Coffee and poop don’t exactly go hand in hand, but for many individuals, the two are intertwined closely. The very act of drinking coffee has been associated with an immediate urge to do the deed. As most individuals experiece this on a regular basis, the question of “why” becomes paramount. What is in the coffee that causes us to rush off to the toilet? Let’s take a look at the potential reasons behind this phenomenon.
Coffee Stimulates the Gastrointestinal System
Coffee is known to act as a stimulant, and this is especially true when it comes to coffee’s effect on the gastrointestinal system. Caffeine has a significant effect on the nervous systems that control the gastrointestinal activity. It relaxes the muscles between the stomach and small intestine, resulting in an increase in motility or transit speed of food moving through the colon. Coffee thus stimulates the muscles of the large intestine, resulting in more frequent bowel movements.
The Gastric Acid Stimulation Effect
When you drink coffee, hydrochloric acid is produced in your stomach which is an acid involved in the process of digestion. It helps the breakdown of food and its absorption. This increased production of acid can have a “bowel-loosening” effect. There are more gastrointestinal hormones produced, which boost digestion and cause an increase in your need to expel waste.
Coffee Contains Various Compounds
Coffee contains carbohydrates, dietary fibers, fats and various compounds such as potassium and magnesium. These compounds, in addition to the acidic properties, are responsible for stimulating the walls of the intestines, which can urge a person to pass stools.
Your Stomach Needs to Be Empty
When you drink coffee, your stomach needs to be as empty as possible. If it is already full with food, then the acids in the coffee will have to act on an existing meal and can’t work on its own. This can cause you to have an urgent need to poop after drinking even a cup of coffee.
It May Depend On Your Genetics
What might be the reason for one person having a toilet urge after drinking a cup while others don’t? It could depend on genetics, as some studies state that people with certain genes are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine, and such individuals may have a more severe urge to go.
Drinking Decaffeinated Coffee
If you are still worried about your need to rush to the toilet each time you have coffee, then you could switch to decaffeinated coffee. This could help reduce the urge to expel waste to a certain degree. It does however contain some tiny amount of caffeine, so it can still cause some level of discomfort.
Amount of Caffeine Intake
The amount of caffeine you are taking could also contribute to the intensity of the urge to pass stools. To find out what amount works best for you, try drinking different types of coffee or espresso in moderation. The more caffeine you are taking, the higher the chance you will have a stronger urge to go to the bathroom after drinking.
Your Own Personlized Coffee Intake
Most people don’t necessarily need to worry about having to run to the toilet after a cup of coffee. It just depends on your own personalized coffee intake. By understanding how much caffeine your stomach can tolerate and the best types of coffee for you, you can easily keep your urge to run to the bathroom in check.
Dehydration and Coffee
Another cause of the urge to go can be dehydration. Coffee has diuretic properties, and while it can hydrate you temporarily, it doesn’t stay in the body for long and may also cause an increase in urination. This can lead to a net loss of fluids, causing dehydration and an increased desire to evacuate.
Healthy Habits and Limiting Intake
Having a healthy lifestyle and limiting your caffeine intake can go a long way in reducing the urge to have a bowel movement after drinking coffee. Taking regular breaks and using the restroom often will help you maintain your digestive system in perfect working order.
Have Antacids Readily Available
In addition to the above measures, having antacids or acid-suppressing medicines can also be useful in keeping the poop urge at bay. These medications help slow down the production of acids in the stomach, thus reducing the chances of getting an immediate urge to pass stools when you drink coffee.
Use Iberogast for Relief
Iberogast is a herbal formula which is known to provide relief from common digestive issues such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cramping. Studies have shown that this can help prevent stomach cramping, spasms and reduce the urge to pass stools. The use of Iberogast, in combination with healthy lifestyle practices and smart coffee habits, can reduce the urge to poop when drinking coffee significantly.
Seeking Professional Advice
If the urge persists despite the healthy habits and lifestyle adjustments, it’s best to seek advice from your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the toilet-urge. This may include conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, which often have similar symptoms.
Summary
As you can see, coffee and poop often found together. Whilst the phenomenon might seem like a nuisance, it’s important to know the potential causes and assess which triggers are most relevant to your own body. Moreover, it’s worth taking the time to understand why exactly it happens and take the necessary steps to manage it: from understanding your lifestyle and genetics, to trying out more natural remedies like Iberogast, and even seeking professional advice when necessary.
