Glossary: Nutrition Essentials for Mental Health

Neurotoxins

Toxic substances that damage or disrupt the function of the nervous system, preventing nerves from functioning normally by interfering with their electrical activities. They are found in most packaged foods and include ingredients like dough conditioners; seasonings; yeast extract; carrageenan; maltodextrin; hydrolyzed vegetable protein; sodium fluoride; sodium caseinate; calcium caseinate; chicken, pork, or beef flavoring; disodium anything; smoke flavoring and anything called autolyzed; whey protein concentrate; natural flavors or spices; and additives such as glutamate and aspartate. They may also come from environmental pollutants, certain medications, heavy metals, and natural toxins from plants or animals. Exposure to neurotoxins can lead to a range of neurological issues, including cognitive deficits, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, motor dysfunction, and sensory impairments, and in severe cases, can cause neurodegenerative diseases or permanent neurological damage.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses from one neuron to another, playing a role in communication within the nervous system, influencing mood, cognition, and muscle movement. Examples of neurotransmitters include serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), each of which is involved in different aspects of neural function and health.

Nightshades

A group of plants belonging to the Solanaceae family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers. These plants contain compounds called alkaloids, such as solanine and capsaicin, which can be toxic in high amounts but are generally safe in typical dietary quantities. Some individuals, particularly those with autoimmune conditions or inflammatory issues, may experience adverse reactions to nightshades, leading to symptoms like joint pain, digestive problems, skin inflammation, with symptoms improving by avoiding or restricting these foods in the diet.

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

A condition characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms that occur after the consumption of gluten, in the absence of celiac disease or wheat allergy. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, and joint pain. Unlike celiac disease, NCGS does not cause the same autoimmune damage to the small intestine, and the diagnosis is typically made through the exclusion of other conditions and observing symptom improvement on a gluten-free diet.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter and hormone (also known as noradrenaline) that plays a key role in the body’s response to stress. As a neurotransmitter, it helps transmit signals in the brain related to attention, focus, and alertness, and it is involved in the "fight or flight" response by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to muscles. As a hormone, norepinephrine is released by the adrenal glands into the bloodstream, influencing physiological responses and mood regulation. Its dysregulation is associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disorders.