Top 5 Neurotransmitters That Control Gut Motility — And Natural Ways to Support Digestive Health

 

Top 5 Neurotransmitters That Control Gut Motility —

 And Natural Ways to Support Digestive Health

The digestive system relies on more than muscles and enzymes to keep food moving. Behind the scenes, a network of nerves and chemical messengers called neurotransmitters directs when muscles should contract, relax, or secrete fluids. This process, known as gut motility, is essential for proper digestion and waste elimination.

When motility is disrupted, symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort often follow. Understanding how neurotransmitters regulate these processes—and how natural approaches can support them—offers a practical path to better gut health.

1. Acetylcholine (ACh) – The Activator

Acetylcholine is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the gut. It stimulates smooth muscle contractions, increases peristalsis, and enhances digestive secretions. Low acetylcholine activity is often linked to constipation and reduced bowel movements.

Natural support: Physical activity, fiber-rich foods, and herbs such as ginger and fennel are known to encourage acetylcholine-driven motility.

2. Serotonin (5-HT) – The Gut Mood Messenger

Approximately 90 percent of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract. It regulates the peristaltic reflex and fluid secretion, both critical for smooth digestion. Disruptions in serotonin signaling are strongly associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia.

Natural support: Diets rich in tryptophan (bananas, oats, nuts, and seeds) along with probiotics that nourish the gut microbiome can enhance natural serotonin production.

3. Dopamine (DA) – The Regulator

Dopamine serves as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the gut. It dampens excessive contractions but, when overactive, can slow motility too much. This is evident in Parkinson’s disease, where dopamine imbalance often results in chronic constipation.

Natural support: A diet rich in antioxidants such as berries, green tea, and leafy vegetables helps maintain dopamine balance. Stress-reduction techniques like yoga or meditation can also regulate dopamine activity.

4. Nitric Oxide (NO) – The Relaxer

Nitric oxide is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes smooth muscle relaxation and coordinates the opening of sphincters. It ensures rhythmic motility patterns such as the migrating motor complex. Deficiencies or excesses in nitric oxide signaling are linked to disorders like gastroparesis and dysmotility.

Natural support: Leafy greens (spinach, arugula, kale) and beets naturally increase nitric oxide production. Regular exercise also stimulates nitric oxide synthesis.

5. Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) – The Balancer

VIP regulates both muscle relaxation and secretion of water and electrolytes in the gut. This helps maintain hydration and motility balance. Too little VIP can cause constipation, while too much can result in diarrhea.

Natural support: Plant-based remedies such as licorice root extract and aloe vera may promote healthy VIP function. Adequate hydration is essential for VIP activity.

Natural Approaches to Improve Gut Motility

Herbal remedies: Research shows that Ferula asafoetida (asafetida) supports gastric emptying, while peppermint oil relieves spasms and supports balanced motility.

Probiotics and prebiotics: By shaping the gut microbiome, they improve serotonin signaling and support rhythmic contractions.

Dietary habits: High-fiber diets combined with adequate hydration remain fundamental to bowel regularity.

Lifestyle practices: Regular exercise stimulates gut contractions, while stress management restores balance in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

Conclusion

Gut motility depends on a finely tuned balance of neurotransmitters—some that stimulate movement and others that slow it down. Acetylcholine and serotonin typically promote contractions, while dopamine, nitric oxide, and VIP ensure relaxation and regulation. When these systems are disrupted, motility problems arise.

Supporting neurotransmitter function naturally through diet, herbal extracts, probiotics, physical activity, and stress management provides a holistic way to restore digestive balance. By nurturing the gut’s “second brain,” it becomes possible to improve motility and overall well-being.

References

Bassotti, G., Villanacci, V., Antonelli, E., & Morelli, A. (2016). Nitric oxide in the gut: physiopathology and pharmacological relevance. Digestive and Liver Disease, 48(2), 105–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dld.2015.09.017

Camarda, L., Mattioli, L. B., Corazza, I., & Marzetti, C. (2025). Targeting the gut–brain axis with plant-derived essential oils: Phytocannabinoids and beyond. Nutrients, 17(9), 1578. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17091578

Gershon, M. D. (2018). Serotonin is a sword and a shield of the bowel: serotonin plays offense and defense. Transactions of the American Clinical and Climatological Association, 129, 268–278. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6243114/

Jose, S. P., Ratheesh, M., Sheethal, S., & Rajan, S. (2024). Ameliorative effect of Ferula Asafoetida oleo-gum-resin (Asafin) against cisplatin-induced functional dyspepsia condition. Natural Product Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.npr.2024.1058

Rao, S. S. C., & Camilleri, M. (2017). Review article: New and emerging treatments for chronic constipation. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 45(7), 759–774. https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13945

Sun, M., Zhao, M., Du, L., Hou, J., Dong, J., & Zhang, B. (2025). Licorice water extract improves constipation by repairing the intestinal barrier and regulating the gut microbiota. Food Bioscience. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2025.104072

Wood, J. D. (2020). Enteric nervous system: Reflexes, pattern generators and motility. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, 36(2), 81–89. https://doi.org/10.1097/MOG.0000000000000625