You take your last bite.
You push your plate away.
And within minutes…
The urge hits.
You’re heading to the bathroom — again — right after a meal.
You’re not imagining it.
You’re not alone.
And no, that sandwich didn’t “go right through you.”
This common experience has a name: the gastrocolic reflex — a natural, automatic response hardwired into your digestive system.
And while it’s completely normal for many people, for others, it can be sudden, intense, or even disruptive.
Let’s break down what’s really happening — and when it might be time to pay closer attention.
🔬 What Is the Gastrocolic Reflex?