Coffee and its Influence on Bowel Movements
Coffee is known to be one of the world’s most popular beverages. With its boost of energy and its ability to enhance focus, millions of people across the globe drink it on a regular basis. But did you know that coffee can also have an influence on your bowel movements? Studies have found that a high caffeine intake can speed up your gastrointestinal system – causing many people to experience an urge to go to the bathroom shortly after drinking coffee.
Caffeine is a powerful stimulant that works directly on the muscles of your intestines, leading to higher levels of activity and ultimately leading to an urge to poop. This can be a big problem for those people that drink coffee regularly and want to optimize their productivity for long periods of time, since having to make frequent bathroom runs can take a significant portion of the day.
Fortunately, there are several ways to mitigate the effects of coffee and reduce the need to poop. The following 3 tips should help keep your bowel movements regular while still giving you all the energy that coffee provides.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is one of the simplest and most effective solutions to coffee-induced bathroom runs. Water is essential for keeping your body and gastrointestinal system functioning properly. If you don’t drink enough fluids, your body will become dehydrated which can cause your body to produce more waste, which in turn can increase your urge to go to the bathroom.
And if you will be drinking coffee, it’s even more important to drink plenty of water since the caffeine in coffee will dehydrate you even further. So, if you want to keep your body properly hydrated and reduce the frequency of your bathroom visits, make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day.
Take Coffee in Moderation
When it comes to coffee and its effects on your body, moderation is key. High levels of caffeine can lead to an increased need to poop as well as various other health issues such as insomnia and headaches. To prevent these issues and optimize your productivity, try not to drink any more than 3 cups of coffee a day.
It’s also important to be mindful of the type of coffee you are drinking. Instant coffee tends to have lower levels of caffeine than freshly brewed coffee, so if you are looking to reduce your caffeine intake, it’s worth considering switching to instant coffee.
Try Out Some Natural Alternatives
If you are still having trouble with your bowel movements after trying the previous two tips, it may be worth trying out some natural alternatives. There are a number of natural supplements such as aloe vera and licorice root that are known for their ability to reduce the urge to poop. It’s best to speak to a pharmacist or health practitioner before trying any herbal or natural supplements though.
Tailoring Your Diet
Your food choices can have a major influence on your bowel movements, so it’s important to eat foods that are easily digestible and that won’t cause your body any major stress. Cut down on processed foods and instead focus on eating high-fibre fruits, veggies and whole grains. A diet high in fibre can aid digestion, reduce constipation and help keep your bowel movements regular. Fiber also helps your body to absorb water, so if you are already following the first tip and drinking plenty of water, consuming a high-fibre diet will ensure that your body takes full advantage of the water you are consuming.
Consulting Your Doctor
If you are still having trouble with your bowel movements after trying these tips, it may be worth visiting your doctor for a check-up. Medical conditions such as IBS and ulcerative colitis can cause frequent bathroom trips, so it’s important to rule out any underlying health conditions that could be affecting your body.
Watching Your Stress Levels
Stress can have a major influence on your body, including your digestive system. Reducing the amount of stress in your life can help reduce your urge to poop, so it’s worth taking the time to find activities that can help you relax. This could include reading, exercising, meditating, listening to music or spending time with friends and family.
Eating Prebiotic Foods
Prebiotic foods provide fuel for the “good” bacteria in your gut, helping to keep your digestive system balanced and functioning correctly. Consuming prebiotic foods like bananas, avocados and garlic can help improve your digestive health and can lead to increased regularity when it comes to bowel movements.
Using Coffee Alternatives
If all else fails, it may be worth considering switching to a coffee alternative like tea or decaffeinated coffee. Tea has a number of healthy benefits and can be just as energizing as coffee, while decaffeinated coffee still tastes and smells like regular coffee but without the same level of caffeine.
Taking Supplements
Certain supplements can help promote regular bowel movements and reduce the urge to go to the bathroom, although it’s best to speak to a doctor or health practitioner before taking any supplements. Probiotics, in particular, can be helpful in balancing the gut microbiome and helping to keep your digestive system working optimally.
Limiting Caffeine Intake
Finally, it’s also important to be mindful of how much caffeine you consume. Too much caffeine could lead to a disruption of your gastrointestinal system and can make it more difficult for your body to process waste. So, if you are going to drink coffee, it’s best to stay away from energy drinks and limit your intake to 3 cups per day.
