Reference
Glossary
Plain-language definitions of the nutrition, hormone and gut-health terms you'll meet across these guides.
Adaptive thermogenesisHow your metabolism slows to defend against calorie restriction — why crash diets backfire.C-reactive protein (CRP)A blood marker of inflammation; the high-sensitivity version (hs-CRP) tracks low-grade inflammation.CortisolThe main stress hormone; chronically high levels raise blood sugar and drive inflammation.Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)A landmark trial showing lifestyle change beats medication at preventing type 2 diabetes.DiverticulosisHaving small pouches in the colon wall — common and usually harmless.Elimination dietTemporarily removing suspect foods, then reintroducing them one at a time to find triggers.EstrobolomeThe gut bacteria that help regulate how much estrogen circulates in your body.Flare vs remissionThe active-symptom phase versus the settled phase of a chronic condition — each needs different eating.FODMAPsFermentable carbs (in wheat, onion, garlic, milk, some fruit) that can trigger IBS symptoms.Glycaemic index (GI)A ranking of how quickly a carbohydrate food raises blood sugar.GoitrogensCompounds in raw cruciferous vegetables that can mildly affect the thyroid — largely deactivated by cooking.Gut-brain axisThe two-way communication line between your gut and your brain.HbA1cA blood test showing your average blood sugar over the past ~3 months.Heme vs non-heme ironThe well-absorbed iron from animal foods vs the less-absorbed iron from plants.InositolA sugar-like compound studied as a supplement for insulin sensitivity and PCOS.Insoluble fibreFibre that doesn't dissolve — it adds bulk and keeps you regular.Intestinal permeabilityWhen the gut lining becomes leakier than it should, letting particles cross into the blood.LevothyroxineThe standard synthetic thyroid-hormone replacement medication.Low-FODMAP dietA three-phase, temporary elimination-and-reintroduction diet to find your IBS triggers.Low-residue (low-fibre) dietA temporary low-fibre diet that rests an inflamed or narrowed gut.Lower esophageal sphincter (LES)The muscular valve between the oesophagus and stomach; when it loosens, acid refluxes up.Molecular mimicryWhen the immune system attacks the body's own tissue because it resembles something it's reacting to.NightshadesA plant family — tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, aubergine — removed during the elimination phase of AIP.PhytoestrogensPlant compounds (in soy, flax and legumes) that weakly mimic estrogen in the body.PrebioticsFibres that feed your beneficial gut bacteria (as opposed to probiotics, which are the bacteria).PurinesCompounds in food (and made by the body) that break down into uric acid.Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)Beneficial compounds your gut bacteria make from fibre — they feed the colon lining.Soluble fibreGel-forming fibre (oats, psyllium, chia) that's gentle on the gut and steadies blood sugar.Thermic effect of food (TEF)The energy your body burns just digesting a meal — highest for protein.TPO antibodies (anti-thyroid peroxidase)Immune proteins measured in blood that confirm an autoimmune attack on the thyroid.TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)The pituitary hormone used as the main blood test for thyroid function.Uric acidThe waste product that, at high levels, forms the crystals behind gout.Visceral hypersensitivityWhen the gut's nerves are dialled up, so normal digestion feels painful.