Glossary

Relating to the cultivation of land/farming.

A substance that can cause an allergic reaction.

A protein produced by the immune system in response to infection. It’s an important part of the body’s defence system as it works to destroy disease-causing organisms and block them from infecting human cells.

A substance which protects cells from the damage caused by free radicals (which may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases). Examples of antioxidants are: vitamins C and E, selenium, carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene.

The body’s natural defences (the immune system) attack the body’s own healthy tissue. Sometimes healthy cells and tissues are caught up in this response.

The effect of an antimicrobial substance which kills bacteria e.g. some antibiotics, alcohol.

The effect of an antimicrobial substance which inhibits or prevents the growth of bacteria e.g. certain antibiotics such as Erythromycin

The amount of different types of microbes within an ecosystem e.g. the human microbiome. 

The decline or disappearance of the diversity of living things which inhabit the planet – specifically the loss of species in a certain habitat. Below a certain level, ecosystems would not have enough variety to function. This would be disastrous, not only for nature but for humanity.

An overgrowth of microbes on the skin, potentially inducing changes in immune response.

A type of simple sweat gland found in almost all regions of the skin. It produces sweat which reaches the surface of the skin by way of coiled ducts (tubes).

A large community of living organisms in a particular area (often a geographic area where plants, animals, weather systems and landscapes create a bubble of life). The human microbiome is an ecosystem.

A mineral in your body with an electric charge – found in blood, urine, tissues etc – which helps regulate the flow of nutrients into, and waste products out of, cells.

A cell in connective tissue which produces collagen and other fibres.

A type of unstable molecule which can damage cells, causing illness and ageing.

The microbes – bacteria, yeast, fungi, viruses etc  -which live in a given habitat. The human microbiome refers to those microbes which live in and on your body.

The collective term for the micro-organisms which live in and on the human body.

A single microorganism i.e. one too small to be seen without using a microscope. It includes bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Relating to the small parts of most living cells that contain DNA and RNA. These are the ‘energy factory’ of our body. Their job is to process oxygen and convert energy from food into energy the cells can use.

The effect which occurs when exposure to toxic substances (either natural or synthetic) alters the normal activity of the nervous system, causing damage.

Dangerous or capable of causing disease (referring to bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms).

An oily secretion of the sebaceous glands. It lubricates the skin and makes it more impervious to moisture.

The microbes – bacteria, yeast, fungi, viruses etc  -which live on your skin.