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Glossary

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Term Description
Palpitations Irregular heartbeats, also referred to as the heart skipping, jumping, pounding, racing or fluttering. Causes include gas, stress, excess caffeine and heavy physical activity, among others.
Pancreas An organ located behind the stomach that makes enzymes, glucogens and hormones, including insulin. The enzymes help digest food in the small intestine, glucogens are a reserve source of energy and insulin controls blood sugar, making it integral to carbohydrate metabolism.
Pantethine The substance to which pantothenic acid converts in the body. A powerful cholesterol-reducing agent, it is also helpful in autoimmune disorders, colitis and Crohn's disease.
Pantothenic acid A water-soluble B vitamin essential for the metabolism of food. It is needed for the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol. Food sources include eggs, fish, milk and milk products, whole-grain cereals, legumes, yeast, broccoli and other vegetables in the cabbage family.
Partially hydrogenated fat See Hydrogenated oils.
PCOS See Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Pectin A polysaccharide found in fruits and vegetables that serves as a gelling agent. It can also be used as a water binder and stabilizer.
Peptide A chain of molecules composed of two or more amino acids.
Phosphorus A mineral that makes up 1 percent of total body weight. It is present in every cell of the body, but 85 percent of the body's phosphorus is found in the bones and teeth, where it helps with their formation. Phosphorus plays an important role in the body's utilization of carbohydrates and fat, and in the synthesis of protein for the growth, maintenance and repair of cells and tissues. Phosphorus works with the B vitamins in the body. It also assists in muscle contraction, kidney function, maintenance of a regular heartbeat and nerve conduction.
Phytate See Phytic acid.
Phytic acid A non-nutrient component of plant seeds, also known as phytate. A form of fiber, it is found in the husks of grains, legumes and seeds, and is capable of binding minerals such as zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium and copper, which the body excretes unused.
Phytoestrogens Compounds found in plants that are weaker than human or other animal estrogens.
Phytonutrient Any potentially healthy food component that comes from a plant and may provide a benefit beyond simple nutrition. vitamins and minerals are also found in plants, but phytonutrients usually have a more profound effect on the metabolism. One major advantage of phytonutrients is their ability to help prevent cancer and other diseases. Some examples include allyl sulfides in garlic, onions and chives and capsaicin in chile peppers. Phytonutrients are usually present in plants in much smaller amounts than vitamins and minerals.
Plaque A buildup of substances including cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, white blood cells and fibrin that can partially or completely block an artery, reducing blood flow.
Plateau In terms of weight loss, a point at which progress ceases despite continued adherence to the program. This pause may happen for several reasons. A plateau could be the result of taking a new medication, illness, stress or reduced activity level. With continued compliance to the program, weight loss will eventually resume.
Polycystic ovary syndrome One of the most frequent causes of female infertility, PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder associated with hormonal imbalance and long-term failure to ovulate. PCOS is characterized by formation of cysts in the ovaries, as a result of the failure of the ovary to release an egg, and in most cases, the ovaries become enlarged. The disorder afflicts up to 22 percent of women during their childbearing years, although only 10 percent of these women will develop symptoms.
Polydextrose A substance that is resistant to digestion in the human small intestine and is partially fermented in the large intestine. Because its physiological effects are similar to dietary fiber, it is labeled as dietary fiber in the Nutrition Facts panel of food products and has no impact on blood sugar.
Polyols See Sugar Alcohols.
Polysaccharides Also called complex carbohydrates, these are many monosaccharides (simple sugars) linked together. They include glycogen, starches, dextrose, cellulose, gums, inulin and Fibers.
Polyunsaturated fat: Technically, a type of fatty acid with more than one double or triple bond per molecule, PUFAs are found in fish, walnuts, sunflower seeds, soybeans and cottonseed and safflower oil.
Potassium A mineral necessary for muscle building, normal body growth and glycogen formation, potassium assists in protein synthesis from amino acids and in carbohydrate metabolism. Fish such as salmon, cod, flounder and sardines are good sources of potassium. Various other types of meats also contain potassium. Vegetables including broccoli, peas, lima beans, tomatoes, potatoes (especially their skins) and leafy green vegetables such as spinach, lettuce and parsley contain potassium. Fruits that contain significant sources of potassium are citrus fruits, apples, bananas and apricots (especially dried apricots).
Pre-diabetes See Hypoglycemia.
Pregnenolone Produced by the body from cholesterol, it is a precursor for all steroid hormones including progesterone, estrogen, testosterone and DHEA.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) A symptom or collection of symptoms that occurs regularly in relation to the menstrual cycle, with the onset of symptoms five to 11 days before the onset of menses and relief of symptoms with menses or shortly thereafter.
Pro-vitamin A See Beta-carotene.
Processed food In contrast to whole foods, foods that may contain additives and have often been treated to enhance looks, taste or shelf life. Nutrients are often added to replace those destroyed by processing.
Progesterone One of the two primary female hormones (the other is estrogen). With the onset of menopause, progesterone generation by the ovaries is diminished, along with estrogen. Unlike estrogen, which will still be stored and steadily secreted by fat cells, progesterone production grinds to a stop.
Prolotherapy A therapy for many conditions, including arthritis, in which a natural substance is injected into weakened tendons and ligaments that cause chronic joint pain. The substance stimulates the body's own healing abilities, resulting in improved function, increased range of motion and endurance and pain relief. Prolotherapy is also helpful for neck pain, back pain, whiplash, sciatica, herniated discs, degenerative discs, headaches, torn rotator cuffs, knee and ankle instability and wrist injuries.
Prostaglandins A group of about 20 lipids that are modified fatty acids found in tissues, where they act as "messengers" in the inflammatory response.
Prostate A gland in the male reproductive system located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder that stores urine and produces semen.
Protein A group of organic compounds made up of chains of amino acids. Protein, needed for the growth and repair of all human tissues, is composed of 22 amino acids. The body can make 13 of them; the other 9, called essential amino acids, must be obtained in the diet. Protein is needed for the manufacture of hormones, antibodies and enzymes. It also maintains the body's acid/alkali balance.
Psoriasis A chronic skin disease characterized by patches of raised red skin covered by a flaky white buildup. The exact cause is unknown, but it may be due to faulty signals sent by the body's immune system, which then accelerates the growth of skin cells that pile up on its surface.
Psychotropic drugs Drugs that affect the psychic functions, behavior or experience of a person using them, exerting an effect on the mind or modifying mental activity.
Psyllium husk The seed coating of a soluble plant-based fiber that, in combination with adequate water intake, adds bulk to the stool, promoting regularity. Soluble fiber has also been shown to help reduce blood-cholesterol levels.
PUFAs See Polyunsaturated fat.
Pulse The regular, recurrent expansion and contraction of an artery, produced by waves of pressure when the left ventricle of the heart contracts, ejecting blood. It can be easily detected on superficial arteries of the wrist or neck, corresponding to each heartbeat.
Purines Substances found naturally in the human body as well as in certain foods and medications, including caffeine, diuretics and muscle relaxants. Purines are partially responsible for the production of uric acid, which in excess can cause Gout. Purines are found in organ meats (liver, brains, kidney and sweetbreads), anchovies, sardines, herring and mackerel. Smaller amounts are found in red meats and poultry.
Pyridoxine See Vitamin B6.
Pyrilinks D A urine test that measures bone reabsorption. It can be used between bone-density tests to monitor bone loss and the effectiveness of treatment.