Why Drinking Coffee Makes You Have a Bowel Movement

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, and for many people it’s the perfect way to start the day! But beyond its stimulating effects, coffee has a curious effect on our digestive systems: it makes us poop. While it may seem like a minor quirk, understanding why coffee has this effect can reveal important insights about our digestive health and the benefits of maintaining regular bowel movements. So, why does coffee make you poop?

This article will explore the science behind the effects of coffee on our digestive system and why drinking coffee “regularly” is so important to our overall health.

Why does drinking coffee give you a bowel movement?

It activates the body’s digestive system and eliminates waste in a healthy way

When we sleep, our body’s natural functions, including digestion, slow down significantly. Upon waking up, a cup of coffee acts like a powerful stimulant that reactivates our digestive system. Studies show that coffee’s effects can be felt in just four minutes after drinking it, facilitating the movement of food through the body and stimulating colon muscle contractions. This reactivation triggers a bowel movement, making coffee an effective and reliable way to promote a bowel movement in the morning.

“Coffee certainly doesn’t work for everyone, but a lot of people do find that it helps with bowel movements,” said Dr. Brisas Truncali, a gastroenterologist at GI Alliance. At the same time, you also find that some people experience diarrhea or constipation after drinking coffee.

Stimulates hormone levels

Coffee’s ability to promote bowel movements is not only about stimulating digestive muscles, but also has to do with certain hormones in the body. One key hormone that coffee affects is cholecystokinin (CCK). CCK is released after eating and plays a key role in the digestive process by stimulating the secretion of bile, which helps break down fats. It also helps food move through the digestive tract and eventually into the colon.

Another hormone affected by coffee is gastrin. Gastrin is responsible for producing stomach acid, which is necessary for the digestive process. When coffee increases gastrin levels, it also stimulates the gastrocolic reflex. This reflex is most active in the morning and is caused by the stretching of the stomach when we eat or drink. It causes the colon to contract more frequently, sending waste to the rectum and triggering a bowel movement.

The combined effects of these hormones and reflexes explain why coffee drinkers often feel the urge to go to the bathroom soon after finishing their morning cup. It’s not just the caffeine; even drinking a decaffeinated cup of coffee, which contains just 2 mg of caffeine (versus 95 mg in a regular cup of coffee), can have a similar effect, albeit to a lesser degree.

Additives in coffee

Not all coffee drinkers experience the same degree of digestive irritation, as various factors can influence how coffee affects the body.

Dairy products and (artificial) sweeteners. Additives such as creamers or certain sweeteners can change how coffee interacts with your digestive system. For example, people with dairy sensitivities may experience a stronger laxative effect from adding dairy to their coffee. Certain artificial sweeteners containing polyols can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea, especially in those who consume large amounts.

Hot and iced. In terms of the temperature of the coffee, hot drinks may be better than iced drinks in stimulating bowel movements. Although there is not enough evidence to support that coffee is good for bowel movements, researchers have found that drinking warm water can promote intestinal peristalsis. After three days of research, researchers found that drinking 500cc of warm water after getting up relieved constipation in 56% of participants on the first day, 76% of participants on the second day, and 80% of participants on the third day.

Regular coffee vs. decaffeinated coffee. Additionally, the type of coffee consumed (and the amount of caffeine consumed) also had an impact—people who drank regular coffee had a 23% stronger effect on the colon muscles than those who drank decaffeinated coffee. Decaffeinated coffee, while milder in flavor, can still stimulate bowel movements due to other compounds in coffee. People who are more sensitive to caffeine may also feel a stronger effect, and regular coffee drinkers may need more to achieve the same effect. “People often say that coffee or caffeine can cause diarrhea, strong urgency to pass a bowel movement, or cramping during a bowel movement,” Truncali says. “Drinking too much can definitely cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can also be a symptom of too much caffeine or too much intake.”

The Surprising Benefits of Regular Bowel Movements

Everyone has a different bowel movement schedule. For the average person, a healthy bowel movement schedule can range from three times a day to once every three days. Regular bowel movements aren’t just a sign that your digestive system is functioning properly; they can also provide a variety of health benefits.

Preventing certain health conditions

Having regular bowel movements can reduce your risk of certain conditions, such as constipation, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive issues. If left untreated, these conditions can be uncomfortable and can lead to more serious health problems.

Maintain a healthy immune system

70% of our immune system is located in our digestive tract, so keeping our gut healthy (such as maintaining healthy bowel movements) helps keep our immune system strong. A strong immune system also allows us to fight infection and disease more effectively.

It releases endorphins

Interestingly, bowel movements themselves can release endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones. This release can improve mood, increase energy levels, and reduce stress and anxiety. For some people, simply knowing that their bowel movements are regular can benefit their physical and mental health, Trencarli added.

Prevents bloating

Regular bowel movements help eliminate unnecessary waste and reduce gas buildup, which prevents bloating. Bowel movements also help prevent constipation and keep your gut microbiome balanced, so you don’t feel bloated or uncomfortable. To eliminate bloating once and for all, try HUM’s FLATTER ME digestive enzymes.

Coffee takeaway…

While coffee has long been praised for getting us going in the morning and getting us through the day, using coffee to promote bowel movements has significant health benefits. Stimulating the digestive system and hormone levels through coffee can ensure regular bowel movements, which is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Whether you’re a coffee lover or just looking to stay on a “regular” schedule, understanding how coffee affects your body can help you create a healthy schedule that works for you and enables you to maintain good digestive health.