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Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology

Limbic System

Evidence-informed definition Updated March 10, 2026 How to cite this entry

The limbic system is composed of four main brain structures: the hypothalamus, the amygdala, the thalamus, and the hippocampus. It helps regulate behavioral and emotional responses, especially survival-related responses, such as eating behavior. The limbic system and the prefrontal cortex have a reciprocal relationship. The automatic and primitive reactions mediated by the limbic system depend highly on the emotion, reasoning, and decision-making functions mediated by the prefrontal cortex and vice versa.

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Written by The Center for Nutritional Psychology
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The Center for Nutritional Psychology. (2026). Limbic System. In Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology. The Center for Nutritional Psychology.

https://www.nutritional-psychology.org/encyclopedia/limbic-system/
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