Many people experience the urge to use the restroom shortly after eating, and if this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A doctor recently explained on TikTok what it means when you feel the need to have a bowel movement right after a meal.

This reaction isn’t because food moves instantly through your digestive system. Instead, it’s caused by something called the gastrocolic reflex. This is a normal physiological reflex that stimulates movement in your lower gastrointestinal tract after eating.

According to VeryWell Health, the gastrocolic reflex isn’t a disease or medical problem. Rather, it’s your body’s way of making space in the colon for incoming food by prompting the colon to contract and move its contents along.

Dr. Salhab explains that when your stomach stretches after eating, it sends signals to your brain, which in turn signals the colon to begin contracting. These contractions push stool and water — which have been sitting in the colon — toward the rectum, causing the urge to have a bowel movement.

The material that comes out isn’t newly eaten food but rather old digested waste. This reflex is completely natural and helps keep your digestive system functioning smoothly.

However, people with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may have an exaggerated gastrocolic reflex. IBS causes abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating, often triggered by strong colon contractions after meals.

Dr. Salhab notes that for some, these contractions can be so forceful they lead to severe discomfort or diarrhea shortly after eating. This heightened reflex is a common symptom of IBS.

To help ease symptoms, it’s advised to avoid triggers like carbonated drinks, alcohol, citrus fruits, dairy, and fried or fatty foods — basically foods that taste great but can aggravate the digestive tract.