If you have ever felt abdominal pain or a sudden urge to go to the bathroom after eating something, it may be due to a physiological reflex known as the gastrocolic reflex. Dr. Lang Dai Chu, gastroenterologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, explains that this condition is due to increased movement of the large intestine minutes after the food reaches the stomach, generally when it is empty. Next, our specialist gives us more information on this topic.

Symptoms

In people with greater sensitivity the symptoms can be: abdominal pain, gas and diarrhea after each meal.

Treatment

In most cases, being a natural reaction of the body, no treatment is necessary. However, for those people who have greater visceral sensitivity or have a diagnosis of irritable bowel, medical treatment for pain, diarrhea or gas, with antispasmodics or antiflatulents, as directed by your treating physician.

Recommendations

Some recommendations to avoid the gastrocolic reflex are:

• Avoid excessive consumption of unhealthy fat, such as fried foods
• Avoid eating large amounts of food for each meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Avoid excess foods that contain lactose or vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, peppers, among others
• Drink some infusion before each meal, preferably without sugar

If symptoms persist despite diet improvement, medical evaluation is necessary. Remember that the diagnosis of a specialist is of the utmost importance for proper treatment.

Dr. Lang Dai Chu
Gastroenterologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma