One of the three behavioral systems proposed by Gray’s Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory.  It determines how sensitive a person is to rewards, differentiating between people who are very keen to act, often without considering all the consequences, in order to try to obtain a desired reward, and those who are not prone to rash actions.

One of the three behavioral systems proposed by Gray’s Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory. Individuals with pronounced BIS are prone to experiencing anxiety. They will tend to intensely worry and ruminate (extensively think) about the topics of their worry. They tend to be constantly on the lookout for possible signs of danger.

Behavioral mechanisms refer to the processes and actions that govern an individual’s behavior. These mechanisms encompass how people respond to stimuli in their environment, make decisions, and engage in various activities.

Behaviorism is a school of thought in psychology defined by the belief that behavior of organisms can be described in terms of stimuli and reactions to them (without considering cognition or internal psychological experiences). This was later expanded to include the characteristics of the organism into S-O-R (stimulus-organism-reaction).The most prominent behaviorist theories of this period include the concept of classical conditioning developed by Ivan Pavlov and John Watson, the concept of operant conditioning developed by B.F. Skinner, and the Drive Reduction Theory of Clark Hull and others (Radonjić, 1992).

An enzyme produced by certain gut microbes that deconjugates glucuronidated compounds, including estrogen, allowing them to be reabsorbed into circulation. gmGUS activity plays a key role in regulating estrogen levels and can influence estrogen-related diseases.

A relationship that goes both ways, with each variable of interest affecting the other.

Binge eating refers to the consumption of an objectively large amount of food in a discrete period of time (e.g., within two hours), accompanied by a subjective sense of loss of control over eating during the episode. It is often associated with psychological distress, feelings of guilt or shame, and may occur in both clinical and non-clinical populations. Binge eating can occur independently or as a core feature of disorders such as Binge Eating Disorder or Bulimia Nervosa.

Biological classification groups living organisms based on their shared characteristics, reproduction, mobility, appearance, and functionality. Simply put, it is like a system of filling cards in the library. Each card represents a species and is filled in the order in a folder with other species with the same similarities or characteristics (Khawaldeh et al., 2017).

The blood-brain barrier is a protective layer of cells and blood vessels surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It acts like a filter that prevents harmful substances, such as toxins and germs, from entering the brain and damaging its delicate tissues. The BBB allows only certain substances, like oxygen, glucose, and some medications, to pass through and enter the brain. This helps to maintain a stable and healthy environment for the brain to function correctly.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein involved in the growth, maturation, and survival of nerve cells in the brain. It plays a vital role in learning and memory and is critical for cell-to-cell neuronal communication within synapses (Castrén & Monteggia, 2021). In the context of the diet-mental health relationship (DMHR), a healthy and nutritious diet elevates the level of BDNF, resulting in improved metabolic and cognitive health.