Glossary
A
Acupressure: A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that involves treating blocked energy, or qi , by applying manual pressure to specific points on the body. It is similar to acupuncture, except that it uses fingertip pressure instead of needles.
Acupuncture: A form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in which very thin needles are inserted through the skin at strategic points on the body to influence physiological processes.
Ambulatory: Relating to or adapted for walking
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation
Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals, also known as reactive oxygen species
Antibody: Proteins that protect you when an unwanted substance enters your body. Produced by your immune system, antibodies bind to these unwanted substances in order to eliminate them from your system. Another word for antibody is immunoglobulin.
Antigen: A substance that is capable of stimulating an immune response
Anti-nutrient: A natural or synthetic compound that interferes with the absorption of nutrients. Common examples of natural anti-nutrients include oxalates and phytates.
AOMS: Adult-onset multiple sclerosis, diagnosed in young adults between the ages of 20 and 50
Apoptotic: Prevents apoptosis, a type of cell death.
Aspiration: Breathing in a foreign object, e.g., sucking food and/or fluids into the airway
Aspiration pneumonia: An infection of the lungs that occurs when food or liquid is breathed into the airways instead of being swallowed and attracts bacteria
Ataxia: A term for a group of disorders that affect co-ordination, balance and speech. Any part of the body can be affected, but people with ataxia often have difficulties with: balance and walking. speaking. swallowing.
Atrophy: Decrease in size or wasting away of a body part or tissue.
Autoimmunity: Condition in which one’s immune system attacks healthy cells in the body by mistake.
Auditory evoked potential (AEP): A signal emanated from the brain scalp or stem by a sound stimulus, recorded through the placement of electrodes.
Autophagy: The body’s way of cleaning out damaged cells, in order to regenerate newer, healthier cells.
Axon: A nerve fiber, which is a long, slender projection of a nerve cell (neuron) that typically conducts electrical impulses throughout the body.
Ayurveda: A natural system of medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. It comprises nutrition, nutraceuticals, exercise, and physical manipulation (e.g., massage).
B
Bioflavonoid: A class of polyphenolic secondary metabolites found in plants including fruits and vegetables, and thus commonly consumed in the diets of humans
Biomarker: Biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease. A biomarker may be used to see how well the body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition.
Blinding (in research): The practice in which study participants or interventionists are prevented from knowing certain information that may somehow influence them and therefore taint the results.
Blood-brain barrier (BBB): A highly selective semipermeable border of cells in the brain blood vessels that serves as a crucial immunological feature of the human central nervous system (CNS). It is composed of many cell types (e.g., vascular and neural) that form a structural and functional roadblock to potentially harmful substances and microorganisms.
Body mass index (BMI): Measure of body fat based on a calculation using height and weight. BMI is the result of dividing body weight in kilograms by height in meters squared, or weight in pounds divided by height in inches squared then multiplied by 703.
C
CAM: Complementary and alternative medicine, also known as integrative medicine. It comprises natural and traditional therapies not generally applied in conventional healthcare. CAM includes a wide range of treatments, including nutraceuticals, acupressure, acupuncture, and physical manipulation (e.g., massage).
Cannabinoid: Every chemical substance, regardless of structure or origin, that joins the cannabinoid receptors of the body and brain and that have similar effects to those produced by the Cannabis sativa plant
Cardiovascular: Related to the heart and blood vessels
CBD: Cannabidiol, an active component of cannabis without mind-altering effects
Celiac disease: A condition in which the immune system attacks one’s own tissues when gluten is consumed, damaging the small intestine and its nutrient-absorbing capacity. In addition to malapsorption of macro- and micronutrients, celiac disease increases permeability of the intestine, which can lead to other autoimmune reactions.
CFU: Colony-forming unit, a term used to quantify therapeutic microorganisms.
Chemokine: Chemotactic cytokines, a family of small cytokines or signaling proteins secreted by cells that induce directional movement of cells, such as those of the immune system and blood vessels.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): A disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months and that can’t be fully explained by an underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesn’t improve with rest.
CIS: Clinically isolated syndrome, an episode of neurologic symptoms lasting 24 hours or more, and which is linked to inflammation and demyelination in the central nervous system. It is considered to be its own syndrome because though the symptoms are similar to those of MS, it may not progress to the full-blown disease.
Clinical study: Research study performed in people that is aimed at evaluating a nutritional, medical, surgical, or behavioral treatment, to see if it is safe and effective.
Coenzyme: An organic molecule that binds to the active sites of certain enzymes to assist in the related reaction. Some nutrients are assisted by coenzymes in the body or are themselves coenzymes.
Cofactor: A cofactor is a non-protein chemical that assists with a biological chemical reaction. Some nutrients are cofactors or depend on cofactors to perform their functions in the body.
Control (in research): An element that remains unchanged or unaffected by other variables such as a tested treatment. It is used as a point of comparison against which other test results are measured.
CoQ10: Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is a lipid (fatty) molecule that is active in energy generation and has antioxidant properties. It is made by the body and is available from foods.
CUA lesion: Combined unique active lesion, a gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 lesion and a new or enlarging T2 lesion that does not co-localize with a T1 Gd-enhancing lesion. The number of CUA lesions has been used in MS studies to evaluate progression or regression of the disease.
Cytokine: A small protein released by cells that has a specific effect on the interactions and communications between cells.
D
Demyelination: Process in which the myelin sheath around nerve cells is progressively degraded. When the myelin sheath is damaged, nerve impulses slow or even stop, causing neurological problems, including multiple sclerosis.
Dendrite: Extensive projections of neurons (nerve cells) that make up a large surface area of a neuron and receive signals from other neurons and transfer them to the rest of the cell. Dendrites enable normal activity in neurons to be maintained and helps to prevent neurological disorders, and are thus important for normal neuronal function and play a vital role in physiological processes such as memory formation.
Differentiation: The process by which dividing cells change their functional type or form.
Diuretic: Causing increased passing of urine
DMT: Disease-modifying therapy, usually in reference to conventional medications used to manage MS.
DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, a double helix of polynucleotide (multiple nucleic acids) chains carrying genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses.
Dose-dependent: The effects of a treatment change when the dose is changed
Dysarthria: A type of motor speech disorder in which words may become slurred, slow, distorted, or altered in tone.
Dysbiosis: An imbalance in the gut microbial community that is associated with disease. This imbalance could be due to the gain or loss of community members or changes in relative abundance of microbiota.
Dyskinetic: Referring to abnormality or impairment of voluntary movement
Dysphagia: Swallowing difficulty
E
Endocannabinoid: Referring to endocannabinoids, molecules similar to cannabinoids that are generated by the body, and their receptors, primarily in the nervous systems
Endocrine: Related to hormones
Epidemiological: Referring to the branch of medicine which deals with the incidence, distribution, and control of diseases.
Epigenetics: The study of how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): One of the most common human viruses in the world. It spreads primarily through saliva, and can cause infectious mononucleosis (also called mono), and other illnesses, including possibly multiple sclerosis. Most people infected with EBV do not have any symptoms.
Erythritol: A naturally occurring sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie/non-carbohydrate sweetener, made from corn using enzymes and fermentation. It provides only about 6% of the calories found in an equal amount of sugar and is not associated with increased blood sugar levels. Unlike some other sugar alcohols, erythritol has not been associated with digestive complaints.
Essential (in nutrition): Necessary for life and must be obtained from the diet, as the body cannot produce it.
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE): A commonly used animal model of MS, it is a T-helper (Th) cell-mediated autoimmune disease characterized by T-cell and monocyte infiltration in the central nervous system (CNS) associated with local inflammation. EAE is induced most often in mice by immunization with proteolipid protein (PLP), myelin basic protein (MBP), or peptides corresponding to the immunodominant epitopes of MBP (MBP84-104), MOG (MOG92-106), or PLP (PLP139-151 and PLP178-191).
F
Fasting: A state of complete or nearly complete abstention from eating for a certain stretch of time. Fasting may also refer to the metabolic status of a person who has not eaten overnight, or to the metabolic state achieved after complete digestion and absorption of a meal.
Flavonoid: Another word for bioflavonoid, a class of polyphenolic secondary metabolites found in plants including fruits and vegetables, and thus commonly consumed in the diets of humans
Flavonol: A class of flavonoids also found in fruits and vegetables.
Free radical: An unstable and highly reactive molecule, usually produced by an oxidative reaction. Free radicals are also called reactive oxygen species (ROS). Though they are known primarily for the damage they cause in the body, they are fundamentally a component of the immune system used to fight infections.
Fructooligosaccharide (FOS): A type of prebiotic fiber, derived from plant foods and frequently added to other foods and supplements.
G
g: Gram, a unit of weight that is approximately 1/28 of an ounce.
GLA: Gamma-linolenic acid, an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid
Glia: Also called glial cells and neuroglia, are non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system that do not produce electrical impulses. They maintain homeostasis, form myelin in the peripheral nervous system, and provide support and protection for neurons. In the central nervous system, glial cells include oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, ependymal cells, and microglia, and in the peripheral nervous system they include Schwann cells and satellite cells.
Glycemic index (GI): A system of assigning a number to carbohydrate-containing foods according to how much each food increases blood sugar.
Glycemic load (GL): A measure that takes into account the amount of carbohydrate in a portion of food together with how quickly it raises blood glucose levels. It is calculated by multiplying the grams of available carbohydrate in the food by the food’s glycemic index.
H
Homeostasis: The ability of an organism to maintain the internal environment of the body within limits that allow it to survive
Homocysteinemia/hyperhomocysteinemia: Elevation of the homocysteine level in blood, often associated with B-vitamin deficiency or imbalance. Homocysteine is a non-protein amino acid that is a normal process of protein metabolism but when accumulated in large amounts can result in inflammatory, autoimmune, and oxidative damage.
I
Inflammation: An essential part of the body’s healing process that occurs when certain immune cells travel to the place of an injury or foreign body like bacteria. If inflammation goes on for too long, also known as chronic inflammation, it can cause damage.
Inflammatory: Causing inflammation
Immune system: A network of organs, cells, and substances in the body that protects it from outside invaders, including microorganisms
Immunomodulatory: Activating or suppressing immune function
Incontinence: Unintentional passing of urine or stools
Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS): Accelerates the production of nitric oxide, which can have beneficial microbicidal, antiviral, antiparasital, and antitumoral actions. The activity of iNOS can be induced in a wide range of cells and tissues by cytokines and other agents
Infiltrate: Foreign substances that enter cells or tissues and accumulate in amounts excess of the normal
Interleukin (IL): One of a group of related proteins made by leukocytes (white blood cells) and other cells in the body. Some members of the group are pro-inflammatory, while others are anti-inflammatory.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A common condition that affects the digestive system. It causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. These tend to come and go over time, and can last for days, weeks or months at a time. It’s usually a lifelong problem.
IU: International units, a quantity of a substance, such as a vitamin, hormone, or toxin, that produces a specified effect when tested according to an internationally accepted biological procedure
J
Juvenile: Young person, below the age of 18 years; or referring to young people
K
Ketogenic: Generating “ketones,” which are chemicals produced in the liver when there isn’t enough glucose (sugar) in cells.
kg: Kilogram, a unit of weight equal to 1000 grams and approximately 2.2 pounds.
L
l: Liter, a unit of volume equal to 1000 ml or approximately one quart
lb: pound, a unit of weight equal to 16 ounces or 454 grams
Leaky gut: A syndrome of pathologically increased intestinal permeability enabling toxins into the bloodstream.
Lectins: Carbohydrate-binding proteins found in animals and plants, the latter likely to provide natural defenses against insects and other herbivores; they may also provide protective benefits to humans, but often present an obstacle to effective digestion
Lesion: A region in an organ or tissue which has suffered damage through injury or disease, such as a wound, ulcer, abscess, or tumor.
Leukocyte: A type of white blood cell that is part of the body’s immune system, helping the body fight infection and other diseases. Types of leukocytes are granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils), monocytes, and lymphocytes (T cells and B cells).
LOMS: Late-onset multiple sclerosis, in which the first presentation of clinical symptoms occurs over the age of 50
Lo han guo: Siraitia grosvenorii, also known as monk fruit, used as a natural non-caloric/no-carbohydrate sweetener. It is 250 times sweeter than sugar, but without the negative health effects of sugar or artificial non-caloric sweeteners.
M
M: Mole, including microM (micromole), a unit of volume used in chemistry. A mole is weight dependent, so differs from molecule to molecule.
m: Meter, a unit of length, equal to approximately 39 inches or 3¼ feet.
Macronutrient: Nutrients the body uses in the largest amounts, including carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Macrophage: The predominant cell type in acute inflammatory brain lesions in MS. Macrophages produce proinflammatory and toxic molecules that promote demyelination and are key players in phagocytosis/degradation of myelin sheathes.
mcg: Microgram, a unit of weight, one-millionth of a gram
mcl: Microliter, a unit of volume, one-millionth of a liter
MCT: Medium-chain triglycerides, saturated fats that are moderate in length and considered to be gentle to the digestive system
Meridian (in oriental medicine): A channel in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) through which the life-energy known as “qi” flows, that does not correspond to anatomical structures recognized in conventional western medicine.
Meta-analysis: A statistical evaluation that combines the results of multiple scientific studies. provides more robust results that can help psychology researchers better understand the magnitude of an effect. A meta-analysis provides important conclusions and trends that can influence future research and care decisions.
Metabolite: A substance made or used when the body breaks down food, drugs or chemicals, or its own tissue (for example, fat or muscle tissue). This latter process, called metabolism, makes energy and the materials needed for growth, reproduction, and maintaining health. Metabolites are often more active in the body than the original materials.
Methylation: A chemical reaction in the body in which a small molecule called a methyl group gets added to DNA, proteins, or other molecules. The addition of methyl groups can affect how some molecules act in the body. For example, methylation of the DNA sequence of a gene may turn the gene off so it does not make a protein.
mg: Milligram, a unit of weight, one-thousandth of a gram
Microglia: A type of neuroglia (glial cell) located throughout the brain and spinal cord. As the resident macrophage cells, they act as the first and main form of active immune defense in the central nervous system (CNS).
Microbial: Relating to or characteristic of a microorganism, especially a bacterium causing disease or fermentation.
Microbiome: The collective genome or genetics of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, protozoa) in areas of the body with a mucus membrane, such as the digestive system, eyes, and skin.
Microbiota: A microorganism (e.g., bacterium, fungus, or protozoa).
Micronutrients: Often referred to as vitamins and minerals, these are essential compounds needed in small amounts to support healthy development, disease prevention, and wellbeing.
MicroRNA (miRNA): A class of a small single-stranded non-coding RNAs that play important roles in regulating gene expression. Gene expression is the process in which genes are activated and influence body functions.
Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI): Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what one is doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on in the immediate environment. An MBI is designed to train individuals to cultivate mindfulness and incorporate its practice into daily life.
Mitochondria: Membrane-bound cell organelles (tiny organ-like structures) that generate most of the energy needed to power the body’s functions.
ml: Milliliter, a unit of volume, one-thousandth of a liter
Monk fruit: Siraitia grosvenorii, also known as lo han guo, used as a natural non-caloric/no-carbohydrate sweetener. It is 250 times sweeter than sugar, but without the negative health effects of sugar or artificial non-caloric sweeteners.
Monocyte: A type of white blood cell (leukocyte) that resides in your blood and tissues to find and destroy germs (viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa) and eliminate infected cells. Monocytes call on other white blood cells to help treat injury and prevent infection.
Monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA): A type of unsaturated fat with one double bond, making it less susceptible to oxidative damage than unsaturated fats with multiple double bonds. MUFAs are not essential nutrients. They are mainly obtained through dietary intake of both plant and animal fats.
MPOD: Macular pigment optical density, a measure of the density of the macular pigment; which varies among individuals and may change with time; since high MPOD is associated with healthy eyes, it is an important measure of vision health
MPS: Myofascial pain syndrome, a chronic pain disorder wherein pressure on sensitive points in muscles (“trigger points”) causes pain locally and sometimes in seemingly unrelated parts of the body (“referred pain”). This syndrome typically occurs after a muscle has been contracted repetitively, as in spasms, and persists or worsens over time.
MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging, previously known as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). It is a non-invasive imaging technology that produces three dimensional detailed anatomical images. It is often used for disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring.
Multiple sclerosis (MS): A chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) associated with demyelination, neurodegeneration, and sensitivity to oxidative stress.
Myelin: An insulating layer (also referred to as a sheath) made up of protein and fatty substances that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. This myelin sheath allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve cells. If myelin is damaged, these impulses slow down.
Myconutrient: An organic compound found in fungi (e.g., mushrooms) that help to protect them from environmental hazards like air and soil pollution. This natural defense can be passed on to people when mushrooms are consumed.
Myelitis: Inflammation of the spinal cord which can disrupt the normal responses from the brain to the rest of the body, and from the rest of the body to the brain. Inflammation in the spinal cord, can cause the myelin and axon to be damaged resulting in symptoms such as paralysis and sensory loss.
Myeloperoxidase (MPO): An enzyme generated mainly in white blood cells that in the presence of certain substances facilitates the formation of free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS). Myeloperoxidase has been demonstrated to be a local mediator of tissue damage and the resulting inflammation in various inflammatory diseases, making it an important therapeutic target in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.
N
Nano: One billionth of the size of another unit.
Nanosome: Materials on the nano scale, generated via natural, synthetic, and mixed or hybrid components
Nervous system: Networks of nerves in the body. The nervous system has two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is made up of nerves that branch off from the spinal cord and extend to all parts of the body
Neurite: Tiny projections on developing neurons (nerve cells) that ultimately grow into axons or dendrites under the control of growth stimulating or inhibiting factors from their local environment sensed by their own receptors.
Neurodegeneration: a slow and progressive loss of neuronal cells in specified regions of the brain and is the main pathologic feature of multiple sclerosis.
Neurogenic: Originating in, or caused by, the nervous system
Neuroinflammation: Inflammation of the nerves, considered to be related to damage
Neuromodulator: A messenger released from a neuron (nerve cell) that affects the transmission of the signals between neurons.
Neuron: Also known as a nerve cell, it acts as a messenger by using electrical impulses and chemical signals to transmit information between different areas of the brain and between the brain and the rest of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Neuropathic: Deriving from a disturbance of function or a change in one or several nerves
Neuroprotective: Mechanisms and strategies employed to defend the central nervous system against injury due to both acute (e.g., trauma or stroke) and chronic neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis).
Neuroregenerative: Repairs damage or disease in the brain and central nervous system.
Neurotoxic: Harmful to the brain, nerves, or cells therein
Neurotransmitter: Messenger released from neurons (nerve cells) to carry a message across a synapse (junction in a nerve fiber).
Neurotrophic: Supports the growth, survival, and differentiation of both developing and mature neurons (nerve cells)
Nootropic: A natural or synthetic substance attributed positive effects on cognitive function, mood, executive functions, attention, memory, creativity, or motivation in healthy individuals.
Nutraceutical: A substance that is a food or part of a food and provides medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease
O
Oligodendrocyte: The myelinating cells of the central nervous system
Oligosaccharide: A type of soluble fiber, representatives of which are often used to nourish bacteria in the gut and thus referred to as “prebiotic”
Omega-3 fatty acids: Essential polyunsaturated fats that perform important functions in the body, particularly against inflammation
Omega-6 fatty acids: Essential polyunsaturated fats that perform important functions in the body, but tend to encourage inflammation, with the notable exception of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
Optic neuritis: Occurs when swelling (inflammation) damages the optic nerve, a bundle of nerve fibers that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. The most common cause of optic neuritis is inflammatory demyelination of the optic nerve, believed to be an autoimmune process.
Overactive bladder: A syndrome of frequent and sudden urges to urinate that may be difficult to control
Oxidative stress: A state of excess of free radicals in the body’s cells.
oz: ounce (equal to 28.4 grams)
P
Pathological: Related to disease
Permeability: The extent to which a tissue allows substances to move through it.
Phenolic: Relating to phenols, a group of small molecules characterized by their structures having at least one phenol unit. Molecules with multiple phenol units, called polyphenols, are relevant to human health, often as antioxidants.
Phytochemical/phytonutrient: A bioactive nutrient-like compound in fruits, vegetables, grains, and other plant foods that may provide desirable health benefits beyond basic nutrition to reduce the risk of major chronic diseases.
Pilates: A form of exercise and body conditioning developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century
Pilot study: Also called a ‘feasibility’ study, it is a small-scale preliminary study conducted before any large-scale research in order to evaluate the potential for a future, full-scale project.
Placebo: A sham, usually inert, substance or treatment designed to have no known therapeutic value. It is often used in the control group of research studies to eliminate the likelihood of imagined benefit or harm from a studied treatment.
Polyphenol: A secondary metabolite in one or more plants that is generally involved in defense against ultraviolet radiation or aggression by pathogens, and can be protective in humans when consumed in foods, usually through an antioxidant mechanism.
Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA): A type of unsaturated fatty acid that contains more than one double bond in its structure. Two types of PUFA, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid, are considered to be essential. PUFAs are found primarily in plant foods.
POMS: Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis, also called early-onset or juvenile multiple sclerosis, begins in childhood or adolescence.
Postbiotic: Inactive microbial cell with or without metabolites or cell components that contribute to demonstrated health benefits.
PPMS: Primary progressive multiple sclerosis, characterized by worsening neurologic function (accumulation of disability) over time, without early relapses or remissions
Prebiotic: Compound in food (primarily plant food) that facilitates the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms.
Preclinical study: Research using animal models of health conditions to find out if a treatment is likely to be safe and effective. Preclinical studies take place before any testing in humans is done.
PRMS: Progressive-relapsing multiple sclerosis, characterized by a progressive worsening of the condition due to nerve damage, similar to PPMS, but with occasional episodes of intensified symptoms
Probiotic: Live microorganism intended to have health benefits when consumed or applied to the body
Progressive exercise: Physical activity that increases in intensity and/or the level of ability required
Proliferation: The process that results in an increase of the number of cells
PRT: Progressive resistance training, a type of exercise in which participants exercise muscles against some type of resistance – e.g., weight-lifting, squats – that is progressively increased as one’s strength improves
Q
Qi: The natural energy that flows through the body, according to oriental medicine
R
Randomized: Relating to experimental research in which subjects are selected for particular treatments by chance. Randomization is considered to add validity to a study, as it helps to eliminate bias.
Referred pain: Pain felt in one part of the body that is actually caused by pain or injury in another part of the body
Refined grain: A refined grain is a whole grain that has been stripped of its outer shell (fiber) and its germ, leaving only the endosperm, resulting in lower levels of macro- and micronutrients and a higher dietary glycemic index for refined grains compared to whole grains. Refined wheat products contain less WGA, but still contain a substantial amount of gluten.
Relapse: Deterioration in the state of health after a temporary improvement or period of remission
Remission: Decrease in the seriousness or intensity of disease or pain; a temporary recovery
Remyelination: Phenomenon by which new myelin sheaths are generated around axons in the adult central nervous system following the pathological loss of myelin in diseases like multiple sclerosis.
RM: Repetition maximum, the maximal number of times a load can be lifted with good form and technique before fatigue sets in. This can be determined by performing four sets of strength/resistance exercises using the following method based on the perceived single RM (1-RM): one set of ten repetitions at 50% 1-RM, one set of five repetitions at 75% 1-RM, and one set of one repetition at 100% 1-RM, with five minutes of rest between sets. If one cna perform more than one repetition in the last set, the 1-RM can be estimated.
RNA: Ribonucleic acid, a substance present in all living cells that has structural similarities to DNA. Unlike DNA, however, RNA is most often single-stranded. An RNA molecule has a backbone made of alternating phosphate groups and the sugar ribose, rather than the deoxyribose found in DNA.
RNFL: Retinal nerve fiber layer, contains the nonmyelinated axons of the retinal ganglion cells that form the optic nerve in the eye
RRMS: Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, characterized by multiple episodes of new or increasing neurologic symptoms (called relapses), followed by partial or complete recovery and periods without episodes (remissions)
S
Saturated fatty acid (SFA): A type of fat made up of a carbon chain with no double bonds. Because fatty acids are cell-membrane structural units, this saturated configuration contributes to decreased cell-membrane fluidity. SFAs are not essential nutrients. They are mainly obtained through dietary intake of animal fats.
Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA): The main products of microbiota in the large intestine through the oxygen-free fermentation of indigestible complex carbohydrates such as dietary fiber and resistant starch.
SIgA: Secretory IgA is the principal weapon protecting the body from pathogens and toxins that might otherwise penetrate mucosal surfaces, and is a key components of the mucosal mucus and other body secretions such as saliva and tears.
Speech and language pathologist (ר): Also called a “speech therapist” (ST), this type of health care professional works to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing difficulties.
SPMS: Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. It starts out on a relapsing-remitting course, with some people eventually experiencing gradual increases in disability over time.
Stevia: Stevia rebaudiana is an herb/shrub, the leaves of which are used worldwide as a natural non-caloric/no-carbohydrate sweetener. Stevia components are 100-300 times sweeter than sugar, but without the detrimental effects of both sugar and artificial non-caloric sweeteners.
Synapse: Site of transmission of electric nerve impulses between two neurons (nerve cells) or between a neuron and a gland or muscle cell.
Synbiotic: Combination of prebiotic with probiotic.
Synergistic: Relating to the interaction between two or more substances or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
T
T1 lesion: A multiple sclerosis lesions detected using the T1 MRI method. A T1 MRI image supplies information about current disease activity by highlighting areas of active inflammation.
T2 lesion: A multiple sclerosis lesions detected using the T2 MRI method. A T2 MRI image provides information about disease burden or lesion load (the total amount of lesion area, both old and new).
TCM: Traditional Chinese medicine, a complete medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses for more than 2,000 years. TCM is based on a belief in yin and yang, defined as opposing energies, such as cold and hot, wet and dry, earth and heaven, winter and summer, and happiness and sadness.
Th17 cell: T helper 17 cell, possessing proinflammatory influence by production of interleukin-17
THC: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, an active component of cannabis with mind-altering potential
Trans-fatty acids: In the context of food production, these are harmful manufactured fats created during a process called hydrogenation or when susceptible oils are heated. In nature, trans-fatty acids are generated naturally in livestock, and are attributed beneficial effects.
Treg: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subpopulation of T cells that act to suppress immune response, thereby maintaining homeostasis and self-tolerance. It has been shown that Tregs are able to inhibit T cell proliferation and cytokine production and play a critical role in preventing autoimmunity.
Trial (in research): A type of study in which researchers follow and observe a group of subjects over a period of time to gather information and record the development of outcomes.
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF): A multifunctional cytokine that plays important roles in diverse cellular events such as cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and death. As a pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF is secreted by inflammatory cells, which may be involved in inflammation-associated disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
U
Ultraprocessed: Also referred to as “highly processed” in the field of food production, it means use of ingredients that go beyond basic pressing/grinding/milling to include refinement, largely involving removal of nutritious food components either mechanically or chemically, and incorporation of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, and refined/hardened oils that promote shelf stability, preserve texture, and increase palatability.
Unsaturated fatty acid: A fat containing double bonds in its main structure; these double bonds make the fatty acids more susceptible to oxidation than saturated fats, which don’t have any double bonds.
Urinary retention: Incomplete or lack of urination independent of dehydration
V
Vascular: Related to blood vessels
VDR: Vitamin D receptor, also known as the calcitriol receptor, found in human skeletal muscle cells, where it affects muscle cell metabolism by binding to vitamin D metabolites
W
Western: Referring to modern non-native North American and European culture and practices
X
Xerostomia: Dry mouth
Y
Yang: The masculine active principle in nature that in Chinese medicine represents heat or dryness and that combines with “yin” to produce balance
Yin: The feminine passive principle in nature that in Chinese medicine represents cold or wetness and that combines with “yang” to produce balance
Z
Zhi: The Chinese word for “to treat or cure,” as in a disease; it also means to regulate
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