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Pooping right after eating isn’t as concerning as people imagine, clarifies doctor
Your stool says a lot about your overall health. While healthy poop implies a healthy gut, does it matter when we go to the bathroom?
Emptying your bowels first thing in the morning is a common practice. Despite maintaining a bathroom routine, some people have the urge to poop immediately after eating – a doctor says that’s only normal.
Why some people poop after eating
No, your body isn’t rejecting the food you have just eaten if you feel like going to the bathroom after a hearty meal.
Although it is an uncomfortable feeling it isn’t uncommon as a certified gastroenterologist explains the functioning of the digestive system that occurs in most people.
Dr. Joseph Salhab says the urge to use the restroom immediately after eating is caused by the gastrocolic reflex. “When the food enters your stomach, it stretches and sends signals to the brain, which then send signals to your colon,” he explains.
The colon then begins to contract to make more space for the food you’ve just eaten, thus causing the gastrocolic reflex or the urge to empty your bowels.
Your stomach only rejects the old food and water, which is most common among people with Irritable bowel syndrome�- a common disorder responsible for sensitive stomach and intestines.
While passing stool right after eating isn’t concerning, the symptoms such as cramping and diarrhea can still cause discomfort. Dr. Joseph suggests eating a low FODMAP diet, which includes a list of foods that could be irritating your digestive system.
How many times should you poop daily?
Now that we know it’s normal to want to go to the bathroom after eating, you may be wondering – how many times should we poop daily?
According to one study, an average healthy person would have one or two bowel movements daily. Anything more or less than the ideal number could indicate an underlying health issue.
While constipation is one of the biggest reasons for irregular bowel movements, unhealthy habits such as bringing your smartphone to your toilet can also affect your pooping schedule.
