Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) & Gut Health

The MMC are waves of electrical activity, occurring in 90-100min intervals, that sweep through and clean the stomach and small intestine during fasting. This action supports the removal of microbes, bacteria and undigested food particles and helps to prevent bacterial overgrowth which can lead to symptoms of IBS and/or Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth (SIBO).

Most people grew up being told that when their tummy rumbles or growls that they are hungry, when in fact this is most likely your MMC at work. Constant snacking during the day provides limited opportunity for the MMC to work.

So, if you experience gut issues, IBS-like symptoms or have had SIBO there are a couple of things you can do to support the action of the MMC.

·      Avoid eating between meals, as calories will turn off the MMC.

·      Ideally consume no more than 3 meals a day, with 3-5 hours in between each meal.

If the MMC has started and you begin snacking it will stop immediately. Also, the MMC doesn’t work at night as we are generally are too relaxed and our nervous system is in parasympathetic mode.  

Remember everyone is different so ensure you see a Naturopath to discuss your gut issues and investigate the underlying cause of symptoms.

Reference:

Anupom M. Kouhei, K. Mikami, T. Horita, T. Takemi, S. Tsuda, S. Sakata, I. Sakai, T. (2017). Underlying mechanism of cyclic migrating motor in Suncus murinus: a change in gastrointestinal pH is the key regulator. Physiological Reports. 5(1), e13105. Doi: 10.14814/phy2.13105.