Other terms

A condition in which the acidity of the internal environment of the body increases to the point that the blood pH drops below the physiological level. Unlike short-term local "acidosis" after exercise, true acidosis affects the entire system of acid-base balance regulation and is associated with respiratory disturbances, kidney function, metabolic disorders, or severe infections.

AIP is the autoimmune protocol: a temporary elimination diet used to identify food triggers in autoimmune conditions.

The anti-candida protocol is a temporary diet that restricts sugar and selected fermentable foods when sensitivity is suspected.

An anti-atherogenic diet targets factors linked with atherosclerosis: fat quality, glucose, blood pressure and inflammation.

A genus of microscopic fungi that are widely distributed in the environment: in the air, on plants, in dust, and even in food products. Under normal conditions, they are not dangerous, but when they enter the human body, they can become a source of toxins and cause inflammatory and allergic reactions.

A bile pigment formed during the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells. In the body, it exists in two forms: indirect (unconjugated) and direct (conjugated).

The internal daily rhythm that coordinates sleep, wakefulness, hormones, body temperature, appetite, glucose handling, digestion, and recovery.

DASH is a blood-pressure-focused diet emphasizing whole foods, minerals, lean proteins and reducing excess sodium.

A natural biochemical process through which the body neutralizes and eliminates toxins, hormonal metabolites, breakdown products, medications, and chemical compounds. The main work is done by the liver, kidneys, and intestines.

Endocytosis is the process by which a cell takes in external material by forming membrane vesicles.

FODMAPs are fermentable short-chain carbohydrates that can worsen bloating, pain and diarrhea in sensitive guts.

GAPS is a strict gut-focused dietary protocol that should be approached cautiously and not used as a replacement for medical care.

GFCF means gluten-free casein-free; it is an elimination approach, not a universal diet for everyone.

A home glucose meter shows how blood glucose responds to food, sleep, stress, exercise, illness and medication, but the number is only as good as the measuring technique and test strips. It is most useful when interpreted with symptoms, meal records and laboratory markers rather than as a diagnosis by itself.

The gut microbiota participates in fiber fermentation, short-chain fatty acid production, bile acid metabolism, immune regulation and food tolerance. On keto and LCHF, the practical issue is not a mythical balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria, but tolerated food diversity, stool quality, absence of inflammatory symptoms and gradual change.

The everyday term gut flora describes microorganisms living in the intestinal lumen and on the mucosa, influencing fermentation, stool, bile acids, immune reactions and food tolerance. In low-carbohydrate eating, the practical goal is not perfect bacteria, but regular stool, absence of pain, tolerated fiber and gradual diet adjustment.

A low-carbohydrate, low-fat approach that restricts both major energy sources; it may create a calorie deficit but easily leads to hunger, low energy, and nutrient gaps.

Means placing a muscle under load while it is in a lengthened position. In resistance training, this happens when the muscle is not merely being passively stretched, but is controlling or producing force near the long end of its range: for example, the hamstrings in a Romanian deadlift, the calves at the bottom of a calf raise, or the chest in the lower part of a dumbbell fly.

A Low Histamine Diet temporarily reduces high-histamine foods and histamine liberators to identify personal tolerance.

A Low Lectin Diet restricts high-lectin foods, but it should not become fear of all plant foods.

A Low Oxalate Diet lowers calcium oxalate stone risk by limiting the most concentrated oxalate sources while supporting hydration and a steadier mineral balance.

The Mediterranean diet is built around vegetables, fish, olive oil, nuts, and whole foods; when needed, it can be adapted to LCHF by reducing starch and hidden sugars.

A part of the menstrual cycle during which the functional layer of the endometrium is rejected and blood is released from the uterine cavity. This process reflects the cyclical hormonal changes in a woman's body and is associated with the preparation of the reproductive system for possible conception.

The community of microorganisms and their genetic material on the skin, mucous membranes and in the gut influences food fermentation, immune signaling, barrier function and metabolites. In nutrition the gut microbiome is especially important, but it cannot be fixed with one probiotic; diet, fiber, fermented foods, antibiotics, sleep, stress and mucosal health all matter.

The MIND diet combines Mediterranean and DASH principles to support vascular and brain health. It is not ketogenic, but it can be adapted to LCHF.

NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are a group of medications that reduce pain, fever, and inflammation without the action of steroid hormones. These include ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, ketoprofen, acetylsalicylic acid, and a number of other agents.

A branch of medicine and nutrition science focused on restoring and maintaining health through optimal concentrations of biologically active substances naturally present in the human body. These substances include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidants, and coenzymes.

A state in which production of reactive oxygen species exceeds antioxidant and repair capacity. It is not always harmful: small oxidative signals are needed for adaptation, but chronic excess can damage cells and tissues.

A treatment method based on the use of medical ozone — an active form of oxygen consisting of three atoms (O₃). Ozone has pronounced oxidative-reductive properties that allow it to destroy viruses, bacteria, fungi, and toxins, as well as activate the body's own protective and restorative mechanisms.

A whole-food dietary pattern that avoids sugar, grains and ultra-processed foods. It can overlap with LCHF, but it is not the same as keto because many paleo versions include fruit, honey and starchy roots.

Are pharmacological agents used to lower the level of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is a peptide hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland and performs many more functions than just participating in lactation.

SCD is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, a gut-focused diet restricting complex carbohydrates; it is not the same as keto.

Adsorbents are substances capable of binding and retaining various compounds through adsorption or absorption. They are widely used to reduce toxic load, improve gastrointestinal health, and correct metabolic processes.

Medications that reduce cholesterol synthesis in the liver by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. They are used to lower LDL levels and reduce cardiovascular risk in individuals for whom such therapy is indicated.

A key indicator that determines the ability of gastric juice to effectively break down food and protect the body from pathogens. The main component of gastric juice is hydrochloric acid, which provides a very low pH.

Sugar dependence is a functional and metabolic condition in which regular sugar consumption creates a persistent craving, disrupts appetite regulation, and affects the functioning of the nervous and endocrine systems.

A ribonucleoprotein enzyme complex that maintains the length of telomeres, the end regions of chromosomes. Telomeres serve a protective function by preventing the loss of genetic information during each cell division.

Are medications used to dissolve already formed blood clots that obstruct blood flow in arteries or veins. They are used in acute ischemic conditions when rapid restoration of blood supply can preserve tissue viability and reduce the risk of severe consequences.

Is the end product of purine metabolism, which reflects the balance between the formation and excretion of nitrogenous compounds. In the body, it acts as an antioxidant in blood plasma, but when levels rise, it becomes a factor in tissue damage and metabolic disorders.

Used for the rapid reduction of swelling and nasal congestion by constricting the local blood vessels of the mucosa. This facilitates breathing, reduces discharge, and restores the patency of the nasal passages.