Why Does Coffee Send You Running to the Bathroom?
That familiar urge to use the restroom after your morning coffee isn’t just a coincidence.Whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, coffee frequently stimulates the digestive system, prompting a quicker trip to the bathroom.
According to Dr. Hussain Ahmad, a physician in Great Britain, this effect is due to coffee’s impact on the colon. “Drinking coffee may make you need to go to the bathroom more frequently enough as caffeine stimulates your colon, which speeds up the movement of food thru your body,” he explains.
Though, caffeine isn’t the sole culprit. American gastroenterologist Dr.Kenneth Brown notes that coffee contains compounds like chlorogenic acid and N-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamides, which act as natural laxatives. These compounds can contribute to increased bowel activity,and in some individuals,even lead to diarrhea. Coffee can also increase stomach acid production,possibly causing heartburn or acid reflux.
While everyone reacts differently, there are steps you can take to minimize coffee’s digestive impact. Dr. Ahmad recommends avoiding coffee on an empty stomach and experimenting wiht different coffee varieties. Dr. Brown suggests limiting your intake and being mindful of when you drink it - avoiding coffee first thing in the morning may lessen stimulation of the intestines. He also advocates for smaller portions, gentler brewing methods like cold brew, and minimizing added sugar and cream, which can further stress the digestive system.
(Note: The Facebook group promotion was omitted as it is not relevant to the core topic of the article.)
