but acts to slow the replication of the virus and dis-
courage new mutations. HAART has a number of side
effects that complicate maintaining good nutrition in
HIV patients.
HINDUISM.A broad group of religious and philo-
sophical beliefs from India. It is characterized by belief
in reincarnation, one God with many forms, and the
pursuit of transcending the evils of earth.
HISTAMINE.A substance that is released by the
body in the presence of allergens. It stimulates dilation
of blood vessels, constriction of breathing tubes, and
decreased blood pressure.
HOMEOPATHIC.Relating to homeopathy, a system
of treating diseases by giving people very small doses
of natural substances which, in healthy people, cause
the same symptoms as the disease being treated.
HOMEOSTASIS. The complex set of regulatory
mechanisms that works to keep the body at optimal
physiological and chemical stability in order for cellu-
lar reactions to occur.
HOMOCYSTEINE.An amino-acid product of ani-
mal metabolism that at high blood levels is associated
with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease
(CVD).
HORMONE.A chemical substance produced in the
body that controls and regulates the activity of certain
cells or organs.
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT).Use of
the female hormones estrogen and progestin (a syn-
thetic form of progesterone) to replace those the body
no longer produces after menopause.
HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE (HGH).A hormone
produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates growth
of bone and muscle.
HYBRIDIZATION.Relating to a plant produced
from a cross between two genetically different plants.
HYDROCARBON.A substance consisting only of
carbon and hydrogen atoms.
HYDROGENATED.Usually refers to partial hydro-
genation of oil, a process where hydrogen is added to
oils to reduce the degree of unsaturation. This con-
verts fatty acids from acistotransfatty acids.
HYDROGENATED FATS.A type of fat made by the
process of hydrogenation, which turns liquid oils into
solid fat. Bio-hydrogenation occurs in ruminant ani-
mals (eg. cows) and so small amounts of hydrogenated
fats are found in butter, dairy foods and meat but
these are accepted as being harmless. The commercial
hydrogenation of oils produces large quantities of
hydrogenated fats and have been implicated in the
development of coronary heart disease and impaired
cell signalling in the brain.HYDROGENATION. The addition of hydrogen
atoms to carbon double bonds to make them in to
single bonds.
HYDROLYZE.To break apart through reaction with
water.HYDROXYLAPATITE.The main mineral component
of bone, of which Zinc is a constituent.
HYPERCALCEMIA.Abnormally high levels of cal-
cium in the blood.
HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA.High levels of choles-
terol in the blood.HYPERGLYCEMIA.A condition where there is too
much glucose or sugar in the blood.
HYPERHYDRATION.Excess water content of the
body.HYPERLIPIDEMIA.Elevation of lipid levels (fats) in
the bloodstream. These lipids include cholesterol, cho-
lesterol compounds, phospholipids and triglycerides,
all carried in the blood as part of large molecules called
lipoproteins.HYPERPLASTIC OBESITY.Excessive weight gain in
childhood, characterized by the creation of new fat
cells.
HYPERTENSION.High blood pressure.HYPERTHYROIDISM.Over production of the thyr-
oid hormone by the thyroid gland.
HYPERTROPHIC OBESITY.Excessive weight gain in
adulthood, characterized by expansion of already
existing fat cells.
HYPERURICEMIA.High levels of uric acid in the
blood.HYPOGLYCEMIA.Abnormally low blood sugar levels.
HYPOLIPIDEMIC.Promoting the reduction of lipid
concentrations in the serum.HYPONATREMIA.Inadequate sodium levels in the
body, possibly caused by loss of sodium through per-
spiration, diarrhea, or vomiting, and replacement of
fluids with water that does not contain adequate
electrolytes.
HYPOTHYROIDISM.A disorder in which the thyr-
oid gland in the neck produces too little thyroidGlossary