The Science of Pooping After Drinking Coffee
Most people love the taste of coffee, yet they can also attest to the fact that drinking coffee can often lead to an uncomfortable urge to poop. In the scientific community, the phenomenon is known as the “Coffee-Poop Effect” and scientists may have finally uncovered the answer for why coffee makes many of us want to go to the loo.
The typical cup of coffee includes a stimulant called caffeine that helps to benefit most people. On the positive side, caffeine boosts alertness and offers a mood boost. But, on the downside, it can also increase the sensation of urgency to poop after drinking coffee.
Studies conducted by the Mayo Clinic suggest that the urge to poop after drinking coffee is caused by the drink’s laxative effect on the large intestine. This means that ingesting caffeine and other coffee polyphenols can have an effect on the digestion and absorption of fluids. In other words, the body is sending signals that it needs to flush out the ingested liquids.
Interestingly, the body can process all of the other ingredients present in coffee much faster than it can process caffeine. As a result, caffeine remains in the body for an extended period after consuming coffee. This prolonged presence of caffeine can trigger a physical response in the digestive system, forcing people to feel the urge to poop regardless of whether they need to.
From a scientific standpoint, it makes sense why the effects of caffeine can be felt more powerful and longer after consuming coffee. Fortunately, there are a few methods to counteract this phenomenon and prevent it from manifesting.
1. Drink Coffee without Caffeine
It is possible to avoid the Coffee-Poop Effect by opting for caffeine-free or decaffeinated coffee. By doing this, many people can still enjoy the taste of the beverage without feeling the need to go to the toilet.
It is possible to find a variety of different decaffeinated coffee blends, meaning that none of the pleasure of drinking coffee has to be sacrificed in order to stop the urge to poop. Plus, science has proven that drinking decaffeinated coffee can aid with digestion and boost nutrient absorption.
2. Increase Your Tolerance for Caffeine
Occasional coffee drinkers might be more likely to feel the urge to poop after drinking the caffeinated beverage. In order to avoid this phenomenon, people can increase their tolerance for caffeine consumption. This entails consistently drinking coffee, or other caffeinated beverages, and gradually increasing the amount as one becomes more accustomed to the taste and effects.
This approach is helpful because it also reduces the likelihood of becoming too dependent on caffeine, making it much easier to reduce caffeine intake if needed. A great method of gradually increasing one’s tolerance for caffeine is drinking coffee together with some food. This helps to slow down the process of absorbing the caffeine while also providing other benefits to the drinker.
3. Drink Coffee in Moderation
It can be tempting to take advantage of coffee’s ability to give anyone a quick boost of energy. For that reason, many people drink more coffee than necessary and this can backfire in the long-term. The more caffeine the body absorbs, the greater the laxative effect which can lead to a stronger urge to poop.
Therefore, drinking coffee in moderation is often recommended by experts. This ensures that one still benefits from the positive effects of coffee without having to worry about feeling an uncomfortable urge to visit the toilet. Besides, drinking too much coffee is also linked to some medical concerns such as dehydration, addiction, and other digestive problems.
4. Incorporate Fiber into Your Diet
Including more fiber in your regular diet can also be a beneficial way to prevent pooping after drinking coffee. A recent study conducted by Harvard University showed that people who increased their fiber intake reduced the urge to poop after drinking coffee by a significant amount.
Adding more fiber to your diet is relatively simple – just make sure to eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and fruits such as apples and pears. Most foods that are labeled as ‘high-fiber’, such as cereal with grains, can also make you feel fuller for longer and eliminate the urge to poop after drinking coffee.
5. Avoid Drinking Coffee on Empty Stomach
It is best to avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach as the caffeine has a stronger effect which in turn can increase the urge to poop. The best course of action is to choose complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat toast or oatmeal or other high-fiber food when drinking coffee. This will help to decrease the feeling of urgency to visit the toilet after drinking coffee.
By choosing to have a good breakfast with a cup of coffee, the body is better able to process the caffeine and prevent the laxative effect on the large intestine. Eating breakfast early in the morning can also receive many other benefits, such as boosting energy levels and helping to regulate the blood sugar.
6. Drink Plenty of Water
One of the most important things to do is to stay hydrated when drinking coffee. It is important to keep in mind that coffee is an organic diuretic and not a source of hydration. Water intake can help to flush out the caffeine that causes the urge to poop and also helps to reduce the impact of coffee in the body.
By drinking plenty of water alongside coffee, individuals can prevent the body from feeling the urgent need to poop after drinking coffee. Besides, water can also help to reduce the intensity of coffee’s stimulating effects. And, on top of all of that, drinking water also comes with a range of other health benefits.
7. Choose Organic Coffee
Organic coffee is steadily gaining popularity due to its various benefits. In comparison to non-organic coffee, organic coffee contains no added chemicals that can cause laxative effects in the body. Consequently, organic coffee also has a lesser effect on the urge to poop after drinking it.
For those wishing to avoid the Coffee-Poop Effect, organic coffee can be a great choice. It is important to note, however, that organic coffee can be hard to find and it is usually more expensive than non-organic coffee.
8. Take a Supplement
Sometimes, despite trying all of the above, people can still suffer from dehydration when drinking coffee. This can only lead to further laxative effects that can cause the urge to poop after drinking coffee. To counteract this, people can try taking supplements that contain electrolytes and enzymes.
These can help to counter the dehydration effects of caffeine and reduce the urge to poop. However, it is important to consult with a doctor before taking any type of supplement to make sure that it is safe to do so. These supplements often come in the form of capsules or beverages and are available in specialty health stores.
9. Try Herbal Teas & Coconut Water
Part of being able to avoid pooping after drinking coffee is to reduce the amount of coffee you consume. In order to do this, people can choose to drink other beverages such as coconut water or herbal teas. These provide the same energizing effects as coffee but with a lesser amount of caffeine.
Herbal teas and coconut water are also great ways to stay hydrated and decrease the acidity of coffee. This helps to reduce the urge to poop after consuming coffee without having to forfeit the energizing effects of caffeine.
10. Practice Relaxation & Meditation
It has been scientifically proven that stress and anxiety can increase the urge to poop and make it harder for the body to process caffeine. Therefore, fighting the urge to poop after drinking coffee can include reducing stress and anxiety levels.
This is where relaxation and meditation can be essential. Scientific studies suggest that even just a few minutes of deeper mindfulness can be enough to reduce anxiety and make people feel more relaxed. And, when the body is relaxed, it is better able to process caffeine, thus, reducing the feeling of needing to catch a break in the loo.
