Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a fantastic holiday weekend. This is my favorite time of year filled with amazing food, friend/family time and holiday cheer!

This can also be a stressful time for many… deadlines to hit, shopping, travel, willpower declining with all the amazing food options 😄

Which is why I want to focus today’s topic on our Migrating Motor Complex.

It’s a vital part in protection against bacteria overgrowth, otherwise known as SIBO! In fact, it is considered the number one prevention against bacteria build up.

What is the MMC?

The MMC is a rhythmic, wave-like motion that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract during fasting periods, particularly between meals and during sleep. 

Its primary role is to sweep residual food, bacteria, and other debris through the digestive system. This process aids in the cleaning and maintenance of the intestines, preventing the buildup of substances that could potentially lead to issues like bacterial overgrowth.

Comprised of four distinct phases, the MMC orchestrates a coordinated contraction and relaxation of the muscles along the digestive tract. These phases work in harmony to propel the contents through the stomach and small intestine! The cycles average every 90 minutes.

Disruptions in the MMC's function can lead to various gastrointestinal issues. Conditions such as gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can arise when the MMC's rhythm is disturbed.

What can disrupt the MMC?

1.Sympathetic stress: the MMC thrives in the parasympathetic state! So emotions such as worrying, anger, rushing and fear can inactivate it. 

2.Eating & drinking

• Calories: eating will flat out stop it up to 2 hours after eating
• Artificial sweeteners (including stevia, so those zero calories drinks won’t work here)
• Stomach distention
• Drinking too MUCH: chugging a glass of water or black coffee here will indicate to the GI system there is something to digest

3.Cephalic phase of digestion

• Sight of food
• Smell of food
• Thought of food

How to support MMC after SIBO treatment?

Utilizing the above info will support the MMC! No snacking, and focus on 4-5 hours in between meals.

After SIBO treatment, it’s imperative to get on motility support supplements that will support the MMC. This should be done for a minimum of 3 months post treatment. 

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Have a great week ahead!

Happiness & health,

Dr. Steph Peacock