DIVERTICULOSIS.A condition in which pouch-like
bulges or pockets (diverticula) develop along the
digestive tract. Normally, these pouches don’t cause
any problems but may become inflamed or infected
(diverticulitis).DOPAMINE.A neurotransmitter and precursor of
norepinephrine; found in high concentrations in the
brain.DOPING.The use of performance-enhancing drugs
in sports competition, including anabolic steroids and
other substances banned by most international sports
organizations. The English word is thought to come
from the Dutchdop, which was the name of an alco-
holic beverage drunk by Zulu warriors before a battle.DUODENUM.The first section of the small intes-
tine, extending from the stomach to the jejunum, the
next section of the small intestine.DYSBIOSIS.The general term to describe the over-
growth of undesirable microflora in the intestines.DYSLEXIA.An inherent dysfunction affecting the
language centers of the brain that results in difficulties
with reading and writing.DYSLIPIDEMIA.A disorder of lipoprotein metabo-
lism, including lipoprotein overproduction or defi-
ciency. Dyslipidemias may be manifested by
elevation of the total cholesterol, the ‘‘bad’’ low-den-
sity lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and the triglyceride
concentrations, and a decrease in the ‘‘good’’ high-
density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration
in the blood.DYSPRAXIA.A developmental disorder that affects
coordination and movement.E
EDEMA.Abnormal and excessive accumulation of
fluid in body tissues or certain cavities of the body.
Edema is a symptom of a number of different kidney,
liver, and circulatory disorders and is commonly trea-
ted with diuretics.EICOSANOIDS. Hormone-like compounds made
from fatty acids. Eicosanoids are thought to affect
blood pressure, blood clotting, and inflammation.ELECTROLYTE.Any of several chemicals dissolved
in blood and other body fluids that are capable of
conducting an electric current. The most important
electrolytes in humans and other animals are sodium,potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate,
and hydrogen carbonate.ELECTRON.A component of an atom or molecule.
It has a negative charge when a free or unpaired elec-
tron exists making it chemically unstable and likely to
initiate chemical reactions.ELIMINATION DIET.A diet in which the patient
excludes a specific food (or group of foods) for a
period of time in order to determine whether the
food is responsible for symptoms of an allergy or
other disorder. Elimination diets are also known as
food challenge diets.EMETIC. A medicine that induces nausea and
vomiting.EMOLLIENT.An agent that softens and soothes the
skin when applied locally.EMOTIONAL EATING. Term for eating to alter
mood or relieve stress, boredom, or loneliness.ENDOCRINOLOGIST. A medical specialist who
treats diseases of the endocrine (glands) system,
including diabetes.ENDOGENOUS.With no apparent external cause,
originating within the organism or tissue.ENDOSCOPE.A special tube-shaped instrument
that allows a doctor to examine the interior of or per-
form surgery inside the stomach or intestines. An
examination of the digestive system with this instru-
ment is called an endoscopy.ENEMA.The injection of liquid through the anus
into the rectum in order to soften hardened stools.ENERGY BALANCE.The number of calories burned
in an hour versus the number of calories taken in.ENERGY DENSITY.The calories in a given portion of
food.ENRICHMENT.The addition of vitamins and miner-
als to improve the nutritional content of a food.ENTEROPATHY.A disease of the intestinal tract.ENZYME.A protein that change the rate of a che-
mical reaction within the body without themselves
being used up in the reaction.EPHEDRINE.Central nervous system stimulant that
that increases serum levels of norepinephrine. The
herbs ma huang, ephedra sinica and sida cordifolia
contain ephedrine, which structurally is similar to
amphetamines.Glossary