Many people have a habit of going to the toilet immediately after eating and believe that this is a normal reaction of the body. However, according to medical experts, in some cases, this condition may reflect that intestinal health is having problems and should not be subjectively ignored.
According to Dr. Basavaraj S. Kumbar, an internist consultant at Aster Whitefield Hospital (Bengaluru, India), the feeling of sadness after bowel movements right after meals may be related to a natural physiological mechanism of the body, but it can also be a sign of digestive disorders if it occurs frequently and is accompanied by abnormal symptoms.
What is gastrointestinal reflex?
Stomach - colon reflexes are a natural physiological mechanism that helps regulate the functioning of the digestive system after meals. When food enters the stomach, this organ will signal, causing the colon to contract more strongly, creating space for new food and pushing available waste down to the rectum. Therefore, some people may feel bored with bowel movements just a few minutes after eating.
This reflex is usually more pronounced in the morning or after full meals. In people with a healthy digestive system, this is a normal phenomenon, does not cause pain or discomfort, stools still have mold and are not accompanied by digestive disorders.
According to Dr. Kumbar, if the feeling of sadness at the toilet only occurs occasionally, can be predicted in advance and is not accompanied by abdominal pain or diarrhea, then it is simply part of the natural digestive process.
When should we worry about gut health?
Dr. Basavaraj S. Kumbar said that bowel movements immediately after eating will be worrying if they occur frequently or are accompanied by abnormal symptoms. Signs to pay attention to include prolonged diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, abdominal distension, or sudden changes in digestion habits.
In particular, unexplained weight loss, blood or mucus in stools, severe abdominal pain or having to wake up at night to go to the toilet are considered serious warning signs. These may be related to diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, gastrointestinal infections or absorption disorders.
In these cases, patients should not consider this a normal daily routine but need to go for an early check-up to be diagnosed and treated promptly.
What to do to improve digestive health?
To protect and improve gut health, doctors recommend adjusting daily lifestyle. Dividing meals into smaller portions, eating regularly and on time helps reduce pressure on the digestive system. Gradually supplementing fiber also contributes to maintaining stable intestinal activity.
In addition, it is necessary to limit processed foods, fatty foods, caffeine and stimulants. Drinking enough water, maintaining regular exercise and controlling stress with yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises also brings clear benefits to the digestive system.
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