We’ve previously written at HuffPost UK about what it means to have an invisible “ghost” poop.
We’ve even told you the ideal number of times you should “walk” per week.
But recently we discovered that the quick trip to the toilet right after eating also has its own causes.
Dr. Joseph Salhab recently shared on TikTok that “it’s not because the food moves through your gastrointestinal tract immediately.”
Rather, he says, signals between the stomach and the brain are involved in this process.
What’s going on then?
“When you eat and feel like you have to go to the bathroom right afterward, it’s called the gastrocolic reflex,” the gastroenterologist explained.
The NHS writes that this is “a physiological reflex that occurs in response to
Stretching of the stomach after eating and the arrival of byproducts of
Digestion in the small intestine.”
About 20 to 30 minutes after eating, the expansion of your stomach signals your brain that you are full.
Therefore, “your colon begins to contract to make more room for food,” the doctor explained.
This reflex makes you feel like you need to go as quickly as possible, especially after breakfast, says the NHS.
It is not the case that food “just passes through you” – you mainly excrete old stool and water.
People with irritable bowel syndrome may be more sensitive to the reflex
Dr. Salhab said people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are more sensitive to the reflex.
This could be the reason why some people experience stomach pain and cramps after eating. Some even get diarrhea.
“The contractions of the colon can be very violent in people with irritable bowel syndrome,” he explained.
If you experience similar symptoms, your gastroenterologist will recommend trying a low-FODMAP diet.
Sodas, sugary drinks, alcohol, dairy products, fried foods and even some citrus fruits can worsen symptoms, he added, although there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Talk to your doctor if you suspect you have IBS.
