Emily Tumber
Coffee is known to have a laxative effect on some people, but the exact reason is unclear. While caffeine is often blamed, decaffeinated coffee can also stimulate bowel movements. According to some experts, the combination of caffeine and warmth is what makes coffee an effective laxative. Coffee stimulates the gall bladder, inducing contractions and prompting the release of bile, which increases colonic activity. It also stimulates the release of the hormones gastrin and cholecystokinin, which trigger the gastrocolic reflex and increase the motility of the colon and rectum.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coffee stimulates colon contractions | Coffee contains acids that boost levels of the hormone gastrin, which stimulates involuntary muscle contractions in the stomach to get the bowels moving. |
| Coffee increases the release of cholecystokinin | Coffee increases the release of cholecystokinin, another hormone that plays a key role in the digestive process. |
| Coffee stimulates the gall bladder | Coffee induces contractions in the gall bladder, prompting it to release bile, which helps stimulate the GI tract and increase colonic activity. |
| Coffee's effect on the gastrocolic reflex | Coffee stimulates a defecation reflex known as the gastrocolic reflex, which helps jump-start the bowels whenever you eat or drink. |
| Coffee's diuretic effects | Coffee is a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration and constipation. However, a 2014 study found that moderate coffee intake does not lead to dehydration and may help people meet their daily fluid intake requirement. |
| Coffee enemas | Coffee enemas are a colon cleanse remedy said to relieve constipation and reduce general toxicity in the body. However, they can be risky and may cause electrolyte imbalances and increased risk of dehydration. |
| Coffee's effect on bowel movements | Coffee can stimulate bowel movements, with 29% of coffee drinkers reporting a desire to poop after drinking coffee. |
| Coffee's effect on the small intestine | Coffee has a moderate effect on the small intestine but has a more pronounced effect on the colon and rectum. |
| Coffee's effect on lactose intolerance | Coffee with milk or creamer can cause extra trips to the bathroom for those with lactose intolerance, as the body cannot break down lactose, a sugar in milk. |
| Coffee's effect on artificial sweeteners | Artificial sweeteners with sugar alcohols like xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and erythritol can cause bloating, flatulence, and other digestive problems, leading to an urge to defecate. |
| Recommended coffee intake | The maximum recommended amount of coffee to drink per day is four cups, which equates to 400 milligrams of caffeine. |
What You'll Learn
Coffee stimulates colon contractions
There is also evidence that coffee increases the release of cholecystokinin, another hormone that plays a key role in the digestive process. Coffee can speed up your bowel movement and is a natural laxative.
Coffee stimulates the gastrocolic reflex, which helps jump-start your bowels whenever you eat or drink. It is not clear whether this is the reason why people have a bowel movement after drinking coffee.
Miralax: Friend or Foe for Your Stomach?
You may want to see also
Coffee increases the release of cholecystokinin
Coffee, both caffeinated and decaffeinated, has been found to increase the release of cholecystokinin. In a study by Douglas et al., it was observed that drinking 400 mL of regular coffee led to a rise in plasma cholecystokinin concentrations of 3.3 ± 0.4 pmol/L, while 165 mL of regular coffee resulted in a concentration of 2.8 ± 0.9 pmol/L. Decaffeinated coffee, on the other hand, led to a concentration of 1.8 ± 0.6 pmol/L. These increases in cholecystokinin levels were significantly greater than those observed after consuming isosmotic and isothermic sodium chloride solutions.
The release of cholecystokinin triggered by coffee consumption is believed to be one of the key mechanisms behind coffee's laxative effect. Cholecystokinin stimulates the gastrocolic reflex, which helps initiate bowel movements. This may explain why many people experience the urge to defecate shortly after drinking coffee.
Dulcolax: A Substitute for Magnesium Citrate?
You may want to see also
Coffee stimulates the gall bladder
A 2015 review published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that drinking coffee triggers the release of cholecystokinin, a substance that promotes gallbladder contraction and stimulates the release of bile. This has led to the question of whether it is safe to drink coffee if you have gallstones. The answer is yes; drinking coffee appears to be perfectly safe and may even have a protective effect.
An observational study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine in 2019 found that those who drank at least six cups of coffee per day had up to a 23% lower risk of symptomatic gallstone disease. However, it is important to note that the studies on coffee and gallbladder disease were conducted with black coffee, and adding cream or sugar could change the effects.
While coffee may have a laxative effect, it is not recommended as a laxative to relieve constipation. Excessive caffeine consumption can cause loose stools or diarrhea, and it can also be dehydrating, which can worsen constipation.
Linzess-Senna Combo: Safe?
You may want to see also
Coffee's chemical makeup causes gastrin secretion
Coffee contains acids shown to boost levels of the hormone gastrin, which stimulates these involuntary muscle contractions in your stomach to get your bowels moving. And it happens with both regular and decaffeinated coffee.
There is also evidence that coffee increases the release of cholecystokinin, another hormone that plays a key role in the digestive process.
Electrolytes Overload: Constipation Risk?
You may want to see also
Coffee stimulates the gastrocolic reflex
The gastrocolic reflex is a defecation reflex that is stimulated by drinking coffee or any other beverage in the morning. It is important to note that the simple act of drinking a warm liquid can also stimulate the gastrocolic reflex and increase blood flow and GI activity. This may be why drinking coffee in the morning can trigger a bowel movement.
Additionally, coffee contains acids that boost levels of the hormone gastrin, which stimulates involuntary muscle contractions in the stomach and gets the bowels moving. Coffee also increases the release of cholecystokinin, another hormone that plays a key role in the digestive process. These hormones can trigger the gastrocolic reflex and stimulate bowel movements.
The effect of coffee on the gastrocolic reflex may also be influenced by individual factors such as the amount of coffee consumed, pre-existing bowel disorders, and other compounds in the coffee. For example, people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may have a hypersensitive gastrocolic reflex, which could explain why they experience a laxative effect after drinking coffee.
Healing Timeline for Laxative Abuse
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Coffee stimulates the colon muscles by causing gastrin secretion, a hormone that makes the colon more active. It also increases the release of cholecystokinin, another hormone that plays a key role in the digestive process. Coffee can also stimulate the gall bladder, inducing contractions and prompting the release of bile.
Consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is roughly the amount in four cups of coffee, is considered safe without adverse effects. However, sustained consumption of higher doses may lead to caffeine dependence.
Excessive consumption of any caffeinated drink may cause loose stools or diarrhea. Additionally, coffee enemas, which are colon cleanses said to relieve constipation, can be very risky and may cause an electrolyte imbalance and increase the risk of dehydration.
