Why do I need to rush to the bathroom after a meal?
Over the years of being a GI dietitian I have joined many of the FODMAP Facebook groups for more information to help my clients. One question I see posted often is about the need to rush to the bathroom soon after a meal. These individuals ask this because it is felt that this has to be due to consuming a high FODMAP food at that particular meal. Thankfully, having to use the bathroom soon after a meal is very normal. It happens in many that do not even have gastrointestinal issues at all. The need to use the bathroom soon after a meal is caused by the gastrocolic reflex.
When someone begins eating, the gastrocolic reflex stimulates movement in the GI tract. The gut starts contracting when food hits the stomach, telling the colon to empty, to make room for the food currently being consumed. This is a very natural movement, but in those that have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it can be abnormally strong. These symptoms can be exacerbated after a meal, sometimes causing increased abdominal pain, gas, abdominal distention and urgency.
So, if this is exaggerated in those with IBS, isn’t it a FODMAP issue? The answer to that question is yes and no. A FODMAP reaction usually takes about 4 hours to occur. So, if symptoms are increased soon after a meal, the meals consumed earlier in the day or the day prior need to be looked at first. Symptoms could be worse because of a high FODMAP food/meal, but it is likely not from the meal just consumed.
If someone has IBS, this reflex can be intensified by eating a large meal or one that is high in fat. Also, drinking a large cold drink quickly can be a trigger as well. If post-meal symptoms are an issue for someone with IBS, consider eating small frequent meals that are not very high in fat. Eating small frequent meals if one has SIBO is not encouraged.
Gastrointestinal issues are not a one size fits all approach. It is a lot of trial and error. The FODMAP diet is a great approach for decreasing symptoms, but sometimes one has to look at other possibilities of symptom triggers as well.
The information in this blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis and treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before altering your diet, starting a new treatment or making changes to an existing treatment.
Meet Valerie
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist - CDN, RDN
My name is Valerie Polley. I am a Indianapolis-based registered dietitian and owner of Blue Tree Nutrition. I consult with clients both local and far away.
I have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from Purdue University and I have been practicing for 20 years.
I thoroughly enjoy helping clients through their gut health journey. I see a range of GI issues including, but not limited to celiac disease, IBS and SIBO. I also specialize in the FODMAP elimination diet.
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I have a problem of eating and rushing to bathroom and most times not making it, I have had accidents Airports, my job, friends out to eat, home, it is like being trapped, I have gone to GI Dr. Proctologist which wanted insert electrodes but until I address foods waste I have had a mass cut out of rectum after childbirth, bladder sewed inside and out, Gallbladder surgery
hysterotomy so when urges come no control. I have tried drugs, Drs. now reading a book about lectins leaky gut just exhausted all efforts
I am sorry you are dealing with this issue. You are welcome to reach out to me and we can see about setting up an appointment. It does depend on which state you are from due to licensure laws. If you are from a state that I can’t see you, then I will find someone that might be able to help you out. So much can be involved in your issues, so sitting down and going back to the beginning. Lectins can be an issue, but I have not personally found that to be the only reason. Usually other things are going on to make someone have issues with certain foods or groups of foods.