Overusing coffee to stimulate digestion, a habit with many potential risks

THÙY DƯƠNG (T/H) |

Many people use coffee as a morning digestive stimulus, but this seemingly harmless habit can harm their long-term health.

Coffee stimulates intestinal motility but is not a solution

Coffee is a stimulant and a natural laxative. Both regular coffee and non-cafein coffee can promote colon spasms, increase the secretion of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates bowel movements, and chlorogenic acid increases stomach acid. Even decaf coffee still has the same effect but to a mild extent because each cup still contains about 5 mg of caffeine.

According to Dr. Lauren Panoff, a public nutritionist (MPH, RD) in Colorado, USA, coffee helps increase colon contractions is true, but it should not be based entirely on it. Coffee cant cure constipation. When you have to drink coffee to digest, it shows a deeper problem with the digestive system, she emphasized.

Overusing coffee can lead to digestive irritation, increasing the risk of acid reflux, abdominal pain, intestinal philapia disorder and even dehydration if the user does not supplement enough filtered water. Drinking too much also increases the body's tolerance level, causing the laxative effect of coffee to decrease.

Danger of dependence or misuse

Some people even choose to wash their colon with coffee in the hope of "detoxifying". However, according to Dr. Panoff, this is an united method that can even cause burns, infections, dehydration, and electrolyte disorders.

She recommends: Cofficial washing is unsafe and should not be used as a substitute for certified constipation treatments.

The habit of addicting to morning coffee can also make users ignore important warning signs such as a diet lacking in fiber, low in water, low exercise or prolonged digestive disorders.

Coffee can help support digestion, but it should not become a daily "fortress". For the digestive system to function properly, people are recommended to:

Increase fiber from fruits, green vegetables, beans and whole grains.

Add fermented foods like kefir, miso, tempeh or cabbage to nourish beneficial bacteria.

Drink enough water throughout the day.

Get 7 - 9 hours of sleep each night to maintain the balance of the microbiome.

Exercise most days of the week.

Can't bear to go to the toilet when needed.

Coffee should only play a supporting role. Don't make it the only way to maintain tieuding,' Dr. Panoff emphasized.

The information in the article is for reference only, not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should talk directly to your doctor for accurate advice that is suitable for your health condition.

THÙY DƯƠNG (T/H)
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