Will Antioxidants Help Improve Motivation?

We all want to do more every day than we already do but staying motivated can be very difficult. That’s because many things affect motivation, and recently, a study discovered that antioxidants, especially glutathione, could be one of them. 

You can get glutathione through the things you eat. Examples are eggs, meats, grains, and whey protein because they’re rich in sulfur.

What Causes Motivation?

Having the drive and enthusiasm to complete projects and reach objectives is what we mean by “motivation.” When people are motivated, they are more likely to achieve their goals in the workplace and other areas of their lives.

History, environment, and health all have a role in shaping motivation.

Experts have developed multiple hypotheses to understand the origins of motivation. However, there is still plenty that specialists still need to learn about the inner workings of motivation.

How does Glutathione Affect Motivation?

Glutathione is an important antioxidant that helps your body eliminate oxidative stress. Your liver cells synthesize glutathione from glutamate, cysteine and glycine to function as the body’s natural antioxidant.

While most antioxidants come from plants, the body can make its glutathione. However, it is also well-known that this antioxidant normally declines with age. That’s why improving your glutathione intake through diet can be crucial.

Scientists investigated the link between this antioxidant and motivation by measuring its concentration in the brain’s nucleus accumbens. They did this by measuring the GSH concentrations in the brains of rats and humans using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

They discovered that the ability to sustain effort over time in pursuit of rewards is determined by the actual levels of the most significant antioxidant in the nucleus accumbens, which is located in the ventral striatum and serves as a hub for the brain’s cognitive system. According to the results of this research, the antioxidant system in the brain’s motivational corner is crucial in determining how committed we are to completing challenging tasks that pay off in the long run.

Can Eating Help with Motivation?

Consuming naturally high glutathione foods, such as raw avocado, potatoes, asparagus and spinach, may help elevate glutathione levels. People can build a dietary plan tailored to their needs with the help of their primary care physicians and nutritionists. This can include raising their amount of antioxidants.

In general, the study’s findings highlight a potential component that lies beneath various levels of motivation and open up several doors for further research. The diet may play a significant part in raising glutathione levels in the body. Glutathione can be found in several different foods.