In this episode of the Nutrient Dense Podcast, Hannah Aylward breaks down one of the most overlooked systems in gut health: the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC). If you struggle with chronic bloating, constipation, gas, reflux, recurring SIBO, or food sensitivities, this episode explains why your gut's natural "self-cleaning mechanism" may not be functioning properly — and how that can contribute to bacterial overgrowth and digestive dysfunction.

Hannah dives into how the MMC works, why meal spacing and circadian rhythm matter, how chronic stress impacts gut motility, and the hidden reasons many people relapse after SIBO treatment. She also shares practical strategies to naturally support your gut motility, reduce bloating, improve bowel movements, and optimize digestion without falling into restrictive diet culture.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE:

• What the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) actually is and why it acts like your gut's internal "cleaning wave"
• How impaired MMC function contributes to SIBO, bloating, constipation, reflux, and food sensitivities
• Why chronic grazing and constant snacking can disrupt gut motility
• The connection between stress, nervous system dysregulation, and slowed digestion
• Why recurring SIBO often comes back if underlying motility issues are never addressed
• The role circadian rhythm plays in digestive health and bacterial balance
• Why shift workers and nurses often struggle with gut dysfunction
• How under-eating and poor meal timing negatively impact gut health
• Hannah's recommendations for meal spacing and overnight fasting
• Simple strategies to naturally support gut motility
• The connection between hypothyroidism and constipation
• Why gut healing requires both deeper interventions AND supporting the body's natural self-cleaning mechanisms

LINKS:

• Book a strategy call with Hannah HERE
• Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz for free!
• Equip Protein: use the code hannahaylwardhhc for 15% off
• Listen to Episode 15 - Bloating, Food Sensitivities, and Fatigue: Is SIBO the Culprit?
• Listen to Episode 24 - Low Stomach Acid: A Hidden Cause of Chronic Bloating & Digestive Issues
• Listen to Episode 28 - How Your Gut Is Messing With Your Hormones: The Estrogen & Thyroid Connection

CONNECT WITH HANNAH:

Instagram | Website

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