Gut Health Meets Motherhood: Which Mum Type Are You?
Mother’s Day is nearly here, and instead of another sappy tribute or gut health lecture, we’re taking a different tact - one with a wink, a nudge, and a nod to all the tired mums out there (ourselves included).
If you’ve been following us for a while, you might recall that we publish a blog around this time exploring whether IBS really runs in families. Spoiler: it kind of does (you can read the research here 👉🏽). Research shows that 24% of people with IBS have a family member who also suffers from bloating, gassiness, or other delightful digestive dramas. Yep—you really can blame your mum for your dodgy gut.
But look, as a mum myself, I’m pretty tired of everything being our fault. Can we not just drink our lukewarm tea in peace? That’s why, this Mother’s Day, we’re flipping the script. Instead of blame, we’re having a bit of fun. Because let’s face it: we inherit some of our best traits from our mums too.
So… in the spirit of good humour and good guts, let’s lighten the load and find out: what’s your gut mum personality type?
#1 The Snack-Stasher Mum
👜 “Hold on, I’ve got something in my bag...”
She’s always prepared - snacks in the handbag, glove box, and probably her jacket pocket. She’s learned the hard way that skipping meals = disaster, and she’s got go-to low FODMAP options ready for any situation, from kid’s sport to chaotic days at work.
Gut gift idea: A stash of certified low FODMAP snack bars (like Fodbods or Carman’s) + a cute zip pouch for on-the-go gut prep.
Perfect recipe match: Coconut & Lime Protein Balls — easy to batch, store and carry.
Science note: Eating regularly helps regulate digestion, reduce gut hypersensitivity, and prevent flares triggered by hunger or stress.
#2 The Label-Reader Mum
🔍 “What’s the first ingredient? And what’s the second? And why is that in there?”
She scans every product before it goes in the trolley. She’s fluent in additive codes and knows the FODMAP status of common thickeners. Supermarket trips take a while, but no hidden onion or inulin is sneaking past her watchful eyes.
Gut gift idea: A curated box of certified low FODMAP pantry staples (like gut-friendly stock, muesli bars, or spice blends).
Perfect recipe match: Try our delicious Ginger & Maple Salmon Noodles recipe - simple ingredients, packed with flavour and no nasties.
Science note: Ingredient vigilance pays off - many IBS triggers hide in “natural flavours” or “vegetable powders.” Label-reading is a legitimate gut-saving superpower. Keep up the good work!
#3 The Silent Sufferer Mum
😶 “I’m fine.” (Nope, she’s really not.)
This mum powers through the day - school runs, meetings, grocery shopping - all while hiding bloating, cramping and an unsettled stomach. She rarely complains and may not even tell family when her gut is flaring. She’s resilient but could really use some quiet time (and someone else to do the dishes).
Gut gift idea: A Superflora bumper pack, a voucher for a dietitian that specialises in the low fodmap diet or a new hot water bottle.
Perfect recipe match: Superflora Blueberry burst smoothie - gentle on the gut, easy to sip while multitasking.
Science note: Studies show women are more likely to under-report IBS symptoms and push through pain. Support - not silence - is better for long-term gut outcomes.
#4 The Fermenting Mum
🧂 “I’ve got a SCOBY, a sourdough starter and strong opinions about kimchi.”
This mum knows her microbes. Her fridge is full of jars labelled “DO NOT TOUCH” and she’s more likely to be found at a fermentation workshop than a tupperware party. She talks about the gut-brain axis over coffee and uses words like “microbiota diversity” in casual conversation.
Gut gift idea: A Monash-certified list of ferment-friendly low FODMAP veggies.
Perfect recipe match: Ummm…. we don’t have a sauerkraut recipe but here’s a blog on everything you need to know about your microbes!
Science note: Fermented foods contain beneficial bacteria, but not all (actually, not “many”) are low FODMAP. Sauerkraut, for example, is only low FODMAP in small serves (≤23g). Choose wisely.
#5 The “I’ll just have tea” mum
☕ “Oh no, I already ate. I’ll just have tea.”
Whether from anxiety, symptoms or habit, this mum often avoids food at social events. She worries that something will trigger her gut, so she opts out entirely - not realising that under-eating can also make symptoms worse. She’s cautious but often ends up hungry (and, as a result, hangry).
Gut gift idea: A comforting collection of gut-friendly teas (peppermint, ginger, fennel) + a free trial of Nerva.
Perfect recipe match: Low fodmap choc-dipped protein balls - small, soothing, and decadent.
Science note: Gentle, regular meals help stabilise the gut and reduce reactivity. Skipping meals can increase visceral sensitivity in people with IBS.
Which Gut Mum are you?
Or maybe you’re a bit of each - and that’s okay. Every gut is different and every mum is doing her best. This Mother’s Day, we’re cheering you on with empathy, science and something delicious.
Looking for a gift that supports your mum’s gut? Check out our Superflora range, packed with prebiotics, probiotics, and gut-loving goodness - no label-reading required.
This blog was written by Noisy Guts co-founder Dr Josephine Muir. Josephine is a mum of 2 adult children + 2 furry dogs + 1 cat. Her gut mum personality type is a combo of the snack stasher + silent sufferer + label reader.