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Gastrocolic Reflex: Urgent Diarrhea or Distended Belly after Eating
Is it the Gastrocolic Reflex that is Causing my Symptoms or Something Else?
An extremely rapid reaction following the consumption of a food (between 0 and 15 minutes) can be caused by a classic food allergy, which is a response of the immune system to foreign proteins that it is recognizing as allergens. This reaction can be manifested by gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. acute stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea), but also by other systemic symptoms (skin rashes, trouble breathing, etc.). We often think of a food allergy as a phenomenon more present in children, but the presence of food allergies in adults seems to be quite common. A survey published in 2019 and conducted among 40,443 subjects found that nearly 11% of American adults have a food allergy, and that it is common for it to manifest itself in adulthood.
Another possible cause of a rapid reaction of the digestive system to food is a histamine intolerance. Read this article to learn more about it.
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is another condition that can cause symptoms soon after a meal such as flatulence, distension, bloating, or urgent bowel movements. Often, in the case of SIBO, the foods that cause such symptoms are high in fat or FODMAPs. Read this article to learn more about this condition.
Finally, acid reflux or functional dyspepsia can lead to symptoms in the upper part of the digestive tract soon after a meal, such as belching, feeling excessively full, heartburn, nausea, and even pain in the upper stomach.
How to Obtain Help?
To help you untangle all of this, do not hesitate to consult with a Registered Dietitian who is specialized in digestive health and who will be able to guide you. You can check out our VIP Dietitian Service for more information.
*FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates that are partly responsible for causing symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For more info, read this article.
References
- Mantides (2002). Gut motility and visceral perception in IBS patients. Annals of Gastroenterology; 15(3): 240-47
- Gupta et al. (2019) Prevalence and Severity of Food Allergies Among US Adults. JAMA Netw Open; 2(1): e185630
- Freuman (2023) Timing of Digestive Symptoms: What It Means FODMAP Everyday Blog
- McNamara (2018) Eating and IBS symptoms Monash University Blog
Author
Kathryn holds a Bachelor Degree in Nutrition as well as a Bachelor and a Master Degree in Kinesiology, all from Laval University. She is a Registered Dietitian and active member of the Ordre professionnel des Diététistes Nutritionnistes du Québec (ODNQ) and of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She holds the Monash University's certification for the FODMAP diet and IBS, and has considerable clinical experience in that area. She is also an accomplished athlete, having ran track and cross-country at a national level. Kathryn specializes in sports nutrition, weight loss, diabetes, as well as heart and gastrointestinal health.
Is there any way I can reduce the overworking (it seems) of gastro colic reflex. I’m 80 yrs old but walking constantly. Fit for my years—— however digestive issues have plagued me since the age of 50 yrs. I had then an ulcer —- plus hiatus hernia ( albeit small). I’ve tried MANY probiotics —— can’t hit the right one it seems. Enzymes although helping initially are now a hindrance. Thanks very much Irene
how i can minimise my gstrocolic reflex?
Hello Dipak,
As explained in the article you should keep a food diary and work with a dietitian to identify which foods, or food groups, cause your problem.
It doesn’t matter what I eat
After every meal I end up in the bathroom with tenesmus.What can I do to help it?
Hello Ida,
I recommend that you consult a doctor to investigate the cause of your symptoms and rule out more serious conditions like IBD. If it happens after every meal no matter what you eat, then the cause is most likely not food related.
Have to visit toilet with in 15-30mlnites.
Frequency 4-6 time a day.stool varies in consistency usually loose pale yellow..
Feel very weakafterthe act.pl advise
Hello, You should consult your doctor.
I have problem from Las 9 to 10 months I have to go thr washroom just after eating or drinking something I am afraid of this abdominal pain bi bohat shaded hota h
Hi Ayesha,
What does your doctor say? Have you thought about consulting a dietitian?
I have this problem too. Doctor has diagnosed me with Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency. I don’t know if I believe the diagnosis is correct or not. Stool labs apparently showed it to be true. However, normally people with Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency are skinny. And I am 100lbs over weight. I have been suffering for 4 years now. EVERY time I eat I have diarrhea within 2-20 minutes of eating. No matter what I eat. My poop is always bright yellow, oily, and runny. I’m so tired of it. Creon pills are too big to take and taking them before every meal just isn’t doing it for me. They don’t help enough to swollow the horse pills.
Hello Alisa,
Have you consulted a dietitian specialized in gastrointestinal health? If you are looking for guidance we could help you with our VIP Dietitian program: https://www.soscuisine.com/vip-dietitian/