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 Holistic Health Encyclopedia
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IBS
See Irritable Bowel Syndrome
ibuprofen
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that reduces pain, fever, and inflammation. Available over the counter, it is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and painful menstruation. Side effects include intestinal upset, which can lead to gastritis and ulcers.
IICM
International Institute of Chinese Medicine - IICM was founded in 1984 by Dr. Michael Zeng who came to America from the People’s Republic of China, bringing with him an extensive knowledge of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Over the past decade, he and his wife, Dr. Nancy Zeng, using their 35 years of experience in TCM and Western Medicine, have established a program in Oriental Medicine largely based on the type of training TCM doctors receive in mainland China. The curriculum addresses all modalities which exist in TCM. IICM is a private, non-profit institute that has graduated over 400 students in 15 years of operation, most of whom have gone on to successful careers in acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
The IICM website is here .
Ileocecal valve
(ICV) - The ICV is a valve between the end of the small intestine’s ileum and the cecum at the
start of the large intestine, situated beneath the midpoint of a line from the navel to the right
anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), i.e., the most prominent bony part of the pelvis on the right
front of the body. The ICV has a dual purpose, to prevent back-up of toxic fecal matter from the
colon into the normally sterile small intestine (an “open?or “incompetent?ICV allows this back
flow because the circular muscles encircling the ICV and whose function is to close the valve are
weak), and to stop the small intestine’s contents from passing into the cecum before digestive
processes are completed (a “closed?or “spastic?ICV keeps the valve closed too long and allows
putrefaction because the longitudinal muscles which open the valve are malfunctioning). All sorts
of symptoms, some bizarre, can occur with either type dysfunction.
Ileum
The third section of the samll intestine. It is 12- to 20-foot long.
Fat-soluble vitamins, fats,
bile salts, and cholesterol are primarily absorbed in the ileum.
Immune Function
The immune system is an intricate network of specialized tissues, organs, cells, and chemicals. The lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, thymus
gland, and tonsils all play a role, as do lymphocytes (specialized white blood cells), antibodies, and interferon.
Two types of immunity protect the body: innate and adaptive. Innate immunity is present at birth and
provides the first barrier against microorganisms. The skin, mucus secretions, and the acidity of the stomach are examples of innate immunity
that act as a barriers to keep unwanted germs away from more vulnerable tissues.
Adaptive immunity is the second barrier to infection. It is acquired later in life, for example after an immunization or successfully fighting off
an infection. The adaptive immune system retains a memory of all the invaders it has faced. This is why people usually get the measles only once,
although they may be repeatedly exposed to the disease. Unfortunately some bugs ?such as the viruses that cause the common cold—“disguise?
themselves and they must be fought off time and again by the immune system.
Immune System
The immune system is made up of lymphatic vessels and
organs (thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils and adenoids), leukocytes (white blood cells,
including lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils, neutrophils, etc.), specialized blood serum factors,
and specialized tissue cells (mast cells, macrophages, etc.). The importance of the mind and of
emotional stress in immune function is now recognized in the relatively new field of
psychoneuroimmunology.
The skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract are all capable of immunological response and may be subject to immunotoxic disorder. Exposure to
toxins through inhalation, for example, can result in occupational asthma, rhinitis, and pneumonitis. Exposure through diet can result in food
allergy or ulceration. Exposure of the skin to toxic substances can produce contact dermatitis, contact photodermatitis, and contact urticaria
(hives).
[Dr. Schulze]
All immune studies today show, without a doubt whatsoever, that (a) that your immune system is comprised of components that listen and react to your emotional dialogue, and (b) that a positive emotional dialogue in your mind enhances and stimulates your immunity and a negative one depresses your immunity.
Immunoglobulins
any of the vertebrate serum proteins that are made up of light chains and heavy chains usually linked by disulfide bonds and include all known antibodies.
Specialized immune cells, called
immunoglobulins (or antibodies) are released to help the immune system recognize the precise nature of the toxin and respond appropriately.
Immunotoxicology
The subdivision of toxicology that examines the impact of endo- and exotoxins on the immune system. A normal function of the body's immune
system involves recognition and defense against a wide variety of foreign materials that would be disruptive to normal function. These foreign
materials include both endo- and exotoxins. Many of these toxins provoke an immune system response in which specialized immune cells, called
immunoglobulins (or antibodies) are released to help the immune system recognize the precise nature of the toxin and respond appropriately.
For example, approximately 100,000 adults in the U.S. workplace are routinely exposed to highly toxic compounds called diisocyanates, which can
be inhaled into the body to make their way into the bloodstream. Laboratory testing reveals the blood of many of these individuals contains
specific antibodies for these toxic compounds (for example, TDI, or toluene diisocyanate antibodies). Such antibodies are called biologic markers.
Impetigo
A Fungus infection
[Dr. Christopher]
This is a contagious disease, caused by staphylococci masked by flat vesicles that become pustular and then crusted. The best aid that can be given to clear up a fungus condition is the use of black walnut tincture as a fomentation externally and 6-10 drops three or more times a day taken orally in liquid (fruit juices or herbal teas).
Incontinence
The involuntary passage of urine via the urethra that is of a concern or bother to the patient.
Indian Tobacco
See Lobelia
Indigestion
Indigestion refers to any number of gastrointestinal complaints, which can include gas or wind and upset stomach.
Indigestion is often associated with food sensitivities and Leaky Gut Syndrome.
Indium
- Year discovered: 1863
- Atomic No.: 49
- Symbol: In
- Atomic weight: 114.82
- Melting point: 156.6?C
Indium is a malleable, silvery-white metal found primarily in ores of zinc and tin. The soft, semiprecious metal has a boiling point of 2,000 degrees C, melting point of 156.61 degrees C and a specific gravity of 7.31. Its name is derived from the indigo-blue color of its spectrum. Indium was discovered in 1863 in sphalerite, a sulfide ore of zinc, by Reich and Richter in Germany, but was not used commercially until 71 years later. Recovered almost exclusively as a byproduct of zinc, indium is softer than lead and can be refined to purities of up to 99.9999 percent. While the first major commercial application for the metal was for dental alloys, today indium is used chiefly for thin-film coatings in electro-luminescent lamps and liquid-crystal displays. Solders and alloys are also important applications. Indium semiconductor compounds are also used in photovoltaic devices, infrared detectors, high-speed transistors and certain other applications.
Inert
Having no action; not reacting with other elements, as inert gases.
INF Combination®
One of Dr. Christophers's formulas
Infection formula: Plantain, Black Walnut, Golden Seal Root, Bugleweed, Marshmallow Root and Lobelia.
This wonderful formula kills infection, clears toxins from the lymph system, and is a natural infection fighter.
You can buy INF Combination here .
Infertile
The inability to have children
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
General term for a group of colon disorders.
See Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis
Influenza
Every year, over one fifth of the U.S. Population will contract the flu, and on any given day, over 15% of the U.S. Population has a cold.
Consequently, more people lose time from work and school because a cold or flu than any other illness combined.
A cold or flu is caused by a viral infection attacking the upper respiratory system and are assisted by weakened immune systems. Although there
is no "cure" for a cold or flu, a well-supported immune system can help prevent the onset of, suppress the symptoms of and speed the recovery from
these illnesses. Common symptoms can include sore throat, head congestion, coughing, headache, fever, sneezing, and body aches and pains.
Dr. Christopher has a Cold and Flu newsletter here .
Inositol
Inositol is an accessory food factor manufactured in your body. Good external sources are cantaloupe, grapefruit, oranges, limes, stone
ground whole wheat bread, cooked beans & green beans. It functions in the metabolism of fats.
May be useful for:
- Helping with sleep problems, especially inability to fall back asleep after middle of night awakening.
- Promotes healthy hair by thickening thin hair.
- Can exert a calming tranquilizing effect in anxiety.
- Preventing fatty infiltration of the liver by working in conjunction with other nutrients to stimulate normal liver management of fats.
SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY:
- Hair loss.
- Constipation.
- Eczema.
- Increased cholesterol.
Insomnia
Over 84 million Americans are affected by insomnia, with women being more likely to suffer than men do. Individuals at risk for increased
insomnia are the elderly, women and those who suffer from depression.
The most common types of insomnia are transient and intermittent ?transient insomnia lasts from one night to a few weeks and intermittent insomnia
is a reoccurrence of transient insomnia every so often. A more serious problem, chronic insomnia may last for a month or more and can be treated
in various ways.
Prescription and over-the-counter sedatives can cause side effects and may lead to addiction. Popular natural sedatives include melatonin,
kava kava, valerian root and chamomile.
Insulin
Feeling great and having lots of energy throughout the day means being able to properly and efficiently metabolize food. More specifically,
it involves the break down of sugar into usable energy. The body’s ability to regulate levels of sugar in the blood is also important to overall
health, weight control, and moods.
The natural hormone in the body which controls blood sugar levels is insulin. Insulin depends on the presence of the mineral chromium in order to
function. Other nutrients which activate enzymes involved in sugar and carbohydrate metabolism are zinc, magnesium, manganese, vanadium,
alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin B6.
Intermittent Claudication
A condition resulting from poor blood supply to the leg muscles caused by hardening of the arteries.
Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
A chronic inflammatory condition of the
bladder. The cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown, but it occurs more
commonly in females.
Symptoms include difficulty urinating, pain
on urination, urinary urgency, and increased frequency of urination.
Dr. Stoll has an article about IC here.
Intestinal Cleanse #1®
Dr. Schulze's powerful colon cleansing formula. it contains:
- Curacao
- Cape Aloe leaf
- Senna leaves and pods
- Barberry root bark
- Ginger rhizome
- Garlic bulb
- African Bird Pepper
Approximately 80% of my patients, across the board, regardless of what was wrong with them, regardless of how long they had been sick, got more than relief, GOT WELL from doing my bowel cleansing program.
You can buy Dr. Schulze's Intestinal Cleanse Formulas #1 and #2 here .
Intestinal Cleanse #2®
Dr. Schulze's powerful colon rebuilding formula. it contains:
- Flax seed
- Apple fruit pectin
- pharmaceutical-grade Bentonite Clay
- Psyllium seed and husk
- Slippery Elm inner bark
- Marshmallow root
- Fennel seed
- Activated Willow Charcoal
You can buy Dr. Schulze's Intestinal Cleanse Formulas #1 and #2 here .
Intestine
The tubular part of the alimentary canal that extends from the stomach to the anus.
See Colon, Small Intestine
Intravenous
Into the vein.
Intravenous pyelogram
(IVP) - Radiologic technique using x-rays and contrast material that is giving through the vein but is taken up by the kidney and excreted into the collecting system. An excellant way to visualize the urinary tract to survey for obstruction, stones or tumors.
Iodine
A trace mineral
Ion
An atom or radical having a charge of positive (cation) or negative (anion) electricity owing to the loss (positive) or gain (negative) of one or more electrons. Substances that form ions are called electrolytes.
Iridium
A trace mineral
Iron
A trace mineral
Irritibility
Food sensitivities and Leaky Gut syndrome are implicated in many cases of irritibility.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common gastrointestinal disorder that sometimes causes significant discomfort even though it is not a serious health threat. Typical symptoms include abdominal bloating and soreness, gas, and alternating diarrhea and constipation. IBS patients are more likely than others to have backaches, fatigue, and several other seemingly unrelated problems. The cause of IBS remains unknown but food sensitivities and Leaky Gut Syndrome are thought to be the underlying cause in some cases.
Irritable bowel syndrome is now being linked to past or present parasitic infections.
[Dr. Stoll]
Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis are late stages of Leaky Gut Syndrome. IBS is an early stage.
Which thing the person experiences is not dependent upon different causes, but is due to the genetic propensity of the individual. That makes
the solutions almost exactly the same.
Ischaemia
A low oxygen state usually due to obstruction of the arterial blood supply or inadequate blood flow leading to hypoxia in the tissue.
This can be observed occurring as a result of emotional stress, as well as physical exercise/stress.
Ischemic Heart Disease
Isoflavones
The estrogen-like compounds found in soy products
The isoflavones serve as a "defense mechanism in response to pests.
There is abundant evidence that some of the isoflavones, including genistein and equal are toxicants... additionally, isoflavones are inhibitors of thyroid peroxidase which makes T3 and T4. Inhibition can be expected to generate thyroid abnormalities including goiter and autoimmune thyroiditis. In fact, infants consuming soy infant formula rich in isoflavones have about a two-fold risk of developing these diseases.
Isotope
A chemical element having the same atomic number as another (i.e., the same number of nuclear protons) but possessing a different atomic mass (i.e., a different number of nuclear neutrons).
isotretinoin
What is isotretinoin?
- Isotretinoin is a form of vitamin A. It decreases the amount of sebum (oil) that is released by your sebaceous (oil) glands, and it
increases that rate at which your skin renews itself.
- Isotretinoin is used to treat severe acne that has not responded to other treatments.
The PDR reference is here.
Itch
A common symptom of the skin and mucous membranes. May be caused by allergies, food sensitivities.
especially itching of eyes, nose, anus, and/or vagina is indicative of an allergic reaction.
The word psoriasis comes from the Greek word that means "itch".
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