A condition characterized by a decreased supply of oxygen to a part of the body. For instance angina is a manifestation of ischaemic heart disease - a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle, usually due to a blockage of the coronary artery which supplies that muscle tissue. The symptoms of angina are due to the heart muscle trying to labour without adequate oxygen.

Isoleucine

Amino acid

Isoleucine is one of the branched chain amino acids. It cannot be made by the human body, and is particularly involved in stress, energy and muscle metabolism.

The Brain Bio Center in the US has found that chronic schizophrenics may have reduced levels of isoleucine and that supplementation with isoleucine can reverse their psychosis, particularly if given in combination with very large amounts of vitamin B3.

Vegetarian sources: Weight for weight, soya protein concentrate, soya flour, tofu, peanuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are as rich in isoleucine as animal proteins.

Availability of supplements: Usually available only in combined BCAA products.

Isomers

Molecules that have the same formula but their structures are arranged differently. For instance an amino acid may have two isomers - a D form and an L form, as in L-phenylalanine and D-phenylalanine. Essential fatty acids may exist as cis isomers or trans isomers: e.g. cis-linoleic acid or trans-linoleic acid. (See Fats).

Itai-itai disease

A disease occurring in Japan which is probably associated with a high intake of the toxic metal cadmium from eating rice grown on land irrigated with cadmium-contaminated water. Symptoms include kidney and gastrointestinal damage, with bone softening. The disease particularly affects older women.

IU (see International Units)

Jejunum

The middle section of the small intestine. This is the section which absorbs most of the substances in the diet.

Jojoba

An acorn-like fruit with a history of medicinal use by Native Americans. The nuts may be roasted and eaten, or made into a coffee-like drink. Jojoba oil is widely used in cosmetics, and has a high content of myristic acid, which is also found in nutmeg and mace and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Juniper berries

Herb

The main indications for juniper berry treatment are chronic arthritis or gout, rheumatism and tendonitis, and the herb may be taken internally or applied externally to affected areas. Juniper has a diuretic effect, and should not be used for more than six weeks in succession as it may irritate the kidneys. It may also stimulate uterine contractions and thus cause miscarriage in pregnant women (hence the reputation of gin for being used in attempts to induce abortion - gin is flavoured with juniper berries). However, the risk of abortion is not very great; gin is largely ineffective for this purpose.

Availability: commonly available from herb and spice suppliers.

Adapted from the Nutritional Health Bible by Linda Lazarides
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