Longevity & Health: Medical Glossary

Introduction

Truth be told, talking about living longer can sometimes sound like a foreign language, even if you're really into health. Words like "mitochondria" and "telomeres" pop up in articles, hiding important ideas behind scientific jargon. We put together this simple guide because we believe you shouldn't need a medical degree to understand how your body ages.

Think of this guide as your friendly map through the jungle of aging science. Everything's in ABC order, so whether you're wondering about how sugar affects your body or curious about the thinking part of your brain, finding answers should be pretty easy, unlike trying to say some of these tongue-twisters after enjoying a glass of that healthy red wine we're always hearing about!

A

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) - The primary energy carrier in cells. Think of ATP as the body's energy currency – it's produced mainly in the mitochondria and powers nearly every cellular process in the body.

Amygdala - An almond-shaped cluster of neurons deep in the brain's temporal lobe that plays a key role in processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. It's like your brain's emotional smoke detector.

Antioxidants - Compounds that inhibit oxidation and neutralize free radicals in the body. They're the body's natural defense team against cellular damage.

Autophagy - The body's process of cleaning out damaged cells to regenerate newer, healthier cells. It's essentially your body's recycling system – breaking down cellular junk and repurposing the salvageable components.

B

Biomarkers - Measurable indicators of biological states or conditions. They're like biological mile markers that help track the progression of health, disease, or response to treatment.

Blood-Brain Barrier - A semi-permeable border that separates the circulating blood from the brain and extracellular fluid in the central nervous system. It acts as the brain's security system, carefully controlling what substances are allowed to enter.

C

Cellular Senescence - A state where cells no longer divide but remain metabolically active. These "zombie cells" can accumulate with age and secrete inflammatory compounds that contribute to aging and disease.

Circadian Rhythm - The natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours. It's your body's internal clock, orchestrating countless physiological processes.

Cortisol - Often called the "stress hormone," it's produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress and low blood glucose. It's like your body's built-in alarm system.

Cytokines - Small proteins important in cell signaling, particularly in immune responses. They're the body's cellular messengers, coordinating responses to infection, trauma, and inflammation.

D

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) - The molecule that contains the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms. It's essentially the blueprint for your entire body.

Dopamine - A neurotransmitter that plays a role in how we feel pleasure. It's a key part of our reward system, motivating us to take action.

E

Epigenetics - The study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. Think of it as instructions for how to read the genetic blueprint – same genes, different expression.

Endocrine System - A network of glands that produce and release hormones that help control many important body functions. It's like your body's chemical messenger system.

F

Free Radicals - Unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. They're like loose cannons in the body, capable of creating oxidative stress.

G

Gut Microbiome - The genetic material of all microbes – bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses – that live in the gut. These microbes are like an extra organ, influencing digestion, immune function, and even mood.

Gluconeogenesis - The metabolic process where the body produces glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. It's your body's way of making sugar when dietary sources are limited.

H

Hormesis - A biological phenomenon where a beneficial effect results from exposure to low doses of an agent that would be harmful at higher doses. It's why certain stresses, like exercise or intermittent fasting, can make us stronger.

Hypothalamus - A region of the brain that helps control body temperature, hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms, among other functions. It's like the body's internal thermostat and control center.

I

Inflammation - The body's response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens or damaged cells. Acute inflammation is a necessary healing response, but chronic inflammation is linked to numerous diseases.

Insulin - A hormone produced by the pancreas that allows cells to take in glucose for energy. It's like a key that unlocks cells so they can absorb blood sugar.

Insulin Resistance - A condition where cells in the body don't respond properly to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. It's like having a key (insulin) that no longer fits properly in the lock (cell receptors).

K

Ketosis - A metabolic state in which the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. It's like switching your body's energy power plant from burning coal (glucose) to natural gas (ketones).

L

Lipid Profile - A panel of blood tests that serves as an initial screening tool for abnormalities in lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. It's a snapshot of your blood fat health.

Leaky Gut - A condition where the lining of the intestines becomes more permeable, potentially allowing bacteria and toxins to pass into the bloodstream. It's like having holes in your intestinal fence.

M

Mitochondria - Cellular organelles responsible for producing most of the chemical energy needed to power the cell's biochemical reactions. They're the powerhouses of the cell.

Micronutrients - Essential dietary elements required by organisms in small quantities for proper body function. They include vitamins and minerals – small but mighty components of nutrition.

Methylation - A biochemical process involving the addition of a methyl group to a substrate. It plays a crucial role in gene expression and protein function.

N

Neuroplasticity - The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. It's like having a brain that can rewire itself.

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) - A coenzyme found in all living cells that plays a crucial role in metabolism and is involved in redox reactions. It's essential for energy production and DNA repair.

O

Oxidative Stress - An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. It's like rust forming on the body's cellular machinery.

Osteopenia - A condition where bone mineral density is lower than normal, often a precursor to osteoporosis. It's the early warning sign for bone health.

P

Prefrontal Cortex - The cerebral cortex covering the front part of the frontal lobe, involved in complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making, and social behavior. It's the brain's executive manager.

Probiotics - Live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. They're the beneficial bacteria that support gut health.

Proteostasis - The concept that there is a balance between the production and degradation of proteins within cells. It's the body's quality control system for proteins.

R

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) - Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen formed as a natural byproduct of oxygen metabolism. At high levels, they cause oxidative stress.

Resveratrol - A compound found in red wine, grape skins, and some berries with potential anti-aging properties. It's one of nature's defensive compounds that may benefit human health.

S

Serotonin - A neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. It's often referred to as the "happy chemical" because it contributes to well-being and happiness.

Sarcopenia - The loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength as a result of aging. It's the gradual weakening of the body's muscular system over time.

Sirtuins - A class of proteins that regulate important biological pathways, including aging, transcription, apoptosis, and stress resistance. They're like the body's longevity regulators.

T

Telomeres - Protective caps at the end of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division and are associated with aging. They're like the plastic tips at the end of shoelaces that prevent fraying.

Triglycerides - The main constituent of body fat in humans. They're the body's way of storing energy for later use.

V

Vagus Nerve - The longest and most complex of the cranial nerves, running from the brainstem through the neck and down to the abdomen. It's a key communicator in the mind-body connection.

Visceral Fat - Fat that wraps around the abdominal organs deep inside the body. It's the metabolically active fat that can pose significant health risks.

Additional Terms

Fasting-Mimicking Diet - A dietary regimen designed to mimic the effects of fasting while still allowing some food intake.

Hormetic Response - The beneficial response to a low dose of a stressor that would be harmful at higher doses.

mTOR (Mammalian Target of Rapamycin) - A protein that regulates cell growth, proliferation, motility, and survival. It's a central regulator of metabolism and physiology.

Protein Folding - The physical process by which a protein chain acquires its native 3-dimensional structure. Misfolded proteins are associated with many diseases.

Xenohormesis - The phenomenon where animals, including humans, benefit from plant stress compounds that evolved as chemical defense mechanisms.