Is your gut working against you?

You might think sticking to a healthy eating plan is all about willpower - but did you know your gut health could be working against you?

- Deborah Grayson reveals

Small imbalances in the body can have a huge impact on everything from food cravings to mental clarity and even motivation.

One of the biggest factors is the gut-brain connection.

Your gut isn't just responsible for digestion - it plays a crucial role in neurotransmitter production, blood sugar regulation, and even mood stability. So if the bacteria in your gut are out of balance, your body may be driving you towards eating sugar, processed foods, and having impulsive eating choices without you even realising it.

I've been a pharmacist for 30 years and as a nutritionist I help patients navigate everything from medication management to nutrition and gut health. Here's everything you need to know to support your gut health and finally stick to those good habits.

How your gut controls your willpower

Your gut bacteria play a big role in producing brain chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin and GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid). These chemicals control motivation, cravings and impulse control. Dopamine is part of the brain's reward system. If it's out of balance, you might crave sugary or processed foods for a "feel-good" hit. Serotonin helps you stay happy and focused. And GABA keeps you calm and relaxed. When your gut bacteria are unbalanced (a condition called dysbiosis), these brain chemicals drop.

This makes it harder to resist cravings and stick to healthy habits. It can also cause brain fog, anxiety and poor concentration.