Mind and Body Dictionary

absorption: The body's ability to process and absorb a substance.

acne: A disorder of the skin in which oil glands and hair glands become inflamed, producing pimple and pustules.

addiction: Strong emotional and/or mental dependence on a substance such as alcohol, food, smoking or drugs.

adrenaline: A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that elevates heart and respiration rates.

aging clocks: Biological "clocks" that activate and deactivate certain activities at certain times, such as menopause.

alopecia: Hair loss.

alterative: Any substance that gradually improves how the body functions.

amino acid: Substances the body uses to build proteins.

anecdotal evidence: Observations about a treatment or substance that have not been verified by science.

anger: A negative emotion caused by a loss of control or opposition.

antidepressants: Medications used to treat severe or chronic depression.

anti-humectants: Products used to repel moisture and prevent frizzy hair.

antioxidant: Substances that attack free radicals, preventing them from damaging the body.

anxiety: A feeling of apprehension, often characterized by feelings of stress.

ascorbic acid: Another name for vitamin C.

Atkins diet: A popular but controversial high-protein, high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that was made popular by Dr. Robert Atkins.

B complex: A vitamin supplement that contains a mixture of the various B Vitamins.

bangs: Hair that falls over the forehead.

beta carotene: A substance that the body can convert to vitamin A. Beta carotene is found in leafy green vegetables and yellow vegetables.

biotin: Another name for vitamin B5.

body mass index (BMI): A mathematical formula used to assess relative body weight. The measure correlates highly to body fat.

caffeine: A natural stimulant found in many common foods and beverages, including coffee, tea and chocolate. People can become addicted to caffeine.

carbohydrates: A group of organic compounds, including sugars, starches and fiber, that provide energy.

carbon monoxide: A poisonous gas found in cigarette smoke.

carotenoid: Plant-based antioxidants with possible cancer fighting applications.

chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): A condition of excessive fatigue, cognitive impairment and other varied symptoms. Classified a disease of the nervous system, CFS may last months or years, causing severe disability.

coarse texture: Thick strands of hair.

coily-curly: Corkscrew-shaped hair locks.

coily-kinky: Tightly curled hair locks.

cold turkey: The process of immediately and abruptly giving up an addiction, such as smoking or drinking.

color protection: A hair care product that reduces fading in color-treated hair.

color safe: Any hair care products that don't remove color from color-treated hair.

dandruff: Shed particles of dead skin seen in the hair.

definition: The ability of a hair care product to highlight hair texture.

density: In hair care, the number of hairs per square inch.

dermis: The layer of skin beneath the epidermis.

dietary supplement: A product, taken by mouth, that provides vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids or other substances required for a healthy diet.

dry hair: Hair that lacks moisture, leaving it without elasticity.

eczema: A skin disorder that is characterized by itching, scaling and thickening of the skin.
Usually located on the face, elbows, knees and arms.

elasticity: A hair's ability to stretch in response to moisture levels.

emotions: Strong feelings, including fear, happiness, anger, etc.

enriched food: Food to which vitamins of other essential nutrients are added.

enzyme: Proteins produced by the body for specific functions.

epidermis: the protective, outer layer of the skin.

essential fatty acids (EFA): Unsaturated fatty acids. Needed for proper health, EFA cannot be created by the body they must be provided by food or supplements.