Gut health glossary
Discover our dedicated gut health glossary, designed to enrich your understanding of key terms and concepts in this specialized field. Whether you're looking for clarification or simply curious to better understand aspects related to your intestinal well-being, this glossary offers easy access to precise, in-depth explanations.
Short-chain fatty acids
These are molecules produced by intestinal bacteria during food fermentation. There are several of them, such as acetate, butyrate, lactate, propionate and succinate, whose proportions and roles vary.
Acetylcholine
Neurotransmitter that controls movement. By binding to receptors on the surface of muscle cells, this neurotransmitter induces a command for the latter to contract, thus enabling movement. Acetylcholine is also required for functions such as memory, learning, concentration and attention. It is also responsible for the secretion of certain hormones.
Food allergies
Abnormal reaction of the immune system to a protein contained in a food. The reaction is instantaneous, regardless of the quantity of food consumed. All ingestion or contact with the food must therefore be avoided. Differs from food intolerance.
Bacteroides and Firmicutes
Two main groups of bacteria found in the intestine.
Caliciform cells
Mucus-producing cells provide additional protection for the intestine.
Irritable bowel (or irritable colon)
Irritable bowel syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or both. Symptoms vary from one individual to another, and intensity can vary from day to day. This health condition is considered a "disease of exclusion" by virtue of the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms in the absence of underlying diseases (e.g. celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).
Constipation
Abnormally infrequent bowel movements and difficulty evacuating. There is no "normal" defecation rhythm, and the average frequency of bowel movements varies from one individual to another. It can range from twice a day to three times a week. Constipation is defined as less than three bowel movements per week. Stools are hard, dry and lumpy.
Consultation with a nutritionist
Individual, professional consultation based on the person's nutritional needs and state of health. The steps are: assessment, analysis, goal setting, intervention plan, follow-up and re-evaluation. All in a perspective of informed choice and consent to services according to pre-established and shared rules.
Second brain
The intestine is called the "second brain" because it has an organ of this name, as well as greater top-down information traffic on the vagus nerve "highway". In fact, the researchers mention that we should refer to the intestine as the first brain, because in developmental order, the differentiation of intestinal cells takes place before those of the brain during pregnancy.
Mediterranean diet (or Mediterranean food)
Mainly composed of plant-based foods and minimally processed staples. Low in added sugar, animal, saturated and trans fats. It promotes a number of favorable nutrients, such as dietary fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and mono- and polyunsaturated fats (e.g. omega-3). It is recognized as a preferred diet in the context of cardiovascular disease, intestinal health and inflammation, among others.
Dopamine
Neurotransmitter that controls movement. Dopamine comes into play when we experience desire and pleasure. Behaviors associated with reward-seeking involve this substance.
Dysbiosis
An imbalance in the distribution of bacterial species in the bacterial ecosystem, the opposite of eubiosis. In other words, bad bacteria may be more numerous than desired, or bacterial diversity may have been affected. In short, the principles of bacterial quantity and diversity are disturbed. Present in many chronic diseases and health problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Enterocyte
Cell type of the intestinal epithelium covering the intestinal mucosa.
Epigenetics
Science that evaluates the influence of the environment on gene expression.
Intestinal epithelium
Tissue that forms a lining of juxtaposed cells in the intestine.
Eubiose
A state of balance within the bacterial environment that is the intestinal microbiota, the opposite of dysbiosis. Eubiosis is the key to optimal intestinal health.
Low in FODMAP
The low-FODMAP diet (Fermentable Oligosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides And Polyols) is a diet designed to improve gastrointestinal symptoms in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (or irritable bowel syndrome). The aim of this diet is to limit all FODMAP-rich foods temporarily and then reintroduce them in groups to identify food intolerances. Examples of foods rich in FODMAPs: garlic, onion, wheat, dairy products, dates, apple.
Fermentable
Which can ferment, be transformed by fermentation. Fermentation is the transformation of a food by a micro-organism in the absence of oxygen. This fermentation can be responsible for certain intestinal symptoms such as bloating and swelling.
Bacterial flora
All bacterial species living and developing in an organism or organ, in a normal or pathological state, e.g. intestinal flora, vaginal flora, skin flora.
Intestinal flora (or microbiota)
The intestinal microbiota is a complex and fascinating ecosystem of microorganisms living inside the body. Most of the microbes in the gastrointestinal tract reside in the large intestine, with the remainder found mainly in the small intestine and stomach. The intestinal microbiota is made up of bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists, archaea and other microorganisms essential to health and well-being.
GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)
Inhibitory neurotransmitter whose function is to calm an excited neuron. It therefore helps manage fear and anxiety.
Histamine
A substance derived from the microbial breakdown of protein-rich foods. It is a signaling molecule of the immune system that triggers inflammatory reactions. Some people have an intolerance to histamine.
H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori)
Bacteria that grow in the inner lining of the stomach, causing a stomach infection. Symptoms may include stomach pain, nausea or vomiting.
Incretins
Incretins are intestinal hormones that play a key role in weight management by regulating appetite and satiety. They are released in response to food ingestion and influence the way our body processes nutrients and controls hunger.
Chronic inflammation (low-grade)
Chronic inflammation defines the constant presence and persistence over time of pro-inflammatory and inflammatory molecules in the body at low levels.
This type of inflammation is implicated in many pathologies such as inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Inflammation or inflammatory reactions
Inflammation is the body's natural physiological response to infection and/or injury. The inflammatory reaction is a natural mechanism that sets in when the body is subjected to an aggression: chemical, toxic, microbial or traumatic. The inflammatory reaction is characterized by 4 clinical signs: redness, swelling, heat and pain.
Irritable bowel (or irritable colon)
Irritable bowel syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or both. Symptoms vary from one individual to another, and intensity can vary from day to day. This health condition is considered a "disease of exclusion" by virtue of the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms in the absence of underlying diseases (e.g. celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).
Food intolerance
A reaction to a food that does not involve the immune system, but rather the digestive system. Although symptoms may be similar to those of an allergy, intolerances involve the digestive system and the body's inability to digest or absorb certain food components such as sugars (e.g. lactose intolerance). Unlike allergies, food intolerances are not life-threatening, but they do cause discomfort for the sufferer.
Lamina propria
Tissue below the intestinal epithelium.
Chronic diseases
A chronic disease is a long-term, progressive illness. The aim of treatment is to manage the associated symptoms and limit possible complications for overall health. Rheumatological diseases (arthritis, osteoarthritis), cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia), diabetes, intestinal diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome) are all chronic illnesses.
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is an intolerance to gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye), which leads to characteristic alterations in the mucosa of the small intestine, causing malabsorption. A strict gluten-free diet is essential in celiac disease.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in the small or large intestine. The most common forms are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and cramps, diarrhea, blood in the stool and bloating. Treatment includes medication and dietary changes to improve symptom management.
Mast cells
Among the large family of white blood cells, mast cells are characterized by their content of chemical mediators such as serotonin, histamine, tryptase and heparin.
Intestinal microbiota (or intestinal flora)
The intestinal microbiota is a complex and fascinating ecosystem of microorganisms living inside the body. Most of the microbes in the gastrointestinal tract reside in the large intestine, with the remainder found mainly in the small intestine and stomach. The intestinal microbiota is made up of bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists, archaea and other microorganisms essential to health and well-being.
Intestinal mucus
This is a mucus secreted by the cells of the intestinal wall. Its purpose is to lubricate the intestines, thus facilitating transit during the digestion process. This mucus protects the stomach from the acidity of the gastric juice needed to break down food. In the event of dysbiosis, intestinal mucus may be altered.
Intestinal mucosa
The mucosa is the innermost layer of the gastrointestinal tract. It surrounds the lumen of the tract and comes into direct contact with the digested food (chyme). The mucosa itself is composed of three layers, including the epithelium.
Noradrenaline
A neurotransmitter and hormone, noradrenaline is important for attention, sleep, learning and emotions. In its role as a hormone, it contributes to the contraction of blood vessels, thus increasing heart rate.
Preventive nutrition
Preventive nutrition means optimizing your diet to preserve your health. This concept is not new, since Hippocrates already said "Let your food be your only medicine"! Today, preventive nutrition is based on two key elements: food variety and quality. It visualizes food as a set of macro- and micronutrients, and asks what the human body needs in terms of these nutrients. Finally, it's the idea that "prevention is better than cure" and that a varied, balanced diet will prevent certain diseases, pathologies and health problems.
Obesity
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease defined by excessive adipose tissue deposition that can impair health. Obesity can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, can affect bone health and reproduction, and can increase the risk of certain cancers.
Intestinal permeability
A condition observed when the epithelial cells of the intestine separate from each other under the effect of inflammation. In other words, the intestine becomes "porous", letting in molecules that shouldn't be in the bloodstream. Intestinal permeability is present in a number of chronic diseases.
Peptides
Small molecules made up of amino acids. Let's compare a protein to a pile of mixed necklaces. When we manage to untangle the necklaces, we obtain a set of individual jewels, the peptides. Each pearl in these necklaces refers to the amino acids that will be absorbed, passing from the intestinal lumen to the bloodstream.
Phylogeny
Study of the relationship between species.
Phytonutrients
Compounds with beneficial effects for the body that are naturally present in plant-based foods.
Food plan
Following a professional approach with a nutritionist, which includes a personalized assessment and the setting of specific objectives, a meal plan can be proposed. This is a set of balanced meal structures, generally presented in the form of a table indicating the days and the different meals and snacks.
A good food plan takes into account personal goals (e.g. healthy lifestyle, weight loss, muscle mass gain, cholesterol management, diabetes management) and personal preferences. A food plan inappropriate is not personalized and does not take into account individual preferences and habits.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are carbohydrates that are not digested by intestinal cells, but ferment and produce several molecules. They are "food" for intestinal bacteria, promoting their growth and activity in the gastrointestinal tract. Prebiotics also promote the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids.
Food sources of prebiotics include beets, asparagus, garlic, onions, legumes, green bananas, whole grains, oats, potatoes, nuts, seeds, berries, coffee and tea.
Probiotics
Probiotics are living micro-organisms which, when administered in adequate quantities, confer a benefit on the host. The mechanisms of action of probiotics in the body are complex and vary from strain to strain. The most common species are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. Probiotics can help balance the microbiota and improve gastrointestinal symptoms (bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation). Since the microbiota is unique to each individual, the benefits observed are highly individual.
Diet
Diet refers to the way an organism eats. In everyday language, diet refers to dietary changes including restrictions for a specific purpose (e.g. weight loss, diabetes, cholesterol, management of menopausal symptoms).
Examples of restrictive diets: fasting, ketogenic diet, cutting carbohydrates, paleo diet, calorie counting.
Systematic review
A literature review that identifies, evaluates and synthesizes empirical data from scientific studies that meet predetermined eligibility criteria to answer a research question. In short, it brings together several studies with a rigorous method of analysis on a targeted scientific subject.
Healthy eating
A healthy diet is made up of a variety of foods, with priority given to foods of high nutritional value in terms of frequency and quantity. In addition to their nutritional value, foods also have gastronomic, cultural or affective value. Healthy eating translates into the concept of daily, occasional and exceptional foods, as well as portion sizes adapted to individual needs.
Satiety
The notion of satiety is often confused with the satiationBut they're not the same thing. Satiety is the feeling of not being hungry, between two meals. Rassasiement, on the other hand, refers to the feeling of satisfaction when you've eaten enough and your stomach is sufficiently filled.
Food sensitivity
A generic term encompassing food allergies, food intolerances and chemical sensitivities. These types of sensitivity occur when a person has both intestinal and extra-intestinal reactions to a food or family of foods. The immune system is sometimes involved, and intestinal permeability could also be involved in these disorders, but this remains to be studied in greater depth.
Chemical sensitivity
Undesirable reaction to chemicals present naturally or added to foods. For example, some people are sensitive to monosodium glutamate (MSG) or caffeine. This could manifest itself, for example, as extra-intestinal symptoms or headaches.
Serotonin
A neurotransmitter that plays a role in many functions, such as sleep, aggression, eating and sexual behavior, as well as depression. In fact, a drop in the activity of these chemical mediators is associated with various forms of depression.
SIBO
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. Excessive bacteria produce gases (e.g. hydrogen, methane), leading to digestive symptoms such as bloating, abdominal distension, gas, diarrhea and constipation.
Find out more, read this article.
Metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by increased waist circumference, hypertension, abnormal fasting blood glucose or insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Metabolic syndrome is not a disease, but a set of physiological signs grouped together in the same person. Metabolic syndrome represents a set of risk markers that appear to favor the onset of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Digestive system
The digestive system is the set of organs involved in transforming food into nutrients that can be assimilated by the body. It also evacuates waste from the body. The digestive system comprises the organs of the digestive tract (mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine) and the digestive glands (salivary, gastric, liver, pancreas, intestinal).
Immune system
The mission of the immune system, through the intermediary of certain white blood cells (lymphocytes), is to destroy abnormal cells in the body. To do this, it must recognize abnormal cells (e.g. cancer cells, infectious agents such as pathogenic bacteria) and eliminate them. The intestine is involved in the immune system through various mechanisms, including the intestine-brain axis.
Autonomic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system plays an important role in regulating the body's automatic functions, such as the contraction of heart muscle and the muscles involved in breathing. It ensures the body's internal equilibrium, without the need to worry about the proper functioning of these mechanisms. In contrast, the somatic nervous system is associated with the voluntary control of body movements.
16s rRNA test
Broad-spectrum approach, targeting a gene common to all bacteria. The results are then sequenced and compared with databases to identify the bacteria involved in a targeted pathology.
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