GLOSSARY

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of inflammatory intestinal diseases, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, distinct from irritable bowel syndrome.

Gastrointestinal symptoms can arise from functional disorders, inflammation, malabsorption, medication, infection and other causes. Irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease are different diagnoses and should not be treated as interchangeable labels. Food changes can help selected symptoms, but persistent bleeding, unexplained weight loss, severe pain or other concerning features require assessment. In athletes, consider meal timing and exercise triggers without assuming that all recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms are simply a normal consequence of training.

Fiber amount, type and food source influence stool characteristics, fermentation and tolerance differently. A high-fiber pattern can support general dietary quality but may require adjustment near exercise or in a specific gastrointestinal condition. Low fiber and low residue are related concepts with varying clinical definitions. Restrictions should have a purpose and review point, with adequate replacements. A short symptom-management strategy should not become a permanent exclusion of nutritious foods without reassessment.

An adequate diet provides sufficient energy and essential nutrients while fitting health needs. A high score for variety or a healthy food label cannot independently demonstrate adequacy. Review what is actually eaten, including foods excluded and suitable replacements. Athletes can consume many vegetables yet still lack enough energy or carbohydrate for training. Assess the overall pattern, distribution and relevant nutrient risks rather than assuming that a single food or supplement makes the entire diet balanced.

For example, recurrent discomfort during exercise may respond to a different meal size or food form, but bleeding or unexplained weight loss warrants medical evaluation. Keep the symptom history and diagnosis clear. A strategy for a functional symptom should not be assumed to treat inflammatory disease or a malabsorption disorder.

Clinical nutrition translates assessment into an individualized intervention and evaluates the response. A disease name alone cannot define the prescription: disease stage, medication, symptoms, laboratory findings, intake and functional goals matter. Screening identifies possible risk, whereas a full assessment supports a nutrition diagnosis and care plan. A sports context adds training demands but does not remove clinical requirements. Coordinate care when medical and performance objectives interact instead of applying a standard athlete menu to every patient.

Malnutrition can occur across body sizes, including in a person with obesity. Assessment considers reduced intake or assimilation, disease-related inflammation, weight trajectory and relevant body-composition or functional findings. Undernutrition, overnutrition and individual micronutrient deficiencies describe overlapping but distinct problems. A stable or high body weight cannot exclude inadequate nutrient supply or muscle loss. In an athlete, declining intake, recurrent illness or unintentional weight loss deserves assessment rather than automatic praise for becoming lighter.

Nutrition follow-up compares intended goals with actual intake, symptoms, function, relevant measurements and the person's experience. Specify the time frame and what would justify adjustment, continuation or referral. A treatment response can be beneficial, absent or adverse, and adherence alone does not prove effectiveness. Retain enough documentation to understand what changed. For an athlete, consider health and training quality alongside body mass or laboratory results so that apparent progress in one measure does not hide deterioration elsewhere.