Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology

The large intestine, also known as the large bowel, is the last part of the GIT and the digestive system, consisting of the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal (Washabau…

A leaky brain is defined as a dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier permeability in which tight junctions become loose or broken, allowing harmful substances to "leak in" into the brain,…

Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is an adverse digestive condition in which the gut barrier becomes more permeable, allowing the entry of luminal content (microbes, toxins, antigens,…

The acquisition of novel information, behaviors, or abilities after practice, observation, or other experiences, as evidenced by a change in behavior, knowledge, or brain function. Learning involves consciously or unconsciously…

Leptin, also known as the "satiety hormone", " is a circulating hormone secreted primarily by adipocytes (i.e., fat cells) to signal nutritional status in direct proportion to fat stores; as…

Ligands are small signaling molecules that are highly specific and only bind to their respective receptors to initiate particular responses. Ligands could be small proteins, hormones, neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, or even…

The limbic system is composed of four main brain structures: the hypothalamus, the amygdala, the thalamus, and the hippocampus. It helps regulate behavioral and emotional responses, especially survival-related responses, such…

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS), also called endotoxins, are large molecules composed of lipids (fat) and polysaccharides (sugar) found on the outer walls of gram-negative bacteria. They are potentially toxic and have been…

Action where gut peptides influence nearby target cells' function by binding on their receptors. For instance, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) nourish intestinal cells and strengthen intestinal barrier integrity.

Loneliness is a subjective emotional state characterized by feelings of isolation or disconnection, regardless of one's level of social interaction. It arises from a perceived gap between desired and actual…