Being a mom is a 24/7 job and it can be incredibly rewarding but also very exhausting. It’s easy to stop caring for yourself and become overwhelmed with responsibilities.
Being a mom makes you realize how important your health is, and how thankful you should be, to be able to look after your loved ones. Improving your digestive function is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your overall health.
The purpose of establishing healthy habits is to change your mindset and create a healthy lifestyle as a way of life rather than a one-off commitment. By developing these healthy habits you’ll also be sending an important message of health and self-care to the rest of your family. Here at Digestive Advantage®, we have put together our top 5 healthy digestion tips to help busy moms keep on track to a happy and healthy lifestyle.
1. Stay hydrated
Our bodies consist of around 60% water and we constantly lose fluids day to day when we sweat.[1] Your body needs water to stay healthy and maintain the function of every system in your body.[2] Water is important for digestion as fluids carry nutrients to your cells, flush bacteria from your bladder, and help prevent constipation. 2
There are fluids you want to ignore when trying to quench your thirst. Avoid carbonated beverages and limit your alcohol intake. Fizzy drinks contain bubbles with carbon dioxide, a gas that can be released from the liquid after it reaches your stomach.
Alcohol causes excess loss of fluids which can lead to dehydration, which is often why we end up urinating frequently. This dehydration may cause hard stools, making you feel bloated and constipated. Alcohol can also make you go the other way. Too much alcohol can make your stool loose and speed things along your intestinal tract, causing diarrhea.[3]
2. Keep active with your kids
Some GI/digestive problems such as gallstones, fatty liver, and GERD are more likely to occur if you are overweight. Therefore, it is important to ensure exercise is a regular part of your family’s activities. You can incorporate physical activity into your routine, keeping the kids happy and healthy while giving yourself some workout time.
Get out there and play chase with your kids. Take the family on an adventure with the dog or enjoy a bike ride to the park.
Playing with your children will lighten your mood by helping you to laugh more often. Your children gain so much when you’re active with them.
Regular exercise can also help with your child’s digestion. It helps stimulate the passage of gas through the digestive tract.[4] If your child suffers with digestive issues, why not introduce a children's probiotic to their routine, such as Digestive Advantage® Kids Probiotic + Gentle Prebiotic Fiber gummies to help promote overall digestive health.*
Being active is not just good for your physical health but also for your mental state. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins which trigger a positive feeling in the body. You can benefit from a better night’s sleep by reducing your levels of stress.[5]
3. Eat smart when dining out
Eating out can be healthy if you pick the right items. Choose grilled food rather than fried, swap the French fries for a side salad and avoid spicy ingredients that can lead to heartburn.[6] Think about easy to digest foods such as fruits and vegetables – all high fiber foods to prevent constipation.6
Eating in a relaxed environment may help you focus on exactly what you’re eating, helping to avoid eating too fast and/or too much. By concentrating on what you’re eating, you’re more inclined to chew your food thoroughly, improving the first steps of digestion.[7]
4. Make time for yourself
Stress can affect the digestive system in many ways. It can affect the contractions of your digestive muscles and the secretions needed for digestion.[8]
As a mom it’s important to take some time for self-care, to relax and de-stress. Create an evening routine for some quality alone time. Get comfy and read a book, take time for a good skin care routine or enjoy a long relaxing bath.
The point of a routine is to consistently offer yourself something enjoyable without having to think too much. So, take time to recharge, take away life’s daily stresses and create a positive attitude that appreciates life.
5. Take probiotics
Having a happy and healthy digestive system is important for moms. Consistently taking probiotics helps aid the digestive system by helping to balance the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria.[9] Digestive Advantage Daily Probiotic Gummies are an easy and delicious way to get your daily probiotics. These gummies contain BC30, a patented probiotic that survives 100x better than leading probiotics, so it can deliver good bacteria where you need it.*‡
As a mom, it’s your job to ensure your children are also in tip-top condition. Digestive Advantage KIDS Daily Probiotic Everyday Health are designed to support children’s everyday digestive and overall health.* They can help lessen abdominal discomfort and occasional bloating*. Available in tasty mixed fruit flavors, these probiotic gummies are the perfect format to get your kids feeling healthy.
[1] Gunnars, Kris BSc. “How Much Water Should You Drink Per Day?” Healthline Media, 18 Aug 2016, www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-water-should-you-drink-per-day
[2] “The Importance of Staying Hydrated” Harvard Health Publishing, June 2015, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-importance-of-staying-hydrated
[3] Luo, Elaine MD. “Why Do I get Diarrhea After Drinking Alcohol?” Healthline Media, 4 Aug 2017, www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea-after-drinking-alcohol
[4] Dallas, Mary. “Be Active to beat bloating” Everyday Health, 1 Aug 2013, www.everydayhealth.com/hs/gas-and-bloating/get-active-to-beat-bloating/
[5] Bhandari, Smitha. “Exercise and Depression” Web MD, 21 Feb 2018, www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression
[6] Raman, Ryan. “11 Foods That Can Cause Heartburn”, Healthline, 19 Feb 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-cause-heartburn
[7] DerSarkissian. “9 Tips for Smooth Digestion” Web MD, 6 Oct 2016, www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/good-digestion
[8] Nazario, Brunilda MD, “What are Probiotics?” Wed MD, 11 Dec 2017, www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-are-probiotics
[8] Iliades, Chris MD. “How Stress Affects Digestion” Everyday Health, Undated, www.everydayhealth.com/hs/better-digestion/how-stress-affects-digestion/
[9] Nazario, Brunilda MD, “What are Probiotics?” Wed MD, 11 Dec 2017, www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-are-probiotics
*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT DISEASE
‡ Based on median % survivability of Digestive Advantage® probiotic vs. leading probiotic supplements and 19 probiotic yogurts in simulated gastric pH for 2 hours. Survivability and delivery of probiotic cells to the small & large intestines is one of the several factors influencing overall product effect.