Mar 14, 2025
The engine of the body’s digestive process is peristalsis, a sequence of movements also known as digestive cleaning waves. These muscle contractions help move food and waste through the body. Think of them as your body’s natural "cleaning crew," ensuring that your digestion stays smooth and efficient.
Peristalsis begins in the esophagus and continues through the stomach and small intestine. As food and liquid pass through the esophagus, the walls of the esophagus contract and relax in a wave-like motion, pushing the food toward the stomach. The process continues on from there, pushing the food along to the small intestine, and then to the large intestine where the waste remaining is pushed toward the rectum for elimination through a bowel movement.
Peristalsis occurs throughout the day and is essential for proper digestion and the elimination of waste from the body. By spacing meals four to five hours apart (and avoiding those little snacks in between), you can give those digestive cleaning waves enough time to work their magic and keep you feeling balanced.
The Peristalsis and SIBO Connection
When peristalsis is not happening properly – whether food moves too quickly, or too slowly – it is referred to as having motility issues. Slow motility can create the perfect conditions for SIBO, since food isn’t moving through your gut as it should be, giving bacteria more time to grow.
The good news? Supporting healthy motility can help minimize the risk of bacterial overgrowth in the gut. One simple yet effective strategy is to space meals four to five hours apart. This allows the digestive cleaning waves to complete their cycle between meals and keep things moving efficiently through the small intestine.
By supporting your body’s natural motility and digestive rhythm, you can reduce the risk of bloating, discomfort, and other symptoms associated with SIBO—while helping your gut function at its best.