Is bowel motion after food normal? Why am I constipated?

Quite a lot of people complain of having to go to the toilet immediately after consuming food. They induce in self-medication, mostly in the form of acidity medications, to prevent it. They worry that they have problem of absorption/digestion. But there is no need to worry as it is not serious.

Unless you lose weight significantly, there is no problem with absorption or digestion.

If you observe children, then you will find the solution to your problem. Most children, when they are still young, go to the toilet immediately after food. As adults, we tell them that its wrong and over time, they stop going to toilet after food .

Sensation to go to the toilet after eating food is normal. It is called gastro-colic reflux. When one eats food and the stomach gets distended, a sensation is sent to the brain to let it know that there is new food in stomach and that it needs space. Normally, the brain makes space by emptying any waste in the colon, which is from the food consumed day before. So, the brains, in turn, sends a signal to the colon to empty the waste. But as adults, we train our body to ignore the signal and wait for the appropriate time and place. So, with time, the brain stops sending the signal unless it is absolutely necessary.

In some people, the condition of gastro-colic reflux is exacerbated. Such people need to persistently retrain to get relief from this habit.

One can be assured that the motion that goes out is never the food that was consumed few hours ago. It is waste from the food consumed day before.

What are the remedies for constipation?

For one pass motion, normally, one should:

1. Eat enough fiber. This is readily available in all fruits, vegetables and green leaves.
2. Drink at least 3 liters of water/day.
3. One should not expect their intestines to be mobile if they lack physical activity. Exercise does not necessarily mean gym; it could even be simple walking.

One should avoid medicines until the above-mentioned natural requirements are met. If one is constipated even after following the requirements, then one can depend on medicines for proper functioning of the bowels. However, long-term use of any medicine is not recommended.