Introduction:
The gastrocolic reflex is a natural reflex of the human body, not a condition or a disorder to worry about. This reflex signals the colon to empty its contents to make a place for the coming food. However, some people might be urged to empty their bowels immediately after food. This might not be normal and requires attention. Abdominal cramps, constipation, vomiting, etc., can also accompany it. However, this is normal in infants and is not a matter of concern.
What Is Gastrocolic Reflex in Infants?
The gastrocolic reflex gets activated when food enters the stomach and signals the colon to empty itself to make room for the new food. In adults, this reflex is initiated about fifteen minutes after eating and lasts for several hours. Most babies have an active gastrocolic reflex, which makes them pass food from the bowel immediately after feeding or even during the feed. This continues for the first few weeks of life and is normal. Gradually, the reflex becomes weaker as time passes, and the duration between feeding and passing stools will increase.
The baby can overreact to the reflux; they might start crying, beating their hands and legs, being fussy, and refusing to feed. This is often mistaken for abdominal pain or gas. The consistency of the stool can be soft claylike, and messy. Parents often tend to misunderstand this as diarrhea and begin to get worried. It is difficult to distinguish diarrhea from the gastrocolic reflex, as the child is too small to be loud with their symptoms. An unusual fussiness, difficulty feeding, or less appetite can be considered serious and requires medical attention.
How Does a Gastrocolic Reflex Work?
The study of the gastrocolic reflex is still in its initial stages, and it is not yet very clear as to what the proper mechanism is. However, pieces of evidence show that it is the effect of neuro-hormonal mechanisms that are responsible for the reflex.
The enteric nervous system stimulates the gastrocolic reflex when food enters the stomach. The enteric nervous system is a part of the peripheral nervous system that deals with gastrointestinal functions. This increases the motility of the colon, which begins to contract fast to make more space to accommodate the coming food. Two separate vagal motor pathways influence the motility of the colon. The first one is cholinergic and releases the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The second pathway, called the non-cholinergic non-androgenic pathway, involves neither acetylcholine nor norepinephrine. Migrating motor complexes are responsible for the movement of the food bolus through the colon. It then travels through the rectum and is ready for defecation. This produces an urge to use the bathroom.
The colonic motor response to having food is absent in adult patients with a thoracic spinal injury and multiple sclerosis (a condition that disables the functions of the brain and the spinal cord). An autonomic neuropathy (when the extrinsic nervous system is not functioning properly) is responsible for the absence of gastrocolic reflex in diabetic patients.
What Are the Symptoms of an Over-Reactive Gastrocolic Reflex in Adults?
The gastrocolic reflex works behind to stimulate the colon to contract and move the food out of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. This is why all the associated symptoms can be related to the GI tract. The symptoms of an over-reactive gastrocolic reflex in adults include:
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Abdominal pains (or cramps).
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Bloating.
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A sudden urge to pass bowel contents.
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Diarrhea.
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Flatulence (gas disturbances).
What Are the Causes of an Over-Reactive Gastrocolic Reflex in Adults?
It is yet unclear what is the exact cause of an over-reactive gastrocolic reflex in adults.
The abnormal levels of hormones and neuropeptides may be responsible for regulating the motility of the digestive system. The change in the gastrointestinal flora can cause a change in the motility pattern of the colon, resulting in the symptoms. Research is still going on to find out the exact reason for this. An over-reactive gastrocolic reflex can be a part of the symptoms of other medical conditions like;
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome: It is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects the function of the gastrointestinal system. The symptoms can include constipation and or diarrhea.
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Dumping Syndrome: This usually occurs in people who had bariatric surgery (surgeries that modify the digestive system to enhance weight loss). The food moves quickly from the stomach to the colon in these patients, and this can be a temporary change.
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Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation in the lower GI tract.
Other reasons for an over-reactive gastrocolic reflex can include the following:
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Consuming a large meal (especially one rich in fats).
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Drinking a large amount of soft drinks at a stretch.
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Consumption of food that can cause intolerance.
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Consuming food or drinks containing FODMAPs (short-chained carbohydrates that have poor absorption).
How Is an Over-Reactive Gastrocolic Reflex in Adults Treated?
Bringing out modifications to the diet can help to soothe an over-reactive gastrocolic reflex in adults. If a particular food is observed to cause the symptoms, it should be avoided, or its use should be limited. Try to minimize or avoid using spicy food, carbonated drinks, etc. that may worsen the associated symptoms. Avoiding food high in fat content might solve the problem. Consuming small meals frequently can also help to soothe the symptoms.
Medications might be necessary if dietary modifications cannot control the symptoms. These commonly include anti-spasmodic drugs, tricyclic anti-depressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Antibiotics can help control the infection if the symptoms result from an infection. Probiotics (containing bacteria that benefit the gastric flora) are provided to improve the gastric flora, which can relieve the symptoms.
Conclusion:
The gastrocolic reflex is an automatic response that controls gastrointestinal motility after a meal. This is active in infants and gradually disappears as one grows old. An over-reactive gastrocolic reflex can be a sign of a medical condition like irritable bowel syndrome, dumping syndrome, etc. The mechanism behind it is not yet clear, research and studies are still going on. However, diet modifications can help to control an over-reactive gastrocolic reflex in adults.
