If you are a regular coffee drinker, you know how it goes after a few sips of coffee on an empty stomach.
You feel like peeing within minutes and poop when you go to the bathroom. It’s a trick many people use to get their bowels moving in the morning.
And you are not alone. Coffee has a powerful effect on our digestive systems.
29 percent of people tested in a study to find out the effects of coffee on our bowels had to use the bathroom within twenty minutes.
Have you ever wondered why this happens? Here is some information that will help.
Myths Surrounding Coffee and Pooping
Although some people think the caffeine in coffee makes them poop, there is scientific evidence to disprove this.
That’s because research shows decaf has the same effect on our bowels as regular coffee. It’s also good to note that other caffeinated beverages, such as soda, do not make us poop.
Could it be the warmth of coffee? Some people feel drinking hot coffee makes them go to the loo.
Before accepting this suggestion, we would have to note that other hot beverages and fluids, such as tea or soup, do not make us poop.
What about coffee’s acid content? Can the effect of coffee acids on the stomach lining lead to a release of the bowels? No.
The acid in coffee only triggers gastrointestinal discomfort leading to uncomfortable heartburns.
The Real Reason you Poop After Drinking Coffee
Despite the many theories we’ve outlined here about why coffee makes us poop, the answer is none of these factors are fully responsible.
Coffee as a whole package has a stimulatory effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Here’s why.
- It triggers the release of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the production of gastric acid, which aids in food digestion and kickstarts colonic activity.
- It aids in the release of the hormone cholecystokinin, which stimulates peristalsis (the contraction of the stomach and colon).
- Drinking coffee intensifies peristalsis, which can last for 30 minutes after drinking it.
- Coffee contains dietary fiber called melanoidins that enhances digestion and triggers bowel movements.
Despite these facts, we can’t give all the credit to coffee. Our colons start operating even without coffee immediately; we wake up and start moving around.
Your body could also be programmed to poop every morning if you’ve made a habit of it.
We should also consider other ingredients in coffee that can cause bowel movements. These are milk or creamer, which can cause bloating or diarrhea due to lactose intolerance.
Artificial sweeteners such as Stevia containing sugar alcohols like mannitol, xylitol, and erythritol can also trigger bowel movements, as these substances are known to cause digestive issues.
Should you Take Coffee to Poop?
Are these factors enough to convince you to take coffee daily to ensure you poop? No.
We can safely say there is no conclusive evidence that drinking coffee will make you poop all the time. People who suffer from digestive issues such as IBS also can’t take coffee to poop.
There is also the fact that coffee’s diuretic properties lead to frequent urination that can cause constipation preventing bowel movements.
Since it is 60 times more effective at stimulating a bowel movement than water, you may use it as a pooping aid if it works for you.
You can also take coffee for its other benefits. These are;
- Coffee’s antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals and lower inflammation in the body.
- The stimulatory effects of caffeine on our brains help to keep us alert.
- Its energizing properties boost physical performance.
- Its ability to prevent chronic ailments such as Type 2 Diabetes and Cancer.
- Coffee’s ability to boost metabolism which can aid in weight loss.
Conclusion
Now you know why coffee makes you poop. You may use it as a sure way to empty your bowels every morning.
It’s important to note that some people don’t like coffee’s effect on their systems because drinking it results in dehydration, insomnia, headaches, and irritability.
If you are such a person who suffers negative side effects after taking coffee, avoid taking it on an empty stomach.
You may also choose coffee options with a lower acidic content, such as cold brew, to reduce its adverse effects on your system.
People suffering from heart conditions and high blood pressure should also avoid coffee altogether and opt for safer laxative aids to boost their bowel movements.
Related articles: