What is the Migrating Motor Complex and Why Does It Matter?

Of the many factors that can affect your digestion, the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) is not a commonly talked about concept.  Yet, the MMC is one of the most fundamental characteristics of your digestive system which requires your input to function properly and optimally.  Sharing this knowledge with my patients leads to improved health outcomes.  Partnering with your MMC is as simple as paying attention to some simple dietary habits.

What is the MMC?  The MMC is a pattern of electrical activity that regulates gut motility.  When you eat, your body breaks down food and transports nutrients through the stomach and small intestine.  At the end of an MMC cycle, this “housekeeping” has been accomplished and waste is transported to the large intestine for elimination.  It’s a motor because products of food act as signals downstream throughout the digestive organs to create waves of activity which propel the functions of the digestive system.  The MMC will affect transit time, or how long it takes for food to move food through the digestive tract.

What promotes the MMC?  The most critical aspect of optimizing the function of the MMC is the absence of food between meals.  In other words, this housekeeping cycle is interrupted as soon as you eat something. According to research, one cycle of the MMC can range from 90-230 minutes with variability between individuals.

What else affects the MMC?  Stress, exercise, quality of food and slow, mindful eating habits can all affect the MMC. Take home message: it’s important to understand how your body works and to take breaks between feedings.  The length of that break depends on your own individual health status and condition.  Understanding and becoming aware of one’s unique nuance is important for successfully maintaining the proper housekeeping cycle of the MMC.  If you are interested in pursuing naturopathic protocols for your condition send an email to admin@drclara.com for further information.