Holistic Health Encyclopedia

M y H o l i s t i c . c o m F i n d H e a l e r . c o m

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Factor

1. any of several substances or activities that are necessary to produce a result, e.g., a coagulation factor. Often, use of the term "factor" indicates that the chemical nature of the substance or its mechanism of action is unknown, as in endocrinology, where "factors" are renamed as "hormones" when their chemical nature is determined.
2. one of two or more quantities that multiplied together form a product.
3. a gene (hereditary factor).

Factor V

Proaccelerin: a heat- and storage-labile material, present in plasma but not in serum, functioning in both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of blood coagulation. Deficiency of this factor, an autosomal recessive trait, leads to a rare hemorrhagic tendency, known as Owren's disease or parahemophilia, which varies greatly in severity.

Factor VIII

Antihemophilic factor (AHF): a relatively storage-labile factor participating only in the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation. Deficiency of this factor, when transmitted as a sex-linked recessive trait, causes classical hemophilia (hemophilia A).

Fainting

[Dr. Christopher]

[Anti-Spasmodic Tincture] To be used in cases of apoplexy, convulsions, croup, fainting, cramps, delirium, tremors, hysteria, etc., also good for pyorrhea, mouth sores, coughs, throat infections, tonsillitis, etc. Use 1/2 to one teaspoon in a glass of distilled water as a gargle, and use until throat clears, also take one teaspoon in distilled water morning and evening. You can buy Antispasmodic Tincture here .

Falun Dafa

Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is an advanced traditional Chinese Qigong practice designed to improve the mind and body through exercise and meditation. The practice not only has far-reaching effects in stress-relief and overall mental and physical health, but ultimately has the higher goal of bringing people towrds wisdom and enlightenment.

Falun Dafa, an ancient practice, was first introduced by Mr. Li Hongzhi in 1992 in China. Since that time, more than 100 million people around the world have experienced the benefits of Falun Dafa.

The Falun Dafa website is here .

Falun Gong

See Falun Dafa

Fascia

Connective tissues

Fasting Secretion

A disorder where the stomach produces hydrochloric acid when empty of food.

Fat

Three free-swinging fatty acid molecules hooked to a glycerol molecule in ester linkages. In common usage, it refers to those substances that fit the above description and are hard at room temperature because they contain mostly saturated fatty acids.

Fatigue

Fatigue can make the simplest task seem tiring and unappealing, whether it is due to an illness, poor health, allergc reaction or just lack of exercise and proper nutritional support. Although the amount of energy (measured in “calories??the energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water 1 degree Celsius) needed by the body varies according to weight, age, metabolism and activity level - the average person burns approximately 1,800 to 2,000 calories a day before storing the excess calories as fat. In addition to healthy eating habits and lifestyle, you can give yourself an energy boost through certain nutritional supplements.

Fatty acid

A carbon chain with an organic acid group at one end, and hydrogens attached to the rest of the carbon atoms. The chain length can vary from 4 to 26 or more.

Fatty Acids

Any straight chain monocarboxylic acid, especially those naturally occurring in fats. Fatty acids are classified as saturated or unsaturated; the latter are further classified as polyunsaturated or monounsaturated. The absolute and relative amounts of the various fatty acids consumed have been linked to plasma lipid levels, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease.

Fatty acids are essential for healthy hair and skin, reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels, preventing heart disease, rebuilding and growth of cells, proper nervous system function, and fighting yeast and fungal infections. It is recommended that every adult’s daily intake of fatty acids should be about 10-20% of calories consumed.

Fatty degeneration

Fat-related interference with normal biological functions, commonly found in arteries, around tumors, and in liver and other internal organs

Feldenkrais, Dr. Moshe

The Feldenkrais Method?has strong scientific roots. Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, originator of the work, studied human movement and development using his knowledge in mechanical and electrical engineering. He received his doctorate in physics. It was a severe knee injury that inspired him to understand more about human movement and neurophysiology.

He studied other disciplines: biology, anthropology, cybernetics, systems and learning theory to develop his understanding of the relationship between body and mind. In addition to his involvement with science he was a master in Judo.

He was a passionate human being who used all that he knew to develop a unique way of knowing and working with people. Finally, he talked about his work as a way for people to actualize their potential, put their intentions into action and live their dreams.

Moshe Feldenkrais lived from 1904-1984 and made an incredible contribution to the field of human consciousness.

The Feldenkrais Method^®

Body and mind are indivisible -- the tangible and intangible aspects of your experience. Integrated functioning requires self-awareness -- internal understanding of who you are and how you use yourself. The Feldenkrais Method uses gentle movement and directed attention to facilitate self-awareness, activating your inherent capabilities for self-healing and transformation.

You live at a fraction of your full potential. This is as true for the athlete or performing artist as for someone limited by stroke or cerebral palsy, and for everyone in between. The Feldenkrais Method works with your nervous system to help you to gain access to more of your underlying potential -- to enhance well-being, improve flexibility in all aspects of life, and to become the person you really can be.

The somatic Options website has a lot of information about The Feldenkrais Method here .

Fen LB^®

One of Dr. Christopher's formulas

Lower bowel formula: Barberry Bark, Cascara Sagrada Bark, Cayenne, Ginger, Lobelia herb and or seeds, Red Raspberry Leaves, Turkey Rhubarb Root, Fennel, Golden Seal Root.

Usage: In most cases, improper diet has caused the peristaltic muscles of most people to quit working, and it will take six to nine months with the aid of the lower bowel tonics for the average individual to clean out the fecal matter and to rebuild the bowel structure sufficiently to have the peristaltic muscles work entirely on their own.

Most people have pounds of old dried fecal matter that is stored in the colon which is toxifying the system and keeping the food from being assimilated.

Dosage: Over ninety percent of all diseases and malfunctions of children's bodies (as with adults) stem from the unclean intestinal tract, constipation (Latin constipatio meaning crowding together), with infrequent or difficult evacuation of the feces, retention of the feces, and lack of coordination in the nerve and muscle functions of the colon and bowel.

You can buy Fen LB here .

Fennel

Fenugreek Seed

According to European research, may be a good agent for reducing serum cholesterol. And, like Pectin, Fenugreek seeds may be an important remedy for diabetes. Fenugreek seeds contain a certain portion of mucilaginous fiber with high viscosity. The herb affects cholesterol levels in the same fashion as Pectin. Fenugreek also contains saponins. The saponin-containing plant fibers could inhibit the intestinal absorption of cholesterol much the same as Alfalfa saponins do (i.e. by absorbing bile acids, and increasing the loss of bile acids by fecal excretion, which then leads to an increased conversion of cholesterol into bile acid by the liver).

Fertility

The ability to have children

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)

The developmental effect of maternal alcohol consumption on children: wide spaced eyes, mental retardation, motor problems, emotional lability.

Feverfew

Also known as Bachelor's Button, is a common flowering aromatic plant. Feverfew was known to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks who regarded it as a valuable remedy to alleviate headaches, joint pain, stomach aches, menstrual pains and fever. For centuries, it has also been employed as an emmenagogue to promote menstrual flow. Modern researchers confirm that Feverfew is a valuable herbal remedy that is especially effective in treating migraine headaches and arthritis. Feverfew contains a number of lactones, among them parthenolide, michefuscalide and chrysanthenyl. The main active sesquiterpene lactone, parthenolide, is known to inhibit the production and secretion of prostaglandins - substances released by blood platelets and white blood cells that contribute to migraines. White blood cells secrete substances believed to contribute to the kind of inflammatory processes seen in arthritis, and possibly some other auto-immune disorders. Another substance, Serotonin, is also secreted by blood platelets and can constrict blood vessels and contribute to migraine pain. This inhibition of prostaglandins results in reduction in inflammation, decreased secretion of histamine, and a reduction of fevers, thus the name Feverfew. Feverfew has also been useful in relaxing smooth muscles in the uterus, promoting menstrual flow and inhibiting platelet aggregation and excessive blood clotting. Feverfew also helps stimulate digestion and improves liver function.

Fiber

1. an elongated, threadlike structure.
2. nerve fiber.
3. in nutrition, the sum of the constituents of the diet that are not digested by gastrointestinal enzymes.

Any of several undigestible complex carbohydrates that make up the 'roughage' of plant material. They promote bowel regularity, help stabilize blood sugar, and help eliminate bile acids and cholesterol from the body.

Fibril

A minute fiber or filament; often a component of a compound fiber.

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Fibrocystic breast disease is a term colloquially given to a group of benign conditions affecting the breast. This group of conditions is very common in younger women. Both breasts become tender or painful and lumpy, and the symptoms vary at different times in the menstrual cycle. Despite the fact that signs and symptoms of fibrocystic disease appear to be quite distinct from textbook signs and symptoms of breast cancer, any lump in the breast should be diagnosed by a healthcare professional to rule out the possibility of cancer.

Fibromyalgia

A disorder characterized by muscle pain, stiffness, and easy fatigability. An estimated 3 million Americans are affected.

Fibromyalgia has been linked to food sensitivities and Leaky Gut Syndrome and is sometimes improved by taking probiotics.

Dr. Stoll has an article about Fibromyalgia here .

Fibromyotisis

See Fibromyalgia

Fish Oil

In clinical studies, fish oils have been found to lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, prevent excessive blood clotting - even improve mood and bowel functioning.

Fishbein, Morris

As recently as 1965, Morris Fishbein, former long-time editor of JAMA, repeated in Perspectives in Biology and Medicine a rolling, melodramatic sentence he had first coined for a popular presentation of the AMA case against quackery on the March of Time. In 1947, in a major JAMA editorial called "Hoxsey Cancer Charlatan", Fishbein reiterated this favorite phrase: "Of all the ghouls who feed on the bodies of the dead and the dying, the cancer quacks are most vicious and most heartless." Verbiage such as this, widely circulated by the influential writer who was the "Voice of American Medicine" for more than four decades, has done much to set the low level of discourse and the emotional rather than analytical tone that have characterized the American medical profession's response to unorthodox remedies.

Flatulence

See Gas

Flavenoids

Recent studies have shown that a group of plant compounds called flavonoids provide extremely potent antioxidant protection ?which means that they guard the body from damage due to environmental stresses and toxins. Derived from citrus fruits, the skin and seeds of red grapes, the bark of pine trees, bilberry, milk thistle, ginkgo leaves and green tea, flavonoids are highly regarded for their ability to protect the body from free radical damage, which has been linked to cancer and other degenerative diseases.

Besides antioxidant protection, flavonoids are also involved in a wide array of biochemical functions, such as the maintenance of a healthy circulatory system, and the production of collagen.

Flax

An ancient plant whose seed oil is the richest source of alpha-linolenic acid (LNA; 18:3w3) which is rare in our foods. It also contains protein, minerals, and vitamins. It is a rich source of mucilage and fiber, which help the body eliminate cholesterol, and help prevent reabsorption of toxic wastes from the large intestine. Flax is also the richest known source of lignans, which have anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties. Its oil is used in natural programs for the reversal of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, premenstrual syndrome, inflammatory conditions, arthritis, etc.

Flax Oil

Flax oil is a wonderful source of essential fatty acids (EFAs), especially of omega 3 EFAs so deficient in USA diets. These are precursors for hormone-like prostaglandins. Flax oil has been shown to aid in prevention of cardiac arrhythmias, to reduce gut inflammation, thus helping resolve colitis and other bowel inflammatory conditions, and to help establish and maintain proper brain function. One to two tablespoons a day of a good certified organic raw flax oil will probably help almost anyone and is OK for any of the four blood types according to Dr. Peter D'Adamo's findings. My preference is Barlean’s High Lignan Flax Oil, which has been used together with low-fat cottage cheese by Dr. Johanna Budwig in Germany in her successfull treatment of cancers. Dr. D’Adamo favors a dailv “Membrane Fluidizing Cocktail," especially beneficial for blood type B (and acceptable to the other blood types), consisting of one tablespoon each of lecithin granules and flax oil in 6 to 8 ounces of a fruit juice compatible with the blood type (almost all fruits for type B), shaken but not stirred.

Flaxseed

Particularly Flaxseed Oil, supplies the body with essential fatty acids. Not only are flaxseeds richer in these fatty acids than fish oil, but they also taste much better. Scientific studies conducted by Dr. Johanna Budwig in the treatment of seriously-ill cancer patients resulted in a gradual recession of tumors, and symptoms of the cancer, liver dysfunction, anemia and diabetes were either partially or completely alleviated. A simple remedy such as flaxseed oil with beneficial implications in cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis and other conditions should certainly be considered as an important dietary supplement by anyone who is interested in preserving, or regaining, their health.

Fleas

Anthropod parasites.

Flextra DS^®

See acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine

Flower Essences

The earliest use of healing with the vibrational essences of flowers (and gems) reportedly goes back to the Lemurian and Atlantean civilizations. Ancient records reveal that the Egyptians used flower essences in healing thousands of years ago. The earliest record of European use appears to go back to the 15th century and the work of Paracelsus, who treated his patient's emotional imbalances with the dew of selected flowers.

The different producers of flower essences have their own methods of making the essences, but in general the given flowers are picked at full bloom in the morning when full of dew, then placed in a bowl of spring water and exposed to the sun or moon for hours, and then sometimes brought to a boil. After cooling, the flower broth is decanted into sterile glass bottles, approximately half full of brandy, or sometimes apple cider vinegar, as preservative, creating the mother essence.

The essences are administered in several ways. For immediate or acute situations, 2-4 drops of the mother essence are placed under the tongue and allowed to be absorbed, at least an hour away from meals. For long term or chronic situations, 2-4 drops of mother essence are put in a one- ounce glass bottle of spring water (or other “good?water, but not distilled water, which is lifeless), to which a teaspoon of brandy or apple cider vinegar is added; usually 4 drops of this are placed under the tongue on arising, between meals, and at bedtime. Remedies should be tightly stoppered and kept away from heat, direct sunlight, and variable strong magnetic fields. Sometimes remedies are rubbed behind the ears, or on the temples, wrists, elbow creases, or knees instead of taken orally. Some people put the essence in an atomizer and spray around the recipient.

Leslie Kaslof, researcher and authority on the Bach remedies, states "Unlike most pharmacological drugs, flower essence remedies have no side effects, but have a subtle effect, gently resolving underlying emotional stress by triggering mechanisms which serve to mobilize the body’s own internal healing processes. Most often, as the remedies take effect, one will not even have a sense of having had an emotional problem. Only in retrospect will a person be able to determine where attitudes have changed or resolved themselves."

Flower essences have been used for various physical conditions, such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction, ileocecal valve problems, hiatal hernia, etc., although their main use is to facilitate resolution of emotional issues.

Flu

See Influenza

fluoride topical

What is fluoride topical?

Fluoride is a substance that strengthens tooth enamel. This helps to prevent dental cavities.
Fluoride topical is used as a medication to prevent tooth decay in patients that have a low level of fluoride topical in their drinking water. Fluoride topical is also used to prevent tooth decay in patients who undergo radiation of the head and/or neck, which may cause dryness of the mouth and an increased incidence of tooth decay.

The PDR reference is here.

Fluorine

A trace mineral

fluoxetine

What is fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Fluoxetine affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.
Fluoxetine is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and bulimia (binge eating and purging).

The PDR reference is here.

Fo-Ti

Has been found to reduce hypertension, reduce blood cholesterol levels, and reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease among individuals prone to these conditions. In Chinese materia medica, Fo-Ti has been used effectively for neurasthenia, insomnia, excessive sweating, dizziness, elevated serum cholesterol, coronary disease, weakness, pain, backache, and tuberculous adenopathy. These uses conform well to the traditional Chinese medical research that Fo-Ti has anti-toxic, anti-swelling, and tranquilizing properties.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is one of the B complex vitamins. Folic acid deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world. Deficiencies are associated with smoking, drug or alcohol abuse, strict dieting, birth control pills, poor eating habits, pregnancy, illness, old age, malabsorption, diarrhea, some antibiotics, & anti-convulsants, methotrexate, aminopterin, & infections.

Foods high in folic acid are: liver, kidney, yeast, green vegetables, beans, peanuts, mushrooms, beef, veal, & egg yolk. Significant losses occur with food preparation such as cooking, storing, & exposing to light.

Folic acid occurs in chromosomes & is distributed throughout your cells. It interacts with other vitamins, amino acids & hormones to be involved in a myriad of vital functions in your body.

Its chief importance is its relationship to cell division & thus to growth & cancer, as well as to blood diseases (anemia, decreased white blood cells) & intestinal maintenance.

Folic acid is:

Essential to the formation of red blood cells.
Necessary in the production of nucleic acids & in the synthesis of RNA & DNA
Helps regulate fetal development of nerve cells, thus vital for normal growth & development.
Acts as a coenzyme in growth & methylation reactions.
Helps to increase serotonin & norepinephrine in your brain.

DEPRESSION IS THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOM OF FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCY:

In studies of depressed patients as many as 31-35% have been found to be deficient in folic acid. Some depressed persons non-responsive to anti-depressant medications became responsive with the addition of folic acid.

The doses of folic acid used in the studies for treating depression were very high, ranging from 15-50 mg which is 15,000-50,000 micrograms. (You will usually see folic acid amounts listed in micrograms, mcg.)

SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY :

Depression
Mental lethargy
Withdrawal
Irritability
Poor memory
Confusion
Dementia
Psychosis-paranoia
Insomnia
Digestive disturbances
Diarrhea
Weakness
Numbness
Stiffness/spasticity
Headaches
Restless legs
Burning feet
Increased sensitivity to pain
Sore tongue
Lesions at corners of mouth
Anemia (megaloblastic)
Shortness of breath
Low white blood cell count
Lowered resistance to infection, decreased antibody formation
Graying hair
Toxemia of pregnancy
Premature births
Increased risk of certain birth defects
Sprue
Weight loss
Anorexia (appetite loss)

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Government agency charged with controlling the safety of foods and drugs. Has come under fire for biased enforcement favoring drugs over nutrients.

Food Allergy

A food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a certain food. The most common reaction occurs when the body creates IgE antibodies to the food. When these antibodies react with the food mediators (histamines & other chemicals) cause hives,swelling,anaphylaxis or other IMMEDIATE symptoms. With this type of reaction a symptom will occur within 1-2 hours or less after food consumption. These kinds of reactions are more common in children than adults. They are also referred to as an immediate food allergy. Food sensitivities (or delayed reactions) occur when the body creates IgG antibodies. IgG antibodies stay in your system longer, and the symptoms occur 2-72 hours after food consumption. Making pin pointing the allergen much harder. IgG reactions are usually associated with chronic illnesses or symptoms. The symptoms from an IgE (immediate allergy) reaction can be more life-threatening. They are shorter, but may be more severe in their intensity (including anaphylactic shock). If you think your child has had an IgE reaction. They showed symptoms (hives,rash,swelling etc.) within 2 hours of consumption do not reintroduce this food to them. Their IgE allergy may manifest itself in a different manner (symptom) next time and could even result in anaphylaxis. If they don't exibit syptoms until after 2 hours or more they are having an IgG reaction (sensitivity or delayed reaction) still try avoiding these foods if at all possible. They can lead to a variety of physical problems and illesses.

Probiotics are oftern helpful in cases of food allergies.

Dr. Stoll has an essay about allergies here .

The allergy archives from the 'Ask Dr. Stoll' website are here .