What is Motilin? How does it help your body?

We all know how important it is to properly digest the food we eat and absorb the nutrients from it. This whole process happens inside our bodies like magic. So, there are many things in our bodies that work like little “soldiers” that help with this. One such special person is Motilin . Come on, let’s talk about this in a little more detail.

What is Motilin?

Simply put, Motilin is a hormone related to our digestive system. Think about it, when we eat food, it doesn't stay in one place in the stomach, right? It has to move forward little by little, like a train. This Motilin is one of the things that helps move that food from the small intestine to the large intestine . We call the process by which this food moves through the intestines the "migrating motor complex" or in English `(Migrating Motor Complex – MMC)` .

Our bodies produce Motilin throughout the day. However, when we are fasting, that is, between meals or when we are sleeping, Motilin is produced more. Also, Motilin levels change depending on the type of food we eat. For example, if you eat a high-fat meal or a high-sugar (i.e. , glucose ) meal, Motilin levels may decrease.

What are the main things that Motilin does?

The main function of Motilin is to move food along our digestive system. In addition to that, Motilin also helps with another thing. That is to help make an enzyme called pepsin in our stomach. This enzyme called pepsin helps digest the protein we eat.

Now, let's see how this works. When Motilin is released from our bodies, it goes and attaches to special places on our cells called motilin receptors . When it does, the muscles in our small intestine contract, like a rubber band being pulled. That's what pushes the food through to the next stage of the digestive system. See?

What is the connection between Motilin and this so-called MMC?

Motilin is what controls the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) that I mentioned earlier. When Motilin is released from our body, it activates the MMC. So what happens to this MMC?

• Food that has not been properly digested is carried from the small intestine to the large intestine.
• The bacteria in the small intestine are transported to the large intestine. This is done to stop the unwanted growth of bacteria in the small intestine.
• From the large intestine, bacteria travel back to the end of the small intestine, that is, to the terminal ileum.Prevents it from coming.
• We check to see if any food residue or bacteria are interfering with our body's ability to absorb nutrients. If there are any, we remove them.

To be precise, this MMC is like a “cleansing wave” that cleanses our intestines. After we finish eating, our intestines are cleared and prepared for the next meal.

What other things does Motilin affect in our body?

When Motilin is released from our body, it affects several other parts of our body. Motilin helps these things happen:

• Empty the gallbladder. This releases bile, which helps digest fats.
• Feel hungry . Another hormone called ghrelin also helps with this.
• Our pancreas releases insulin . You know, insulin is what helps control our blood sugar levels.

Are there any diseases that affect Motilin levels?

Yes, some diseases and conditions can change your Motilin levels. For example, studies have shown that pregnant women generally have lower Motilin levels than other women. This decrease in Motilin is what causes some people to experience things like constipation and heartburn during pregnancy.

What happens if Motilin levels drop?

If motilin is low, the muscles in our digestive system can contract and food can move slowly. This is called hypomotility . There are several digestive system diseases that have been associated with this condition:

• Chronic constipation
• Functional dyspepsia (symptoms include stomach discomfort and feeling full quickly)
• Gastroparesis (in which the stomach muscles do not work properly, causing food to move slowly from the stomach)
• Intestinal pseudo-obstruction (in which the intestines appear to have an obstruction even though there is no actual obstruction)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (a common condition in which symptoms such as stomach pain , constipation, or diarrhea alternate)

What happens if you take too much Motilin?

If motilin levels are high, food can move faster than normal and cause more contractions in the intestines. Conditions associated with high motilin levels include:

• Diabetes `( Diabetes Mellitus)`
• Ulcerative colitis (this is an inflammatory condition that causes ulcers in the large intestine)

How do we keep our Motilin levels and digestive system healthy?

You can keep your digestive system and hormonal system healthy by following these health habits:

• Try to get at least seven hours of good sleep a night .
• Drink plenty of water. About 3 to 4 liters a day. This can vary depending on your body size, gender, and activity level.
• Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (things with bran).
• Exercise regularly. Include strength training, stretching, and aerobic exercise.
• Stop smoking and using tobacco products. Also limit caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods.
• Use antibiotics only when necessary and as directed by a doctor. Avoid unnecessary use.

Why is Motilin secreted while fasting?

The Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) that I mentioned works in a timely manner to help move food through our digestive system. Motilin is also a part of this MMC.

When you eat, the digestive enzymes in your stomach are released and the process of digestion begins. Motilin is released from your body after your stomach has had time to digest some of the food. This happens when you are fasting (i.e. between meals). During this time, undigested food is pushed from the stomach into the small intestine. It is like a housecleaning.

What hormones help the stomach empty?

Gastric emptying is the process by which food moves from the stomach into the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum . The hormones ghrelin and motilin both help this process of gastric emptying.

Where are these Motilin receptors located?

You have these motilin receptors all along your digestive system. That means:

• In your stomach
• Small intestine
• Colon

These are motilin receptors.It is mostly located in a narrow part of the stomach. It is called the pyloric antrum. This pyloric antrum is the first part of the pylorus , the opening between the stomach and the small intestine.

Finally, remember this !

Okay, so the most important thing you need to remember from what we've talked about today is that Motilin is an important hormone that stimulates our digestive system . It helps move food from the small intestine to the large intestine. It also affects the release of insulin and the feeling of hunger .

If your Motilin levels are low, the muscles in your small intestine may contract slowly or even be delayed. Therefore, following a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and exercising can help keep your entire digestive system healthy. Then, these hormones that help us, like Motilin, can do their job properly.

I hope you find these tips helpful. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask a doctor!