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!
“A teenager’s face on a granny’s body!” Photographers captured Foster’s appearance in real life
“A teenager’s face on a granny’s body!” Photographers captured Foster’s appearance in real life.
These pictures caused the people to even question Foster’s age! 😳🤭The 60-year-old actress looks like this when she doesn’t wear makeup or filters! 🤯😯
Everyone was shocked by Jodie Foster’s current appearance. The talented actress was captured on camera by photographers who seized the opportunity to catch the popular movie star unaltered by makeup, filters, or retouching.
She belongs to the group of movie stars who don’t see age as anything more than a number and who embrace their natural selves without having to visit beauticians and cosmetologists too soon.
Recently, camera lenses have photographed the gifted movie actress unretouched and without makeup. Her natural appearance, devoid of makeup, amazed everyone.
“It’s hard to believe that this is actually her!,” “Please don’t confuse unkemptness with embracing natural beauty!”,” “A lady should always take care of herself regardless of age,” and “She should take some time for herself too!”
We look forward to hearing from you in the comments!
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