As a mom, you juggle a million things—school drop-offs, meal prep, laundry, and work, all while trying to be present for your kids. But what if your body isn’t keeping up with your demands, not because of lack of sleep (though we know that’s part of it) but because of something as simple yet overlooked as digestion?
When digestion isn’t functioning properly, it can impact your energy, mood, and overall well-being, making it harder to be the engaged, patient, and energetic mom you want to be. Let’s break down how poor digestion can drag you down and, most importantly, what you can do to support your gut health so you can show up as your best self.
How Poor Digestion Can Make Motherhood Harder
1. Low Energy and Fatigue
Ever feel like no matter how much coffee you drink, you’re still exhausted? That could be because your digestive system isn’t properly absorbing the nutrients from your food. If you’re dealing with bloating, gas, or indigestion, chances are your body isn’t breaking down and utilizing nutrients efficiently. This can lead to deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals, leaving you feeling drained before the day even starts.
2. Mood Swings and Brain Fog
The gut and brain are directly connected through the gut-brain axis. If your digestion is off, it can lead to inflammation that affects your mood and mental clarity. That means more irritability, difficulty focusing, and feeling overwhelmed by even the smallest things—like your child asking for the same snack for the tenth time in an hour.
3. Bathroom Struggles (Too Much or Not Enough)
Poor digestion often leads to constipation or diarrhea, neither of which is fun when you have a busy schedule. Constipation can make you feel sluggish and bloated, while diarrhea can leave you feeling dehydrated and depleted. Either way, it’s hard to be your best when your gut is out of whack.
4. Bloating and Discomfort
Nothing makes you want to cancel plans (or just collapse on the couch) faster than feeling uncomfortably bloated. If you’re constantly experiencing bloating after meals, your body might be struggling to break down certain foods, leading to trapped gas and discomfort that can make everyday tasks feel like a chore.
5. Weakened Immunity
As a mom, the last thing you want is to get sick every time your child brings home a sniffle. Poor digestion can compromise your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness and keeping you from being the strong, capable mom your kids rely on.
Supplements to Support Digestion and Help You Feel Your Best
The good news? There are ways to support digestion and keep your gut functioning properly so you can feel energized, focused, and balanced. Here are a few key supplements that can help:
1. Digestive Enzymes
If you experience bloating, gas, or indigestion after meals, digestive enzymes can be a game-changer. These enzymes help break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates more efficiently, making it easier for your body to absorb nutrients. Look for a high-quality digestive enzyme blend that includes amylase (for carbs), protease (for proteins), and lipase (for fats). FODMAP intolerances are a frequent source of digestive issues, and can be remedied with a wide-spectrum supplement such as FODZYME (fodzyme.com/products/fodzyme).
2. Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help balance your gut microbiome, supporting digestion and immune function. A good probiotic can help with bloating, constipation, and overall gut health. If you struggle with digestion, look for a multi-strain probiotic with at least 10 billion CFUs to help repopulate your gut with good bacteria.
3. Magnesium
Magnesium plays a crucial role in digestion, especially in promoting healthy bowel movements. If you experience constipation, magnesium citrate can help draw water into the intestines and make things move more smoothly.
4. Collagen
Collagen supports gut health by strengthening the lining of your digestive tract, which can help prevent bloating and leaky gut. It also promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails—an added bonus for any busy mom!
5. Ginger and Peppermint
Both ginger and peppermint have been used for centuries to support digestion. Ginger helps reduce inflammation in the gut and can aid in digestion, while peppermint can soothe bloating and discomfort. You can take them in supplement form, drink them as tea, or add them to your meals.
Take Care of Your Gut, So You Can Show Up Fully
As a mom, you’re always putting others first. But if your digestion is off, it’s harder to show up as the energetic, patient, and engaged parent you want to be. By supporting your gut with the right supplements—like digestive enzymes, probiotics, and magnesium—you can improve your digestion, boost your energy, and feel more like yourself again.
So next time you feel sluggish, bloated, or just “off,” take a moment to consider your gut health. A few simple changes can make all the difference in how you show up for yourself and your