Do you ever feel like you really want to do something—work out, clean your space, finish that project—but… you just don’t?

You’re not tired. You’re not even procrastinating on purpose. You just feel meh. Like the spark is gone.

Honestly, I’ve felt like that way more times than I’d like to admit.

For a long time, I blamed it on “modern life”—stress, overwork, blue light, too much caffeine, too many tabs open in my brain. But something about it didn’t sit right. I eat well, I sleep okay, I love what I do… so why do I sometimes feel like my drive is completely missing?

💡That’s when I stumbled on something that blew my mind:
dopamine—the brain’s “motivation molecule”—is heavily influenced by what’s happening in your gut.

I was skeptical. I mean, gut bacteria and motivation? But then I started looking into the research, and it all clicked.

🧬 Here’s the science (in plain English):

• About 50% of dopamine is produced in the gut—specifically by certain types of beneficial bacteria.
• Your gut communicates with your brain via the gut-brain axis, a complex system involving nerves, hormones, and immune signals.
• If your gut microbiome is out of balance (a.k.a. dysbiosis), it can reduce your ability to produce and regulate dopamine.
• This can show up as low motivation, fatigue, lack of focus, or even mild depression.

Crazy, right?

👩🔬 What I did (and what helped me):

Once I understood the connection, I got curious. I decided to experiment. I focused on supporting both my gut and dopamine production, and it made a huge difference in just a few weeks.

• I added tyrosine-rich foods — almonds, pumpkin seeds, oats, and aged cheese.
• I started my mornings with protein and sunlight — to feed dopamine and regulate receptors.
• I did a gentle gut cleanse — to reduce inflammation and support microbial balance.
• I cut back on processed foods — especially artificial sweeteners and additives.
• I took daily probiotics and prebiotics — targeting strains that support neurotransmitter balance.
• I focused on magnesium and B-vitamins — key cofactors in dopamine production.

And the result?

• ✨ I felt focused again.
• ✨ I didn’t dread small tasks.
• ✨ I got back my “spark”—not in some magical, over-the-top way… just a steady, solid motivation I hadn’t felt in a while.

So if you’re feeling stuck, tired, unmotivated—even though your life looks “fine” from the outside—please don’t overlook your gut.

I know it sounds weird. But it changed everything for me. And I’ve now seen it help so many clients too.

📚 References:

1. Strandwitz, P. (2018) – Neurotransmitter modulation by the gut microbiota. Brain Research.
2. Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012) – Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. Nature Reviews Neuroscience.
3. Sudo, N. et al. (2004) – Postnatal microbial colonization programs the HPA system for stress response. Journal of Physiology.
4. Rao, T. S., Asha, M. R., & Ramesh, B. N. (2008) – Understanding nutrition, depression and mental illnesses. Indian Journal of Psychiatry.
5. Fernstrom, J. D. (2000) – Can nutrient supplements modify brain function? The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

If you're curious where to start, start with your gut. And if you're not sure how, I’m always happy to help. 💚

Love,
Blanka
Nutritionist at iGutBetter