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).