There are several possible contributing factors to explain why coffee can stimulate a bowel movement. Sometimes, coffee’s impact on your digestion is perfectly normal and healthy. In other situations, changes to your bowel movements are unhealthy. Here’s what the research and experts say.
1. Caffeine Increases Motility
2. Coffee Releases Gastrin
While higher levels of gastrin and acid can aid healthy digestion, it may also irritate the stomach lining or worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus) in some people, Rao notes.
3. Coffee Stimulates the Gastrocolic Reflex
Within minutes of consuming coffee — or any other food or drink — the gastrocolic reflex kicks in. This automatic reflex tells your bowels to move existing food out to make room for incoming food, and is responsible for that urge you may feel to poop after eating.
The gastrocolic reflex is most active in the morning and after meals, which may be why some people have regular bowel movements after their morning cup of coffee.
4. Dairy May Promote Bowel Movements for Some
If you experience these symptoms after drinking coffee with dairy, you may have lactose intolerance. “As an alternative, you can choose a lactose-free milk, so you’re still able to get the flavor you want without any of the lactose,” suggests Amanda Sauceda, RD, the founder of the Mindful Gut in Long Beach, California. Or, use milk alternatives such as almond or oat milk in your coffee instead.
5. Real and Artificial Sweeteners Can Impact the Digestive System
Each person has a different sugar tolerance, so if you experience GI upset after drinking sugar-sweetened coffee, gradually reduce the amount of added sugar until your symptoms resolve.
Rao notes that other common artificial sweeteners may also be troublesome for some coffee drinkers. “Artificial sweeteners, especially those with sucralose and aspartame, can cause bloating and gas and may worsen your body’s ability to break down glucose over time,” Rao says.
Rao encourages using natural sweeteners like monk fruit. Honey and maple syrup are other natural sugars worth trying.
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