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Absorption

The process of nutrients passing from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream to sustain the life processes. Nutritional deficiencies can be caused by nutrients not being absorbed properly.

Adrenal Gland

Grape-sized endocrine gland above each kidney that influences heart rate, blood pressure, hormone production, etc.

Aerobic Exercise

Physical exercise of prolonged duration (jogging, etc.) that is powered by the body's conversion of oxygen to energy, and that promotes cardiovascular fitness.

Age Spots or Lipofuscin

[Also called lipofuscin] The brown-colored material made of free-radical-damaged protein and fat that concentrates beneath the skin, in the muscles including the heart. It is found in the liver and other vital organs. Lipofuscin is particularly troublesome in brain tissue where it accumulates over a lifetime. In the brain, when the lipofuscin finally reaches a critical level in a neuron, the neuron dies.

Aging

Physiological functional decline over time, the effects of which can be positively influenced and in some instances prevented or reversed through proper nutrition, exercise, attitude, and stimulation.

Aging Clocks

Biological clocks, which if not reset, will follow genetically programmed instructions for controlling physiological events that produce the signs and symptoms associated with aging.

AIDS

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Coenzyme that works with other antioxidants.

Alzheimer's Disease

[also called Senile Dementia Alzheimer's Type: SDAT] A progressive disease characterized by loss of brain function, including impairment of memory, judgment, reasoning, speech, and socialization. Rarely striking before the age of 50, the progression of the disease takes from a few months to as much as five years before complete loss of cognitive function.

Amino Acids

Any of 22 nitrogen-containing organic compounds that are the building blocks for making proteins and growing muscle. Examples of amino acids includes Arginine, Ornithine, etc. Amino acids are classified as "essential" (which means the body cannot produce them and they must be obtained from a person's dietary intake) or "nonessential" (which means that a healthy body has the ability to produce some amount). "Nonessential" does not mean "unimportant." Most people who take supplements of the essential amino acids also take supplements of the nonessential amino acids. [Also see L-forms]

Anabolic

Referring to the "building up" of tissue, such as muscle growth. [See Metabolism]

Androgens

Hormones that stimulates male characteristics, such as the testosterone. Women also produce androgens in lesser quantities than men, and estrogens overshadow androgens in women.

Anemia

Lack of vitality, which may be caused by inadequate red blood cell function.

Anti-Aging

Strategies, programs, and supplements that reduce, prevent, and reverse the decline of physiological function.

Antioxidant

A nutrient or chemical that intercepts and neutralizes destructive free radicals. Antioxidants are sometimes called "free radical scavengers." Examples include dietary nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, some of the B vitamins, carotenes, the mineral selenium, as well as powerful enzymes such as Glutamine and other amino acids. Some antioxidants prevent the damage from starting, some stop the damage while it is occurring, and some facilitate repair after the damage has occurred. All antioxidants are anti-aging agents. [See Free Radicals]

Arginine [also L-Arginine]

An important anti-aging amino acid that fights cholesterol, promotes blood circulation in the brain, helps muscle growth, curbs appetite, and facilitates hormone production. The human body produces Arginine, and circulating levels can be increased through Arginine supplementation. [See L-form Amino Acids]

Ascorbic Acid [Vitamin C]

Powerful water-soluble antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and may help prevent disease (heart disease, cancer, etc.) caused by the damage of free radicals.

Aspirin [Salicyclic Acid]

Common pain reliever that, when taken in small doses, may prevent heart disease, stroke, etc. Note: daily aspirin consumption for persons taking vitamin E supplements may be problematic; check with your nutritionist or other health care provider.

Atherosclerosis

An advanced form of "hardening of the arteries" (arteriosclerosis). Cholesterol plaque builds up in the arteries and veins over time, dangerously blocking the flow of blood, and greatly increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. [See Plaque]

Autoimmune Disorder

Any condition in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues instead of defending them. Examples include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, etc.