Why coffee sends you rushing to the bathroom
Many people can't imagine a morning without a cup of black coffee. Besides providing an energy boost, it can also prompt a quick trip to the bathroom. Not everyone knows what causes this frequent occurrence.
Some people can simply start their day by enjoying a cup of coffee, but others find that, after their favourite drink, they urgently need to locate the nearest bathroom. Sometimes, coffee stimulates the intestines, while other times, it creates bladder pressure. Many of us experience this without understanding why it happens.
Why do you need to go to the bathroom after coffee?
Almost one in three people feel the urge to use the bathroom just a few minutes after drinking coffee. This phenomenon has several causes, including coffee's impact on gastrin levels and digestive processes. Coffee stimulates the digestive tract. It triggers the secretion of gastrin and hydrochloric acid, leading to increased bowel activity and stimulating bowel movement. This is why coffee acts as a laxative.
Additionally, drinking a warm beverage like coffee may prompt bowel movements by activating rectal muscles. This effect further contributes to the need to visit the bathroom after drinking coffee.
The issue isn't limited to caffeinated coffee; decaffeinated coffee can have a similar effect since the warmth of the drink also plays a role.
Help for constipation
It might seem like coffee's laxative properties can be helpful when dealing with constipation. In the short term, it may offer relief, but it should not be relied upon long-term. The caffeine in coffee can sometimes worsen bowel issues for some individuals due to its dehydrating effect. Habitual coffee consumption can paradoxically lead to dehydration, exacerbating constipation problems.
If you suffer from chronic constipation, coffee is not recommended as a remedy. Instead, focus on a balanced diet rich in fibre, regular exercise, and adequate water intake.
