Macronutrients, Micronutrients & Metabolism

​

Amino Acids – The building blocks of proteins. They are essential for tissue repair, muscle growth, enzyme production, and neurotransmitter function. The body needs 20 different amino acids, 9 of which are essential (must come from food).

 

Fructose – A simple sugar (monosaccharide) found naturally in fruits, honey, and some vegetables. It is metabolized in the liver and is sweeter than glucose. Excessive consumption can stress liver metabolism.

 

Glucose – A simple sugar that serves as the primary fuel for the body’s cells.

 

Blood Glucose – The level of glucose circulating in the bloodstream. It rises after eating and is regulated primarily by insulin.

 

 

Insulin – A hormone produced by the pancreas that allows cells to absorb glucose from the blood for energy or storage. Crucial for blood sugar regulation.

 

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) – The main energy currency of the cell. ATP stores and supplies the energy needed for many cellular processes.

 

Digestion – The breakdown of food into smaller molecules (like glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids) that can be absorbed and used by the body.

 

Metabolism – The sum of all chemical processes in the body that convert food into energy, build and repair tissues, and eliminate waste.

 

 

 

Biochemical & Nutritional Components

 

 

pH – A measure of acidity or alkalinity on a scale of 0–14. In the body, maintaining a stable pH (around 7.35–7.45 in blood) is essential for enzyme function and biochemical balance (homeostasis).

 

Enzymes – Proteins that speed up (catalyze) biochemical reactions in the body, such as digestion or DNA replication.

 

Phytonutrients (or phytochemicals) – Natural compounds found in plants that have protective or disease-preventing properties (e.g., flavonoids, carotenoids). They are not essential nutrients but contribute to health.

 

Inflammation – The body’s immune response to injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. Acute inflammation is protective; chronic inflammation can contribute to diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

 

Adaptogenic Herbs – Natural plant-based substances believed to help the body resist stressors of all kinds, whether physical, chemical, or biological. Examples include ashwagandha, rhodiola, and ginseng.

 

 

 

Vitamins & Minerals

 

 

Vitamin K – A fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting and bone health. Found in leafy greens, broccoli, and fermented foods.

 

Magnesium – A mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle function, nerve signaling, energy production, and bone health.

 

Iron – A mineral critical for making hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

 

Carbon – A fundamental element found in all organic compounds, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and DNA. It forms the structural backbone of life.

 

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) – A water-soluble vitamin essential for red blood cell production, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. Found in animal products and fortified foods.

 

​

More...

 

Dietary Supplement – A product taken to supplement the diet with nutrients or other compounds like herbs, amino acids, or enzymes.

​

Cardiovascular System – The system that includes the heart and blood vessels, responsible for circulating blood, oxygen, and nutrients.

 

 

​