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Gastrocolic Reflex

By Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D., About.com

Updated: January 19, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: A reflex in which the act of eating stimulates movement in the gastrointestinal tract. Eating large meals or foods with high fat content can increase the stimulation of this reflex and result in stronger intestinal contractions.

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