Health literacy refers to the ability of individuals to obtain, understand, and apply health information to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. It encompasses skills such as reading, writing, numeracy, and critical thinking in the context of health-related information and services.

Health psychology is a field that examines how biological, psychological, and social factors collectively influence health and illness. Originating from the bio-psycho-social model, health psychology aims to develop and apply theories that understand and address health behaviors, improve health outcomes, and enhance the management of chronic conditions by integrating scientific insights into practice.

These are eating patterns characterized by mindful food choices that support physical health, emotional well-being, and cognitive function. They involve eating in response to physiological hunger and satiety cues, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in positive relationships with food, free from guilt or emotional distress.

Relating to or considered in terms of pleasant (or unpleasant) sensations.

Hedonic hunger refers to a strong desire or preoccupation with consuming food for the enjoyment and pleasure it brings rather than responding to actual physical hunger cues. It involves craving food based on the pleasurable eating experience rather than fulfilling a genuine nutritional need.

Hedonic “override” describes situations where the motivation to eat persists despite satiety signals, driven by the brain’s reward systems rather than physiological energy needs. This occurs when highly palatable food cues activate dopaminergic pathways (e.g., the mesolimbic system), increasing the motivational salience of food and overriding internal cues of fullness. It reflects the influence of non-homeostatic, reward-driven processes on eating behavior, particularly in environments rich in calorie-dense foods.

The pursuit of pleasure and reward in eating, often linked to the brain’s reward centers (such as the nucleus accumbens) and neurotransmitters like dopamine. This system governs the desire for pleasurable foods, even in the absence of hunger.

Helper T-cells are a subset of T-cells that assist in coordinating and regulating immune responses. They release signaling molecules to facilitate the activation of other immune cells, including B-cells and cytotoxic T-cells.

Herbal nootropics refer to natural substances derived from plants that are believed to enhance cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health. Unlike synthetic nootropics, these compounds are sourced from traditional medicine systems and are valued for their potential cognitive benefits.

Hidden hunger refers to a form of malnutrition where individuals suffer from deficiencies in essential micronutrients—such as iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamin A—despite consuming adequate energy intake. This often occurs when the diet is energy-dense but lacks essential nutrients, leading to long-term health complications.