Attachment styles characterized by either high anxiety, high avoidance, or both.  They typically arise from caregivers being inconsistently responsive, distant, or both, which can impair emotional regulation and development. These styles include avoidant (dismissive) attachment style, anxious (preoccupied) attachment style, and fearful-avoidant attachment style.

A brain structure considered to be the hub of Interoception that lies within the cerebral cortex of the brain.

Insulin is a peptide hormone secreted by the β-cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas to maintain normal glucose levels and to regulate many metabolic processes that provide energy to cells (Wilcox, 2005).

Interoception consists of the receiving, processing, and integrating body-relevant signals with external stimuli to affect ongoing motivated behavior (Paulus & Steward, 2014). More simply put, interoception is our perception of our body’s internal state.

The ability to identify, access, understand, and respond appropriately to one’s internal physiological signals.

Intestinal permeability is a functional feature of the intestinal barrier that allows for the exchange of solutes and fluids between the intestinal lumen and mucosa (Lee, 2015). Various factors, including dietary components, physiologic stressors, or strenuous exercise, cause alterations in intestinal permeability. This may result in the loss of intestinal wall integrity, allowing electrolytes, water, and pathogenic bacteria to enter systemic circulation, triggering inflammation and various diseases (Hollander & Kaunitz, 2019; Stewart et al., 2017).

Introjection is a psychological process through which an individual adopts the ideas, attitudes, or behaviors of others as their own. This can happen because the person wishes to avoid guilt or maintain self-approval.

Eating in response to internal cues with flexibility and trust i.e., eating driven by hunger and fullness sensations coming from the body.

Ketosis is a metabolic state in which the body burns stored fat for energy due to a carbohydrate shortage, producing molecules called ketones.

The large intestine, also known as the large bowel, is the last part of the GIT and the digestive system, consisting of the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal (Washabau & Day, 2013). Unlike the small intestine, it is shorter but has a significantly larger lumen.