Here, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know about how to stop the coffee from making you poop, from keeping an eye on acidity to understanding how caffeine content affects your body.
Buckle up, coffee lovers — sh*t’s about to get real.
A strong cup of coffee can create a laxative effect that has you bolting out of morning meetings at work, rushing to the bathroom fast. There’s a reason why some doctors opt for enema coffee for patients!
Here, we’ll take a look at exactly why your morning latte has the side effect of making you poop, and we’ll dig into some tactics that you can try to lessen the effect that coffee beans have on your digestive system.
Why Does Coffee Make You Poop?
First, know that if your morning cup of coffee makes you run to the bathroom, you’re not alone. Caffeine, including caffeinated coffee, is actually a laxative. While not nearly as strong as a laxative you’d buy at the drugstore, your morning espresso or latte has the power to make you poop — fast.
Coffee triggers peristalsis — muscle contractions through the gut, helping your body to move things along. Your personal digestive tract determines how your body responds to caffeine. Some people notice the common laxative effect of caffeinated coffee, while others do not.
In addition to caffeine, coffee also contains chlorogenic acids. These acids speed up digestion and promote the production of stomach acid.
Coffee isn’t the only thing to blame when it comes to pooping in the morning — the delicious additions you use to make your coffee taste fantastic can also be an issue. Dairy products, creamer, sweeteners (both natural and artificial) can all have a laxative effect on some people.
Sick Of Coffee-Induced-Pooping?
While a cup of joe can be an easy cure for constipation, many people prefer their morning cup of coffee without a trip to the bathroom.
Good news: there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.
First, you may want to consider switching to decaf coffee. If you still prefer a little bit of caffeine, switch to half-caff — a combination of decaf and regular coffee. You may need to play around with the ratio until you find the perfect balance of caffeine buzz and decaf mellow.
Prefer to stick with a standard brew instead of switching to decaffeinated coffee? Try switching to a darker roast. These beans are naturally less acidic and may have less of an effect on your digestive system.
Is It Dangerous To Rely On Coffee For Bowel Movements?
According to gastroenterologists, it’s ok if you use your morning cup of coffee as a way to get your digestive system moving.
If you find that you’re regularly constipated, however, it’s worth mentioning to your doctor. Many people experience constipation as a result of dehydration. Since the caffeine in coffee acts as a diuretic, your doctor may recommend that you drink less caffeine and more water to keep your digestive system healthy.
If you find that you need more and more caffeine to poop, keep an eye out for side effects that indicate that your caffeine consumption is too high for your tolerance. If you feel shaky, experience regular stomach upset, or have trouble sleeping at night, it might be time to cut down.
The Final Word On How To Stop Coffee From Making You Poop
You love your morning cup of joe, but hate how it makes you run to the bathroom — we get it. Trying a darker roast, lessening the amount of caffeine in your coffee, and switching up your creamer or sweeteners can all stop the coffee from making you poop.
If coffee just gives your digestive system a small boost, you’re in the clear — doctors say that this isn’t a bad thing.
FAQs On How To Stop Coffee From Making You Poop
Why does coffee make me poop in the morning?
Coffee contains caffeine, which acts as a mild laxative and makes some people poop. Certain acids in coffee can also cause increase the amount of stomach acid in your body, which may make you poop.
Lastly, coffee additives — like sweeteners, dairy products, and creamer — may also be the root cause of what’s making you run to the restroom after your morning cup of coffee.
Is there a way to stop coffee from making me poop?
Try a darker roast, which naturally is less acidic and has less caffeine. You can also try switching to decaffeinated coffee, or you can try a half-caff blend. You may also want to try different additives to your coffee, or try drinking it black.
