Why Does Coffee Make You Poop?

 

Coffee's caffeine content can provide an extra energy boost throughout the day. The drink may also cause people to have a bowel movement as a side effect.

 

Most Respondents In One Survey Reported That Drinking Coffee Increased The Motility Of The Bowels.

 

What causes many people to poop after drinking coffee?

 

Is coffee effective at stimulating bowel movements?

 

This article discusses the effects coffee can have on the digestive system and other things you may want to consider before drinking coffee.

 

The Science Behind Poop And Coffee

Coffee contains several natural compounds, including:

 

Caffeine:

 A stimulant found in over 60 plant species, including tea leaves, kola nuts, cocoa, and coffee.

Antioxidants:

 A coffee drink may aid the body in removing oxidants through its chlorogenic acid and melanoidin content.

Diterpenes:

 Coffee oil naturally contains cafestol and kahweol diterpenes.

Caffeine specifically has been found to have several effects on the human gastrointestinal system, even though these compounds can have different effects on the body.

 

Caffeine And The Colon

The colon is believed to be affected by caffeine in various ways.

 

According to one study, caffeine is 60% more effective than water at stimulating colonic activity in some people.

 

Studies have found that caffeine can trigger muscular contractions of the anal sphincter, which are needed for successful bowel movements.

 

The same study also found that decaffeinated coffee stimulated colonic motor activity, suggesting that coffee also contains other components that activate our bowels.

 

In addition to the compounds listed above, coffee contains many other chemicals, some of which are formed during storage and processing.

 

There is some evidence that coffee affects our gastrointestinal system, although which compounds directly affect it is unknown.

 

Factors To Consider

Besides coffee's impact on our colon and more extensive gastrointestinal system, other factors may affect how we go to the bathroom.

 

Hormonal Fluctuations

Coffee can affect the body's hormones when consumed.

 

Consuming coffee increases gastrin levels, for instance. A significant function of Gastrin is to increase gastric motility and control the stomach's acid release.  

 

Also, drinking coffee can increase the speed at which waste moves through the colon by releasing cholecystokinin, a digestive hormone.

Milk Or Creamer

Those lactose intolerant or sensitive may experience abdominal cramps, bloating, and diarrhoea when they add milk or creamer to their morning coffee.

Temperature

Compared to cold or iced coffee, some people believe drinking hot coffee can help move their bowels.

 

Temperature doesn't significantly impact whether or not bowel movements are triggered.

Acidity

One theory suggests that chlorogenic acid, another antioxidant in coffee, may speed up digestion and colonic activity by helping the stomach digest food more quickly.

 

More research needs to back up these claims.  

 

Other Health Conditions

Some health conditions may make coffee more likely to trigger bowel movements, including those with:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  
  
• Lactose intolerance
  
  

Do You Have To Drink A Lot Of Coffee To Poop?

The effects of drinking coffee will vary from person to person.

 

Individuals who find coffee an effective colonic stimulant will require different amounts of coffee to cause bowel movements.

 

The type of coffee a person consumes, their general health, and their tolerance for caffeine can all influence the effect of coffee.

 

Most adults can safely and healthily consume 400 milligrams of caffeine per day.

 

Caffeine, however, can cause unwanted side effects when consumed in excess, such as:

• Indigestion
  
  
• Jitters
  
  
• Anxiety
  
  
• Nausea
  
  
• Insomnia
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Increased heart rate
  
  

Various amounts of caffeine can be found in processed caffeinated foods (candy bars) and beverages (energy drinks, bottled teas, and coffees).

 

Please be sure to read the nutrition facts before you consume any caffeine-containing products.

 

How To Stop Pooping When Drinking Coffee

 

Once you start drinking coffee, there is no surefire way to stop pooping.

 

Having a meal with your coffee can increase this effect because eating can stimulate gastric and colonic activity.

 

Try reducing your coffee intake to reduce the effects of caffeine on your bowels.

 

You may find the right cadence and amount after some trial and error.

 

Is Coffee A Laxative?

 

The term laxative refers to a medicine or treatment that stimulates or facilitates the bowel's evacuation.

 

The drug usually softens stools or stimulates the lower intestines to expel them.

 

Some laxatives are only available with a prescription, while others are sold over the counter (OTC).

 

For some people, coffee can produce similar results to an OTC or prescription laxative.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What Causes Diarrhoea In Some People When They Drink Coffee?

Some people experience bowel movements after drinking coffee because caffeine stimulates colonic activity. Some people may experience diarrhoea after drinking too much caffeine or coffee. Those with lactose intolerance may experience diarrhoea if they drink coffee with milk or creamer.

 

What Kind Of Coffee Makes You Poop?

It has been found that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee can stimulate bowel movements.

 

Is Iced Coffee More Likely To Make You Poop Than Hot Coffee?

According to sufficient evidence, coffee's temperature doesn't appear to impact bowel movement or colonic activity.

 

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