The Migrating Motor Complex or MMC is a four phase process in which the body cleans out the small intestine after eating & digesting a meal. The muscle wall of the small intestine contracts rhythmically to push undigested food & bacteria towards the colon. The MMC starts about 2 - 3 hours after eating & once it begins, takes a further 2 hours to complete. If you eat during this time, the MMC will stop to allow digestion to take place, & it will be another several hours till it has the opportunity to operate again.
MMC has 4 phases:
- A calm period lasting about an hour
- Half an hour of peristaltic contractions of increasing frequency
- 15 mins of rapid, evenly-spaced peristaltic contractions
- A short rest phase until it starts again
To make sure the MMC is able to do its clearing job, we need to wait at least 4 hours between meals, without grazing or snacking. Dr. Pimental, who is a leading expert on IBS & author of the book A New IBS Solution, suggests that adults wait
4 - 5 hours between meals or snacks. In young children the MMC occurs more frequently. When the normal clearing function of the MMC is altered, build-up of intestinal contents can result in fermentation, wind, pain, bloating & build-up of bacteria in the small intestine known as SIBO.
Prevent SIBO returning by Restoring your MMC:
If you are trying to eliminate SIBO or stop it recurring call Sunshine Coast Nutritionist Karen Emans on 0408 748 532
The Migrating Motor Complex or MMC is a four phase process in which the body cleans out the small intestine after eating & digesting a meal. The muscle wall of the small intestine contracts rhythmically to push undigested food & bacteria towards the colon. The MMC starts about 2 - 3 hours after eating & once it begins, takes a further 2 hours to complete. If you eat during this time, the MMC will stop to allow digestion to take place, & it will be another several hours till it has the opportunity to operate again.
MMC has 4 phases:
- A calm period lasting about an hour
- Half an hour of peristaltic contractions of increasing frequency
- 15 mins of rapid, evenly-spaced peristaltic contractions
- A short rest phase until it starts again
To make sure the MMC is able to do its clearing job, we need to wait at least 4 hours between meals, without grazing or snacking. Dr. Pimental, who is a leading expert on IBS & author of the book A New IBS Solution, suggests that adults wait
4 - 5 hours between meals or snacks. In young children the MMC occurs more frequently. When the normal clearing function of the MMC is altered, build-up of intestinal contents can result in fermentation, wind, pain, bloating & build-up of bacteria in the small intestine known as SIBO.
Prevent SIBO returning by Restoring your MMC:
- Eat enough to leave 4 – 5 hours between meals or snacks, including drinks other than water
- Minimise your personal reactive foods that cause inflammation in your gut
- Add small amounts of fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi to your diet if tolerated
- The probiotic “lactobacillus plantarum" may reduce histamine & be helpful to some people
- Avoid antacids - these reduce stomach acid & can predispose to SIBO
- Extend your night fast to 14 hours eg dinner at 5 or 6pm, and breakfast at 7 or 8am – at work?
- Stay Calm! The Vagus nerve from the brain (active in relaxed mode only) stimulates the MMC
If you are trying to eliminate SIBO or stop it recurring call Sunshine Coast Nutritionist Karen Emans on 0408 748 532