Let’s Get Moving! The Secrets to Good Gut Motility.
A big hot topic in the functional medicine space lately is gut motility. This refers to the process of the digestive tract moving food from the esophagus through the intestines to the rectum, basically the movement of the entire GI tract. This intricate process ensures the timely digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as the elimination of waste. So why has this become such a topic of discussion? Well, believe it or not, 10% to 15% of adults in the U.S. struggle with GI issues and only 5% to 7% are actually diagnosed (1).
So why is motility so important? If digested food does not properly get broken down and moved through the GI tract, many issues can occur overtime. The most common issues that result from slow motility are constipation, gas, bloating, and acid reflux. However, after long periods of time untreated, these issues then develop into harder to manage problems such as toxin buildup, dysbiosis (imbalance in gut bacteria), SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), and nutrient deficiencies most commonly with iron and vitamin b12.
Causes of Slow Gut Motility and Constipation
Several factors can lead to impaired gut motility, resulting in constipation such as:
- Dietary Factors: A diet low in healthy fiber can slow down bowel movements, as fiber adds bulk to stool and promotes regularity. Additionally, inadequate hydration denies the GI tract of liquid which is crucial to help digested food move through at an efficient rate.
- Low Stomach Acid: If the gut is not producing enough stomach acid, then gastrin, a hormone that regulates stomach acid and motility, is underproduced, leading to slower digestion and motility.
- Lifestyle Factors: Lack of physical activity can also contribute to sluggish bowel movements, so it is important to get movement throughout the day, even if it is just walking or stretching daily.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism, can slow metabolic processes, including gut motility.
- Vagus Nerve Dysfunction: the vagus nerve is crucial for activating the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) responsible for clearing food and bacteria from the intestines between meals. This nerve can be impaired from chronic stress, gut infections or dysbiosis, or nutrient deficiencies causing it to slow down motility.
Understanding gut motility is essential for maintaining digestive health and preventing long-term gut issues that can lead to chronic illnesses. Ensuring you are going to the bathroom regularly through diet, lifestyle, and supplementation, is one of the most important things you could do for your overall health and longevity. If you are struggling with slow motility or impaired digestion, I highly recommend seeking out trusted medical guidance from a dietitian or doctor who is well versed in the importance of gut health. We are also here to help! Get in touch with one of our patient support team members to learn more about how to get started with one of our providers whether for prevention, or a current condition.
Sources:
- American Medical Association. What doctors wish patients knew about irritable bowel syndrome. AMA website. Published March 23, 2023. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-irritable-bowel-syndrome
Sanctuary Functional Medicine, under the direction of Dr Eric Potter, IFMCP MD, provides functional medicine services to Nashville, Middle Tennessee and beyond. We frequently treat patients from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and more... offering the hope of healthier more abundant lives to those with chronic illness.
