A doctor has explained what it means if you need to go to the bathroom

right after eating. If you find yourself rushing to the toilet after every meal,

a TikTok doctor says “you’re not alone.” What does it mean? The doctor

clarifies that it’s not because the food moves instantly through your

gastrointestinal tract. Instead, it’s something called the gastrocolic reflex.

What is the gastrocolic reflex? The gastrocolic reflex is a natural

physiological response that stimulates movement in your lower gastrointestinal

tract after eating. It’s not a disease, but a normal reflex that helps your

body make room for more food in your GI tract. Dr. Salhab explains that

when you eat, your stomach stretches, sending signals to your brain, which

then signals your colon. This causes your colon to contract to make space for

more food, triggering the urge to use the restroom. The substances that come

out are actually old digested food and water. Heightened reflex People with

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience a heightened gastrocolic reflex.

IBS can cause painful abdominal symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating