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Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology

Table of Contents

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

Innate immune system

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.

Insecure Attachment Styles

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.

Insula

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

Insulin

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

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.

Interoceptive Awareness (IA)

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

Intestinal Permeability

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

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.

Editorial Board

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

Psychology: Vladimir Hedrih
University of Niš, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology
Nutrition and Dietetics: Eileen Santana
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Nutritional Immunology: Emilia Vassiloupolou
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