.

Selenium is an essential nutrient your body uses for a number of purposes. It’s a powerful antioxidant, and helps regulate your energy levels and metabolism. Your thyroid also uses selenium to function well. Good dietary sources of selenium include fish, liver, brown rice, oats, poultry, and Brazil nuts.

For articles related to Selenium, click here.

Sodium is a mineral your body uses to keep your nerves functioning properly.  It, like potassium, is important for the body’s fluid balance.  Though it is an essential nutrient, too much sodium can cause health problems. The most common dietary source of sodium is in salt.

For articles related to Sodium, click here.

Sulfur is a nutrient your body uses to build protein. It’s commonly found in all protein sources.

For articles related to Sulfur, click here.

Also known as vitamin B1, thiamine helps maintain your metabolism and nerves. Good dietary sources of thiamine include pork, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grain breads.

For articles related to Thiamine, click here.

Your thyroid is a small gland at the base of your throat, just above your collarbone and in front of your windpipe. It regulates your metabolism, body temperature, and growth and development in children. Dr. Pat has a special interest in thyroid health.

For articles related to Thyroid, click here.

Your body uses vitamin A to keep your various components healthy, including your skin, eyes, teeth, bones, and immune system. It’s found in abundance in most animal proteins, though your body can also convert beta-carotene from plant sources into vitamin A.

For articles related to Vitamin A, click here.

Your body uses vitamin D to absorb calcium, maintain a healthy immune system, and to keep your brain functioning at a high level. The most common source of vitamin D is through sunlight – your skin absorbs it from the sun. As a result, many people in Canada are deficient in vitamin D during the winter months.

For articles related to Vitamin D, click here.

Your body uses vitamin E to protect the walls of your cells. It’s also a potent antioxidant. You can find vitamin E in most veggies, nuts, and seeds, as well as egg yolks and liver.

For articles related to Vitamin E, click here.

Your body uses vitamin K to keep your bones healthy and to make sure your blood coagulates when needed. It’s common in leafy greens, cabbage, and dairy.

For articles related to Vitamin K, click here.

Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome (WTS) is a condition affecting your thyroid system. It’s related to stress and usually reversible. Dr. Pat has received additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome.

For articles related to Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome, click here.

Your body uses zinc to make protein, maintain your immune system and reproductive organs, support healthy thyroid function, and to heal any wounds you may experience. Zinc is commonly found in whole foods.

For articles related to Zinc, click here.