Coffee poops, but it’s not about the caffeine

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a woman sitting on a table: coffee has a natural laxative effect, but doctors are not sure why. Oscar Wong / Getty Images


© Oscar Wong / Getty Images
Coffee has a natural laxative effect, but doctors aren’t sure why. Oscar Wong / Getty Images

  • Coffee promotes bowel movements, although doctors aren’t sure why it happens.
  • Caffeine is not the reason coffee poops in some people, as decaffeinated coffee can have the same effect.
  • Four cups of coffee is the maximum recommended amount you should drink per day.
  • Visit Insider’s Health Reference Library for more tips.

For many people, a day doesn’t begin until they’ve had their cup of coffee, but that morning dish is often followed by a trip to the bathroom. In a small study from 1990, coffee stimulated a bowel movement in 29% of participants. However, there is no definitive answer as to what it is about coffee that causes a laxative effect.

Most people think caffeine is to blame. Although caffeine causes an early urge to defecate and is a known stimulant, decaffeinated coffee can also stimulate bowel movements.

“It has to be something about coffee as a whole, rather than the isolated caffeine, which stimulates bowel movements,” says Jill Deutsch, MD, director of Yale’s Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders program.

Here’s what you need to know about the laxative effects of drinking coffee.

Why does coffee make you poop?

The exact reason for the laxative effect of coffee is unclear, but doctors assume it is a combination of factors. “The short answer is we’re not quite sure! It seems like it’s just the overall formulation of the coffee that helps us to poop,” says Deutsch.

How coffee affects your intestines:

    • Milk: Drinking milk can cause bloating, increased gas and diarrhea in people with lactose intolerance, the inability to digest the sugar in dairy products. They may benefit from choosing lactose-free milk options like soy, oat, coconut and almond milk.
    • Gastrin levels: Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee can increase levels of gastrin, the hormone that makes the colon more active.
    • Motor function of the colon: With or without caffeine, coffee can stimulate motor activity in the colon or the contractions that make you want to have a bowel movement.
    • Timetable: Colon motor activity naturally increases after waking up, which could explain why some people feel like going to the bathroom in the morning.

Gallery: Surprising Side Effects of Eating Kombucha, According to Science (Eat This, Not That!)

a bottle of beer next to a glass of orange juice: Although considered an acquired taste by most, kombucha has recently been a popular drink with celebrities, influencers and medical professionals . Overall, an eight-ounce serving of kombucha is a good idea for your digestive system and gut microbiome. However, as with many food choices, too much of everything can potentially have a negative impact. Here, we explain the surprising side effects of consuming kombucha, including the good and the bad. It may sound like a new drink, but kombucha has been revered by civilizations for thousands of years, thanks to its many natural healing properties. But before you dive into a brave new world of kombucha flavors, blends, and brews, it's a good idea to research exactly what you're consuming. Many popular brands have a lot of added sugar, which is not ideal for your diet. And, you may have other risk factors that make it best to stay away from this fermented drink. Here are the kombucha side effects to consider, and for even more drinking tips, be sure to check out our list of the 108 most popular sodas ranked by toxicity.

There is no specific amount of coffee that will stimulate a bowel movement because it is different for everyone. “Not everyone gets the same type of laxative benefit from drinking coffee. And in fact, some people are not affected at all by drinking coffee, ”says Deutsch.

Is It Healthy To Drink Coffee As A Laxative?

If it works for you, it may be healthy to drink coffee as a laxative, Deutsch says. Consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is safe with no side effects, which is roughly the amount in four cups of coffee. However, prolonged consumption of higher doses can lead to caffeine addiction.

What the research says: According to a 2013 study, caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world. It is important to consume less than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day to avoid symptoms of caffeine addiction such as a strong desire to continue using the drug, difficulty controlling your drug use, and withdrawal.

Other drinks also contain caffeine, such as sodas, teas (including kombucha), and energy drinks. However, there is no research to prove that they provide a laxative effect similar to that of coffee. “We don’t have data to support that other caffeinated drinks stimulate bowel movements,” says Deutsch.

Takeaway from the insider

Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee does stimulate bowel movements in some people, but there is no valid reason for this. The overall digestive effects of coffee, milk, and when you drink it can all contribute to the laxative effect.

It may be healthy to drink coffee as a laxative if it works for you, but sustained consumption of over 400 milligrams of caffeine per day (or roughly cups of coffee) can lead to caffeine addiction. Keep in mind that caffeine is not only found in coffee, but also in teas, sodas, and energy drinks, although it is not proven to stimulate bowel movements.

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