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

Macronutrients

Macronutrients are nutrients required in large amounts by the body for energy and proper functioning. They include carbohydrates (energy), proteins (growth and repair), and fats (energy storage and insulation).

Macrophages

Macrophages are large white blood cells that engulf and digest cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, and other harmful invaders. They play a key role in immune responses by presenting antigens to other immune cells.

Major neurocognitive disorder

Major neurocognitive disorder, formerly known as dementia, is defined by significant progressive deficits in cognitive functioning that impair a person’s independence and ability to perform daily tasks (Sousa et al., 2020).

Maladaptive Eating Behaviors-

Maladaptive eating behaviors refer to patterns of eating that are harmful to physical or mental health. These behaviors often develop as coping mechanisms for dealing with emotional distress or other psychological issues. Examples include emotional eating, binge eating, restrictive eating, and other unhealthy eating patterns that can lead to negative consequences such as weight gain, nutritional deficiencies, and mental health problems.

Maladaptive Stress Response

The maladaptive stress response is a physiological and psychological reaction to stress that is considered detrimental to the individual’s well-being. It hinders effective coping, potentially leading to negative outcomes such as chronic health issues or mental health disorders.

Mechanism

In the context of DMHR, a mechanism refers to the detailed series of events or processes at the molecular, cellular, or physiological level that underlie a specific biological function or response. These mechanisms can involve complex biochemical pathways, molecular interactions, and cellular processes that collectively contribute to the overall functioning of living organisms.

Memory

In general, memory refers to the retention of information. Multiple memory models have been developed within different disciplines. For the purposes of Nutritional Psychology, episodic memory will be the definition of choice. Episodic memory is a category of long-term memory that involves the recollection of specific events, situations, and experiences.

Memory B-Cells

Memory B-cells are B-cells that “remember” previous encounters with specific pathogens. In subsequent exposures, memory B-cells facilitate a faster and more robust immune response, contributing to immunological memory.

Memory Consolidation

Memory consolidation is the process by which newly acquired information is stabilized and strengthened in the brain, making it more resistant to interference or forgetting over time. It involves the transformation of initially fragile and labile memories into more stable and enduring forms.

Memory Retrieval

Memory retrieval is the process of recalling or bringing stored information back into conscious awareness. It involves accessing previously encoded and stored memories, making them available for conscious recollection or use.

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