Nutrition And Behavior

After the appearance of the four-book series Human Nutrition: A Compre hensive Treatise, it became apparent to the editors that an important area of nutrition had been overlooked, namely, behavioral aspects of nutrition. There are two areas in which nutrition and behavior interact. On the one hand, mal nutrition may play a major role in determining behavior; alternatively, often aspects of behavior influence the eating habits of populations and individuals and thus affect their nutritional status. Volume 5 of this series speaks eloquently to both features of this important topic. Various aspects of the influence of behavior modification and nutrition have been explored by a number of qualified investigators. It is hoped that this volume will prove a valuable addition to the subjects covered in the other volumes. Roslyn B. Alfin-Slater David Kritchevsky Los Angeles and Philadelphia ix Contents Introduction: The Challenge of Nutrition and Environment as Determinants of Behavioral Development .................... . Janina R. Galler References ............................................. 5 Part I • Nutritional Deficiencies or Excesses Modifying Behavioral Outcome Chapter 1 Methological Requirements for Conceptually Valid Research Studies on the Behavioral Effects of Malnutrition David E. Barrett 1. Introduction ......................................... 9 2. Statistical-Conclusion Validity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . 3. Internal Validity ...................................... 14 4. External Validity ..................................... 16 5. Construct Validity of Putative Causes and Effects . . . . . . . . .. . . . 19 6. Conclusions and Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 28 . . . .

This book disseminates current information pertaining to the modulatory effects of foods and other food substances on behavior and neurological pathways and, importantly, vice versa. This ranges from the neuroendocrine control of eating to the effects of life-threatening disease on eating behavior. The importance of this contribution to the scientific literature lies in the fact that food and eating are an essential component of cultural heritage but the effects of perturbations in the food/cognitive axis can be profound. The complex interrelationship between neuropsychological processing, diet, and behavioral outcome is explored within the context of the most contemporary psychobiological research in the area. This comprehensive psychobiology- and pathology-themed text examines the broad spectrum of diet, behavioral, and neuropsychological interactions from normative function to occurrences of severe and enduring psychopathological processes.

Within the past decade there has been a veritable explosion of interest in the relationship between food and human behavior. It seems that there is an insatiable desire to find connections between what we eat and what we do. A clear example of this is the proliferation of books, magazine and newspaper articles, and television and radio programs devoted to the topic. More important, however, is the increased attention the scientific community is giving to the study of nutrition and behavior as evidenced by the growth of research, the development of undergraduate and graduate programs, and the number of scientific conferences addressing the prob lems in this area. The burgeoning scientific interest in this field makes it a very appropriate time for this book. The principal goal of Nutrition and Behavior: New Perspectives is to provide a comprehensive examination of the scientific evidence dealing with relationships between nutritional variables and behavior. Although findings in research using experimental animals will be introduced, the primary emphasis will be on investigating the nutrition-behavior relation ship in our own species. The first chapter provides a historical introduction to the area and examines the techniques used in the scientific assessment of nutrition and behavior. This material gives the reader the necessary background to place recent research on nutrition and behavior within a wider perspective and to evaluate its reliability and validity.

Eating habits are influenced by social, cultural, religious, economic, environmental and individual factors. On the whole, people eat to stay alive and get their nutrition, but they also eat to show belonging to family or other social groups. Eating habits are linked to acceptable patterns of behaviour, which differs across countries, cultures and ethnic or religious groups. The food you eat affects your health and also puts you at risk for certain diseases. To eat healthier food, people may need to change some habits and also their environment. But in the Western world, habits are hard to change and in many countries, there is a reputation for reckless eating. People fill their cups with fatty, sugary, high-calorie foods instead of more nutritious fruits and vegetables that the experts tell us to eat. The result is an increase in obesity, heart disease and higher mortality. Our eating habits also change over time and across generations. What we liked as kids are not the same we like as adults, and what we eat is not what the generation before us ate. In this book, you will find examples of the younger generation, who are snacking not always healthy food. Chocolate bars and biscuits between or instead of regular meals can lead to obesity and health problems. As a person grows up and becomes more aware of the health hazards, they also become more concerned with nutrition and health issues, especially if they experience health problems that eventually will make them change their eating habits. Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition rules, but finding a way to get the right nutrition in your food and meals, stay away from unhealthy habits and keep yourself as healthy as possible.

Do your patients resist behavior change? Do you need tips and tools to help empower your patients on the road to better health? This guide will help you move your patients toward change. Topics include the transtheoretical model and stages of change; the chronic care model; motivational interviewing; goal setting; and building long-term support for patients.

Scientific and commercial interest in the field of nutritional neuroscience has grown immensely over the last decade. Today, a broad range of dietary supplements, foods for weight loss, functional foods, nutraceuticals, and medical foods are widely available. Many of these products are marketed for their effects on behavior or brain function, which relates directly to nutritional neuroscience and raises issues regarding their safety and efficacy. The only comprehensive reference on this subject, Nutritional Neuroscience discusses the relationship of nutrition to behavior and neuroscience. Following a review of fundamental issues and methods, the book covers the effects of macronutrients and micronutrients on brain function and behavior. Chapters are devoted to the effects of a wide range of foods, specific nutrients, food constituents, and food additives on cognitive behavior and development. The final section examines foods and supplements that modulate brain function. With a broad range of information presented in a simple and straightforward manner, this book provides an ideal introduction to nutritional neuroscience. The depth of information and comprehensive coverage also make this an essential reference for specialists involved in nutrition, neuroscience, pharmacology, psychology, and related disciplines.

The majority of cancer-related deaths are associated with nutritional problems. Originally published in 1985, the purpose of this book was to meet the needs of both the clinician and the researcher by bringing together data and theory about nutrition and cancer from several disciplines, as considered from a biobehavioral perspective.

How much do we know about what makes people thrive and societies flourish? While a vast body of research has been dedicated to understanding problems and disorders, we know remarkably little about the positive aspects of life, the things that make life worth living. This landmark volume heralds the emergence of a new field of science that endeavours to understand how individuals and societies thrive and flourish, and how this new knowledge can be applied to foster happiness, health and fulfillment, and institutions that encourage the development of these qualities. Taking a dynamic, cross-disciplinary approach, it sets out to explore the most promising routes to well-being, derived from the latest research in psychology, neuroscience, social science, economics and the effects of our natural environment. Designed for a general readership, this volume is of compelling interest to all those in the social, behavioural and biomedical sciences, the caring professions and policy makers. It provides a stimulating overview for any reader with a serious interest in the latest insights and strategies for enhancing our individual well-being, or the well-being of the communities in which we live and work.