A new study has found that drinking coffee can actually help in improving bowel movement and prevent constipation.
Myth. It's true that the caffeine can stimulate the muscles in your digestive system to contract, causing a bowel movement. But because caffeine (epecially escessive caffeine) is dehydrating, it's not recommended. So if you're constipated, avoid it or choose decaf.
One study showed that caffeine relaxes the anal sphincter, which is the part of the body that keeps stool in or lets it out. This makes it easier to poop. Another study showed that muscles in the large intestine contracted more with caffeinated coffee than with decaf.
While caffeine is a great energy booster, it may also stimulate the urge to poop. Several studies have shown that it can activate contractions in your colon and intestinal muscles ( 4 , 5 ). Contractions in the colon push contents towards the rectum, which is the final section of your digestive tract.
It can be as quick as 10 minutes, but for most people, the peak concentration in the blood occurs after 45 minutes. So, if you plan a long trip or a race, make sure you prepare for the need to poo soon after drinking it.
Try natural laxatives that work fast for constipation relief, which include: aloe vera, leafy greens, chia and flax seeds, high fiber fruits, probiotic foods, and coconut water. Also make sure to drink plenty of water/fluids when consuming natural laxatives, since these work with high fiber foods to help soften stool.
It's possible that the acidity of coffee is the key: Coffee has a compound called chlorogenic acid that triggers higher stomach acid levels and also higher production of gastric acid. It could be that the overall acidity bump makes the stomach dump its contents out more quickly than usual.
Caffeinated coffee was 60% more effective than water at stimulating colonic motor activity and 23% more impactful than decaf. Multiple participants of another study said drinking coffee gave them the urge to poop, then went through a similar test.
Magnesium citrate is a powerful natural laxative. Magnesium citrate has been shown to be more bioavailable and better absorbed in the body than other forms of magnesium, such as magnesium oxide ( 40 ). Magnesium citrate increases the amount of water in the intestinal tract, which causes a bowel movement ( 41 ).
"We all believe that caffeine can stimulate the muscles in our digestive system and cause easy bowel movement. But caffeine (especially excessive caffeine) also causes dehydration, which can give the opposite effect and lead to constipation. So, if you're constipated, avoid it or choose decaf," says Dr Dixa Bhavsar.
You should drink water and other liquids, such as naturally sweetened fruit and vegetable juices and clear soups, to help the fiber work better. This change should make your stools softer and easier to pass. Drinking enough water and other liquids is also a good way to avoid dehydration.
“Bananas, when fully ripe, contain soluble fiber and thus can help treat constipation,” Lee says. “However, unripe, or green, bananas have high levels of resistant starch, which can be very binding and cause constipation.” Because of this, unripe bananas can be used to treat diarrhea, she notes.
Try yogurt with probiotics, live bacteria that's good for your digestive system. It may help relieve constipation.
Insoluble fiber is the most beneficial for softening stools. It does not dissolve in water and helps food pass more quickly from the stomach to the intestines. Wholewheat flour, nuts, beans, and vegetables, such as cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes all contain insoluble fiber.
Dairy products that may reduce constipation
Raw milk is considered by many natural health practitioners to be more easily digested than the more widely available pasteurised varieties, and may be helpful in relieving constipation and other digestive problems.
Share on Pinterest Decaffeinated coffee may also stimulate bowel movements. The small 1998 study from the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology also found that decaffeinated coffee could stimulate bowel movements. Caffeinated coffee may give people a stronger urge to poop than decaffeinated coffee.
The fats in olive oil can help smooth the insides of the bowel, making it easier for stools to pass. It can also help the stool hold in more water, keeping it softer. One tablespoon of olive oil, taken on an empty stomach in the morning, may relieve constipation for many healthy adults.
In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.
People often tout prunes and prune juice as nature's remedy for constipation — and for good reason. Prunes may be the most accessible natural solution available. In addition to fiber, prunes contain sorbitol. This is a sugar alcohol that has a laxative effect ( 56 , 57 ).
Eating a lot of high-fat meats, dairy products and eggs, sweets, or processed foods may cause constipation. Not enough fluids. Water and other fluids help fiber work better, so not drinking enough liquids can contribute to harder stools that are more difficult to pass.
You may think that cutting back on food will help “clear out” your colon. That's not the case. Do this: Eating, especially healthy whole foods that contain fiber, helps your body move stool.
Perform stimulation with your finger every day until you start to have a regular pattern of bowel movements. You can also stimulate bowel movements by using a suppository (glycerin or bisacodyl) or a small enema. Some people find it helpful to drink warm prune juice or fruit nectar.