FDN Vocabulary

1. Metabolic Chaos® – A term used in FDN to describe widespread dysfunction in body systems.

2. Homeostasis – The body’s natural state of balance.

3. Adaptive Reserve – The body’s ability to recover from stress.

4. Allostatic Load – The cumulative burden of chronic stress on the body.

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

6. Oxidative Stress – Damage caused by free radicals and inadequate antioxidant defenses.

7. Mitochondrial Dysfunction – Impaired energy production at the cellular level.

8. Circadian Rhythm – The body’s natural 24-hour biological clock.

9. DRESS Protocol – A core FDN protocol: Diet, Rest, Exercise, Stress Reduction, Supplementation.

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

HPA Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal) Dysfunction & Cortisol Dysregulation

11. HPA Axis – The interaction between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.

12. Cortisol – The primary stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands.

13. ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) – A hormone from the pituitary gland that signals cortisol release.

14. CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone) – A hormone from the hypothalamus that stimulates ACTH release.

15. Adrenal Fatigue – A controversial term referring to chronic stress-related adrenal dysfunction.

16. Dysregulation – Malfunction or imbalance in a biological system.

17. Glucocorticoids – Steroid hormones involved in stress response and metabolism.

18. Catecholamines – Stress hormones like epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine.

19. Thyroid-Adrenal Connection – The link between stress, thyroid function, and metabolism.

20. Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) – The natural morning rise in cortisol levels.

Nutrients & Functional Nutrition

21. Micronutrients – Essential vitamins and minerals required in small amounts.

22. Macronutrients – Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates needed in large amounts.

23. Amino Acids – Building blocks of proteins.

24. Fatty Acids – Essential fats like omega-3s and omega-6s.

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

26. Electrolytes – Minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium that regulate hydration and nerve function.

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

28. Glycemic Index (GI) – A measure of how foods affect blood sugar levels.

29. Probiotics – Beneficial gut bacteria that support digestion and immunity.

30. Prebiotics – Fiber and compounds that feed beneficial gut bacteria.

Enzymes & Digestive Health

31. Digestive Enzymes – Enzymes that break down food into absorbable nutrients.

32. Protease – An enzyme that digests proteins.

33. Lipase – An enzyme that digests fats.

34. Amylase – An enzyme that digests carbohydrates.

35. Pancreatic Enzymes – Digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas.

36. Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) – Stomach acid essential for digestion.

37. Bile Acids – Compounds from the liver that help digest fats.

38. Leaky Gut Syndrome – A condition where the gut lining becomes too permeable.

39. Zonulin – A protein that regulates gut permeability.

40. Dysbiosis – An imbalance in gut bacteria.

Metabolism, Hormones & Cellular Function

41. Insulin Resistance – A condition where cells become less responsive to insulin.

42. Gluconeogenesis – The process of creating glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.

43. Ketogenesis – The production of ketones from fat metabolism.

44. Estrogen Dominance – A hormonal imbalance where estrogen levels are too high relative to progesterone.

45. Testosterone Deficiency – Low levels of testosterone impacting energy, mood, and muscle mass.

46. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) – A precursor hormone for cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone.

47. Thyroid Hormones (T3 & T4) – Regulate metabolism and energy production.

48. Melatonin – The sleep hormone produced by the pineal gland.

49. Secretory IgA (sIgA) – A key immune protein in the gut lining.

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

1. Progesterone Deficiency – A common hormonal imbalance linked to stress and irregular cycles.

2. Cortisol Clearance – The body's process of breaking down and eliminating excess cortisol.

3. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) – A precursor hormone to cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone.

4. Androgens – Male sex hormones, including testosterone and DHEA, that affect energy and metabolism.

5. SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) – A protein that binds sex hormones, affecting their availability.

6. 17-OH Progesterone – A marker in adrenal stress testing.

7. Reverse T3 (rT3) – A thyroid hormone that competes with active T3, often elevated in stress.

8. Aromatase Activity – The enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen, often elevated in obesity.

9. Cortisol-to-DHEA Ratio – A key FDN marker indicating stress resilience and adrenal function.

Gut Health & Digestive Function

11. Microbiome Diversity – The range of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut.

12. SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) – Excessive bacteria in the small intestine causing bloating and malabsorption.

13. H. pylori – A bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers and disrupt digestion.

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

15. Pancreatic Elastase – A stool test marker for pancreatic enzyme function.

16. Steatocrit – A test for undigested fat in stool, indicating poor fat digestion.

17. Zonulin – A protein that regulates gut permeability and is linked to leaky gut.

18. Histamine Intolerance – A condition where excess histamine leads to digestive and inflammatory symptoms.

19. FODMAP Sensitivity – A type of carbohydrate intolerance linked to IBS and bloating.

20. Butyrate Deficiency – Low levels of a short-chain fatty acid crucial for gut health and inflammation control.

Detoxification & Liver Function

21. Glucuronidation – A liver detox pathway essential for estrogen metabolism.

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

23. Methylation Imbalance – A key factor in detox, neurotransmitter function, and DNA repair.

24. Glutathione Pathway – The body's main antioxidant defense for detoxification.

25. Cytochrome P450 Enzymes – Liver enzymes involved in Phase 1 detox.

26. Endotoxemia – The presence of bacterial toxins in the bloodstream, triggering inflammation.

27. Heavy Metal Burden – Accumulation of toxins like mercury, lead, or arsenic, affecting cellular function.

28. Xenobiotic Clearance – The body’s ability to detox synthetic chemicals and pollutants.

29. Liver Congestion – Reduced liver function, leading to sluggish detoxification.

30. Glycine Conjugation – A liver detox process that removes toxins via amino acid attachment.

Metabolism & Energy Production

31. Mitochondrial Biogenesis – The process of creating new mitochondria for energy.

32. AMPK Activation – A metabolic pathway that promotes fat burning and energy production.

33. Fat Adaptation – The ability of the body to efficiently use fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates.

34. Pyruvate Dehydrogenase – A key enzyme in cellular energy production.

35. Krebs Cycle Dysfunction – Disruptions in the process that generates ATP (cellular energy).

36. Thyroid Conversion Efficiency – The body's ability to convert T4 into active T3.

37. Adiponectin – A hormone involved in fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

38. Leptin Sensitivity – Proper function of the hormone that regulates hunger and energy balance.

39. Blood Sugar Variability – Fluctuations in glucose levels that contribute to stress and fatigue.

40. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – A metabolic condition linked to insulin resistance and poor liver detox.

Clinical Markers & Lab Testing in FDN

41. Organic Acid Test (OAT) – A metabolic test assessing energy, neurotransmitters, and gut health.

42. Dutch Test – A dried urine test for hormones and cortisol patterns.

43. GI Map Test – A stool test identifying pathogens, microbiome health, and inflammation.

44. Metabolic Typing – A method for identifying an individual's ideal macronutrient balance.

45. Functional Blood Chemistry – Analyzing lab values with optimal (not just disease) ranges.

46. HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) – A test assessing insulin function.

47. Lipid Peroxidation – A marker of oxidative stress and cell membrane damage.

48. Neurotransmitter Urine Testing – A method for assessing dopamine, serotonin, and GABA levels.

49. Ferritin Levels – A marker for iron storage and inflammation.

50. CRP (C-Reactive Protein) – A key inflammatory marker used in metabolic and cardiovascular assessments