GLOSSARY

Absorption (wchłanianie) The process by which substances are taken up by the body, often into the bloodstream.

Accredited (akredytowany) Officially recognized as meeting the essential standards required for a profession, institution, or program. Accreditation ensures the quality and credibility of services or educational programs.

Added sugars (cukry dodane) these sugars, syrups, and other caloric sweeteners are added when foods are processed or prepared. Added sugars do not include sugars that occur naturally, like fructose in fruit or lactose in milk. Names for added sugars include brown sugar, cane sugar, corn sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose (when not naturally occurring), fruit juice concentrates, glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, invert sugar, lactose (when not in milk or dairy products), maltose, malt syrup, molasses, raw sugar, sucrose, and turbinado sugar.

Adipose tissue (add-ih-POSE)(tkanka tłuszczowa)Fat tissue in the body.

Adolescence (okres dojrzewania) The transitional stage of development between childhood and adulthood, typically ranging from ages 12 to 18, characterized by physical, emotional, and social changes.

Aerobic physical activity (aerobowa aktywność fizyczna) Aerobic (or endurance) physical activities use large muscle groups (back, chest, and legs) to increase heart rate and breathing for an extended period of time. Examples include bicycling, brisk walking, running, and swimming. Federal guidelines recommend that adults get 150 to 300 minutes of aerobic activity a week.

Alveoli (singular alveolus) (pęcherzyki płucne) Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Anus (odbyt) The opening through which waste is excreted from the body.

Arteries (tętnice) Blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body.

Assisted living facilities (domy opieki) – Residential centers for older adults or people with disabilities who need help with daily activities but do not require full-time nursing care.

Atrium (przedsionek) The upper chamber of the heart that receives blood returning from the body or lungs.

Autonomic nervous system (autonomiczny układ nerwowy) The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions, such as heart rate and digestion.

Bariatric surgery (bear-ee-AT-ric) (operacja bariatryczna) Also known as gastrointestinal surgery or weight-loss surgery, this is surgery on the stomach and/or intestines to help patients with extreme obesity lose weight. Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss method used for people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. Surgery may also be an option for people with a BMI between 35 and 40 who have health problems related to obesity like heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

Basal metabolic rate (BMR) (podstawowa przemiana materii) The amount of energy your body needs to perform basic functions like breathing, circulating blood, and maintaining body temperature while at rest. It represents the minimum energy required to keep the body functioning.

Bile (żółć) A digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fats.

Bladder (pęcherz moczowy) The organ that stores urine until it is excreted.

Bloodstream (krwiobieg) The flow of blood through the body’s circulatory system, carrying nutrients, oxygen, and waste products.

BMI See body mass index.

Body mass index (BMI) (wskaźnik masy ciała) BMI is a measure of body weight relative to height. The BMI tool uses a formula that produces a score often used to determine if a person is underweight, at a normal weight, overweight, or obese. For adults, a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy (or “normal”). A person with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight, and a person with a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese.

Children grow at different rates at different times, so it is not always easy to tell if a child is overweight. BMI charts for children compare their height and weight to other children of their same sex and age. For children ages 2 to19, those who are at or above the 85th percentile are considered overweight. Those who are at or above the 95th percentile are considered obese.

Bolus (kęs) A small, rounded mass of chewed food ready to be swallowed.

Bone-strengthening activity (aktywność wzmacniająca kości) a physical activity that promotes the growth and strength of bones. Examples include weight lifting and push-ups.

Bowels (jelita, kiszki) The intestines, particularly the lower part of the digestive tract, where food is digested and waste is formed. Healthy bowel function is essential for digestion and the removal of waste from the body.

Bronchi (singular bronchus) (oskrzela) The main air passages that lead from the trachea into the lungs.

Bronchioles (singular bronchiole) (oskrzeliki) The smaller branches of the bronchi that carry air deeper into the lungs.

Bursae (kaletki maziowe) Small, fluid-filled sacs located around joints that act as cushions between bones, tendons, and muscles, reducing friction and facilitating smooth movement. They are essential for preventing inflammation and joint discomfort during movement.

Calcium (wapń) A mineral essential for bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission.

Calorie (CAL-or-ee) (kaloria) A unit of energy in food. Carbohydrates, fats, protein, and alcohol in the foods and drinks we eat provide food energy or “calories.” Carbohydrates and proteins provide 4 calories per gram, fat has 9 calories per gram, and alcohol has 7 calories per gram.

Calorie balance (bilans kaloryczny) The balance between calories you get from eating and drinking and those you use up through physical activity and body processes like breathing, digesting food, and, in children, growing.

Capillaries (naczynia włosowate) Small blood vessels that connect arteries and veins, facilitating gas and nutrient exchange.

Carbohydrate (kar-bow-HY-drate) (węglowodan) A “carb” is a major source of energy for your body. Your digestive system changes carbohydrates into blood glucose (sugar). Your body uses this sugar to make energy for cells, tissues, and organs, and stores any extra sugar in your liver and muscles for when it is needed. If there is more sugar than the body can use, the liver may also break the sugar down further and store it as body fat.

There are two kinds of carbohydrates—simple or complex. Simple carbohydrates include sugars that are a part of some foods, like fructose in fruit or lactose in milk, as well as sugars that may be added when foods are processed or prepared. Complex carbohydrates include those that come from legumes, such as peas or beans, starchy vegetables, and whole grain breads and cereals. Many complex carbohydrates are good sources of fibre.

Carbon dioxide (dwutlenek węgla) A waste gas produced by cells during respiration, expelled by the lungs.

Cardiovascular diseases (choroby sercowo-naczyniowe) Disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels, including heart disease, stroke, and hypertension. These conditions are often caused by lifestyle factors and can lead to serious health risks.

Cartilage (chrząstka) A flexible connective tissue found in joints, the nose, ears, and airways.

Cecum (kątnica, jelito ślepe) The first part of the large intestine, where waste begins to form.

Chew (verb) (żuć) To break down food with the teeth in preparation for swallowing.

Cholesterol (ko-LES-te-rol) (cholesterol) Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is made by your body and found naturally in animal foods such as dairy products, eggs, meat, poultry, and seafood. Foods high in cholesterol include dairy fats, egg yolks, and organ meats such as liver. Cholesterol is needed to carry out functions such as hormone and vitamin production. It is carried through the blood by  lipoproteins.

Two types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol in the blood: low-density lipoproteins (LDL, often called “bad cholesterol”) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL or “good cholesterol”). When cholesterol levels are too high, some of the cholesterol may stick to the walls of your arteries. This build-up is called plaque. Over time, plaque may narrow your arteries or even block them. High levels of cholesterol in the blood may increase your risk of heart disease.

Chyme (treść pokarmowa) The partially digested food mixture that moves from the stomach to the small intestine.

Coiled (zwinięty) Arranged in a series of loops or spirals, describing the structure of the small intestine.

Colon (okrężnica) The main part of the large intestine, where water is absorbed and waste is formed.

Compliance (zgodność z wytycznymi, zgodność z przepisami) The act of following or adhering to rules, standards, regulations, or laws, especially in healthcare, where professionals must meet legal and ethical requirements to ensure patient safety and care.

Comprehensive (wszechstronny, kompleksowy) Complete and covering all or nearly all elements or aspects of something. In healthcare, it may refer to thorough assessments or treatments addressing all areas of concern.

Confer (verb) (usually with somebody) (konsultować się) To consult or discuss something with others to seek advice or come to a decision, often in professional or medical settings.

Continuous professional development (ciągłe podnoszenie kwalifikacji zawodowych) The ongoing process of learning and improving professional skills throughout one’s career, often through training, workshops, and certifications to stay current with industry standards.

Contract (kurczyć się) To shorten or tighten, often referring to muscle action.

Convey (przenosić) To transport or carry something from one place to another.

Corporate wellness programs (programy zdrowotne w firmach) Employer-sponsored initiatives designed to improve employees’ health and well-being, often including fitness activities, health education, and screenings.

Cramps (skurcze) Sudden, involuntary muscle contractions or spasms, often causing pain. They can occur in various parts of the body, including the abdomen, legs, or uterus, and are commonly associated with exercise or digestive issues.

Credential (poświadczenie kwalifikacji) A qualification or certification that proves a person’s competence or authority in a specific field. Healthcare practitioners often require credentials to practice legally.

Cuisine (kuchnia, np. francuska, włoska) A style or method of cooking, especially as characteristic of a particular country, region, or culture. Cuisine often reflects local ingredients, traditions, and cooking techniques.

Curriculum (program nauczania) – The structured content of a course or educational program, detailing the subjects, lessons, and materials students must learn to meet academic standards and objectives.

Customized (dostosowany) Made or modified to meet specific individual needs or preferences. In healthcare, this could refer to personalized treatment plans, diets, or interventions tailored to a patient’s unique conditions.

Defecation (wypróżnianie) The act of expelling solid waste (stool) from the body through the rectum and anus. It’s a natural part of digestion, removing indigestible material and waste.

Diabetes (dye-ah-BEE-teez) (cukrzyca) A person with this disease has blood glucose, or sugar, levels that are above normal levels. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose get into your cells to give them energy. Diabetes occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or does not use the insulin it makes. Over time, having too much sugar in your blood may cause serious problems. It may damage your eyes, kidneys, and nerves, and may cause heart disease and stroke. Regular physical activity, weight control, and healthy eating may help you control your diabetes. You should also follow your health care provider’s advice and, when asked to, monitor your blood sugar level and take prescribed medication.

Diaphragm (przepona) The muscle beneath the lungs that helps with breathing by contracting and relaxing rhythmically and continually, most of the time involuntarily. It is the major muscle of respiration.

Diet (dieta) What a person eats and drinks. Any type of eating plan.

Dietary sodium (sód w diecie) Also called “salt,” sodium helps your nerves and muscles work properly. Table salt is made up of sodium and chloride. Your kidneys control how much sodium is in your blood, releasing it when needed and flushing out any excess. If too much sodium builds up in your blood, this may raise your blood pressure. High blood pressure is linked to serious health problems. Federal dietary guidelines recommend that most people limit their intake of sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day (less than 1 teaspoon of salt).

Digestive enzymes (enzymy trawienne) Proteins that break down food into smaller molecules during digestion.

Dome-shaped (w kształcie kopuły) Having a rounded, curved shape, like the diaphragm.

Eligibility (spełnianie wymagań, kwalifikowalność) Meeting the necessary criteria or qualifications to participate in a program, receive benefits, or access services. In health or education, it may refer to meeting requirements for care or study.

Energy expenditure (wydatkowanie energii) The amount of energy that you use measured in calories. You use calories to breathe, send blood through your blood vessels, digest food, maintain posture, and be physically active.

Enhance (verb) (zwiększać, poprawiać) To improve the quality, value, or effectiveness of something. In a health or academic context, this could mean increasing the beneficial effects of a treatment or refining skills through training.

Enteral nutrition (żywienie enteralne, dojelitowe) A method of feeding that delivers nutrients directly into the stomach or small intestine through a tube. It’s used for patients who can’t eat by mouth but whose digestive system is still functioning.

Enzymes (enzymy) Proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions in cells. They are essential for digestion, metabolism, and other critical bodily processes by lowering the energy needed for reactions.

Esophagus (przełyk) The tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

Excrete (wydalać) To remove waste products from the body.

Exercise (ćwiczenia fizyczne) A type of physical activity that is planned and structured. Exercise is done on purpose to improve or maintain health, physical fitness, and/or physical performance.

Fat (tłuszcz) A major source of energy in the diet, fat helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. Some kinds of fats, especially saturated fats and trans fatty acids, may raise blood cholesterol and increase the risk for heart disease. Other fats, such as unsaturated fats, do not raise blood cholesterol. Fats that are in foods are combinations of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fatty acids.

Fertilization (zapłodnienie) The process where a sperm cell and egg cell unite to form a new organism.

Fetus (UK: foetus) (płód) The developing human organism from approximately the 9th week of pregnancy until birth.

Flexibility (elastyczność) The range of motion possible at a joint. Flexibility exercises enhance the ability of a joint to move through its full range of motion.

Gallbladder (pęcherzyk żółciowy) The organ that stores bile produced by the liver until it is needed for digestion.

Gastric juices (soki żołądkowe) The digestive fluids produced by the stomach that help break down food.

Gastrointestinal surgery (operacja przewodu pokarmowego) Surgical procedures aimed at diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, intestines, gallbladder, pancreas, and liver. This type of surgery can be performed for various reasons, including the removal of tumors, treatment of diseases, or to alleviate symptoms related to digestive disorders. There are some forms of GI surgery, such as bariatric surgery, which can be performed to treat obesity. 

Gestational diabetes (jest-AY-shun-ul) (dye-ah-BEE-teez) (cukrzyca ciążowa) A type of diabetes that can occur when a woman is pregnant. In the second half of her pregnancy, a woman may have glucose (sugar) in her blood at a level that is higher than normal. In about 95 percent of cases, blood sugar returns to normal after the pregnancy is over. However, women who develop gestational diabetes are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Glucose (GLU-kos) (glukoza) Glucose is a major source of energy for our bodies and a building block for many carbohydrates. The food digestion process breaks down carbohydrates in foods and drinks into glucose. After digestion, glucose is carried in the blood and goes to body cells where it is used for energy or stored.

HDL See high-density lipoprotein.

Healthy weight (zdrowa masa ciała) Healthy weight status is often based on having a body mass index (BMI) that falls in the normal (or healthy) range. A healthy body weight may lower the chances of developing health problems such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Heart disease (choroba serca) Many different types of heart disease exist. The most common cause of heart disease is narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. This is called coronary artery disease and happens slowly over time. It’s the major reason people have heart attacks. Other kinds of heart problems may happen to the valves in the heart, or the heart may not pump well and cause heart failure.

High blood pressure (wysokie ciśnienie krwi) Your blood pressure rises and falls throughout the day. An optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg. When blood pressure stays high—greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg—you have high blood pressure, also called “hypertension.” With high blood pressure, the heart works harder, your arteries take a beating, and your chances of a stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems are greater. Uncontrolled high blood pressure may lead to blindness, heart attacks, heart failure, kidney disease, and stroke. Prehypertension is blood pressure between 120 and 139 for the top number, or between 80 and 89 for the bottom number. If your blood pressure is in the prehypertension range, you may be at risk for high blood pressure unless you take action to prevent it.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) (lip-o-PRO-teen) (lipoproteina o wysokiej gęstości) HDL is a compound made up of fat and protein that carries cholesterol in the blood to the liver, where it is broken down and excreted. Commonly called “good” cholesterol, high levels of HDL cholesterol are linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Men should aim for an HDL of 40 mg/DL or higher. Women should aim for an HDL of 50 mg/DL or higher.

Humidify (nawilżać) To to make humid; to add moisture to the air, often done by the respiratory system to keep airways moist.

Hydrochloric acid (kwas solny) A strong acid produced in the stomach that aids in digestion.

Hydrogenation (high-dro-jen-AY-shun) (utwardzanie tłuszczów; uwodornienie) A chemical process that turns liquid fats (oils) into solid fats, hydrogenation creates a fat called trans fatty acid (also known as “trans-fat”). Trans fats are found in frostings, shortening, some margarines, and some commercial baked foods, like cakes, cookies, muffins, and pastries. Eating trans fats may raise heart disease risk. Federal dietary guidelines recommend keeping trans-fat intakes as low as possible.

Hypertension (nadciśnienie) It is also known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition in which the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps and the resistance to blood flow in the arteries. Hypertension is typically defined as having a systolic blood pressure (the top number) of 130 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) of 80 mm Hg or higher, based on guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association. Chronic hypertension can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and other complications if not managed effectively. It is often called the “silent killer” because it typically does not produce symptoms until significant damage has occurred.

Implication (implikacja, konsekwencja) A possible effect or consequence of an action or decision. In healthcare, implications can refer to how treatments, policies, or behaviors may impact health outcomes or conditions.

Infancy (niemowlęctwo) The earliest stage of a child’s life, typically from birth to around two years old. It is a critical period for growth and development, including physical, emotional, and cognitive milestones. 

Insulin (IN-sah-lin) (insulina) A hormone made by the pancreas, insulin helps move glucose (sugar) from the blood to muscles and other tissues. Insulin controls blood sugar levels.

Intercostal muscles (mięśnie międzyżebrowe): Muscles between the ribs that assist with breathing by expanding the chest cavity.

Intravenous (dożylny) A method of delivering fluids, nutrients, or medications directly into a vein. It’s commonly used in hospitals to quickly administer treatment.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (zespół jelita drażliwego) A chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation. Symptoms vary but are often triggered by stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes.

Junction (złącze, połączenie) a place or point where two or more things meet or are joined, like the connection between neurons where signals are transmitted.

Kidney (nerka) An organ that filters waste from the blood and produces urine.

Lactose intolerance (nietolerancja laktozy) A person with this digestive condition has difficulty digesting foods that have lactose, the sugar found in milk and foods made with milk. If you have lactose intolerance, you may feel sick to your stomach after eating these foods. You may also have gas, diarrhoea, and/or swelling in your stomach. Eating less food with lactose or using pills or drops to help you digest lactose usually helps. Aged and hard cheeses, fermented milk products (like yogurt), and lactose-free milk and milk products may be easier to digest. You may need to take a calcium supplement if you avoid milk and foods made with milk because they are the most common source of calcium for most people.

Large intestine (jelito grube) The part of the digestive system that absorbs water and forms waste products.

Larynx (krtań) The voice box, containing the vocal cords (struny głosowe) and involved in breathing and sound production.

LDL See Low-Density Lipoprotein

Ligament (więzadło) A fibrous connective tissue that connects bones to other bones, providing stability to joints.

Lipids (lipidy) A broad group of naturally occurring molecules that include fats, oils, waxes, and cholesterol. Lipids are an essential part of cell membranes, store energy, and play a key role in signaling between cells.

Lipoprotein (lip-o-PRO-teen) (lipoproteina) A compound made up of fat and protein that carries fats and fat-like substances, such as cholesterol, in the blood.

Liver (wątroba) The organ that processes nutrients, produces bile, and detoxifies harmful substances.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (lip-o-PRO-teen) (lipoproteina o niskiej gęstości) LDL is a compound made up of fat and protein that carries cholesterol in the blood from the liver to other parts of the body. High levels of LDL cholesterol, commonly called “bad” cholesterol, cause a buildup of cholesterol in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. LDL levels are typically measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood, and maintaining lower levels of LDL is generally recommended to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Macronutrient (mac-roh-NOO-tree-ent) (makroskładnik) A macronutrient is any nutrient that the body uses in relatively large amounts. They include carbohydrates, fat, and proteins. These are different from micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, which the body needs in smaller amounts.

Malnutrition (niedożywienie lub błędy w odżywianiu się) A condition caused by an imbalance in a person’s nutrient intake, either from not eating enough or eating too much of the wrong types of food, leading to health problems like weakness or illness.

Mandatory (obowiązkowy) Required by law or regulation. In education or healthcare, mandatory tasks or courses must be completed to meet official standards or obtain certification or licensure.

Medical charts (karta pacjenta / dokumentacja medyczna) Documents containing a patient’s medical history, treatments, diagnoses, and test results. Healthcare professionals use medical charts to track and communicate a patient’s health information and treatment progress.

Medical condition (schorzenie)– A health issue or disease that requires care and treatment, ranging from temporary illnesses to chronic disorders like diabetes or heart disease.

Metabolic syndrome (meh-TAB-o-lik SIND-rome) (zespół metaboliczny) A person with metabolic syndrome has a group of medical problems that, when they occur together, may increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. These problems are a large waist size, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, high levels of triglycerides, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

Metabolism (meh-TAB-o-liszm) (metabolizm) The process that occurs in the body to turn the food you eat into energy your body can use. 

Metabolic pathways (szlaki metaboliczne) A series of linked chemical reactions in cells that lead to the synthesis or breakdown of molecules. These pathways are essential for processes like energy production, cell growth, and metabolism.

Metabolic syndromes (zespoły metaboliczne) A cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels, that together increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Monounsaturated fat(mono-un-SATCH-er-ay-ted) (tłuszcz jednonienasycony) A type of dietary fat characterized by having one double bond in their fatty acid chain. This type of fat is found in avocados, canola oil, nuts, olives and olive oil, and seeds. Eating food that has more monounsaturated fat (or “healthy fat”) instead of saturated fat (like butter) may help lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk. However, monounsaturated fat has the same number of calories as other types of fat and may contribute to weight gain if you eat too much of it.

Motion sickness (choroba lokomocyjna) A condition in which a person experiences nausea, dizziness, and sometimes vomiting when traveling in a car, plane, or boat. It occurs when there’s a mismatch between visual and inner ear signals.

Muscle-strengthening activity (aktywność wzmacniająca mięśnie) A type of physical activity that promotes the growth and strength of muscles. Examples include lifting weights and doing push-ups and sit-ups. Federal guidelines recommend that adults do activities that strengthen muscles at least twice a week.

Nasal passages (przewody nosowe) The channels in the nose through which air flows into the respiratory system.

Newborn (noworodek) A baby that has just been born, typically in the first few weeks of life. Newborns often require specialized care and feeding.

Nourishment (odżywianie) The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth. Nourishment is essential for maintaining bodily functions, energy levels, and overall health.

Nutrient dense (bogaty w składniki odżywcze) Nutrient-dense foods and drinks provide important vitamins and minerals and relatively few calories. The term “nutrient dense” also means that these foods and drinks have not been processed or prepared in a way that added a lot of calories from refined starches, sodium, solid fats, or sugar. Examples include fat-free and low-fat milk products or substitutes; fruits and vegetables; protein sources such as beans and peas, eggs, lean meats, poultry, seafood, and unsalted nuts and seeds; and whole grains.

Nutrients (składniki odżywcze) Substances found in food that are essential for the body’s growth, development, and functioning, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Nutrients provide energy and support metabolic processes.

Nutrition (new-TRISH-un) (1) (odżywianie) The process of the body using food to sustain life. (2) (nauki o żywieniu) The study of food and diet.

Obesity (oh-BEE-si-tee) (otyłość) Obesity refers to excess body fat. Because body fat is usually not measured directly, a ratio of body weight to height is often used instead. It is defined as BMI [see body mass index]. An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

Oils (oleje) Fats that are liquid at room temperature, oils come from many different plants and from seafood. Some common oils include canola, corn, olive, peanut, soybean, and sunflower oils. A number of foods are naturally high in oils, such as avocados, olives, nuts, and some fish. Federal dietary guidelines encourage Americans to replace solid fats with oils when possible.

Outpatient clinic (przychodnia ambulatoryjna) – A healthcare facility where patients receive medical care without being admitted to a hospital. Treatments like check-ups, consultations, or minor procedures are provided here.

Ovaries (singular ovary) (jajniki) Female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones.

Overeating (przejadanie się) Consuming more food than the body needs, often leading to discomfort, weight gain, and digestive problems. Overeating can be triggered by emotional factors, habits, or the availability of large portions.

Overweight (nadwaga) Overweight refers to an excessive amount of body weight that includes muscle, bone, fat, and water. A person who has a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9 [see body mass index] is considered overweight. It is important to remember that although BMI is related to the amount of body fat, BMI does not directly measure body fat. As a result, some people, such as athletes, may have a BMI that identifies them as overweight even though they do not have excess body fat.

Pancreas (PAN-kree-as) (trzustka) A gland and an organ that makes enzymes to help the body break down and use nutrients in food. The pancreas also produces the hormone insulin and releases it into the bloodstream to help the body control blood sugar levels.

Parasympathetic nervous system (przywspółczulny układ nerwowy) The part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy and promotes “rest and digest” functions.

Parenteral nutrition (żywienie pozajelitowe) The delivery of nutrients directly into the bloodstream via an intravenous line, used when a person cannot digest food normally through the digestive system. It provides essential nutrients like glucose, amino acids, and lipids.

Peristaltic contractions (skurcze perystaltyczne) The wave-like muscle movements that propel food through the digestive tract.

Pharynx (gardło) The throat, a passageway for both air and food.

Physical activity (aktywność fizyczna) Any form of exercise or movement. Physical activity may include planned activities such as walking, running, strength training, basketball, or other sports. Physical activity may also include daily activities such as mowing the lawn, washing the car, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and walking the dog. Federal guidelines on physical activity recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes (30 minutes a day, 5 days a week) of moderate-intensity physical activity for general health benefits. Adults who wish to lose weight or maintain weight loss may need more physical activity, such as 300 minutes (60 minutes a day, 5 days a week). Children should get at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity daily.

Placement (praktyki zawodowe) Practical work experiences in a professional setting, usually part of educational programs, designed to provide students with hands-on experience and help them apply academic knowledge in real-world situations.

Plasma (osocze) The liquid component of blood that carries cells and nutrients.

Platelets (płytki krwi) Small cell fragments in the blood that help with clotting and wound healing.

Polyunsaturated fat (poly-un-SATCH-er-ay-ted) (tłuszcz wielonienasycony) A type of dietary fat characterized by having more than one double bond in their fatty acid chains. This type of fat is liquid at room temperature. There are two types of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs): omega-6 and omega-3. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in liquid vegetable oils, such as corn oil, safflower oil, and soybean oil. Omega-3 fatty acids come from plant sources—including canola oil, flaxseed, soybean oil, and walnuts—and from fish and shellfish.

Portion size (wielkość porcji) The amount of a food served or eaten in one occasion. A portion is not a standard amount. The amount of food it includes may vary by person and occasion.

Postgraduate (dot. studiów drugiego stopnia lub podyplomowych) Refers to study or training that occurs after completing a bachelor’s degree. Postgraduate programs include master’s degrees and professional certifications aimed at advancing knowledge and skills.

Practitioner (praktyk zawodu) A person who actively engages in a profession, particularly in healthcare. Examples include doctors, nurses, dietitians, and other professionals providing services and care.

Premature (urodzony przedwcześnie) Refers to babies born before the full term of pregnancy (before 37 weeks), often needing special care to support their development.

Prostate gland (gruczoł krokowy, prostata) A gland in males that produces fluid to nourish and transport sperm.

Protein (PRO-teen) (białko, proteina) Large, complex molecules made up of amino acids. One of the nutrients that provide calories to the body. Protein is an essential nutrient that helps build many parts of the body, including blood, bone, muscle, and skin. Protein provides 4 calories per gram and is found in foods like beans, dairy products, eggs, fish, meat, nuts, poultry, and tofu.Public awareness campaign(uświadamiająca kampania społeczna) An initiative aimed at informing people about important societal or health issues.

Quality Assurance (kontrola jakości, zarzadzanie jakością) A process that ensures services or products meet certain standards of quality. In healthcare, it ensures that patient care and treatment meet established benchmarks of safety and effectiveness.

Quantitative (ilościowy) Refers to data or information that can be measured and expressed numerically. It is often used in research, analysis, and experiments to quantify variables and outcomes.

Rectum (odbytnica) The final section of the large intestine, where waste is stored before being expelled.

Red blood cells (czerwone krwinki) Cells in the blood responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and returning carbon dioxide to the lungs for exhalation.

Refined grains (rafinowane ziarna, rafinowane zboża) Any grain that is not a whole grain is a refined grain. This includes grains and grain products missing the bran, endosperm, and/or germ. Many refined grains are low in fibre and enriched with iron, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine and fortified with folic acid as required by U.S. regulations. Some examples of refined grain products are white flour, white bread and tortillas, and white rice. 

Reflex (odruch) An automatic response to a stimulus that does not require conscious thought.

Regimen (reżim, np. dietetyczny) – A structured plan or schedule, often for diet, exercise, or medical treatment, designed to improve health or achieve specific fitness or recovery goals.

Registered Dietitian (R.D.) (dyplomowany dietetyk, wykwalifikowany dietetyk) A protected professional title awarded to a health professional who is credentialed to provide expert nutrition advice, i.e. qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat dietary and nutritional problems.

In the US: a person who has studied diet and nutrition at a college program approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association). To become an R.D., a person must complete 900 hours of supervised practical experience accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation for Dietetics Education and must pass an exam. 

While this or similar professional titles exist in other English-speaking countries that regulate the profession and at least a bachelor’s degree is normally required to be eligible, the detailed requirements may differ from one country to another.

Rib (żebro) A bone in the chest that protects the lungs and heart.

Saliva (ślina) The liquid produced by glands in the mouth that begins the process of digestion.

Saturated fat (SATCH-er-ay-ted) (tłuszcz nasycony) A type of dietary fat characterized by the presence of single bonds between carbon atoms in its fatty acid chains, meaning it is “saturated” with hydrogen atoms. This type of fat is solid at room temperature. Saturated fat is found in full-fat dairy products (like butter, cheese, cream, regular ice cream, and whole milk), coconut oil, lard, palm oil, ready-to-eat meats, and the skin and fat of chicken and turkey, among other foods. Saturated fats have the same number of calories as other types of fat, and may contribute to weight gain if eaten in excess. Eating a diet high in saturated fat also raises blood cholesterol and risk of heart disease.

Sensory receptors (receptory sensoryczne, czuciowe) Specialized cells that detect environmental changes and send signals to the nervous system.

Serving size (porcja, rozmiar porcji) A standard amount of a food, such as a cup or an ounce.

Small intestine (jelito cienkie) The long, coiled tube where most digestion and nutrient absorption occurs.

Solid fats (łuszcze stałe) These types of fats are usually not liquid at room temperature. Solid fats are found in most animal foods but also can be made from vegetable oils through hydrogenation. Some common solid fats in our diet include beef fat, butter, chicken fat, coconut oil, palm oil, pork fat (lard), shortening, and stick margarine. Foods high in solid fats include full-fat (regular) cheese, cream, ice cream, and whole milk; bacon, poultry skin, regular ground beef, sausages, and well-marbled cuts of meats; and many baked goods (such as cookies, crackers, croissants, donuts, and pastries).

Somatic nervous system (somatyczny układ nerwowy) The part of the nervous system that controls voluntary movements of muscles.

Spinal cord (rdzeń kręgowy) The bundle of nerves within the spine that transmits signals between the brain and the body.

Storage (przechowywanie) The process of keeping or maintaining something in a specific place until it’s needed, such as food, medications, or other materials.

Stroke (udar) A stroke occurs when blood flow to your brain stops. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. There are two kinds of stroke. The more common kind, called ischemic stroke, is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel in the brain. The other kind, called haemorrhagic stroke, is caused by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain. “Mini-strokes,” or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), occur when the blood supply to the brain is stopped for a short time.

Sugar-sweetened beverages (napoje słodzone cukrem) Drinks that are sweetened with added sugars which often add a large number of calories. These beverages include, but are not limited to, energy and sports drinks, fruit drinks, soda, and fruit juices.

Swallow (połykać) To move food or liquid from the mouth into the esophagus.

Sympathetic nervous system (współczulny układ nerwowy) The part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the “fight or flight” response.

Synapses (synapsy) The junctions between two nerve cells (neurons) where electrical or chemical signals are transmitted, allowing communication between neurons or between a neuron and another cell, like a muscle or gland.

Tendon (ścięgno) A tough, fibrous connective tissue that connects muscle to bone, enabling movement when muscles contract.

Testes (jądra) The male reproductive organs that produce sperm and testosterone.

Throw up (verb) (wymiotować) A colloquial term for vomiting, which is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. It can be caused by illness, food poisoning, or motion sickness.

Tissue (tkanka) A group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function in the body.

Trachea (tchawica) The windpipe, a tube that carries air from the larynx to the bronchi.

Trans fatty acids (kwasy tłuszczowe trans) A type of fat produced when liquid fats (oils) are turned into solid fats through a chemical process called hydrogenation. Eating a large amount of trans fatty acid, or “trans fats,” also raises blood cholesterol and risk of heart disease.

Triglycerides (Try-GLIH-ser-ides) ( trójglicerydy) A type of fat in your blood, triglycerides can contribute to the hardening and narrowing of your arteries if levels are too high. This puts you at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Triglycerides are measured along with cholesterol as part of a blood test. Normal triglyceride levels are below 150 mg/dL. Levels above 200 mg/dL are high.

Type 1 diabetes (dye-ah-BEET-eez) (cukrzyca typu 1)Type 1 diabetes is thought to be an autoimmune disorder that attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. (An autoimmune disorder occurs when the body’s immune system, which usually helps the body fight diseases, turns against its own tissue.) Type 1 diabetes was known as “insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus,” or “juvenile diabetes.” Without insulin, the body is not able to use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. To treat the disease, a person must inject insulin, exercise daily, and test blood sugar several times a day.

Type 2 diabetes (dye-ah-BEET-eez) (cukrzyca typu 2) People with type 2 diabetes produce insulin, but either do not make enough insulin or their bodies do not efficiently use the insulin they make. People with type 2 diabetes may be able to control their condition by losing weight through diet and exercise. They may also need to inject insulin or take medicine along with continuing to follow a healthy eating pattern and being physically active on a regular basis. Type 2 diabetes was known as “noninsulin-dependent diabetes” or “adult-onset diabetes” and is the most common form of diabetes. Children and adolescents who are overweight may also be at risk.

Unsaturated fat (un-SATCH-er-ay-ted) (tłuszcz nienasycony) A type of dietary fat characterized by the presence of one or more double bonds in its fatty acid chains. Unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature. Vegetable oils are a major source of unsaturated fat in the diet. Unsaturated fats include polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. Foods such as avocados, fatty fish like salmon and tuna, most nuts, and olives are good sources of unsaturated fat.

Ureters (moczowody) Tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Urethra (cewka moczowa) The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

Urine (mocz) The liquid waste produced by the kidneys and excreted from the body.

Uterus (macica) The organ where a fertilized egg implants and develops into a fetus.

Veins (żyły) Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Ventricle (komora) The lower chamber of the heart that pumps blood out to the body or lungs.

Very low-calorie diet (VLCD) (dieta bardzo niskokaloryczna, dieta o bardzo niskiej energetyczności) A VLCD is a diet supervised by a health care professional that typically uses commercially prepared formulas to promote rapid weight loss in some patients who are considered to be obese. People on a VLCD consume about 800 calories a day or less.

Voluntary (świadomy, intencjonalny) Controlled by the will. Voluntary actions are actions peformed under conscious control, like moving a limb.

Waist circumference (obwód talii) Excess fat around the waist and a larger waist size increase the risk of health problems linked to obesity. Women with a waist size of more than 35 inches or men with a waist size of more than 40 inches have a higher risk of developing health problems linked to obesity, such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Weight control (kontrola masy ciała) This refers to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight with healthy eating and physical activity

Weight-cycling (efekt jo-jo) This refers to losing and gaining weight over and over again.

White blood cells (białe krwinki) Cells in the blood that defend the body against infections and foreign invaders, playing a key role in the immune system.

Whole grains (pełne ziarna) Grains and grain products made from the entire grain seed, usually called the kernel, which consists of the bran, endosperm, and/or germ. If the kernel has been cracked, crushed, or flaked, it must retain nearly the same relative proportions of bran, endosperm, and germ as the original grain in order to be called whole grain. Many, but not all, whole grains are also a source of dietary fibre.

Whole wheat grains (pełnoziarniste zboża) Grains and grain products made from the entire wheat kernel.