If you’ve ever felt an almost immediate need to use the bathroom after eating, you’re definitely not alone. It’s a surprisingly common response known as the gastrocolic reflex. Dr. Joseph Salhab recently explained that this urge doesn’t happen because food is racing through your digestive tract, but because your brain and stomach send signals to your colon after a meal.
So how can you keep this reflex in check—especially if you’re dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? We’ve covered the details elsewhere, but in short, certain foods and supplements can help ease symptoms. Strategies like following a low-FODMAP diet, staying mindful of trigger foods, and adding aloe vera mixed with water are also commonly recommended to support digestion and reduce discomfort.
