For many people, the morning starts with a cup of coffee and... the need to go to the toilet appears almost immediately. Many people see coffee as a "natural laxative". However, according to Dr. Manish Dodmani, a gastroenterology specialist at KIMS Hospital, the impact of coffee on the digestive system is more complex than normal thinking.
Constipation is a condition of irregular diarrhea or hard, difficult-to-excrete stools. When encountering this problem, many people turn to coffee as a quick solution. "Coffee can stimulate the colon through stomach and colon reflexes, causing the large intestine to contract more strongly after eating or drinking," Dr. Dodmani said. These contractions help push stools to move faster.
Why does coffee stimulate bowel movements?
Not only does caffeine create this effect. Both caffeine-containing and caffeine-free coffee can promote bowel movements, showing that other compounds are involved. Caffeine stimulates smooth muscles of the digestive tract, increasing contractions. The natural acidity of coffee promotes the secretion of digestive enzymes. At the same time, coffee stimulates the release of gastrin hormone, supporting bowel activity.
A study published in the journal Gut shows that coffee increases colon activity more strongly than water and is almost equivalent to a meal. However, the reaction in each person is different. Some people defecate more easily, while others are bloated or uncomfortable.
Professor Satish Rao, a gastroenterology expert at the University of Georgia, USA, said: "Coffee may be helpful for people with slow bowel movements, but should not be seen as a long-term solution for constipation.
When should you not depend on coffee?
Coffee has a mild diuretic effect, increasing dehydration. If you do not supplement enough water, constipation can worsen. People with excess stomach acid, irritable bowel syndrome or sleep disorders can also experience the opposite effect.
Experts recommend prioritizing sustainable measures such as drinking enough water, increasing fiber from vegetables and fruits, whole grains, exercising regularly and creating a fixed habit of going to the toilet. If constipation is prolonged, accompanied by weight loss, abdominal pain or blood in the stool, it is necessary to see a doctor early.
