Neuropsychology is a branch of psychology that examines the relationship between the brain and behavior, specifically how brain function influences cognition, emotions, and decision-making. It combines principles from neuroscience and psychology to understand how injuries, diseases, dysfunction, and brain processes impact mental processes such as memory, attention, perception, language, and problem-solving. In the context of nutrition and eating behavior, neuropsychology explores how brain structures and neural processes influence food choices, cravings, emotional eating, and cognitive control over eating behaviors. It is often applied in areas such as food addiction, obesity, eating disorders, and the gut-brain connection.

Neuroscience is a multidisciplinary field that explores the structure and function of the nervous system, which encompasses the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. It investigates how the nervous system influences behavior, cognition, and mental health.

Neurotransmitters are a specific class of signaling molecules released by neurons to communicate with other neurons or target cells. They are typically small molecules, such as amino acids or amines, and are synthesized and stored in synaptic vesicles within nerve terminals. When a nerve impulse reaches the terminal, neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, binding to receptors on the target cell, triggering a response. (Sheng et al., 2021),.

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.