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.

The brain’s reward system, involving regions like the nucleus accumbens (NAc), regulates pleasure, motivation, and reinforcement. It’s tied to behaviors seeking rewards and is linked to dopamine release, reinforcing pleasurable actions.

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder defined by recurrent episodes of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, laxative misuse, or excessive exercise, to prevent weight gain. This disorder is associated with a preoccupation with body shape and weight and can lead to severe physical and psychological complications, including electrolyte imbalances and gastrointestinal issues.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. It is commonly used as a biomarker to assess levels of systemic inflammation in the body, with elevated CRP levels indicating an inflammatory response.

A diet used in animal research that includes human foods high in palatability, including sugar, salt, spices, and contents (e.g., biscuits, wafers, condensed milk, sausages, and soft drinks) that have consistently been shown to increase body weight. This Cafeteria Diet is adapted from a human diet known as the “Western Diet” and mimics modern patterns of human food consumption (de Macedo, 2016). Used in research employing ‘ad libitum’ conditions.

Calorie restriction refers to the practice of reducing calorie intake while still maintaining essential nutrient intake for optimal health. This dietary approach involves consuming fewer calories than what is typically recommended for weight maintenance or daily energy expenditure.

Carbohydrates are organic compounds (i.e., carbon-based compounds) consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. They serve as a primary source of energy for living organisms. Carbohydrates can be simple sugars like glucose and fructose and complex molecules like starch and fiber in foods such as grains, fruits, and vegetables.

One of the mini-theories that are part of the Self-determination theory. It proposes that there are three main ways in which a person can motivate oneself called causality orientations. People differ in how much they apply each of these orientations. Causality orientations proposed by this mini theory are autonomous (how much one makes decisions according to one’s own interests and values), controlled (how much one makes decisions based on external demands and controls) and impersonal (how much a person feels incompetent and helpless) causality orientations.

The central nervous system (CNS) is the body’s command center, consisting of the brain and spinal cord. It receives, processes, transfers information, and regulates all bodily functions (Farley et al., 2014).

Innate and learned physiological reactions to sensory signals that prepare the gastrointestinal tract for the optimal processing of ingested foods (Smeets, 2010).