CLAIM:
The reel claims that needing to defecate immediately after eating is a sign of poor gut health and may indicate conditions like IBS, inflammation, indigestion, or nutritional deficiencies.
FACT:
Needing to use a restroom right after eating is usually a normal bodily response called the gastrocolic reflex, where the colon contracts to make room for new food. However, if it happens frequently or is accompanied by symptoms like pain, bloating, or diarrhoea, it may indicate digestive issues such as IBS, food intolerances, or inflammation and should be evaluated by a doctor.
In a viral Instagram reel, fitness coach and influencer Priyank Mehta, has reignited the debate around gut health and whether the need to use the restroom immediately after eating is a normal digestive reflex or a sign of an underlying issue. The reel, presented as a conversation between Mehta and a woman, addresses one of the most relatable yet often misunderstood bodily reactions — the sudden urge to defecate right after a meal.
In the video, a woman expresses that she needs to use the restroom right after eating. Mehta begins by asking, “Do you also feel the need to defecate immediately after eating? Your gut health is in danger.” He then explains, “It’s called the gastrocolic effect. When you eat food, your brain signals that you’re eating new food. Your stomach tells you to make a new place. So, the colon contracts, and the previous waste comes out.”
The woman humorously replies, “So basically, my gut has express delivery?” To which Mehta responds, “For people with IBS, anxiety, or caffeine sensitivity, this reflex is overactive.”
When she asks if that means her gut health is “hyperactive,” Mehta clarifies, “No, but if you immediately feel the urge to defecate after every meal, that’s a sign of IBS, inflammation, indigestion, or deficiency. It means it’s time to get your gut tested.”
The reel has sparked widespread discussion online — with viewers debating whether this post-meal poop reflex is a harmless part of digestion or an early warning sign of poor gut health.
Does the urge to defecate right after eating indicate poor gut health?
When you feel the sudden urge to use the restroom right after eating, it’s not your most recent bite that’s rushing through your system. Digestion takes time and varies from person to person, depending on factors like age, sex, diet, and overall health. The human digestive tract is about 30 feet long, which means it’s far too long for food to travel instantly from your mouth to the toilet. What you’re experiencing is most likely the gastrocolic reflex – a completely natural response of the body after eating.
The gastrocolic reflex occurs when food enters the stomach, triggering the release of hormones that signal the colon to contract and move existing waste out of the body. This process helps make space for new food being digested. While everyone experiences this reflex to some extent, its intensity can differ. For some, the effect is mild; for others, it can be quite strong, making them rush to the bathroom almost immediately after meals.
When the gastrocolic reflex becomes too strong
In certain cases, the gastrocolic reflex can become overactive. This heightened response is often seen in people with digestive disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or gastritis. Conditions like anxiety, food intolerances, and caffeine sensitivity can also exaggerate this reflex.
When this happens, the bowel movements after eating are accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating (often relieved after passing gas or stool), frequent flatulence, diarrhoea or constipation, and mucus in stool. These signs may indicate that the gut is more sensitive or inflamed than normal, and it’s worth consulting a doctor for evaluation.
However, not all post-meal urges are linked to the gastrocolic reflex.
Sometimes, it could simply be diarrhoea, which has other causes, such as viral or bacterial infections, food poisoning, antibiotic use, or consumption of artificial sweeteners. In some cases, faecal incontinence – the inability to control bowel movements – may also cause unexpected pooping unrelated to eating. This condition often results from muscle or nerve damage in the rectum due to childbirth, chronic constipation, anal surgery, diabetes, or spinal injuries.
Managing the urge
While you can’t stop the gastrocolic reflex, since it’s a normal body function, you can manage its intensity by making small lifestyle adjustments. Start by noting what you eat and when you experience the urge to use the restroom. If certain foods consistently trigger the reflex, try cutting them down. Common culprits include dairy products, high-fibre foods like whole grains and leafy vegetables, and greasy or fatty foods such as fried snacks.
Stress is another major trigger. When you’re anxious, your gut becomes more sensitive, which can worsen the gastrocolic reflex. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, deep breathing, or regular exercise can help reduce the frequency of post-meal bowel movements.
Most people experience this reflex occasionally, and it’s not usually a cause for concern. But, if you find yourself rushing to the toilet after every meal, or notice a sudden change in your bowel habits, it’s important to consult a doctor. Persistent symptoms could point to underlying issues such as IBS, food intolerance, or infection, all of which can be managed with the right medical guidance and dietary care.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.