Coffee's Laxative Effect: What's The Truth?

can coffee cause a laxative effect

Coffee is well-known for its ability to wake up the brain, but it also has a laxative effect on some people, causing them to rush to the nearest toilet shortly after consumption. While the exact reason for this is not yet known, it is believed to be related to the chemical makeup of coffee, which includes thousands of compounds, and its ability to stimulate the release of hormones that affect the digestive system.

Research on the laxative effect of coffee has been inconclusive, with some studies showing a laxative effect and others finding no significant difference between coffee and other beverages. However, it is clear that coffee can have a laxative effect on a significant number of people, with up to 30% of people (and 63% of women) reporting an increased urge to defecate after drinking coffee.

Characteristics Values
Percentage of people who feel the need to defecate after drinking coffee 30% of people (63% of women)
Coffee's effect on the body Coffee stimulates the release of the hormones gastrin and cholecystokinin, which trigger the gastrocolic reflex and stimulate bowel movements.
Coffee's effect on people with IBS Coffee can worsen IBS symptoms and trigger intestinal symptoms.
Coffee's effect on people with lactose intolerance People with lactose intolerance may experience diarrhea after drinking coffee with milk or creamer.
Maximum recommended amount of coffee per day 4 cups
Maximum recommended amount of caffeine per day 400 milligrams

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Coffee's chemical makeup

Coffee contains more than 1,000 chemical compounds, with over 1,000 of these contributing to its aroma and bitterness.

The most well-known molecule in coffee is caffeine, which is a bitter compound. However, caffeine only contributes about 15% of coffee's bitter compounds. Caffeine stimulates the brain by binding to adenosine receptors, which causes a stimulant effect. It also improves memory and the speed at which the brain processes information.

Phenolic compounds are also found in coffee. These are secondary metabolites of plants, generally involved in defence against ultraviolet radiation, and as natural animal toxicants and pesticides against invading organisms. In coffee, condensed tannins are the main phenolic compounds in the pulp, while in the seed, phenolic compounds are present predominantly as a family of esters formed between certain hydroxycinnamic acids and quinic acid, collectively known as chlorogenic acids (CGA). CGAs are present in high concentrations in green coffee seeds (up to 14%) and have a significant influence on coffee quality and flavour formation.

Chlorogenic acids are also antioxidants, which can help protect the body's cells from day-to-day damage. They also have hepatoprotective, hypoglycaemic and antiviral activities.

Other chemical compounds found in coffee include quinic acid, 3,5-Di-caffeoylquinic acid, putrescine, theophylline, and trigonelline.

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Hormones and health conditions

Coffee stimulates the release of the hormones gastrin and cholecystokinin, which trigger the gastrocolic reflex, stimulating bowel movements. This effect can be particularly strong in the morning, as the body's process of emptying the stomach is slower during sleep.

Coffee's chemical makeup causes gastrin secretion, a hormone that stimulates the colon muscles. This can get bowel muscles moving for some people, sometimes necessitating a bathroom visit 2-3 minutes after drinking coffee.

Within minutes of consumption, your body releases hormones that act throughout the digestive system, including the stomach and small intestine. Coffee makes you poop during the day because it affects your digestive system so quickly.

Coffee can also increase the motility of the intestines, which can lead to a need to poop. This effect is stronger with caffeinated coffee, which stimulates colon muscle activity and increases pressure in the anus. However, decaffeinated coffee has also been shown to have a laxative effect, so other compounds in coffee may be responsible for this.

Some health conditions can also cause more frequent bowel movements, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Patients with IBS may attribute their sudden need to go to the bathroom to drinking coffee, when it is actually a symptom of their condition.

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Artificial sweeteners

The excessive consumption of polyols (a type of low-calorie sweetener) may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas or laxative effects, similar to the reaction to beans and certain high-fibre foods. Polyols can be partially absorbed in the small intestine and can reach the large bowel, increasing the number of bifidobacteria in humans.

The US FDA has approved six high-intensity artificial sweeteners for food and drinks: acesulfame potassium (acesulfame K), aspartame, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, and advantame. In addition, three NNSs of natural origin—steviol glycosides, thaumatin, and luo han guo fruit extracts—have been approved.

The EU has approved 11 NNSs for human consumption:

  • Acesulfame K (E-950)
  • Advantame (E-969)
  • Aspartame (E-951)
  • Aspartame-acesulfame salt (E-962)
  • Cyclamic acid and its sodium and calcium salts (E-952)
  • Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (E-959)
  • Neotame (E-961)
  • Saccharin (E-954)
  • Steviol glycosides (E-960)
  • Sucralose (E-955)
  • Thaumatin (E-957)

Some studies have shown that the consumption of NNSs, particularly in diet sodas, is related to an increased risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. However, other studies did not find any association.

In summary, artificial sweeteners, especially those containing sugar alcohols, can have a laxative effect and cause digestive problems for some individuals.

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The temperature of the coffee

The temperature of your coffee may also play a role in its laxative effect. While coffee's temperature is not the sole reason for the laxative effect, it does play a role in stimulating the digestive system.

Drinking a warm or hot beverage in the morning can stimulate a defecation reflex known as the gastrocolic reflex, which jump-starts your bowels whenever you eat or drink. According to gastroenterologist Felice Schnoll-Sussman, warm liquids "widen blood vessels in the digestive system and help increase blood flow and GI activity."

Research has shown that drinking warm water can stimulate movement in the intestines, and drinking warm coffee can have a similar effect. However, temperature alone does not explain all of the laxative effects of coffee, as people who experience the need to defecate after drinking coffee do not always feel the same urge after sipping another warm beverage, like tea.

Additionally, a 1990 study found that drinking caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee increased rectosigmoid motility within four minutes in about 29% of participants, while drinking plain hot water did not have the same effect. This suggests that while temperature may play a role in stimulating the bowels, it is not the only factor at play.

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Lactose intolerance

There is no cure for lactose intolerance, but symptoms can be managed through dietary changes. People with lactose intolerance may not need to completely avoid dairy products. Instead, they can try different dairy foods to find ones that cause fewer symptoms. Consuming smaller amounts of lactose, having dairy with meals, and choosing dairy products with naturally lower lactose levels, such as hard cheeses and yogurt, can also help. Additionally, lactose-free or lactose-reduced milk and milk products are available in the market, and lactase products can be used to aid digestion.

It is important for individuals with lactose intolerance to ensure they are getting enough calcium and vitamin D, as the condition can interfere with nutrient absorption. Healthcare providers can guide patients in managing their symptoms and suggest alternative sources of calcium if needed.

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Frequently asked questions

No, not everyone is affected by coffee in the same way. While some people feel the urge to defecate after drinking coffee, others do not experience the same effect.

Coffee's chemical makeup causes gastrin secretion, a hormone that stimulates the colon muscles. This gets bowel muscles moving for some people, sometimes necessitating a bathroom visit 2-3 minutes after drinking coffee.

Consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily is considered safe without adverse effects, which is roughly the amount in four cups of coffee. However, sustained consumption of higher doses may lead to caffeine dependence.

Alternatives to coffee include tea, kombucha, sodas, and energy drinks. However, there is no research proving that these drinks provide a similar laxative effect to that of coffee.

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