Neurotransmitter Regulation
Signal layer — synaptic communication, circuit dynamics, behavioural expression
Signal layer — synaptic communication, circuit dynamics, behavioural expression
How the gut and brain communicate via neural, hormonal, and immune pathways, and why diet influences this bidirectional signalling.
A delicious cereal-to-snack hybrid with satisfying crunch, steady energy, and a low glycemic profile. Perfect for breakfast or anytime snacking.
A polyphenol-rich breakfast bowl with high fibre, combining ginger, omega-3 nuts, blueberry polyphenols, and probiotic yogurt.
Mitochondrial energising smoothie rich in polyphenols, magnesium, and antioxidants
A warm savoury breakfast skillet with eggs, greens, and slow carbohydrates for steady morning energy.
A fibre-rich bean and vegetable chilli with warming spices and slow carbohydrates for steady energy and satiety.
Whole-wheat linguine with cockles in a silky emulsified sauce; Italian emulsification technique without cream, supporting taurine, B12, and choline intake.
A collagen-rich, glycine-heavy slow-cooked stew made from affordable turkey wings — rich in protein, tryptophan, and B vitamins.
Turmeric- and ginger-spiced lentil dish rich in fibre, folate, and polyphenols
A lightly fermented, naturally sparkling drink made from stale sourdough, raisins, and cinnamon. Gut–brain friendly, refreshing, and probiotic-leaning.
A nitrate-rich, polyphenol-dense bowl combining leafy greens, beets, berries, nuts, and early harvest olive oil
Polyphenol-rich midday salad with quinoa or lentils, vegetables, avocado, and early harvest olive oil
Direct precursor to dopamine; supports neurotransmitter synthesis
Calming amino acid from tea; increases alpha waves; sleep-friendly
Acetylcholine precursor; methyl donor; phospholipid synthesis for membranes
Soy isoflavone; ECS modulation via FAAH inhibition; anti-inflammatory/neuroprotective
Phenolic compound in olive oil; neuroprotective effects and precursor to hydroxytyrosol
Osmoregulator; GABA modulation; mitochondrial membrane stabilizer; anti-inflammatory
Mood and cognition support; sensitive to heat/light; culinary-first use
SCFA supporting neuroinflammation reduction, blood-brain barrier protection, and neurotransmitter regulation
Microbial metabolites supporting gut barrier, immune tone, and brain function
Conditionally essential amino acid; precursor for creatine and nitric oxide synthesis
Nonessential amino acid; inhibitory neurotransmitter; supports sleep, gut barrier repair, and glutathione production
Dopamine and norepinephrine precursor; LAT1 competition with LNAAs
Essential AA; precursor to tyrosine → catecholamines
Serotonin/melatonin precursor; NAD+ pathway substrate; LAT1 transport dynamics
Key brain phospholipid; carrier for DHA/EPA and acetylcholine precursor pathway
Neuronal membrane phospholipid; cognition; stress modulation
Accounts for ~10–15% of total brain fatty acids, 20–30% of neuronal phospholipids (PE, PS), and >90% of brain omega-3 PUFA; critical for membrane fluidity, synaptic vesicle fusion, neurodevelopment
Potent anti-inflammatory; precursor to E-series resolvins; modulates dopamine and serotonin signalling
(EPA, DHA) Anti-inflammatory, membrane, and neuromodulatory lipids central to BRAIN Diet
Medium-chain triglyceride (C10) providing rapid brain energy via ketone production
Medium-chain triglyceride (C6) providing rapid brain energy via ketone production
Medium-chain triglyceride (C8) providing rapid brain energy via ketone production
Medium-chain fatty acids (C8, C10) providing rapid brain energy via ketone production
Bone health; neurotransmission; interacts with vitamin D and K2
Enzymatic cofactor (>300 reactions); neurotransmitters; mitochondria; redox balance
Electrolyte for nerve transmission, muscle function, and blood pressure regulation
Electrolyte for fluid balance and nerve function
Cofactor in redox enzymes; dopamine β-hydroxylase; iron metabolism interplay
Thyroid hormone synthesis; neurodevelopment; neurotransmitter regulation
Oxygen transport; dopamine synthesis (tyrosine hydroxylase cofactor)
Cofactor in neurotransmission and antioxidant enzymes; dopamine modulation
Methylation; myelin; mitochondrial odd-chain FA metabolism
PLP cofactor for neurotransmitter synthesis; relies on brain PDXK activation
One-carbon metabolism; methylation; homocysteine recycling
Antioxidant; supports iron absorption; neuronal SVCT2 transport
Dietary strategies targeting inflammation, neurochemical balance, mitochondrial function, and gut-brain axis to support attention, focus, and executive function
Dietary interventions targeting mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurochemical balance to slow cognitive decline and support neuroprotection
Nutritional strategies targeting HPA axis regulation, stress response, neurochemical balance, and gut-brain communication to reduce anxiety and support emotional regulation
Nutritional approaches to support mood stability and cognitive function through modulation of neurotransmitter balance, mitochondrial health, and inflammatory pathways
Food-first dietary interventions targeting neurochemical balance, inflammation, gut-brain axis, and metabolic health to support mood regulation and emotional resilience