How gut health impacts motivation

YES.. here we are back to gut health again! I know I am always beating the drum with this gut health topic, and that's because gut health literally impacts EVERY area of our health.

Motivation is funny, some days we feel like we can take on the world, but other days we just want to sit on the couch and binge watch our favorite Netflix series.

But did you know that your GUT HEALTH can impact the neurotransmitters that help promote those feelings of motivation?  Fascinating right? 

When you have low microbiome diversity or gut dysbiosis, our gut doesn't make neurotransmitters in the same way that someone with a healthy gut does. Our gut microbes manufacture the same neurotransmitters found in our brains!

Your brain is a complex control center that manages your emotions, thoughts, and actions. It communicates using these tiny messengers called neurotransmitters. These messengers help transmit signals between different parts of your brain, influencing how you feel and what you do.

Now, when there's a problem with these neurotransmitters, it can affect your motivation. It's like trying to talk on the phone with someone who has bad cell reception. They fade in and out and you get super frustrated!

Here's how neurotransmitter dysfunction can contribute to a lack of motivation:

1. Dopamine: This neurotransmitter is like a reward signal. When you accomplish something or experience pleasure, your brain releases dopamine, making you feel good and motivated to repeat that behavior. If your brain doesn't release enough dopamine or if the receptors that receive it are not working well, you might not feel motivated to do things.

2. Serotonin: This neurotransmitter helps regulate mood and emotions. When serotonin levels are off, you can feel down or even anxious, which can zap your motivation. It's like having a cloudy day in your brain, making it hard to see the bright side of things and get motivated. 90% of our serotonin is made in our gut!

3. Norepinephrine: This one helps with alertness and focus. When it's not functioning properly, you might feel fatigued, unfocused, and lacking in energy. This can definitely hinder your motivation, making it harder to start and finish tasks.

4. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): GABA helps calm your brain down. If there's too much GABA activity, it can lead to feelings of lethargy and a lack of motivation. It's like having a heavy blanket over your brain, making it difficult to get up and do things. Also manufactured in the gut!

5. Glutamate: This neurotransmitter is essential for learning and memory. If there's an imbalance, it can affect your ability to focus and stay motivated. It's like having a fuzzy connection in your brain, making it hard to retain information and stay driven.

Basically,  when these neurotransmitters are not working as they should, it's like having a team of workers in your brain who are either not doing their job properly or not communicating effectively. This can lead to a lack of motivation because your brain isn't receiving the right signals or rewards to push you to take action.

Do you struggle with low motivation?? Maybe it's time to pay attention to your gut!