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Gut Motility ...How to Improve it!

 



Gut Motility 
How to Improve it!

 
Gut Motility: Understanding the Physiology and the Brain-Gut Axis

Our gut is a complex system that is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. One of the essential processes that occur in the gut is motility. Gut motility refers to the movement of food through the digestive tract, which is fundamental for proper digestion. In 2001, Olsson & Holmgren published an article discussing the physiology of gut motility. In 2013, Wu et al. published "Gut Motility and Enteroendocrine Secretion," which provided further insight into how gut motility works and its connection to the brain-gut axis. This article explores the physiology of gut motility, the hormones and nervous system involved, and the brain-gut axis, to give you a comprehensive understanding of this essential process.

The digestive tract has a complex muscle arrangement that pushes food through the system. These muscles work in a coordinated manner, moving in a wave-like motion called peristalsis. Gastrin, acetylcholine, and serotonin play a significant role in this coordination. Gastrin signals the stomach to release acid, acetylcholine stimulates the muscles to contract, and serotonin helps to coordinate the peristaltic waves. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls gut motility. The ANS has two branches, the sympathetic and the parasympathetic, which work together to control the digestive process. The sympathetic nervous system slows down digestion, while the parasympathetic nervous system enhances it.

Besides the ANS, the enteric nervous system (ENS) is a network of neurons that controls gut motility. The ENS works independently, allowing the gut to function even when the ANS is inhibited or damaged. The ENS contains sensory, motor, and interneurons that communicate with each other, coordinating the activity of the digestive system. Neurons of the ENS use a variety of neurotransmitters to communicate, including acetylcholine, adrenaline/noradrenaline, peptides, amines, amino acids, and small gaseous molecules. Peptides are the most abundant of the non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic substances.

The connection between the gut and the brain is the brain-gut axis, a web of signals that regulates the digestive process. The axis consists of the ENS, the ANS, and the central nervous system (CNS), which connects to the brain. The CNS receives signals from the digestive system, sends signals to the ENS and ANS, and in turn, receives signals back from them. The gut produces over 90% of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation. Thus, gut problems can lead to mental health issues. Studies have shown that people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Additionally, chronic stress can cause gut problems, leading to a vicious cycle of stress and gut issues.

Gut motility is an essential process that ensures proper digestion, absorption, and elimination. The coordinated activity of the ANS, the ENS, and the CNS ensures that this process occurs efficiently. The brain-gut axis is a crucial connection between the gut and the brain that integrates signals from the two systems. Understanding the physiology of gut motility, the hormones and nervous system involved, and the brain-gut axis is essential for maintaining gut health. With this knowledge, one can adjust their diet and lifestyle to promote efficient gut motility, leading to optimal health and well-being.


 Tips to Improve Gut  Motility
Decrease Stress
 Stress management
Decrease processed foods/  Eat  Whole Food
Cook Your Food
Extremely limited Drinking Alcohol
Meditate
Vagus Nerve exercise 
Trauma work


 




Olsson, C., & Holmgren, S. (2001). The control of Gut Motility. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 128(3), 479–501. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1095-6433(00)00330-5
Wu, T., Rayner, C. K., Young, R. L., & Horowitz, M. (2013). Gut Motility and enteroendocrine secretion. Current Opinion in Pharmacology, 13(6), 928–934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coph.2013.09.002


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