GM! This is PoopMates HQ bringing you another fresh edition of the PoopMates newsletter.

If you’re feeling sluggish today, this one is for you. You are one quality bowel-movement away from being in a better mood, and we’re going to explain why. Let’s dive in!

💩Your Gut on Dopamine: The Secret Connection 🔗

Ever feel unmotivated, sluggish, or just “meh” for no reason? It might not be your willpower—it could be your gut and bowel movements.

Dopamine is often called the "motivation molecule," influencing everything from focus to goal-setting to feelings of pleasure. But while most people think dopamine is primarily controlled by the brain, the truth is that your gut microbiome plays a major role in producing and regulating this neurotransmitter.

Recent research suggests that over 50% of the body’s dopamine is produced in the gut. This happens through the activity of specific gut bacteria that synthesize dopamine and its precursor, tyrosine, affecting not only digestion but also brain function through the gut-brain axis.

But what happens when digestion slows down? Poor gut motility, chronic constipation, or dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria) can disrupt dopamine regulation, leading to fatigue, low motivation, brain fog, and even depression.

How Your Poop Reflects Your Dopamine Levels

💩 Constipation & Low Dopamine: Struggling with infrequent or hard-to-pass stools? It could be a sign that your gut isn’t properly metabolizing dopamine precursors. A study found that Parkinson’s patients (a condition marked by dopamine deficiency) often experience chronic constipation years before cognitive symptoms appear. This suggests a deep link between dopamine levels and gut motility.

🚀 Regular Bowel Movements & Motivation Boost: When digestion is smooth and efficient, dopamine-producing gut bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium thrive, helping to regulate mood, focus, and even cravings. If you’re pooping well, chances are your gut is supporting healthy dopamine metabolism.

The Dopamine-Gut Cycle: Why Digestion Matters

Your gut and brain communicate through the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional highway of nerves, hormones, and immune signals.

When digestion slows down:
❌ Toxins build up → Inflammation increases → Dopamine regulation is impaired.
❌ Less butyrate is produced → This gut-derived short-chain fatty acid is critical for dopamine receptor sensitivity.
❌ Dysbiosis occurs → Pathogenic bacteria outcompete dopamine-supporting bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, reducing dopamine availability.

When digestion is optimized:
✅ Microbial diversity improves → Healthy gut flora produce dopamine precursors.
✅ Nutrient absorption increases → Essential cofactors for dopamine synthesis (like iron, B vitamins, and magnesium) are better absorbed.
✅ Inflammation decreases → Lower systemic inflammation enhances dopamine receptor function, improving mood and motivation.

Hacks to Boost Dopamine (Through Your Gut!)

🥩 Eat More Tyrosine-Rich Foods – Tyrosine is the amino acid precursor to dopamine, found in high-quality proteins like eggs, beef, fish, and dairy. Studies show that low dietary tyrosine is associated with reduced dopamine production and motivation.

🥬 Support Gut Bacteria – Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, and kimchi feed beneficial bacteria that help synthesize dopamine.

☀️ Sunlight & Movement – Both naturally increase dopamine levels and support gut motility. Exposure to morning sunlight increases dopamine receptor density, improving both mood and focus.

🚽 Track Your Poops with PoopMates – Keeping an eye on your bowel movements (and their consistency) can be a hidden indicator of your dopamine levels. If you notice chronic constipation or irregularity, it may be time to tweak your diet, hydration, and gut health strategies.

tl;dr: Your Motivation Starts in the Gut

Your gut isn’t just digesting food—it’s actively shaping your brain chemistry. If you’ve been feeling off, sluggish, or unmotivated, start by looking at your poop. A healthy gut supports a healthy dopamine system, which means more focus, better mood, and higher drive.

Want to start optimizing your gut-dopamine connection? Start tracking your digestion, experiment with microbiome-friendly foods, and stay consistent with habits that keep your gut moving. Because when your gut is happy, your brain is too. 🚀

💩 SH!TTY MEMEZ 🤣

If you haven’t already, check out the PoopMates mobile app on the iOS app store! We are constantly pushing updates so be sure to keep an eye for new features too.

Also, be sure to follow our twitter/x for more memes and gut-health related content!

That’s all for today, folks. We hope you enjoyed it. Now go, fertilize the Earth! The planet needs you.

DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.