Why You Feel the Urge to Poop After Eating: A Doctor Explains

Many people experience the need to use the restroom shortly after eating, and according to medical experts, this is a completely normal occurrence.

A healthcare professional on TikTok recently highlighted this common phenomenon, reassuring those who frequently rush to the bathroom after meals that they are not alone.

Understanding the Gastrocolic Reflex

Despite what it may seem, feeling the urge to have a bowel movement immediately after eating does not mean that your food is being digested unusually fast. Instead, this sensation is due to the “gastrocolic reflex.”

According to VeryWell Health, the gastrocolic reflex is a natural physiological response that stimulates movement in the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract after consuming food. This reflex helps create space in your digestive system for incoming food by triggering contractions in the colon.

Dr. Salhab explains that as the stomach expands with food, it signals the brain, which then prompts the colon to contract. This reaction often leads to the urge to have a bowel movement. The waste that is expelled, however, is not from the most recent meal but consists of older digested food and fluids stored in the colon.

When the Reflex Is More Intense

For individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the gastrocolic reflex can be more pronounced. According to the Cleveland Clinic, IBS can cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and excessive gas.

Dr. Salhab notes that some people experience intense abdominal cramps or even diarrhea following meals due to heightened colon contractions. Fortunately, there are ways to manage these symptoms effectively.

Managing Symptoms

To reduce the severity of post-meal bathroom urges, Dr. Salhab recommends avoiding certain trigger foods and beverages. These include:

Carbonated drinks
Alcoholic beverages
Certain citrus fruits
Dairy products (for some individuals)
Fried and fatty foods

By making mindful dietary choices, you may be able to minimize discomfort and maintain better digestive health.

Share the Knowledge!

If you found this information helpful, share it with your friends and family so they, too, can better understand their digestive health!

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