|
Term
|
Description
|
| IBS |
Acronym for Irritable bowel syndrome. |
| Immune System |
The system involving multiple organs that protects the body against infection. Once foreign organisms, such as germs, invade the body, the immune system operates through a remarkable network involving organs and billions of cellular defenders that rush to protect the body. |
| Impotence |
See Erectile Dysfunction. |
| Inflammation |
A reddening or swelling in the body in response to an infection or stress. |
| Inflammatory arthritis |
See Rheumatoid arthritis. |
| Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) |
An inflammatory disease of unknown origin usually affecting the colon or another part of the digestive tract. IBD occurs most commonly as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. |
| Insulin |
A naturally occurring hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps transport glucose into muscle cells and other tissue, where it is stored for energy use. Insulin is also known as the fat-producing hormone. |
| Insulin Receptors |
Molecules on the surface of most cells of the body that "recognize" insulin and allow it into cells. |
| Integrative medicine |
See Complementary medicine. |
| Intermittent claudication |
Severe cramplike calf pain caused by inadequate blood supply; the pain occurs when walking and subsides during rest. May be associated with atherosclerosis. |
| Intravenous |
A method of providing fluid, nutrients or medicine, via a tube placed in the vein. Also known as IV. |
| Iodine |
A trace mineral and essential nutrient necessary for normal metabolism and thyroid function. Good sources include iodized salt, cod, sea bass, haddock, perch and kelp. |
| Ipriflavone |
A synthetic version of one of the isoflavones, which are plant-based compounds with estrogen like effects. Studies have shown this supplement can help prevent bone thinning and combat the effects of osteoporosis. |
| Iron |
An important trace mineral found in every cell of the body, usually combined with protein. The best food sources of easily absorbed iron (heme iron) are animal products. Iron from vegetables, fruits, grains and supplements (non-heme iron) are more difficult for the body to absorb. Mixing some lean meat, fish or poultry with beans or dark leafy greens at a meal, improves the absorption of vegetable sources of iron by a factor of three. Foods rich in vitamin C also increase iron absorption. |
| Irregular heartbeat |
See Arrhythmia. |
| Irritable bowel syndrome |
Abnormal increase in intestinal movement or motility that can be triggered by emotional stress, food allergies, infection, imbalanced intestinal flora, reaction to drugs, diverticulitis, lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity. It manifests itself as diarrhea, abdominal bloating and occasional pain in the lower abdomen. Chronic IBS over time can lead to colitis or Crohn's disease. |
| Ischemic stroke |
See Transient ischemic attack. |
| Isoflavones |
One of the families of phytoestrogens found in chickpeas, soybeans and other legumes. The two primary isoflavones in soybeans are daidzein and genistein. |
| Isometric |
Describes resistance or anaerobic exercise, which consists of contracting and stretching muscles by lifting weights, for example, to tone and firm them. |
| IV |
An abbreviation for Intravenous. |