Why does caffeine make me poop

Compounds in coffee stimulate the digestive system in several ways, giving you the urge to go. Is coffee a diuretic or laxative? Coffee can be a diuretic and a laxative for some people.

Regular coffee contains caffeine, which is a diuretic. For people who feel the urge to poop after drinking coffee, it acts as a mild laxative as well. As you can see, there are many reasons why coffee makes you have to go to the bathroom, from the compounds in the coffee to the milk and sweetener you put in that coffee. Nevertheless, it is a common reaction. Is pooping after coffee normal? Pooping after coffee is normal for many people. Pooping after coffee can be good or bad , depending on your body and your circumstances.

Thankfully, pooping after coffee can often be a good thing. However, there are some situations where a coffee-induced bathroom break is not ideal.

If you begin to depend on coffee to make you poop, that can be unhealthy. At this point, you may want to include more fiber and hydration in your diet.

Any coffee that causes more motility in the colon or rectum will make the reaction to coffee stronger. Specifically, warm and highly acidic coffee can amplify the effects of the coffee itself. As discussed above, coffees with milk, creamer, or additives can trigger a trip to the loo.

Drinking warm, acidic coffee can leave you with an even bigger urge to go. Further studies are required to find out whether or not coffee stimulate bowel movements, and, if so, what components in coffee cause a laxative effect. We look at some possible natural alternatives to laxatives for people looking to have a bowel movement.

We also look at when to see a doctor. An examination of sticky poop, including whether or not it is normal. Included is detail on when to see a doctor and the foods that cause it to happen. Coffee is a natural source of several nutrients and antioxidants that may benefit the skin.

A person can use coffee grounds as an exfoliating scrub…. Coffee is probably the most popular source of caffeine. The caffeine content of a cup of coffee can vary considerably depending on the brewing method…. Adderall is a stimulant medication commonly used to treat ADHD. The caffeine in coffee can alter the side effects and efficacy of the drug. In this…. Why coffee may stimulate bowel movements. Research Coffee and bowel movements Does it happen to everyone?

Decaf coffee Summary Many people believe that coffee makes them poop, and some doctors may advise people with certain intestinal conditions to avoid coffee. Research on the laxative effect of coffee. Share on Pinterest Research is inconclusive about the laxative effect of coffee. Does it happen to everyone? What about decaffeinated coffee? Our stories are reviewed by medical professionals to ensure you get the most accurate and useful information about your health and wellness. For more information, visit our medical review board.

Coffee does promote bowel movements, though doctors are unsure exactly why this happens. Caffeine is not why coffee makes some people poop since decaf coffee can have the same effect. Four cups of coffee is the maximum recommended amount you should drink in a day. Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice. Outside of writing, she works for local theatre productions as a stage manager and assistant sound operator.

Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Additional comments. Keep in mind that the actual caffeine content in beverages varies widely, especially among energy drinks.

United States. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. How to Eat Like Chris Hemsworth. Why exactly does coffee make you poop? Will decaf coffee achieve the same effect? Does it matter if you add milk or cream to your coffee? What about other drinks that contain high amounts of caffeine, such as energy drinks? Have there been any noteworthy studies that help explain this connection? What's the connection between coffee, hormones, and gut health?

How do conditions like IBS and lactose intolerance factor in?