The innate immune system is a subdivision of the immune system. It consists of various physical and chemical barriers that serve as the first line of defense against pathogens. The innate immune system is naturally developed from birth and responds quickly to kill pathogens on the spot within a few hours. It prevents the germs from spreading in a limited range.

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.