Doctor Explains Why You May Need To Poop Straight After Eating
A doctor has explained why you may find yourself needing to poop straight after eating.
Although it’s definitely a good sign if you’re having a number two daily, if you find yourself going straight after eating food it’s worth asking why, even if you find it a little uncomfortable.
Thankfully, a board-certified gastroenterologist has taken to TikTok and shared insight on the matter, bringing peace of mind to many.
People have taken to the comments of the doctor’s video after learning why they need to poop straight after eating.
One TikToker writes: “This makes so much sense!”
Another adds: “This changes everything.”
“Wow, my whole life has been a lie,” jokes a third viewer.
In the viral video, Dr. Joseph Salhab reveals a common misconception about needing a number two after food.
He says ‘It’s not because this food is moving instantly throughout your gastrointestinal tract’ but for an entirely different reason.
Dr. Salhab explains: “When you eat and you feel like you have to use the restroom right after this is something called the gastrocolic reflex.”
According to Medical News Today, the gastrocolic reflex ‘is a normal involuntary reaction to food entering the stomach.’
Essentially, it’s a chain reaction and as your stomach begins to fill up, it expands to make room for more.
Dr. Salhab elaborates: “Your colon normally houses stool and water, the stuff that’s actually coming out is old digested food and water.”
While the gastrocolic reflex may be mild for some, it can be a particularly intense urge for others.
Certain conditions can affect it, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food allergies and intolerances, anxiety, gastritis, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and Crohn’s disease.
These conditions can also lead to additional digestive symptoms, including a frequent need to pass gas, abdominal pain or discomfort, and mucus in the stool.
Gastrocolic reflex is completely normal, however, you should consider seeing a doctor if you experience intense and frequent responses to food, diarrhea lasting longer than two days, and additional gastric symptoms.
Related Article: Splinting When You Poop May Be A Sign Something Is Wrong
Related Article: Expert Explains Why You Should Never Wipe More Than 3 Times After Pooping
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