If you find yourself rushing to the bathroom right after eating, you’re not alone—and it doesn’t mean the food is going straight through you. According to Dr. Salhab on TikTok, this is likely due to something called the gastrocolic reflex.

This is a normal reflex your body uses to make space in the digestive system. When your stomach stretches after eating, it sends signals to your brain, which tells your colon to contract. This can lead to the urge to poop—though what’s coming out is actually previously digested food and water, not your recent meal.

People with IBS often have a more intense version of this reflex, which can cause cramping or diarrhea. To ease symptoms, it may help to avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol, dairy, fried, fatty, or citrus foods—basically all the tasty stuff, unfortunately.