Why do you have to go to the bathroom after coffee?

Along with meditation for the lucky ones among us, a shower and prolonged staring at the wardrobe – one of the most common morning ceremonies is drinking coffee. Unlike the other rituals, this practice often has immediate consequences for the digestive system and for accelerating the morning poop. Given the popularity of coffee, it’s quite surprising that we still know so little about the way coffee affects the digestive system.One thing we do know is that coffee does not affect everyone in the same way. In a study published in 1990, 92 young people filled out a questionnaire about how coffee affected their ejaculation habits; 29 percent of respondents said it “made them want to defecate,” and most of them – 63 percent – were women.

The caffeine in coffee may play a role in activating the urge to poop, but it is not the only one. In a 1998 study, researchers found that decaffeinated coffee also increased the activity of the colon but the caffeinated type had a stronger effect than decaffeinated coffee and a stronger effect in 60% of hot water alone.

why is it happening?

Scientists are still trying to pinpoint the reason this happens in some people. Coffee contains 1,000 different compounds, making it difficult to understand the exact nature of this experience. What do we know about the physiological activity that is affected by drinking coffee?

Coffee can cause colon cramps

Consumption of coffee tends to increase the acidic activity of the stomach. The colon experiences three types of contractions that work together to mix, crystallize and eventually take the outlets out. The occurrence, timing and frequency of these contractions are affected by muscular, neurological and chemical factors.

Coffee may stimulate motor activity of the colon within minutes of consumption. During a small study from 1998 people agreed to insert a sensor into their colon. For a period of 10 hours, participants consumed hot coffee, decaffeinated coffee, water or a meal in random order. Both types of coffee and meal caused more cramps and pressure in the colon, compared to water. Caffeinated coffee was 60% more effective than water in stimulating colon activity and 23% more effective than decaffeinated coffee.

Hormonal effect

Another effect of coffee is in the release of the hormones gastrin and cholecystokinin. Both stimulate the gastrointestinal reflex, which stimulates intestinal activity. These hormones also increase the motility (peristalsis) of the colon and rectum.

In addition coffee may increase the production of a hormone called gastrin, which activates the secretion of stomach acid and regulates the motility of the stomach.

Finally, it should also be borne in mind that bowel movements caused by coffee may be a coincidence as the bowels are twice as active in the morning after waking up, compared to bedtime.