FDN Vocabulary

Metabolic Chaos®

Widespread dysfunction in body systems.

Homeostasis

The body’s natural state of balance.

Adaptive Reserve

The body’s ability to recover from stress.

Allostatic Load

The cumulative burden of chronic stress on the body.

Inflammation

The body's immune response to injury, toxins, or infections.

Oxidative Stress

Damage caused by free radicals and inadequate antioxidant defenses.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Impaired energy production at the cellular level.

Circadian Rhythm

The body’s natural 24-hour biological clock.

DRESS Protocol

A core FDN protocol: Diet, Rest, Exercise, Stress Reduction, Supplementation.

Bioindividuality

The idea that each person has unique genetic and environmental health factors.

HPA Axis

The interaction between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.

Cortisol

The primary stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands.

ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone)

A hormone from the pituitary gland that signals cortisol release.

CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone)

A hormone from the hypothalamus that stimulates ACTH release.

Metabolic Chaos

Chronic stress-related adrenal dysfunction.

Dysregulation

Malfunction or imbalance in a biological system.

Glucocorticoids

Steroid hormones involved in stress response and metabolism.

Catecholamines

Stress hormones like epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine.

Thyroid-Adrenal Connection

The link between stress, thyroid function, and metabolism.

Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR)

The natural morning rise in cortisol levels.

Micronutrients

Essential vitamins and minerals required in small amounts.

Macronutrients

Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates needed in large amounts.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins.

Fatty Acids

Essential fats like omega-3s and omega-6s.

Antioxidants

Compounds that neutralize oxidative stress (e.g., Vitamin C, Glutathione).

Electrolytes

Minerals that regulate hydration and nerve function.

Methylation

A biochemical process essential for detoxification, DNA repair, and neurotransmitter function.

Glycemic Index (GI)

A measure of how foods affect blood sugar levels.

Probiotics

Beneficial gut bacteria that support digestion and immunity.

Prebiotics

Fiber and compounds that feed beneficial gut bacteria.

Digestive Enzymes

Enzymes that break down food into absorbable nutrients.

Protease

An enzyme that digests proteins.

Lipase

An enzyme that digests fats.

Amylase

An enzyme that digests carbohydrates.

Pancreatic Enzymes

Digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas.

Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

Stomach acid essential for digestion.

Bile Acids

Compounds from the liver that help digest fats.

Leaky Gut Syndrome

A condition where the gut lining becomes too permeable.

Zonulin

A protein that regulates gut permeability.

Dysbiosis

An imbalance in gut bacteria.

Insulin Resistance

A condition where cells become less responsive to insulin.

Gluconeogenesis

The process of creating glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.

Ketogenesis

The production of ketones from fat metabolism.

Estrogen Dominance

A hormonal imbalance where estrogen levels are too high relative to progesterone.

Testosterone Deficiency

Low levels of testosterone impacting energy, mood, and muscle mass.

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

A precursor hormone for cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone.

Thyroid Hormones (T3 & T4)

Regulate metabolism and energy production.

Melatonin

The sleep hormone produced by the pineal gland.

Secretory IgA (sIgA)

A key immune protein in the gut lining.

Autophagy

The body’s process of cleaning out damaged cells and regenerating new ones.

Progesterone Deficiency

A common hormonal imbalance linked to stress and irregular cycles.

Cortisol Clearance

The body's process of breaking down and eliminating excess cortisol.

Androgens

Male sex hormones, including testosterone and DHEA.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)

A protein that binds sex hormones, affecting their availability.

17-OH Progesterone

A marker in adrenal stress testing.

Reverse T3 (rT3)

A thyroid hormone that competes with active T3.

Aromatase Activity

The enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen.

Cortisol-to-DHEA Ratio

A key marker indicating stress resilience and adrenal function.

Microbiome Diversity

The range of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut.

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)

Excessive bacteria in the small intestine causing bloating and malabsorption.

H. pylori

A bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers and disrupt digestion.

Biofilms

Protective layers that bacteria and pathogens form to evade the immune system.

Pancreatic Elastase

A stool test marker for pancreatic enzyme function.

Steatocrit

A test for undigested fat in stool.

Histamine Intolerance

A condition where excess histamine leads to digestive and inflammatory symptoms.

FODMAP Sensitivity

A type of carbohydrate intolerance linked to IBS and bloating.

Butyrate Deficiency

Low levels of a short-chain fatty acid crucial for gut health.

Glucuronidation

A liver detox pathway essential for estrogen metabolism.

Sulfation

A Phase 2 liver detox process for eliminating hormones and toxins.

Methylation Imbalance

A key factor in detox and neurotransmitter function.

Glutathione Pathway

The body's main antioxidant defense for detoxification.

Cytochrome P450 Enzymes

Liver enzymes involved in Phase 1 detox.

Endotoxemia

The presence of bacterial toxins in the bloodstream.

Heavy Metal Burden

Accumulation of toxins affecting cellular function.

Xenobiotic Clearance

The body’s ability to detox synthetic chemicals.

Liver Congestion

Reduced liver function, leading to sluggish detoxification.

Glycine Conjugation

A liver detox process that removes toxins via amino acid attachment.

Mitochondrial Biogenesis

The process of creating new mitochondria for energy.

AMPK Activation

A metabolic pathway that promotes fat burning.

Fat Adaptation

The ability of the body to efficiently use fat for fuel.

Pyruvate Dehydrogenase

A key enzyme in cellular energy production.

Krebs Cycle Dysfunction

Disruptions in the process that generates ATP.

Thyroid Conversion Efficiency

The body's ability to convert T4 into active T3.

Adiponectin

A hormone involved in fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

Leptin Sensitivity

Proper function of the hormone that regulates hunger.

Blood Sugar Variability

Fluctuations in glucose levels contributing to stress.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

A metabolic condition linked to insulin resistance.

Organic Acid Test (OAT)

A metabolic test assessing energy, neurotransmitters, and gut health.

Dutch Test

A dried urine test for hormones and cortisol patterns.

GI Map Test

A stool test identifying pathogens and inflammation.

Metabolic Typing

A method for identifying an individual's ideal macronutrient balance.

Functional Blood Chemistry

Analyzing lab values with optimal ranges.

HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance)

A test assessing insulin function.

Lipid Peroxidation

A marker of oxidative stress and cell membrane damage.

Neurotransmitter Urine Testing

A method for assessing dopamine, serotonin, and GABA levels.

Ferritin Levels

A marker for iron storage and inflammation.

CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

A key inflammatory marker used in metabolic assessments.