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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.

A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P R S T U V W

Gut Microbiota Composition

Gut microbiota composition refers to the specific types and proportions of microorganisms that comprise the community in the gut. The composition can vary from person to person, and it plays…

Gut Microbiota Diversity

Gut microbiota diversity refers to the variety of different microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, present in the gastrointestinal tract. A diverse gut microbiota typically includes a wide…

Gut or intestinal lumen

The gut lumen is the hollow interior space inside the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), starting from the mouth and extending to the anus. It is the region of the GI tract…

Gut peptides

Gut peptides are small protein-like molecules released by the gut and are structurally composed of 36 amino acids. Gut peptides exert biological effects on various organs, including the brain and…

Gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT)

Gut-associated lymphoid tissues are the gut's largest mass of lymphoid tissues and immune cells (such as B and T-cells, neutrophils, mast cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells). GALT is critical in…

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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