Does coffee make you run to the toilet? Florida gastroenterologist explains why drinking coffee stimulates bowel movements

We’ve all experienced it: the urgent need to go to the bathroom immediately after your morning coffee – or the dread of drinking coffee when you’re out. Although this may seem like a strange coincidence, there is actually a scientific explanation behind it.

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Dr. Joseph Salhab, a Florida gastroenterologist and health content creator specializing in digestion, liver, pancreas, and nutrition, explains why you feel like running to the bathroom after drinking coffee. In an Instagram video posted on November 8, the gastroenterologist highlights the role of coffee in stimulating bowel movements and shares three lighter alternatives that won’t force you to visit the toilet.

Why does coffee make you need to poop?

“Does coffee cause you to poop? If it does, you’re not alone. In fact, 30 to 40 percent of people who regularly drink coffee report that coffee causes them to go to the bathroom in the morning,” says Dr. Salhab.

He told that this happens due to some reasons. He explains, “First is the caffeine content. Caffeine can stimulate the movement of the colon within four minutes of taking it. Coffee also stimulates the contraction of your gallbladder to produce digestive enzymes and pump bile. And it also stimulates your gastrointestinal tract to start moving.”

Gastroenterologists say coffee is usually served hot, and consuming hot beverages can naturally stimulate bowel movements — hot water works the same way. He adds, “In addition, the antioxidants within coffee have been shown to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria within the gut and these beneficial bacteria may also influence how often we use the restroom.”

gentleman option

Dr. Salhab has suggested three effective ways to control the sudden urge to defecate after drinking coffee.

1. You can opt for beverages with lower caffeine content – ​​such as green tea – or cut down on your usual coffee intake to reduce its laxative effects.
2. Consuming cold coffee or iced coffee also helps.
3. If that doesn’t work, you can simply switch to the decaf version, which still has plenty of antioxidants and health benefits, except for the sudden urge to go to the bathroom.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.