This Unexpected Drink Can Make You Poop Instantly
Drinking a cup of hot black coffee without sugar or sweetener can help you poop almost immediately. The heat, caffeine, and natural compounds in coffee stimulate your digestive system and trigger bowel movements, making it a simple and effective way to get relief from constipation.
Why Does Hot Coffee Make You Poop?
Many people have noticed that after drinking a cup of hot coffee, they suddenly feel the urge to use the bathroom. This is not a coincidence. In fact, it is a well-known effect, and several reasons explain why coffee works this way.
Research shows that nearly one out of three people, specifically, 29% of participants in one study, felt the need to use the bathroom within twenty minutes of drinking a single cup of coffee. This highlights just how quickly coffee can get your digestive system moving.1
Hot coffee contains caffeine. Caffeine is a natural stimulant. It wakes up your brain, but it also wakes up your digestive tract. When you drink hot coffee, caffeine stimulates the muscles in your gut, causing them to contract more often and more strongly. This process, called peristalsis, helps move waste through your intestines.
The heat of the drink also plays a role. Warm liquids relax the digestive muscles and help the stool move along more smoothly. Cold drinks do not have the same effect. That is why a hot cup of coffee is more likely to make you poop than a cold soda.
Coffee contains compounds such as chlorogenic acids and N-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamides. These compounds increase the production of stomach acid and stimulate the release of certain hormones in your digestive system. These hormones, including gastrin and cholecystokinin, further speed up bowel movements.2
Why Choose Coffee Without Sugar or Sweetener?
Drinking black coffee—without sugar, cream, or any sweetener—produces the best results if you want to stimulate your bowels. Adding sugar or sweeteners can slow down the digestive process for some people, especially those with sensitive stomachs or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Milk or cream can also lead to bloating or discomfort if you are lactose intolerant.
Plain black coffee is simple and effective. It has fewer calories and does not add any unnecessary ingredients that could upset your stomach.
How Quickly Does Coffee Work?
For most people, the effects are almost immediate. Many report needing to use the bathroom within 10 to 30 minutes after drinking a cup of hot coffee. The response is so reliable for some that they make coffee part of their morning bathroom routine.
However, the exact timing can vary. If you drink coffee on an empty stomach, the effect may be stronger and faster. Drinking coffee after a meal can also speed up digestion, but the urge may not be as immediate.3
Is It Safe to Use Coffee for Constipation Relief?
For most healthy adults, using coffee to relieve occasional constipation is safe. Coffee does not cause dependence or long-term harm to your digestive system when used in moderation. However, drinking too much coffee can lead to side effects such as jitteriness, anxiety, increased heart rate, or dehydration.
Stick to one or two cups per day if you are using coffee to help with constipation. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day, as coffee has a mild diuretic effect and can increase your need for fluids.
Who Should Avoid Using Coffee as a Laxative?
While coffee is helpful for many, it is not for everyone. If you have certain health conditions, talk with your doctor first. People with:
- Heart conditions or high blood pressure
- Stomach ulcers or acid reflux
- Anxiety disorders
- Pregnancy (due to limited caffeine intake recommendations)
- Chronic diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome (as coffee can worsen symptoms)
should be cautious and seek medical advice before increasing their coffee intake.
Other Tips for Natural Constipation Relief
While coffee can help, it is best to address the root cause of constipation. Here are a few other natural tips:
- Drink plenty of water each day.
- Eat a diet high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Stay physically active—walking and exercise help your gut move waste.
- Do not ignore the urge to go when you feel it.
- Manage stress, as it can affect your digestion.
When to See a Doctor
If you are frequently constipated or if you notice blood in your stool, severe pain, or unexplained weight loss, seek medical attention. These symptoms may signal an underlying health condition that needs treatment.
FAQs
1. Why does black coffee make you poop so fast?
Hot black coffee stimulates the digestive tract, especially because of its caffeine content and the release of digestive hormones, which speeds up bowel movements.
2. Can decaf coffee have the same effect?
Decaf coffee can still stimulate the gut, but the effect is usually weaker because it contains less caffeine. However, the heat and other compounds in coffee may still help.
3. Is it safe to drink coffee every day to relieve constipation?
For most people, one to two cups of black coffee a day is safe. However, if you notice side effects, such as anxiety or stomach pain, reduce your intake.
4. Can adding sugar or milk change coffee’s laxative effect?
Yes. Adding sugar, sweeteners, or milk can slow digestion for some people and may cause stomach discomfort, especially in those who are lactose intolerant.
5. What if coffee does not help my constipation?
If coffee does not work for you, try increasing your water and fiber intake, and consider other lifestyle changes. If constipation persists, consult your healthcare provider.
