A bidirectional communication network linking the gut microbiota, gastrointestinal system, and central nervous system through neural, endocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways. This axis influences mood, cognition, behavior, and appetite regulation.

Microglia are specialized immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that function as the primary resident macrophages. They play a crucial role in immune defense in the brain and maintain tissue homeostasis.

Micronutrients are essential nutrients that the body needs in smaller quantities than macronutrients (i.e., carbohydrates, proteins, and fats). These include vitamins and minerals crucial for various physiological functions, including metabolism, growth, and overall health.

Mindful eating is an approach to food consumption that involves paying full attention to the sensory experience of eating and being present in the moment without judgment. It emphasizes awareness of hunger and satiety cues, the taste and texture of food, and the overall eating experience.

Mindless eating refers to consuming food without conscious awareness or intentional attention to the act of eating. It often involves eating distractedly or automatically, where individuals may not fully register the quantity or quality of food they consume.

A minor neurocognitive disorder is defined by a modest decline in cognitive deficits that is not severe enough to interfere with a person’s independence or ability to perform daily tasks (Blazer, 2013).

Mitochondria are organelles within cells responsible for energy production through the process of cellular respiration. Often referred to as the ‘powerhouses’ of the cell, they play a crucial role in various cellular functions beyond energy production.

Mood can be defined as a temporary state of mind or feeling. It is also defined as a conscious state of mind or predominant emotion. In Nutritional Psychology, mood refers to a sub-clinical or non-clinical experience relating to affect, happiness, sadness, vigor, etc.

A branch of the immune system dedicated to defending the body’s mucosal surfaces, such as those in the gut, respiratory tract, and reproductive tract, against pathogens while maintaining tolerance to harmless antigens like food particles and commensal microbes. It relies on barriers, specialized immune cells, and antibodies.

Myelin is a protective, fatty substance that wraps around and insulates nerve fibers, also known as axons, in the nervous system. This insulation, resembling a sheath or coating, plays a crucial role in speeding up the transmission of electrical signals between nerve cells, ensuring efficient and rapid communication within the nervous system