Gamma linolenic acid (GLA): An omega-6 fatty acid found in evening primrose oil and borage oil.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): see encyclopedia entry

Garcinia: see encyclopedia entry

Garlic: see encyclopedia entry

Gastritis: Inflammation in the lining of the stomach or the intestines.

Ginger: see encyclopedia entry

Ginkgo biloba: see encyclopedia entry

Ginseng, American: see encyclopedia entry

Ginseng, Korean: see encyclopedia entry

Ginseng, Siberian (Eleuthero): see encyclopedia entry

Glaucoma: A condition in which the fluid pressure in the eye is so high it causes damage. see encyclopedia entry

Glucomannan: see encyclopedia entry

Gluconate: A salt of gluconic acid.

Gluconic acid: An organic acid produced by the oxidation of glucose (also known as maltonic acid and dextronic acid).

Glucosamine: see encyclopedia entry

Glucose: A simple sugar that serves as the body's energy-storage sugar.

Glucose tolerance factor (GTF): A chromium-based compound that works with insulin to facilitate the uptake of glucose by cells.

Glutathione: The body's most prevalent antioxidant enzyme. see encyclopedia entry

Glycogen: The chief carbohydrate storage material in the body, comprised of a long chain of glucose molecules.

GMO: Genetically Modified Organisms.

Goiter: A condition (usually due to iodine deficiency) in which the thyroid gland becomes enlarged, forming a lump in the neck.

Goldenseal: see encyclopedia entry

Gotu Kola: see encyclopedia entry

Grapefruit Seed: see encyclopedia entry

Grapeseed Extract: see encyclopedia entry

Graves' disease: A disorder of the thyroid marked by acceleration of pulse rate, profuse sweating, nervous symptoms, psychic disturbances, and increased metabolic rate.

Green Tea: see encyclopedia entry

Guar gum: A soluble fiber found in beans, nuts, grains, and seeds.

Guarana: see encyclopedia entry

Guggul: see encyclopedia entry

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Hawthorn Berry: see encyclopedia entry

Hemochromatosis: Excessive iron accumulation in tissues.

Hemoglobin: An iron-based compound that enables red blood cells to transport oxygen.

Hepatic: Of or pertaining to the liver.

Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, usually accompanied by jaundice.

Hepatoxic: Describing a substance toxic to liver cells.

Hesperidin: A flavonoid found in citrus fruits. It enhances the antioxidant potency of vitamin C.

High cholesterol: see encyclopedia entry

High density lipoprotein (HDL): Often called "good cholesterol" because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Histamine: A chemical released in the body when an allergic reaction occurs, responsible for many allergy symptoms.

Holistic medicine: Therapy aimed at treating the whole person, rather than a specific area where symptoms occur.

Homocysteine: A natural amino acid metabolite that can damage artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis. High homocysteine levels in the blood are associated with an increased risk for heart attack.

Hops: see encyclopedia entry

Horse Chestnut: see encyclopedia entry

Horsetail: see encyclopedia entry

HCl (Hydrochloride): A salt of hydrochloric acid.

Hydrochloric acid: A pungent, colorless gas compounded of chlorine and hydrogen, found commercially as a strong solution of the gas in water. see encyclopedia entry

Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar.

Hyperhomocysteinemia: High blood homocysteine levels.

Hyperlipidemia: High cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Hypertension: High blood pressure.

Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland.

Hypocalcemia: Abnormally low blood calcium levels.

Hypoglycemia: Abnormally low blood sugar levels.

Hypokalemia: A sharp drop in blood potassium levels.

Hypolipidemia: Low cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Hypotension: Low blood pressure.

Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland.

Hypoxia: An insufficient oxygen supply.

Hyssop: see encyclopedia entry

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Immunoglobulins: Antibodies

Impotence: The inability of a male to achieve and maintain an erection sufficiently for satisfying sexual intercourse. see encyclopedia entry

Incontinence: The inability to control urination or defecation.

Infarction: Death of an area of tissue due to inadequate oxygen supply.

Infusions: Teas produced by steeping herbs in hot water.

Inositol: A nutrient in the B-complex that is required for the formation of certain brain chemicals. see encyclopedia entry

Inositol hexaniacinate (or hexanicotinate): A form of niacin combined with inositol. It is often called "flush-free" niacin because it doesn't cause the flushing sensation many people experience with ordinary niacin supplements.

Insomnia: see encyclopedia entry

Insulin: A hormone produced by the pancreas. It is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and for regulating blood sugar levels.

Interferon: An immune-boosting substance produced by the body's cells to fight viral infection and cancer.

Intravenous pyelogram: A series of x-rays of the organs of the urinary tract, used for detection of prostate cancer and other urinary tract diseases.

In vitro: In an artificial environment outside the living body of an animal or plant.

In vivo: In the living body of an animal or plant.

Iodine: An essential trace mineral required for normal thyroid activity. see encyclopedia entry

Ionic: Consisting of, containing, or involving ions.

Ions: Atoms that have acquired an electric charge by gaining or losing one or more electrons.

Iron: see encyclopedia entry

Isoflavones: Hormone-like compounds found in soy beans.

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