Glossary

A reference for the medical, nutrition, and dietary terms used across The Healing Nobs. We aim to use plain language wherever possible, but when technical terms are necessary, this glossary explains them. Click any letter to jump to that section.

A

ALA

Alpha-linolenic acid, the plant form of omega-3 (flax, chia, walnuts). The body converts only 5–10% to EPA/DHA.

Allicin

An anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compound formed when garlic is crushed or chopped and left to rest for 10 minutes.

Anthocyanins

A class of polyphenols giving blue, purple, and red colour to fruits like blueberries, cherries, and purple cabbage. Linked to reduced inflammation and lower uric acid.

Anti-inflammatory diet

Pattern emphasising fish, leafy greens, berries, olive oil, nuts; minimising processed foods, refined sugar, and seed oils.

B

Bioavailability

How much of a nutrient your body actually absorbs and uses. For example, heme iron from meat has higher bioavailability than non-heme iron from plants.

BMI (Body Mass Index)

Weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²). A rough screening tool but doesn't distinguish muscle from fat.

BMR

Basal Metabolic Rate — the calories your body burns at complete rest just to maintain basic functions.

C

CRP (C-reactive protein)

An inflammation marker measured in blood. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) below 1 mg/L is optimal; 1–3 is moderate; above 3 indicates active inflammation.

Curcumin

The active anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric. Poorly absorbed alone — needs piperine (black pepper) or fat to absorb effectively.

D

DASH diet

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Emphasises fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy. Lowers blood pressure 8–14 mmHg.

E

E-E-A-T

Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trust — Google's framework for evaluating content quality, especially for YMYL topics.

Elimination diet

Temporarily removing suspected trigger foods, then systematically reintroducing them to identify what causes symptoms.

EPA and DHA

The two main omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines). The most studied for heart, brain, and inflammation benefits.

F

Ferritin

A protein that stores iron in the body. The most accurate marker of iron status. Optimal: 50–150 ng/mL. Below 30 is iron deficient even with normal haemoglobin.

G

GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease — chronic acid reflux from the stomach into the oesophagus, causing heartburn and tissue damage.

Glycemic Index (GI)

A scale (0–100) ranking how quickly a food raises blood sugar. White bread: ~75; oats: ~55; lentils: ~32.

Glycemic Load (GL)

GI adjusted for portion size. A more practical measure than GI alone. Watermelon has high GI but low GL because typical portions contain little carbohydrate.

H

Haemoglobin (Hb)

The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low levels indicate anaemia.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid, often leading to hypothyroidism. Linked to gluten in some patients.

HbA1c

A blood test measuring average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months. Reported as a percentage. Optimal: under 5.7%; prediabetic: 5.7–6.4%; diabetic: 6.5% or higher.

HDL cholesterol

High-Density Lipoprotein. Often called “good cholesterol” because it helps remove excess cholesterol from blood. Higher is better. Target: above 40 mg/dL (men), above 50 (women).

Heme vs non-heme iron

Heme iron (from meat, fish) is absorbed at 15–25%. Non-heme iron (from plants) at 2–20%, depending on what else is eaten alongside.

Hyperlipidaemia

Elevated blood lipids (cholesterol or triglycerides).

Hypertension

High blood pressure. Stage 1: 130–139 / 80–89; Stage 2: 140+/90+.

Hyperuricemia

Elevated uric acid in blood. Above 6.8 mg/dL crystals can form, causing gout.

I

IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome — a functional gut disorder causing abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits without structural disease.

Insoluble fibre

Fibre that doesn't dissolve in water. Adds bulk to stool and supports regular bowel movements. Found in whole grains, vegetables, nuts.

Insulin resistance

When body cells respond less effectively to insulin, requiring the pancreas to produce more. A precursor to type 2 diabetes.

Intermittent fasting

Eating within a restricted daily window (e.g., 16:8 or 18:6). Shows benefits for metabolic health in some adults; not suitable for everyone.

L

LDL cholesterol

Low-Density Lipoprotein. Often called “bad cholesterol” because high levels deposit in artery walls. Optimal: under 100 mg/dL (under 70 if cardiovascular risk is high).

Low-FODMAP

A 3-phase elimination diet for IBS. Removes specific fermentable carbs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, And Polyols), then systematically reintroduces them to identify triggers.

Low-glycemic diet

Emphasises foods that raise blood sugar slowly. Useful for diabetes, insulin resistance, PCOS.

M

Mediterranean diet

A pattern based on olive oil, fish, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and moderate red wine. The most evidence-backed dietary pattern for cardiovascular and longevity outcomes.

Metabolic syndrome

A cluster of conditions — high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abdominal fat, abnormal cholesterol — that together raise heart disease and diabetes risk.

Microbiome

The collective community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms living in and on the body, especially in the gut.

N

NAFLD

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease — fat accumulation in the liver not caused by alcohol. The most common chronic liver disease worldwide.

O

Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio

Modern diets often have a 15:1 ratio; ancestral diets were closer to 1:1. High ratios promote inflammation. Improved by reducing seed oils and increasing oily fish.

Oxalates

Naturally occurring compounds in spinach, rhubarb, beets, and almonds. In susceptible people they can contribute to kidney stone formation.

P

PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome — a hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age, often involving insulin resistance, irregular periods, and elevated androgens.

Phytates

Compounds in unsoaked grains, legumes, and seeds that bind to minerals (iron, zinc, calcium) and reduce their absorption. Reduced by soaking, sprouting, or fermenting.

Polyphenols

Plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Found in berries, dark chocolate, green tea, and olive oil.

Postprandial

After a meal. “Postprandial glucose” is blood sugar measured 1–2 hours after eating.

Prebiotics

Fibres that feed beneficial gut bacteria. Found in onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, oats, bananas.

Probiotics

Live beneficial bacteria, naturally found in yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso, or as supplements.

R

RDA

Recommended Dietary Allowance — the daily intake level sufficient to meet the needs of 97–98% of healthy people. Used for vitamins and minerals.

Resistant starch

A type of starch that resists digestion in the small intestine and ferments in the large intestine, feeding beneficial bacteria. Found in cooled potatoes, oats, green bananas.

S

Soluble fibre

Fibre that dissolves in water, forming a gel. Lowers cholesterol and stabilises blood sugar. Found in oats, beans, apples, psyllium.

Sulforaphane

A potent antioxidant in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts), strongest in raw or lightly steamed forms.

T

TDEE

Total Daily Energy Expenditure — the total calories your body burns in a day, including resting metabolism, daily activity, and exercise.

Triglycerides

A type of fat in blood. High levels are linked to heart disease and pancreatitis. Optimal: under 150 mg/dL.

Y

YMYL

Your Money or Your Life — Google's term for content that can affect health, finances, safety, or major life decisions. Held to higher quality standards.

Term not listed?

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