From Mum Guilt to Gut Health: Why Your Microbiome Might Be Sabotaging Your Mood
hi Mobsters, it’s Leah, founder of The House of Hormones, here for your weekly wellbeing blog!
Let’s be honest, mum guilt hits hard. Whether it’s a missed school trip, too much screen time, or a frazzled bedtime, we often carry a running list of what we should have done better. But what if I told you that your mood, your resilience, and even that spiral of guilt might not be all in your head? It might actually be in your gut.
Yes, I'm talking about the microbiome.
Your microbiome is the trillions of bacteria (good and bad) that live in your digestive system. Think of it as a bustling ecosystem, when it’s healthy, it supports everything from digestion to immunity, skin, hormones, and, yes, mental health.
But stress, poor sleep, antibiotics, processed foods, or even just the relentless pace of modern motherhood can throw this delicate balance off. And when that happens, your mood might take a serious hit.
The gut-brain axis is the two-way communication system between your digestive tract and your brain. Your gut bacteria help produce neurotransmitters like serotonin (the feel-good hormone), dopamine (your motivation booster), and GABA (a calming chemical).
In fact, around 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut. So, if your microbiome is out of whack, your body may struggle to regulate mood, anxiety, and even emotional resilience.
This might explain why:
You feel on edge even when nothing’s “wrong”
You crave sugar or carbs when stressed
Your emotions feel harder to regulate around your period
You’re more irritable when your digestion is off
It’s not just hormones. It’s your gut too.
Chronic stress (like the daily juggle of work, childcare, and the endless laundry) raises cortisol, which in turn impacts the gut. Stress can:
Increase gut permeability (hello, leaky gut)
Lower levels of good bacteria
Increase inflammation, both in the gut and the brain
So if you’re surviving on caffeine, skipping meals, and feeling anxious or low? That gut-brain loop might be driving the emotional load, and fuelling the guilt cycle.
You don’t need a full overhaul or fancy supplements to start supporting your microbiome. Try this:
Eat more plants — Aim for 30+ different plant foods a week (fruit, veg, herbs, nuts, seeds, grains).
Add fermented foods — Think live yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso.
Stay hydrated — Your gut loves water. Keep it flowing.
Prioritise rest — Even just 10 minutes of stillness can lower cortisol and support digestion.
Sleep when you can — Gut repair happens overnight.
Talk it out — Low mood isn’t always emotional. Sometimes, it’s biological.
Motherhood is intense, but you don’t have to power through feeling low, anxious, or off-balance. Your gut might be calling out for attention, and in tending to it, you may find your energy, patience, and even joy return.
Lots of Love, Leah
THOH
What is Mums WHo BUild (The MOB)
At Mums Who Build, we’re passionate about creating a community where female founders, mums in business, and women exploring leadership can thrive. Whether you’re seeking networking for women, inspiration, or practical business opportunities, our mission is to help you grow with confidence. Everything we do is built around our three pillars: wellbeing, connection, and financial fitness. We’re an online community through MOB+ and also meet regularly in real life across East and North London, including Walthamstow, Stoke Newington, Crouch End, and coming soon, Notting Hill. Join us to connect with other ambitious women, build your skills, and feel supported in business and motherhood.
