FUNCTIONAL DEFICIENCY.The depleted state of a
particular nutrient that precipitates compromised
function within the brain or body.
FUNCTIONAL FOOD. Also called nutraceuticals,
these products are marketed as having health benefits
or disease-preventing qualities beyond their basic supply
of energy and nutrients. Often these health benefits
come in the form of added herbs, minerals, vitamins, etc.
FUNDOPLICATION. A surgical procedure that
increases pressure on the LES by stretching and wrap-
ping the upper part of the stomach around the
sphincter.
G
GALACTOSE.A monosaccharide known as milk
sugar.
GALACTOSEMIA.An inherited metabolic disorder
in which galactose accumulates in the blood due to a
deficiency in an enzyme that catalyzes its conversion to
glucose.
GALLSTONE.Stones that form in the gallbladder or
bile duct from excess cholesterol or salts.
GASTROENTEROLOGIST.A physician who specia-
lizes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the
stomach and intestines.
GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX.The flow of stomach
contents into the esophagus.
GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD). A
disorder caused by the backward flow of stomach
acid into the esophagus. It is usually caused by a
temporary or permanent change in the sphincter that
separates the lower end of the esophagus from the
stomach.
GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT (GI TRACT).The tube
connecting and including the organs and paths respon-
sible for processing food in the body. These are the
mouth, the esophagus, the stomach, the liver, the gall-
bladder, the pancreas, the small intestine, the large
intestine, and the rectum.
GASTROINTESTINAL.Relating to the stomach and
intestines.
GENE.A section of DNA that includes informa-
tion about how to create certain proteins.
GENE DOPING.Use of gene transfer technology by
athletes to improve performance.
GENE EXPRESSION.The process by which the coded
information of a gene is translated into the proteins or
RNA present and operating in the cell.
GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE (GRAS).A phrase
used by the federal government to refer to exceptions
to the FD&C Act of 1938 as modified by the Food
Additives Amendment of 1958. Artificial food preser-
vatives that have a scientific consensus on their safety
based on either their use prior to 1958 or to well-
known scientific information may be given GRAS
status.
GENOME.A single haploid set of chromosomes
and their genes.
GENOTYPE.All or part of the genetic constitution
of an individual or group.
GERM.In grains, the center part of the grain kernel
that contains vitamins and minerals not found in the
rest of the kernel. It is removed from refined (white)
flour.
GHRELIN.A recently discovered peptide hormone
secreted by cells in the lining of the stomach. Ghrelin is
important in appetite regulation and maintaining the
body’s energy balance.
GINGKO BILOBA.A deciduous tree native to north-
ern China whose leaves are used to make an extract
thought to improve memory and relieve depression.
GLA.Gamma-linolenic acid; an essential fatty acid
found in evening primrose oil.
GLAUCOMA.A condition where pressure within
the eye causes damage to the optic nerve, which
sends visual images to the brain.
GLUCAGON.A hormone made by the alpha cells of
the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar (glucose)
levels by signaling liver and muscle cells to release
sugar stored as glycogen.
GLUCOMANNAN.A plant substance composed of
long chains of the sugars glucose and mannose. It is
not digested, and may be ised as a laxative. The
material has been claimed to provide a feeling of
abdominal and intestinal fullness.
GLUCONEOGENESIS.The process of making glucose
(sugar) from its own breakdown products or from the
breakdown products of lipids or proteins. Gluconeo-
genesis occurs mainly in cells of the liver or kidney.
GLUCOSAMINE.A type of amino sugar that is
thought to help in the formation and repair of carti-
lage. It can be extracted from crab or shrimp shells and
used as a dietary supplement by people with OA.Glossary