Neurotrophins are proteins that belong to a class of growth factors that promote neuronal cell growth, differentiation, function, and survival (Bartkowska et al., 2010). The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an example of a neurotrophin.

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that forms a significant part of the body’s defense against infections. They are quick responders to sites of infection and are particularly effective against bacteria.

The NIM-DMHR framework elucidates the complex interplay between neuroimmunological mechanisms and the Diet-Mental Health Relationship (DMHR), revealing the brain and immune system pathways that underscore the link between dietary choices and mental health. This connection impacts cognitive function, emotional states, and overall mental well-being.

Noise pollution is the presence of unwanted or disturbing sounds that can have adverse effects on human health and well-being. It often stems from various sources, such as traffic, industrial activities, and urban development.

Non-digestible carbohydrates (NDCs), or dietary fiber, are long chains of sugar molecules too large to be broken down and absorbed in the small intestine (Kohlmeier, 2003). Instead, they go to the colon, where colonic bacteria break them down, producing several metabolites (Lunn & Buttriss, 2007).

Non-essential amino acids are a group of amino acids that the human body can synthesize internally, so they do not need to be obtained through diet. The body can produce these amino acids as needed for various biological functions.

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 implicated in various physiological processes, including blood pressure regulation.

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 motivation, reinforcement, and pleasure, by releasing dopamine in response to rewarding stimuli such as food, social interaction, or drugs. As a key structure of the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, the NAc is often called the “pleasure center” of the brain.

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 environment has a “choice architecture” that shapes human behavior. This architecture encompasses all external forces that may subtly influence one’s decision in one direction or another. The basic element of this choice architecture is called a nudge.

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 basic psychological needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy represent psychological nutriments.