Wellness Glossary
Clear, plain-English definitions of key health and wellness terms.
Adaptogens
Adaptogens are herbs — such as ashwagandha and rhodiola — traditionally used to help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. They are popular in greens powders and calming blends for supporting a steadier stress response.
Allostatic Load
Allostatic load is the cumulative "wear and tear" on the body from chronic stress. Over time it can contribute to fatigue, poor sleep and health issues — which is why managing stress and recovery matters for long-term wellbeing.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
An anti-inflammatory diet emphasizes whole foods — vegetables, fruit, oily fish, olive oil, nuts and spices — that help calm chronic, low-grade inflammation, while limiting ultra-processed foods, refined sugar and industrial seed oils.
Bioavailability
Bioavailability is the proportion of a nutrient that is actually absorbed and usable by your body. It explains why food pairings and supplement forms matter — for example, fat helps absorb vitamins A, D, E and K.
Chronotype
Your chronotype is your natural tendency to feel alert or sleepy at certain times — whether you are a "morning lark" or "night owl." Aligning work, exercise and sleep with your chronotype can improve energy and sleep quality.
Circadian Rhythm
Your circadian rhythm is the roughly 24-hour internal clock that governs your sleep-wake cycle, hormone release and metabolism. Consistent light exposure, meal timing and a regular wake time keep it aligned, which is central to good sleep.
Cortisol
Cortisol is your primary stress hormone. In a healthy rhythm it peaks in the morning and falls at night. Chronically elevated cortisol — from ongoing stress — can disrupt sleep, mood, weight and immunity.
Dysbiosis
Dysbiosis is an imbalance in the gut microbiome, where less desirable microbes outnumber beneficial ones. It is associated with bloating, irregularity, low energy and inflammation, and is often addressed through diet, stress management and targeted probiotics.
Glycemic Index
The glycemic index (GI) ranks carbohydrate foods by how quickly they raise blood sugar. Lower-GI foods like legumes and whole grains produce steadier energy, while high-GI refined foods cause rapid spikes and crashes.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
HRV is the natural variation in time between heartbeats and a key window into your autonomic nervous system. Higher HRV generally signals good recovery and resilience; a drop can indicate stress, poor sleep or oncoming illness.
HPA Axis
The HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis is the body’s central stress-response system, coordinating the release of cortisol. Chronic activation from unrelenting stress can dysregulate it, affecting sleep, energy and mood.
Leaky Gut
"Leaky gut" (intestinal permeability) describes a weakened gut lining that allows undigested particles and toxins to pass more easily into the bloodstream, which may trigger inflammation. Supporting the gut barrier with fiber, fermented foods and reduced processed food is a common focus of gut-health programs.
Microbiome
The microbiome is the community of trillions of microorganisms — mainly bacteria — living in your digestive tract. A diverse, balanced microbiome supports digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function and even mood. Diet, stress, sleep and antibiotics all shape its composition.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, on purpose and without judgment. Regular practice is shown to lower stress, improve focus and support emotional regulation — even in short daily sessions.
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to rewire itself by forming new connections throughout life. It is why practices like meditation and learning new skills can measurably change how the brain responds to stress and focus.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s are essential fats (EPA, DHA and ALA) found in oily fish, flax and walnuts. They support heart, brain and joint health and help regulate inflammation. Most people benefit from eating more omega-3-rich foods.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are types of dietary fiber that feed your beneficial gut bacteria, helping them grow and flourish. Found in foods like onions, garlic, oats and bananas, they work hand-in-hand with probiotics to support a healthy microbiome.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria — found in fermented foods and supplements — that help replenish and balance the gut microbiome. Different strains offer different benefits, which is why multi-strain products and a fiber-rich diet are often recommended together.
REM Sleep
REM (rapid eye movement) sleep is the stage where most vivid dreaming occurs and the brain consolidates memories and processes emotions. Along with deep (slow-wave) sleep, it is essential for feeling truly rested, regardless of total hours.
Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene refers to the habits and environment that support quality sleep: a consistent schedule, a dark and cool bedroom, limited screens before bed and avoiding late caffeine. Small, consistent changes often produce the biggest improvements.