MIGRATING MOTOR COMPLEX
Migrating motor complex is a digestive process that works to clean the small intestine in the gut during fasting. This is not peristalsis. This is a clearing and cleansing process that happens during fasting only. The process removes particles of undigested food, unwanted bacteria and dead cells. It begins around 90 minutes after we begin our fast. That means 90 minutes after we finish eating. This only occurs if we don’t subsequently consume food or caloric drinks that would break the fast.
MMC is a wave like action that starts in the stomach and moves through the intestine in a recurring, cyclical manner. The entire sweep takes around 1.5-3 hours to complete. It can take longer and happen less frequently in a gut that is suffering from poor digestive health or a digestive condition. When there is a reduction in efficient functioning of the MMC process a build up of unfavourable gut bacteria can occur.
If anything is consumed within the 90 minutes after eating, the MMC process immediately pauses for one to two hours whilst hormones are diverted to digest the new foods and the MMC action then needs to start over again.
The migrating motor complex is especially important in people with digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut, small intestine bacterial overgrowth and other digestive disorders. When MMC isn’t functioning correctly it can lead to a build up of bacteria in the upper small intestine that brings with it a build up of gas, bloating and reduced motility.
For our Migrating Motor Complex process to have the best chance of working when and how it needs to we need to leave adequate gaps between meals. The easiest and best time for your body to run the process of course is at night whilst you’re sleeping. Resting and fasting allows the body to run through a multitude of repair, restoration, cleansing and healing processes at night. Not constantly grazing and snacking through the day also enables the process to run once or twice throughout the day. This will help the body process our previous meal and stimulate the MMC to clear the small intestine of excess undigested food particles.
Stress can also hinder the MMC process, by redirecting blood flow to the nervous system to prepare the body for fight or flight. Stress management can help to improve digestion. Breathing exercises, adequate rest, reducing stress load, stretching, yoga, relaxation exercises all improve digestion and subsequent weight loss.
Managing blood sugar levels helps to improve the process and digestion overall. A correctly balanced, nutrient dense meal plan will stop constant BSL spiking from high sugar foods causing havoc to your system, digestion, energy and attempts to achieve consistent weight loss.
Some medications can also affect MMC and digestion. Antibiotics and pain killers both cause damage to our gut bacteria and slow the digestive and motility process, often leading to constipation, bloating and mood imbalances.
Your body wants to work for you. Stop working against it and allow it to flourish and thrive. If you don’t know how to do this reach out and I’ll help you navigate the minefield of digestion.