For several reasons, coffee might cause you to defecate.
Caffeine, an ingredient in coffee, is a stimulant that can amplify contractions in the colon and other parts of the digestive system. This may result in a faster transit time for food and waste products through the digestive tract.
Another factor is the presence of chemicals such as chlorogenic acids and N-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamides (5-HTPs) in coffee. Faster digestion is possible with the use of chlorogenic acids since they stimulate the formation of stomach acid. One of the ways 5-HTPs can help with constipation is by increasing the secretion of the hormone serotonin.
Stimulant
One of the many health advantages of chlorogenic acids—a polyphenol in many foods—is that it helps with digestion. These acids have the unique ability to stimulate the stomach to produce more gastric acid.
The faster and more efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients from meals is one benefit of a rise in stomach acid. In addition, chlorogenic acids can help prevent free radical damage to the cells in the digestive system due to their antioxidant characteristics. Try eating more chlorogenic acid-rich foods like coffee, apples, and blueberries to improve your digestive health and overall well-being.
Furthermore, coffee increases urine production since it is a diuretic. More frequent bowel movements may result since it helps cleanse the digestive tract.
Coffee also has the added benefit of energizing some people’s digestive systems and waking them up first thing in the morning. This could be because the arousal and alertness brought on by coffee affect the digestive system.
Reduce your coffee consumption or switch to decaffeinated coffee if you notice an increased frequency of your bowel movements after drinking coffee. To maintain a healthy digestive tract, you may also attempt to eat a balanced diet and exercise frequently.
Recommendations
To lessen coffee’s laxative effects, consider the following:
When you eat, drink coffee. Caffeine and other coffee ingredients that stimulate the intestines may be more slowly absorbed if you do this.
You should only have coffee during the morning.
Stay hydrated all day long by drinking lots of water. Dehydration amplifies coffee’s laxative effects. Thus, this can help avoid that.
Try not to have that last cup of coffee before bed. This has the potential to cause constipation by disrupting sleep.
Try switching to decaffeinated coffee if you are sensitive to coffee’s laxative effects.
Consult your physician if you are worried about the constipating effects of coffee.
