Have you ever felt like you had to go to the bathroom right away after eating? You’re not by yourself. A doctor who posts videos on TikTok has shed some light on this common problem by saying it’s not just because of how fast your food is going through your food pipe.
A board-certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Joseph Salhab, says that the sudden need to go to the bathroom after eating is caused by the gastrocolic response. When you eat and your stomach stretches, it sets off this response. The brain receives the signals and sends them to the colon.
@thestomachdoc Do you poop immediately after eating? This is why it happens. #diarrhea #poop #ibs #ibstok #guthealth #guttok
When food comes in, the stomach shrinks to make room for it, which can make you feel like going to the bathroom right away. To make room for new food, Dr. Salhab says, the stool and water in the stomach are pushed out. This causes a bowel movement.
But why does this reaction feel stronger in some people than in others? Dr. Salhab says that people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be more sensitive to the gastrocolic response, which can cause painful symptoms like diarrhea, cramps, and stomach pain.
Then what can you do to feel better? Dr. Salhab says that you should try a low FODMAP diet to find out which foods may make your gut hurt. He also says to stay away from drinks and foods that can set off the gastrocolic reaction, like fizzy drinks, booze, citrus foods, dairy, and fried or fatty foods.
You can take steps to control your symptoms and feel better by learning about the gastrocolic response and choosing foods that are good for you.
