REASONS WHY TAKING COFFEE MAKES YOU POOP-min

REASONS WHY TAKING COFFEE MAKES YOU POOP

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Many people around the world use coffee as part of their breakfast. However, to some, it can trigger increased movement at the other end of their body.

Coffee has been used for several centuries now, and its use seemed not to be questioned until when research confirmed that it makes people poop. In fact, according to one study, approximately 29% of participants had to visit the bathroom a few minutes after taking a cup of coffee.Apart from fueling you with caffeine, coffee has been found to contain very powerful antioxidants and beneficial nutrients. The problem of pooping with coffee is common in some people while others are just okay. This article explains some researched reasons why some people poop after drinking coffee.

Is Laxative Effects of Coffee Researched?

Until now, researchers have not reached a conclusion on the laxative effects of coffee. Some research even disagree. All the same, some individuals highly believe that coffee stimulates pooping in them. In fact, some people use coffee to relieve constipation and keeping their gut movements regular.In addition, among those claiming that coffee has laxative effects are those living with irritable bowel syndrome, who holds on to a claim that drinking coffee just worsens their condition. Several studies have been carried out on the laxative effects of coffee, but still, many of the results differ greatly. Few studies agree that coffee possesses a laxative effect, while some studies do not. Let us look at some of the researched reasons why coffee makes people poop.

1.      Coffee and Bowel Movements

Some studies have associated coffee with activation of certain parts of the digestive tract such as the gallbladder, stomach, and entire bowel. Researchers in these studies have tried to attest to these findings, but other researchers propose conflicting reasoning.

2.      Coffee and Gut Stimulation

One older study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information from 1998, established increased colonic contractions can be caused by caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and meals of 1,000 kcal more as compared to water alone.

In the end, the researchers concluded that drinking caffeinated coffee, resulted in stimulated colon movements 60% far more than water and 23% far more than decaffeinated coffee. It also exhibited the same effects as that of eating a 1,000 kcal meal.

Another study examined only 6 people. It found that emptying of the stomach can be expedited by drinking coffee specifically after a meal. Upon being emptied, food can easily move to the rectum where it stimulates bowel movement.

Another study which was published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that drinking a cup of caffeinated coffee may just as well increase the production of acids in the stomach. It may also result in increased bowel movements in some people.

Lastly, another research on caffeine examined its effects on colonic and anal function on 10 participants. The findings show that caffeine can cause strong contractions in the anus and rectum.

It is worth noting that one cup of coffee provides up to 95 mg of caffeine. And based on these findings, caffeine in coffee can stimulate peristalsis in the colon which pushes its content into the rectum.

3.      Coffee and Hormones

Some studies have also shown that coffee can stimulate hormones responsible for the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract. These hormones include gastrin and cholecystokinin.

According to the research findings by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, drinking coffee can result in increased secretion of gastrin hormone. Gastrin can make your colon more active just like coffee.

One study found in the National Institutes of Health found that the intake of caffeinated coffee raised the levels of gastrin up to 2.3 times while drinking decaf coffee raised it by up to 1.7 times.

Similarly, the levels of cholecystokinin which is a digestive hormone can be raised by coffee according to one small study. This hormone is usually produced from the small intestines and it can also stimulate bowel movements.

Additionally, these hormones do not only stimulate bowel movements but are also responsible for a special brain-gut response called gastrocolic reflex.

4.      Coffee and Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome

The majority of people living with inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) claim that coffee worsens their condition. Certain foods can cause symptoms of IBS which can be experienced as diarrhea in some people.

One study conducted in 2016 by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, established that coffee could trigger the symptoms of IBS or even worsen it in some. However, researchers are still unaware of the specific component of coffee that causes these symptoms.

One study review from 2015 by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, examined 442 individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. They were asked to state how they perceive coffee. Out of the total number of participants, 73% of them drank coffee regularly.

Out of the portion that didn’t use coffee, 62% of them claimed that their intestinal symptoms were just made worse by the use of coffee.

5.      Bowel Movements and Cream or Milk

Increased bowel movements and bowel transit have been associated with the use of cream or milk in some people. Some brands of coffee are freshly brewed without additives or preservatives such as cream.

According to one study findings published in Science Direct, the majority of people in America stir sweeteners, milk, cream, or any other additive for an increased taste. It is worth noting that lactose which is believed to stimulate bowel movements, is contained in milk and cream. And according to the National Institutes of Health, up to 65% of the entire world population cannot digest lactose effectively.

Based on these findings, if you are lactose intolerant, using stirring milk or cream with coffee may cause promote bowel movements in you which may make you poop.

Conclusion

Coffee is a good stimulant beverage and many people enjoy taking it as their breakfast. However, some people complain that coffee makes them poop. Research findings are still inconclusive about the laxative effects of coffee. Nevertheless, some researchers say that coffee can stimulate the production of digestive hormones which may make you poop.

Julia Davis

Mental health expert
MS, University of Latvia

I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.

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