Related Posts

View Entries

This Mother’s Day celebrate mum with health and happiness

Mothers dedicate so much of their time and energy to their families that they often put their own wellbeing on the back burner. With the demands of motherhood, including  and time constraints, it’s no wonder that mums  can sometimes feel almost overwhelmed.

This Mother’s Day, show her how much you care. Instead of fancy, expensive gifts, consider celebrating health and wellbeing. One way to do this is by helping her prioritise her gut health. After all, a well-balanced gut microbiome has been linked to better digestion, improved mood and stronger immunity. Plus, a healthy gut can contribute to overall wellbeing.

  1. Encourage to Unwind

Stress and gut health are connected. When stress levels rise, the body releases cortisol, the primary stress hormone. This may disrupt the communication pathways between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis. Such disruptions can alter blood flow and secretions in the gut, which could create favourable conditions for harmful bacteria and inhibit the growth of helpful bacteria.

Why not plan a total unwind for her by taking the children away and booking  a spa appointment or  an at-home self-care session with a warm bath, essential oils and calming music. What about meditation, yoga, or even deep-breathing exercises—all of which have been shown to help regulate the gut-brain connection and reduce stress.

  1. Nourish with Gut-Friendly Dishes

A diverse gut microbiome thrives on a variety of nutrient-dense foods, particularly fibre-rich ones. Fibre can support digestion, help prevent constipation and even provide a food source for our gut bacteria. Previously, fibre was only associated with keeping our bowel movements regular but now we know it has more benefits than that. In fact, eating enough fibre has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and bowel cancer. 1

So, for the children’s contribution towards this wonderful relaxing day why not help them treat Mum to a picturesque, gut-friendly charcuterie board filled with the following:

  • Fresh fruits like grapes, berries and apples
  • Nuts and seeds, such as almonds and chia seeds, which contain healthy fats and fibre
  • Whole-grain crackers or sourdough bread (fermented foods support gut health)
  • Fermented foods such as live yoghurt or kimchi

If you prefer a sit-down meal, opt to make a gut-friendly lunch or dinner together such as Pan-fried Salmon with Celery, Sweetcorn and Olive Salsa. End the meal with a celebratory Frozen berry yoghurt cake .

Whatever you do, remember to do the washing up and putting away afterwards!

  1. Spend Quality Time with your mum

Sometimes, the best gift is simply your presence. Engaging in meaningful activities together—without distractions—can be beneficial.

Consider activities such as:

  • Going to her favourite museum together
  • Having a heartfelt conversation over tea
  • Knitting or crafting together
  • Playing her favourite music while cooking or baking
  • Helping her tend to her garden

  1. Give a Thoughtful Gift

If you want to give a physical gift, make it something that enhances her well-being. A DIY wellness basket filled with teas (such as ginger or peppermint2), high-quality dark chocolate (rich in polyphenols), a voucher for a fitness class she may enjoy such as Pilates or Zumba, and a journal for stress relief could be a thoughtful option.

 

References:

  1. SACN (2015) Carbohydrates and Health. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sacn-carbohydrates-and-health-report.
  2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tea-for-digestion#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2 (accessed 25 February 2025)