gastrocolic

This communication between the stomach, brain and colon, called the gastrocolic reflex, is a normal response to eating.

The process of eating encourages a natural physiological response known as “the gastrocolic reflex,” which essentially works to get your colon fired up.

Eating triggers what's called a "gastrocolic reflex," during which the intestines expel food in an effort to more or less make more room for your incoming meal.

For people who tend toward constipation, then, consolidating their food volume into fewer eating occasions can leverage the gastrocolic reflex and maximize their chances for a post-meal movement.

Conversely, nibbling small amounts throughout the day may not produce enough stimulating stretch of the stomach or enough of a caloric load to trigger the gastrocolic reflex.