
This section is devoted to diseases and conditions related to metabolism, immunity, inflammation, digestion, hormones, the nervous system, and lifestyle. The materials help explain possible mechanisms behind disorders and the role of nutrition, deficiencies, and habits in prevention and health support.
Diseases and conditions
A
Inflammatory changes in the skin of the face, associated with the functioning of sebaceous glands and the condition of hair follicles, occur in people of all ages and can vary in severity. In clinical practice, this spectrum of conditions is grouped under the term acne.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with the peculiarities of the nervous system's functioning, attention regulation, impulses, and motor activity.
A condition in which the adrenal glands' ability to adequately respond to stress and maintain stable hormone production—primarily cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone—is diminished. With prolonged stress, the stress response system gradually becomes depleted, leading to metabolic disturbances, reduced resilience to stressors, and a decline in overall well-being.
Are states of heightened reactivity of the immune system, in which the body begins to perceive safe substances as threats. An allergic reaction is not an independent disease in the classical sense, but reflects deep disturbances in immune regulation, barrier functions, and nutrient exchange.
A progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to a gradual decline in memory, intellect, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It is the most common form of dementia and most often develops in people over 65, although it can occur earlier.
Anemia means low hemoglobin or red cells; causes include iron, B12 or folate deficiency, blood loss, inflammation and kidney disease.
Inflammation and cracking at the mouth corners often involve saliva irritation, Candida, bacteria, dentures, iron deficiency, B2, B12, folate, or overall poor nutritional status.
Anorexia is a dangerous eating disorder with food restriction, fear of weight gain and risk of severe cardiac, hormonal and bone complications.
Anosmia is loss of smell; it is often linked with viruses and nasal inflammation, but may also follow trauma, polyps, medications or neurological disease.
A condition in which there is a temporary cessation of breathing during sleep. Such episodes can occur multiple times throughout the night, causing a decrease in blood oxygen levels and negatively affecting the functioning of the heart, blood vessels, and brain.
Not a single disease, but a group of conditions in which the inflammatory process affects the joints and the surrounding tissues. For the patient, this manifests as pain, morning stiffness, reduced mobility, and, in some cases, swelling.
Acute respiratory viral infection is a group of viral airway infections; nutrition supports recovery but does not replace care for breathlessness, high fever or worsening.
A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, in which the bronchial mucosa becomes hypersensitive to irritants. This causes periodic attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and coughing.
A chronic process inside arterial walls in which inflammation, lipoproteins, blood pressure, glucose, smoking and immune reactions form plaques. The key issue is not only cholesterol, but ApoB, endothelial function, metabolic context and plaque stability.
A neurodevelopmental condition associated with the peculiarities of brain formation and functioning, where the processing of sensory information, social interaction, and communication is altered.
A group of chronic pathologies in which the immune system fails to distinguish between "self" and "non-self" and begins to produce antibodies against its own cells and tissues. As a result, inflammatory processes develop, gradually damaging organs and systems, disrupting their function.
B
A severe thiamine deficiency disease that can damage nerves, the heart, and energy metabolism; risk rises with alcohol use, undernutrition, vomiting, malabsorption, and high carbohydrate intake without enough B1.
The bending of the gallbladder — is an anatomical change in the shape of the organ, where there is a bend or compression of its walls. This condition can be either congenital or acquired, and is often discovered accidentally during an ultrasound examination.
(BAD) is a chronic mental disorder associated with the disruption of mood, energy, and activity regulation. It is characterized by alternating periods of elevated and lowered psycho-emotional states that go beyond normal mood fluctuations.
Lyme disease is Borrelia infection after a tick bite; early signs, timing of testing and timely antibiotics matter.
A chronic inflammatory airway disease with episodes of wheeze, cough, and breathlessness; diet may improve background risks but does not replace inhaled treatment or an action plan.
A repetitive involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, which most often occurs during sleep but can also manifest while awake. This condition occurs in people of various ages, including children and adults.
Bulimia combines binge episodes with compensatory behavior; key risks involve electrolytes, heart, esophagus, teeth and mental health.
C
Not a single disease, but a whole group of conditions in which cells lose the ability to control their division and begin to grow uncontrollably. These pathological cells disrupt the functioning of organs, form tumors, and can spread throughout the body, forming metastases.
Thrush, or candidiasis, — is a fungal infection caused by the excessive growth of yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida, most commonly Candida albicans. The disease can affect the mucous membranes of the genital organs, oral cavity, intestines, and skin.
A group of heart muscle diseases can impair pumping function, rhythm stability and exercise tolerance. Nutrition, electrolytes and metabolic health may support care, but cardiomyopathy requires medical diagnosis, follow-up and treatment.
Cataract is clouding of the lens that gradually worsens vision; nutrition supports eye health but does not dissolve an established cataract.
An autoimmune condition in which the consumption of gluten triggers an inflammatory response in the small intestine. This leads to damage to the mucous membrane and disrupts the absorption processes of nutrients.
One form of acne associated with the dysfunction of sebaceous glands and skin renewal processes. Their formation is based on a combination of increased sebum production, slowed shedding of dead skin cells, and changes in the microbial balance of the skin.
Constipation is not only infrequent stool; straining, hard stool, pain and incomplete evacuation matter, and causes may be dietary, medication-related or medical.
An infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, first identified in China at the end of 2019. Within a few months, the virus spread worldwide, causing a pandemic that changed the medical, social, and economic life of humanity.
D
Dementia is persistent cognitive decline; causes differ, so diagnosis, safety, sleep, vascular factors and nutrition matter.
Depression affects mood, sleep, energy, thinking and the body; nutrition can support care but does not replace therapy or medical help.
Chronic glucose dysregulation has different forms: type 1, type 2, gestational, pancreatogenic, and other diabetes types require different decisions. Low-carb nutrition may reduce glycemic load, but medication adjustment, hypoglycemia risk, and ketoacidosis risk need medical attention.
Eating disorders affect not only food intake but also control, body image, guilt and fear; with keto, restrictive behavior may worsen.
Dry eye syndrome comes from tear film disturbance and causes burning, gritty sensation, redness, eye fatigue and fluctuating vision.
E
The excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissues, which leads to swelling, a feeling of heaviness, and an increase in the volume of certain areas of the body. It is not an independent disease but a signal that the water-electrolyte balance is disrupted, particularly related to sodium regulation.
The late stage of chronic kidney disease in which kidney function is no longer sufficient to safely remove fluid, potassium, phosphorus, acids, and metabolic waste. Nutrition must be individualized with a nephrologist, dialysis team, and current laboratory results.
A chronic gynecological condition in which tissue similar in structure to the endometrium (the uterine lining) grows outside the uterine cavity. Lesions can localize on the ovaries, peritoneum, intestines, bladder, and other structures of the pelvis.
A chronic neurological condition characterized by increased seizure readiness in the brain. The disease is associated with an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory processes in the nervous system, leading to periodic epileptic seizures.
F
A process of excessive connective tissue formation after chronic injury, inflammation, or organ stress. It matters in the liver, lungs, heart, kidneys, pancreas, and other tissues because scarring changes organ structure and gradually reduces function.
G
Gallstone disease means stones in the gallbladder; symptoms depend on stone movement, inflammation and response to fatty food.
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining; causes include Helicobacter pylori, NSAIDs, alcohol, bile reflux, severe stress and autoimmune processes.
Peptic ulcer is a defect in the stomach or duodenal lining; key causes include Helicobacter pylori and NSAIDs, and complications require urgent care.
GERD occurs when stomach contents reflux into the esophagus; symptom frequency, mucosal damage and links with food, weight and medications matter.
A hereditary feature of bilirubin metabolism, characterized by periodic increases in the level of unconjugated bilirubin in the blood without signs of liver damage. This condition is associated with reduced activity of the enzyme UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 and usually has a benign course.
A group of diseases that lead to damage to the optic nerve and can cause vision loss. This condition is often associated with increased intraocular pressure, although it is not always the cause.
A metabolic disease in which the level of uric acid in the body increases and its crystals deposit in the joints, causing pain, swelling, and inflammation. The joint of the big toe is most often affected, but over time, the knees, elbows, and other joints may also be involved.
H
A condition in which the heart cannot supply tissues with blood efficiently requires medical monitoring, fluid control, blood pressure management, medication safety, and treatment of underlying causes. Low-carb nutrition may help metabolic risks, but salt, diuretics, potassium, and rapid weight changes need supervision.
A condition in which the body accumulates excessive amounts of iron and loses the ability to effectively regulate its absorption and distribution. Iron is a key element for the functioning of enzymes, mitochondria, and detoxification systems; however, its excess becomes a pro-oxidant factor and damages tissues.
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system's cells, primarily CD4 lymphocytes. The gradual decrease in their numbers leads to a weakening of the immune response and a loss of the ability to effectively defend against infections and tumor processes.
Sudden heat and sweating episodes are often linked to menopause, but new or severe symptoms require other causes to be ruled out.
Blood glucose above the normal range: it is important to distinguish a single post-meal rise from persistent dysregulation, diabetes, medication effects, and stress responses.
Persistently elevated arterial pressure: it should be confirmed by proper measurements, causes should be considered, and stroke, heart, kidney, and vascular risk should be reduced.
Hyperthyroidism is excess thyroid hormone; it accelerates metabolism, strains the heart and may look like anxiety or unexplained weight loss.
A condition in which the production of hydrochloric acid is reduced to the extent that normal digestion, food sterilization, and nutrient absorption are disrupted. A lack of acid leads to the growth of pathogenic flora, reduced protein digestion, deficiencies in minerals and vitamins, as well as systemic health consequences.
Blood glucose low enough to deprive the brain and nervous system of readily available fuel; especially dangerous in people using insulin or glucose-lowering medication.
Low blood pressure is judged by symptoms and context: it may be normal for one person or signal dehydration, medication effects, bleeding, infection, or endocrine causes.
A condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), which regulate metabolism, thermoregulation, and energy balance. With their deficiency, all processes in the body slow down — from brain function to digestion and circulation.
A condition in which the oxygen content in arterial blood falls below the physiological norm. A lack of oxygen hinders the work of cells, disrupts metabolism, and reduces the function of the brain, heart, and respiratory system.
Hypoxia means insufficient oxygen in tissues; causes may be respiratory, cardiac, vascular, anemic, altitude-related or toxic.
I
Is the absence of pregnancy in a couple with regular sexual life without contraception for 12 months. For women over 35 years old, the waiting period is usually reduced to 6 months.
A state in which tissues respond poorly to insulin forces the pancreas to produce more hormone to control glucose. It is linked with visceral fat, fatty liver, blood pressure, triglycerides, sleep, stress and muscle mass.
A state in which muscle, liver, and fat tissue respond poorly to insulin, forcing the pancreas to secrete more of it. It can hide behind normal fasting glucose for years, so waist size, triglycerides, HDL, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and post-meal responses matter.
Irritable bowel syndrome causes chronic abdominal pain and stool changes without structural damage, but diagnosis requires excluding warning signs.
(IHD) is a chronic condition that arises from insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle (myocardium). When blood flow decreases, the heart receives less oxygen and nutrients, leading to pain, rhythm disturbances, and reduced contractile ability.
K
A dangerous state in which ketone bodies accumulate together with a serious acid-base disturbance. It should not be confused with ordinary nutritional ketosis: ketoacidosis requires urgent medical assessment, especially in type 1 diabetes.
The presence of ketone bodies in urine can be normal during fasting, low-carbohydrate eating and exercise, but in diabetes with high glucose it becomes an important warning sign. Urine strips mainly reflect acetoacetate and are affected by hydration, so the result must be read with symptoms and context.
A condition in which the kidneys stop effectively filtering blood, removing toxins, maintaining normal water-electrolyte balance, and regulating blood pressure. Disruption of kidney function leads to the accumulation of metabolic products, changes in potassium, sodium, and fluid levels in the body, and also affects the heart, hormonal system, and overall health.
L
Lactose intolerance results from low lactase activity and causes bloating, pain, gas or diarrhea after milk and some dairy foods.
Lymphocytosis means elevated lymphocyte count; it may be a reaction to infection, inflammation or stress, but sometimes blood disease must be excluded.
N
A broad name for kidney damage affecting filtration, blood vessels, glomeruli, tubules or interstitial tissue. Causes may include diabetes, hypertension, medications, autoimmune disease, infections, inherited disorders and chronic inflammation.
O
A chronic metabolic condition in which excess fat tissue disrupts hormonal, inflammatory and energy regulation. Weight alone is not enough: visceral fat, waist size, insulin resistance, blood pressure, sleep and comorbidities matter.
Osteoarthritis is chronic joint disease involving cartilage, bone and surrounding tissues; symptoms are influenced by weight, muscles, load and inflammatory factors.
A systemic disease of the skeleton, characterized by decreased density and disrupted microstructure of bone tissue. This makes bones more fragile and increases the risk of fractures, especially of the spine, hip, and wrist.
Oxalate stones are a common kidney stone type; risk depends on urine volume, dietary calcium, oxalates, citrate, salt and metabolic factors.
P
An infectious-inflammatory lesion of lung tissue, during which the alveoli fill with fluid and immune system cells. This blocks normal gas exchange and leads to a decrease in blood oxygen levels.
(PCOS) is an endocrine-metabolic disorder in which the ovaries produce an excessive amount of androgens (male hormones), leading to disruptions in ovulation, menstrual cycles, and metabolism. The condition is accompanied by insulin resistance and increased insulin production, which exacerbates hormonal imbalance and hinders follicle maturation.
A condition in which an increased amount of protein is found in the urine. A small amount of protein may be present in a healthy person, but a pronounced or persistent increase is an important laboratory sign.
Psoriatic skin disease is a chronic immune-inflammatory condition in which the pathological process affects not only the skin but also the entire body as a whole.
R
Runny nose may be infectious, allergic, vasomotor or medication-related; treatment depends on cause, duration and accompanying symptoms.
S
A progressive age-related decline in muscle mass, strength, and functional activity, caused by a combination of hormonal, metabolic, and nutritional factors. This condition reduces mobility, increases the risk of falls and fractures, worsens glucose metabolism, and can lead to a loss of independence in older adults.
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder with psychosis, disrupted thinking, perception and functioning; diet does not replace antipsychotic treatment.
Seborrhea involves oily skin and reaction to Malassezia yeasts; nutrition may influence it indirectly, but local skin care is central.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which the number of bacteria in the small intestine exceeds the normal level. Normally, bacteria are mainly concentrated in the large intestine, while there are few in the small intestine.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is autoimmune disease that may affect skin, joints, kidneys, blood, vessels and the nervous system.
T
A condition in which the resting heart rate typically exceeds 100 beats per minute in adults. It is not a standalone disease but a symptom that can arise from various conditions: a physiological response to physical exertion and stress, dehydration, fever, side effects of medications, as well as various diseases.
An autoimmune disease with absolute or severe insulin deficiency requires lifelong insulin therapy and careful glucose management, not diet changes alone. A low-carbohydrate diet may reduce glucose swings, but it requires dose adjustment, ketone awareness and protection from hypoglycemia.
A metabolic disease usually driven by insulin resistance, excessive liver glucose output and declining beta-cell compensation. Low-carbohydrate eating, reduced visceral fat, movement and sleep can greatly improve control, but medication changes should be made with medical supervision.
V
Dilated superficial veins usually reflect valve failure and increased venous pressure; nutrition can support the background, but compression, movement, and vascular assessment remain central.
A pathological process in which calcium salts are deposited in the walls of arteries and other blood vessels. As a result, the vessels lose elasticity, become stiffer, and are less able to adapt to changes in blood flow.
Vegetative-vascular dystonia (VVD) is a functional disorder of the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, in which the mechanisms for maintaining stable vascular tone, heart function, breathing, digestion, and stress responses are impaired.
Visceral obesity is excess fat around internal organs; it is strongly linked with insulin resistance, inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
W
Warts are caused by human papillomavirus; nutrition may support immunity but does not replace dermatologic treatment.
Severe brain injury from thiamine deficiency: Wernicke encephalopathy needs urgent B1 treatment, while Korsakoff syndrome can leave persistent memory impairment.





