Digestion: The Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) and Motility Flashcards
Migrating Motor Complex (MMC)
The migrating motor complex Is a distinct pattern of electromechanical activity in this smooth muscle between the stomach and distal ileum during the periods between meals.
* It is thought to serve a ‘housekeeping’ role and sweep residual undigested material through the digestive tube
* The MMC opens the pyloric sphincter (exit of the stomach) and increases gastric, biliary and pancreatic secretions
* These secretions also aid in the cleansing activity of the MMC and assist in preventing Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) Support
To support the crucial functioning of the MMC in the digestive system:
* Avoid overeating and minimize ‘heavier’ proteins such as animal-based proteins and soya
* Leave longer gaps between meals (avoid snacking)
* Chew better (so the MMC has less to clear out)
* Consider intermittent fasting and optimize sleep
* ‘Pro-kinetics (‘to promote energy’)’ (e.g. ginger, artichoke etc) and drops of bitters before meals
* Stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (vagus nerve) by using diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Consider taking up yoga or Pilates
* Ashwaganda helps stress, sleep, the parasympathetic state, stabilize blood sugar levels and is an anti-spasmodic
* Gotu Kola is a prokinetic that help stimulate collagen production, supports bone health (osteoporosis, ligaments), leaky gut and revascularization of tissues
Elimination
The digestive system also acts as one of the key routes of waste elimination of the body
* Water and fibre are key for the elimination of wastes by the bowels. This can be further optimized with aloe, psyllium husk, linseed flaxseeds.
Elimination quote; Bernard Jensen
“I believe that when the bowel is underactive, toxic wastes are more likely to be absorbed through the bowel wall and into the bloodstream. The blood then circulates these toxins to every part of the body and deposit some in the tissues. The greatest amount of toxins are retained in the constitutionally weakest tissues. If any other elimination system is underactive, more wastes are retained in the body.”
