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Vitamins Diary - Glossary

Bile

Alkaline liquid produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder. Assists in the digestion and absorption of fats by the action of bile salts, which chemically reduce fatty substances an decrease the surface tension of fat droplets so that they are broken down.

Cirrhosis

A condition where scar tissue develops in the liver - to the extent where such scarring becomes extensive and permanent. Cirrhosis interferes with the normal functioning of the liver.

Dementia

Chronic loss of mental capacity due to an organic cause. Dementia may involve progressive deterioration of thinking, memory, behavior, personality and motor function, and may also be associated with psychological symptoms such as depression and apathy.

Eczema

Inflamed skin condition characterized by itching, redness and oozing vesicular lesions that become crusted or scaly.

Hypertrophy

An increase in the size of an organ due to an increase in the size of each cell.

Jejunum

The middle section of the small intestine.

Macular Degeneration

Loss of central vision as a result of changes, often related to aging, in the macula (the portion of the retina responsible for sharp, clear vision).

Oxygen free radicals

Highly reactive oxygen by-products created by normal cell metabolism. Free radicals lack electrons and try to steal them from other molecules, damaging them. This damage is thought to be a fundamental cause of many degenerative diseases and the aging process. If free radicals attack the molecules involved in normal cellular reproduction, cells may become cancerous. Free radicals can damage the molecules responsible for moving cholesterol through the bloodstream resulting in the build up of plaque in the arteries. For more info refer http://www.accessexcellence.org/LC/ST/bgfreerad.html

Peristalsis

Natural contractions of the muscular walls of the bowel that move bowel contents forward.

Scurvy

A disorder caused by lack of vitamin C. Symptoms include anemia, bleeding gums, tooth loss, joint pain, and fatigue. Scurvy is treated by supplying foods high in vitamin C as well as with vitamin C supplements.

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