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Gastrocolic Reflex: Urgent Diarrhea or Distended Belly after Eating
This article was originally written on July 30, 2018 and fully updated on May 11, 2023
Do you tend to run to the bathroom or see your belly expand very quickly after eating? This is the case for many people who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and it can be caused by what is called the gastrocolic reflex. Digestive symptoms caused by malabsorption such as an intolerance to FODMAPs or sucrose, or pancreatic insufficiency (fat malabsorption) take longer to appear, on average between two and eight hours after eating.
Think about it, you have to give the food time to be digested. So how is it possible to have symptoms so quickly? Read this article to learn more!
The gastrocolic reflex
The gastrocolic reflex is a normal reflex that is triggered by eating and helps the intestine “make room” for the food you have just eaten. This reflex stimulates the intestine (mainly the colon) to contract and move its contents. A larger stretch or a large amount of fat can send a stronger signal. This reflex can therefore be intensified if you eat a very fatty meal, a large portion, foods high in roughage such as a large salad or popcorn, or even if you drink a large cold drink very quickly.
Studies have shown that some people with IBS seem to have an exaggerated gastrocolic reflex. This means that their intestines can contract more intensely in response to a meal, contributing to IBS symptoms.
For people with diarrhea-prone IBS (IBS-D), this can lead to urgent and diarrhea very soon after eating. For IBS sufferers with constipation (IBS-C), this can lead to flatulence and significant belly distension as the intestine fills up, but the body is unable to pass stools and free up space. Digestive symptoms caused by an intensified gastrocolic reflex appear on average between 15 and 90 minutes after eating.
How Can I Reduce Symptoms Resulting from the Gastrocolic Reflex?
Sometimes, simply avoiding overeating, reducing portions of roughage (salad, nuts, popcorn, etc.), eating smaller meals and/or snacks more often, avoiding very high-fat meals (ex. fried foods) and avoiding drinking large amounts of cold drinks can help control symptoms related to the gastrocolic reflex.
For those who suffer from IBS-C, this reflex can sometimes be useful to help with bowel movements. Thus, we can try to include a little more healthy fats at breakfast such as a handful of nuts or two tablespoons of nut butter, or a glass of cold water to try to stimulate a bowel movement.
To reduce unpleasant symptoms and digest your meals better, I suggest you keep a food diary and work with a dietitian to identify the foods, or food groups, that cause problems. Given that digesting a food takes several hours, it’s vital to keep in mind the foods you ate during previous meals.
Author
Kathryn holds a Bachelor Degree in Nutrition as well as a Bachelor and a Master Degree in Kinesiology, all from Laval University. She is a Registered Dietitian and active member of the Ordre professionnel des Diététistes Nutritionnistes du Québec (ODNQ) and of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She holds the Monash University's certification for the FODMAP diet and IBS, and has considerable clinical experience in that area. She is also an accomplished athlete, having ran track and cross-country at a national level. Kathryn specializes in sports nutrition, weight loss, diabetes, as well as heart and gastrointestinal health.
Is there any way I can reduce the overworking (it seems) of gastro colic reflex. I’m 80 yrs old but walking constantly. Fit for my years—— however digestive issues have plagued me since the age of 50 yrs. I had then an ulcer —- plus hiatus hernia ( albeit small). I’ve tried MANY probiotics —— can’t hit the right one it seems. Enzymes although helping initially are now a hindrance. Thanks very much Irene
how i can minimise my gstrocolic reflex?
Hello Dipak,
As explained in the article you should keep a food diary and work with a dietitian to identify which foods, or food groups, cause your problem.
It doesn’t matter what I eat
After every meal I end up in the bathroom with tenesmus.What can I do to help it?
Hello Ida,
I recommend that you consult a doctor to investigate the cause of your symptoms and rule out more serious conditions like IBD. If it happens after every meal no matter what you eat, then the cause is most likely not food related.
Have to visit toilet with in 15-30mlnites.
Frequency 4-6 time a day.stool varies in consistency usually loose pale yellow..
Feel very weakafterthe act.pl advise
Hello, You should consult your doctor.
I have problem from Las 9 to 10 months I have to go thr washroom just after eating or drinking something I am afraid of this abdominal pain bi bohat shaded hota h
Hi Ayesha,
What does your doctor say? Have you thought about consulting a dietitian?
I have this problem too. Doctor has diagnosed me with Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency. I don’t know if I believe the diagnosis is correct or not. Stool labs apparently showed it to be true. However, normally people with Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency are skinny. And I am 100lbs over weight. I have been suffering for 4 years now. EVERY time I eat I have diarrhea within 2-20 minutes of eating. No matter what I eat. My poop is always bright yellow, oily, and runny. I’m so tired of it. Creon pills are too big to take and taking them before every meal just isn’t doing it for me. They don’t help enough to swollow the horse pills.
Hello Alisa,
Have you consulted a dietitian specialized in gastrointestinal health? If you are looking for guidance we could help you with our VIP Dietitian program: https://www.soscuisine.com/vip-dietitian/