Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine, or noradrenaline, is a neurotransmitter that functions in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response. It modulates attention, alertness, and arousal and is…
Explore clear, research-informed definitions of key concepts connecting nutrition, mental health, behavior, and psychological well-being.
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Nutritional psychology examines how dietary patterns, nutrients, food-related behaviors, and psychological factors interact with mental health and well-being. Launched by the Center for Nutritional Psychology in 2024, the Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology defines the terms, mechanisms, processes, and research areas shaping this growing field.
Created for students, educators, researchers, healthcare professionals, and curious readers, the ENP includes hundreds of clear, research-informed entries. Content is written and regularly updated by contributors across relevant scientific disciplines, with new entries and major revisions reviewed by the CNP Encyclopedia Editorial Board before publication.
The encyclopedia helps readers understand terminology and foundational concepts. For deeper exploration of the studies behind those concepts, visit the Nutritional Psychology Research Library .
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Norepinephrine, or noradrenaline, is a neurotransmitter that functions in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response. It modulates attention, alertness, and arousal and is…
The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is the main component of the ventral striatum, a brain region involved in processing motivation, reward, and emotions. It plays a central role in reward-related behaviors—including…
A theory of behavior change was proposed in 2009 by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein. It applies the principles of behavioral economics to influence human behavior and proposes that every…
A term from the self-determination theory, nutriments are conditions or materials humans need to function. Biological nutriments are food and drinks that nourish the body, while psychological conditions that fulfill…
The field of science encompasses how diet and nutrients affect the human body. While the field of nutrition examines how diet and nutrients impact the health of the human body,…
The consistent access, availability, and affordability of foods and beverages that promote well-being and prevent and, if needed, treat disease. Craig, H. C., Sharib, J. R., Ridberg, R., Caldwell, J.,…
Barry Popkin’s "Nutrition Transition" concept refers to the large-scale shifts in populations’ diet and physical activity patterns that occur alongside economic and social change—especially the movement away from traditional diets…
Nutritional Neurobiology explores the biological mechanisms connecting nutrition and the nervous system, examining how certain nutrients impact neural processes, neurotransmitter activity, and overall brain health.
Nutritional neuroimmunology is an interdisciplinary research field that aims to comprehend the effects of nutrition on the intricate interactions between the nervous system (neurology) and the immune system (immunology), exploring…
Nutritional neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field that examines the interaction between nutrition and brain function. It explores how dietary choices impact cognitive function, mood, and mental health.
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