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!
Parents Expected To Have One Baby, But Identical Triplets Were Born: What Do They Look Like Now?
For every woman, the time leading up to the birth of a child is unique and emotional, full of love and excitement. On the other hand, worries and concerns around the pregnancy are typical. Nevertheless, after the much-anticipated child is born, these worries pass.
Mothers are occasionally taken aback by unanticipated blessings, as one Iranian woman found out.
She had expected to give birth to a single child during her pregnancy, but to her surprise, Elnaz, Golnaz, and Tanaz, three identical girls, were born. This happy occasion took place in a modest Iranian family twenty years ago.
The parents were ecstatic when their daughters arrived, despite their financial struggles. They gave them the greatest education and upbringing possible, even though women’s chances were restricted by Iranian society conventions.
The girls took the risk of moving to London when they grew older and saw how little opportunities there were in Iran.
They set off on this new voyage, leaving behind their own country in search of a better future, with the encouragement of their father. They followed modeling careers in London, where they soon achieved some success and partnerships with well-known brands.
The sisters are nevertheless optimistic about their chances of success even though they haven’t yet attained international renown.
On social media, the sisters chronicle their stylish lives and trips while keeping a consistent online persona. They embrace their sense of style and frequently coordinate their outfits to keep everything cohesive.
Elnaz, Golnaz, and Tanaz are hopeful about their future pursuits and appreciative of their parents’ unwavering support.
Leave a Reply