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Cephalic Phase Responses (CRPs)
Innate and learned physiological reactions to sensory signals that prepare the gastrointestinal tract for the optimal processing of ingested foods (Smeets, 2010).
Evidence-informed learning resource
Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology
Explore clear, research-informed definitions of key concepts connecting nutrition, mental health, behavior, and psychological well-being.
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About the ENP
A trusted guide to nutritional psychology terminology
Nutritional psychology examines how dietary patterns, nutrients, food-related behaviors, and psychological factors interact with mental health and well-being. Launched by the Center for Nutritional Psychology in 2024, the Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology defines the terms, mechanisms, processes, and research areas shaping this growing field.
Created for students, educators, researchers, healthcare professionals, and curious readers, the ENP includes hundreds of clear, research-informed entries. Content is written and regularly updated by contributors across relevant scientific disciplines, with new entries and major revisions reviewed by the CNP Encyclopedia Editorial Board before publication.
The encyclopedia helps readers understand terminology and foundational concepts. For deeper exploration of the studies behind those concepts, visit the Nutritional Psychology Research Library .
Encyclopedia entries
Select a term to read its definition and supporting context.
Cerebral Cortex
Cerebral Cortex is the outermost convoluted surface layer of the brain, the primary function of which is to coordinate sensory and motor information.
Cervicovaginal microbiome
The cervicovaginal microbiome refers to the diverse population of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that reside within the cervicovaginal tract. This microbial ecosystem is essential for maintaining reproductive…
Children’s Dietary Inflammatory Index (C-DII)
The Children's Dietary Inflammatory Index (C-DII) is a pediatric adaptation of the Dietary Inflammatory Index that scores a child's habitual diet on a pro- to anti-inflammatory continuum based on the empirically established inflammatory effects of its component nutrients and foods. (CNP, 2026)
Cholecystokinin (CCK)
Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a type of gut hormone that is released after a meal, helps digestion, and reduces appetite (Gribble & Reimann, 2016). Cholecystokinin (CCK) is produced primarily by specialized…
Chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged and sustained inflammatory response that can last weeks, months, or even years. Unlike acute inflammation, chronic inflammation can be persistent and unresolved, leading to tissue…
Chronic Stress
Chronic Stress is a long-term and persistent stress that results from continuous exposure to stressors. Unlike acute stress, chronic stress can have negative effects on both physical and mental health…
Chrononutrition
Chrononutrition is a field of nutrition science that examines how the timing, frequency, and temporal distribution of food intake interact with the body's endogenous circadian rhythms to influence physiological functioning,…
Climate Change
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in weather patterns and temperatures on Earth, often attributed to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. It leads to…
Cognition
When we refer to “cognition” within Nutritional Psychology, we define the mental processes associated with attention, perception, thinking, learning, memory, and other higher-order processes. Cognition is closely connected with how…
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Academic oversight
Editorial Board
Meet the editors and subject specialists supporting the Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology.
Executive and Associate Editors
Co-Principal Editors
Ephi Morphew-Lu
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Shereen Behairy
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Associate Editors
Nabila Pervaiz
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Technical Support
Tahir Yasin
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Subject Editors
Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Child Psychology
Dr. Vishruti Patel, PsyD
Clinical Psychology
Psychology
Dr. Vladimir Hedrih, PhD
University of Niš, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology
Nutritional Immunology
Dr. Emilia Vassiloupoulou, PhD, BSc
Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece and Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
Nutrition and Dietetics
Eileen Santana RD, CDN
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
