The Encyclopedia of Nutrition and Good Health (Facts on File Library of Health and Living)

737 Pages·2003·3.74 MB·English

by  Robert A. Ronzio

THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF
NUTRITION AND
GOOD HEALTH
Second Edition
Robert Ronzio, Ph.D., C.N.S., F.A.I.C.
Kennedy Associates
The Encyclopedia of Nutrition and Good Health reports information and opinions of
medical literature that may be of general interest to the reader. Although the
author has made every effort to assure that all the information in this book is cor-
rect at the time of printing, the reader is advised that medical knowledge is con-
stantly changing, and this book should not be relied upon without the consultation
and advice of a physician. In addition, in any book of this scope, some errors may
occur. The author and Facts On File, Inc., disclaim any responsibility for any con-
sequences that may result from any use or reliance thereon by the reader.
The Encyclopedia of Nutrition and Good Health, Second Edition
Copyright © 2003 by Robert Ronzio
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, elec-
tronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval sys-
tems, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information contact:
Facts On File, Inc.
132 West 31st Street
New York NY 10001
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Ronzio, Robert A.
[Encyclopedia of nutrition & good health]
The encyclopedia of nutrition and good health / Robert Ronzio.—2nd ed.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 0-8160-4966-1 (HC)
1. Nutrition—Encyclopedias. I. Title.
RA784 .R646 2003
613.2'03—dc21 2002035221
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Text and cover design by Cathy Rincon
Printed in the United States of America
VB FOF 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
This book is printed on acid-free paper.
To my family, Patricia, Lora, and Cynthia, for their love;
h
To Henry, Warren, Paul, and William,
who represent the next generation;
h
To the memory of Anthony R. and Roberta B. Ronzio;
h
And to people everywhere
who want to learn more about their health
and the fascinating world of nutrition.
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments vii
Introduction viii
Entries A–Z 1
Glossary 680
Index 682
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
o complete this encyclopedia, I drew on the Nass Ordoubadi, M.D.; and John Hibbs, N.D., pro-
Tsupport of many friends, colleagues, students, vided me with unwavering support. Jonathan
and family. The concept for the book originated Wright, M.D., generously offered the use of his
from stimulating early morning conversations with extensive collection of reprints on nutritional med-
Jeff Kelly, Ph.D., Lendon Smith, M.D., and Lisa icine. Elizabeth Wales’s advice during the evolution
Meserole, N.D., R.D., provided valuable sugges- of this work proved to be invaluable. Patricia
tions in the early stages of this work. Denny Han- Ronzio, M.Ed., has been a constant source of inspi-
nem; Loren Freeman; Amy Nystrom; Kathlyn ration throughout. Her enduring love and support
Swann, L.Ac.; Gary Buhr, N.D.; Ralph Golan, M.D.; made this book possible.
vii
INTRODUCTION
he average American consumes an estimated ers were once believed to be inevitable conse-
T50 tons of food in a lifetime. This staggering quences of aging.
amount of food represents the sum of daily The health revolution also has changed our
choices each of us makes regarding the type, thinking about how the body functions. There is
quality, and quantity of foods. These critical less emphasis on distinct organ systems and more
choices in turn reflect a complex interplay of focus on integration—seeing the body as a whole.
many factors, including family upbringing, reli- Extensive research has documented this mutual
gious or philosophical beliefs, as well as practical interdependence, particularly among the brain
matters, such as the cost and availability of foods (nervous system), hormones (the endocrine sys-
and beverages. Importantly, Americans are tem), and defenses (the immune system). For
increasingly selecting food for health reasons. example, we cannot understand digestion without
They are increasingly aware that food choices pro- considering the effects of hormones, immune cells,
foundly affect health, the quality of life, and even and nerves of the digestive tract.
longevity, and they realize that the explosive Americans face many challenges and oppor-
growth in medical costs requires attention to tunities to improve and maintain health. Over-
nutrition and food to prevent disease and even nutrition and excessive daily calories and,
promote optimal health. consequently, obesity and overweight are consid-
This change represents a “health revolution,” ered a major public health concern. We now real-
based on advances in the science of nutrition. It is ize that prolonged emotional and physical stress
even changing the outlook of health professionals. can deplete the body of critical protective nutrients
The old model of curing disease and ameliorating and impair important functions of the body.
symptoms is seen as incomplete. We now realize Chronic exposure to potentially damaging chemi-
that disease prevention is the foundation of good cals in food, water, and air reduces the body’s abil-
health. This new model of health care emphasizes ity to fend off infections and cancer. The benefits of
the importance of personal choices and lifestyle even modestly increasing regular physical exercise
modification, especially the critical role of diet in are well established, yet we are tugged in many
maintaining health. Inadequate nutrition is linked directions by commitments that limit the time we
to some of the most profound diseases of the last can spend for self-care.
half-century. We now understand that incorporat- Healthy lifestyle choices, including eating
ing specific nutrients and eating appropriate foods wisely, can lead to a more productive and person-
can reduce the risk of chronic degenerative diseases ally satisfying life. As one of my clients put it, “I
and, in some cases, treat or slow their progression. can’t change my job, I can’t change my kids, and I
Arthritis, senility, cancer, obesity, coronary heart can’t change the way my spouse is, but I can
disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and oth- change the way I eat and how much I exercise.” By
viii
Introduction ix
making informed choices about diet and lifestyles, and many other chronic degenerative conditions.
we can level the environmental playing field so Global issues such as world hunger are relevant.
that we can feel better about ourselves and live I have sifted through thousands of scientific
more active and fulfilling lives. papers and carefully evaluated recent advances in
Patients and consumers are increasingly more nutrition, food technology, and pertinent medical
willing to ask questions. They want to be better breakthroughs. My analysis and synthesis of this
informed, and they feel empowered when they information is based on 40 years of experience as
take greater responsibility for their own health and a biochemist with a keen interest in human
the health of their families. Making wise choices metabolism, nutrition, and clinical laboratory
requires facts, yet the amount of nutrition infor- practice, and as a biomedical researcher and pro-
mation available to consumers can be overwhelm- fessor.
ing. The basic issue lies in deciphering this Why a second edition of The Encyclopedia of
mountain of information without becoming lost in Nutrition and Good Health? The dramatic growth of
the maze. We hear advice from talk shows, maga- nutrition research over the last decade has had a
zines and newspaper articles, a vast assortment of huge impact on health care and public health pol-
books, food advertisements, personal experience icy. I have incorporated much new information by
by family and friends, in addition to health profes- expanding the number of entries to more than
sionals. The often expressed sentiment, “Since 1,800 and updating approximately 30 percent of
everything causes cancer (or is fattening), why the original text. For readers who wish to explore
bother?” reflects vast consumer frustration. key topics, I have included dozens of up-to-date
After working with many clients and teaching references to the medical and nutrition-related lit-
nutrition for many years in settings ranging from erature. Use of botanical preparations has increased
family programs to graduate school courses, I saw dramatically, and, therefore, I have described more
the need for a basic sourcebook to serve as a one- herbs and botanical preparations. In addition, the
stop introduction to the world of nutrition. The encyclopedia now provides a glossary of common
Encyclopedia of Nutrition and Good Health can provide medical terms and, as a further aid for consumers,
the keys to unlocking nutrition facts. My aim is to I have included summaries of food labels and
demystify scientific concepts without sacrificing dietary guidelines.
accuracy, so you, the reader, can grasp the essential Nutritionists and health care providers of many
ideas quickly and easily. I have eliminated much of disciplines agree that diet and a healthy lifestyle are
the scientific jargon that can hinder the under- the mainstays of health. However, opinion is
standing of fundamentals. divided on amounts of specific nutrients needed for
This encyclopedia is objective; it does not advo- optimal health. Furthermore, because of research
cate particular vitamin or diet plan. It does not pro- limitations, we still do not have a complete picture
mote “cure-alls”; indeed, no single food or of the roles played by specific nutrients or supple-
supplement can guarantee health or prevent dis- ments in use. For example, do results of animal
ease. The Encyclopedia of Nutrition and Good Health is studies extrapolate to humans? Do clinical observa-
up-to-date and comprehensive. It provides current tions based on a small population of white, middle-
information on specific foods and nutrients such as aged males extend to women, elderly persons, or to
vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, and pro- different ethnic groups? Sometimes there are dif-
teins. I describe many herbs and plant products ferences of opinion among experts on how to inter-
now being widely used, in addition to detailing pret research findings when several different
each nutrient—how it works in the body and how hypotheses can explain the observations. This is
it impacts health. The encyclopedia is more than a natural and inevitable as the science of nutrition
supplement guide. Here you will find a discussion progresses. Yet such controversy can be confusing
of many food-related conditions, including eating and frustrating. Where there is disagreement in the
disorders, obesity, addiction, weight loss and man- scientific literature, I have taken the middle ground
agement, food sensitivities, diabetes, aging, cancer, in describing pros and cons.