Did You Know Coffee Can Help with Constipation? It's True!

Will coffee help with constipation? Yep, it sure can. Here’s what to know!

Whether you like to drink coffee every day or enjoy the occasional cup when you need something to help cut through the sweetness of dessert, you probably know that coffee has plenty of uses and benefits. 

However, have you ever wondered: “Can coffee help with constipation”? After all, you have probably heard plenty of people talk about how coffee makes you poop. 

According to science, the right amount of coffee can indeed be good for you! A healthy intake of coffee does more than just jump-start your day; it can help with an array of other bodily functions as well! This includes aiding with digestion. To put it bluntly, coffee can help you poop.

Yes, coffee helps you poop. Here's why! 

It's true, coffee can help with digestion, and therefore, with constipation. There are a few ways that Coffee Works toward helping you produce a healthy bowel movement, or at least helping to move food through to your digestive system.

The Science Behind Why Coffee Makes You Go to the Bathroom

Coffee can actually increase the frequency of urination and bowel movements. Not only does the caffeinated jolt delivered by coffee perk you up, but it also helps move things in your digestive system along. Researchers have discovered that 29% of coffee drinkers report the need to use the restroom for number one (urination) and number two (bowel movements) more frequently. 

In fact, around 1/3 of coffee drinkers in a recent study reported regularly having the desire to poop after finishing just one cup of hot coffee. Cold coffee and iced coffee drinks may produce similar effects.

Coffee Can Help You Poop Within Minutes: Here’s Why 

What’s more, these reports take place in as little as three to five minutes after finishing their coffee. This is no coincidence. What’s going on has to do with many different factors that work together to give you the urge to go. 

• Caffeine
  
  

Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee that speeds up contractions in your intestinal muscles. This can help move waste along through the colon more quickly. Caffeine is also known to increase urination, which may have secondary effects on the digestive system. 

However, caffeine alone isn't enough to produce a bowel movement. Other factors contribute to coffee's effects on your digestive system as well. 

• Gastrin Release
  
  

Coffee triggers the release of something called gastrin, which is a hormone that stimulates gut motility. Gastrin is a peptide hormone that stimulates gastric acid secretion in the stomach. This further promotes the movement of food and waste through your intestines, leading to the urge to make a bowel movement. 

• Unique Compounds in Coffee
  
  

Coffee also contains a unique combination of various other substances. For instance, coffee has both chlorogenic acids and N-methylpyridinium, both of which may help stimulate the gut. 

• Gastrocolic Reflex Trigger
  
  

Coffee is also a trigger to the gastrocolic reflex, which is a normal bodily function known to stimulate the colon and its movement. This can lead to an increase in the urge to go to the bathroom. 

• Other Acids and Antioxidants
  
  

Coffee also contains other antioxidants and acids that may move food through the digestive tract more quickly. 

Decaf Coffee Still Helps You Poop! 

Although the caffeine in coffee is definitely a helpful factor when it comes to helping you poop, your coffee does not necessarily need to be caffeinated in order to make you need to go to the bathroom. That’s right! Decaf can make you poop as well. 

Interestingly enough, decaffeinated coffee seems to be almost as effective as caffeinated coffee when it comes to helping move digestion along and produce a bowel movement. While scientists and researchers still aren't sure exactly why this is, it is likely due to the gastrin compound release, chlorogenic acid, and other unique compounds found in coffee. 

Things to Consider When Using Coffee to Help Ease Constipation 

Now that you know how coffee can help stimulate a bowel movement, let's talk about what to keep in mind if you are drinking coffee to help ease constipation. 

Sweeteners and Dairy 

First of all, it's important to think of how sweeteners like sugar, simple syrup, or flavorings may impact coffee’s effects on your body. Also, you will want to think about whether you will be adding any dairy products like heavy cream, half and half, or milk as in a latte. 

For some, adding sugar or milk to your coffee will make little difference as to whether it helps you go to the bathroom. However, those sensitive to dairy or trying to avoid excess calories may want to skip the cream and sugar. It all depends on your unique digestive needs and preferences. 

Iced or Hot 

Hot, black coffee seems to produce a bowel movement more quickly. However, an iced latte may have similar effects and increase your urge to go to the bathroom after around half an hour. 

How quickly coffee takes effect on the digestive system varies from individual to individual. With that in mind, for the fastest, most noticeable digestive system effects, go with hot black coffee. 

Finding The Best Coffee for Your Digestive Needs

There are plenty of great options if you are looking for delicious coffee to drink every day to help promote better digestion. For example, if you are sensitive to acidity in coffee, you may want to check out this low-acid coffee! 

Or, if you are seeking a smooth, tasty imported blend to enjoy every day, we highly recommend this Ethiopian coffee. For flavored coffee like nothing else, check out the cinnamon, maple, bourbon, or blueberry coffees for sale on this site!

Disclaimer: This article offers general information and discussions about health-related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, blog, website, or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be regarded or used as a replacement for medical advice or treatment. This blog does not constitute healthcare advice. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your healthcare provider.