Many people enjoy their morning cup of coffee. Due to the jitters that caffeinated coffee causes, many coffee lovers opt for the low-octane variety. Though not yet supported by science, some coffee drinkers believe that decaf coffee is also healthier.
The question at hand is, does decaf coffee make you poop? The short answer is yes. Through some very intrusive studies, researchers have discovered that coffee of any kind can stimulate the distal colon, which aids in the body’s faster elimination of waste.
Let’s examine the reasons decaf coffee will get you moving in more detail.
Read More: Is Decaffeinated Coffee A Diuretic?
Why Does Decaf Coffee Make You Poop?
While there isn’t any evidence to suggest that decaf coffee causes bowel movements, research has shown that it can cause a gastrocolic response where your hormones and brain are involved. The first cup of coffee you drink in the morning causes your hormone levels to change and your brain to send signals.
These signals stimulate your nervous system and increase the motor activity in your colon. Whether coffee is caffeinated or decaf, this seems to occur.
Milk Or Cream May Promote Bowel Movements
Coffee that has just been brewed is naturally additive- and preservative-free.
The majority of Americans—more than two-thirds—stir in milk, cream, sweeteners, sugar, or other additives.
Because they contain lactose, milk and cream in particular may encourage bowel movements. Ineffective lactose digestion affects about 65% of people worldwide.
People who are lactose intolerant experience symptoms like bloating, stomach cramps, or diarrhea shortly after consuming dairy.
Accordingly, lactose can make people with lactose intolerance feel the urge to urinate.
So What Should We Do?
What can a coffee drinker do if drinking decaffeinated coffee doesn’t stop the natural laxative effects of coffee? Although there isn’t a foolproof solution to the poop issue, there are a few ways to make your cup of decaf coffee slightly easier on your digestive system.
Experiment With Brewing
Your stomach may feel significantly different after drinking decaf coffee. Even though decaf coffee already has a lower acidity than regular coffee, picking a low-acid option can be helpful.
So make sure to brew your coffee in a way that promotes digestion. Up to 70% less acid can be produced when coffee is made cold brew! That will result in less acid reflux, heartburn, and gastrin use.
Skip The Sweetener
The excrement might be explained by sugar! Sugar, according to studies, causes loose stools. Because it forces the release of water and electrolytes from your bowels.
Severe diarrhea may occur if you consume more than 40 grams of sugar each day. Unfortunately, selecting an artificial sweetener is not a real solution to the issue. For your morning cup, I recommend unsweetened coffee.
Leave Out The Lactose
Skip the milk and opt for a cup of black coffee if you think you may be lactose intolerant. However, if you’re a devoted latte drinker who loves coffee, you do have some choices.
Oat milk, almond milk, or hemp milk are some milk substitutes that might not cause you to go potty. Try substituting these for your coffee and you might be able to save yourself a trip to the bathroom.
Cut Back On The Coffee
Coffee’s laxative properties may require you to completely cut back on your consumption, decaf or not. As a fellow coffee enthusiast, it pains me to even bring up health, but it’s crucial. You might also want to schedule a follow-up appointment with a physician.
Should We Avoid Drinking Decaf Coffee?
Do some people need to avoid drinking decaf coffee because it causes them to have bowel movements? That question doesn’t really have an obvious answer. Switching to herbal tea instead of caffeinated or decaf coffee may be preferable if you already experience some sort of stomach issue.
It’s time to stop drinking coffee if you still struggle with bowel movements, especially after drinking it. You can also schedule a visit with your doctor to determine whether there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
In light of this, the question “does decaf coffee make you poop?” can be answered in the affirmative. But only for particular individuals. In other words, decaf coffee affects different people in different ways just like any other substance. Do you need to use the restroom more often when drinking decaf coffee, or are you one of the coffee drinkers who doesn’t notice any difference?
FAQs
Does Decaff Coffee Have The Same Effect On Everyone?
Although it’s possible that some people who drink decaf experience poopiness, not all coffee drinkers experience this. Decaf is the same way, in that not everyone who drinks caffeinated coffee experiences a bowel movement after a cup.
What Are The Laxative Effects Of Decaf Coffee?
Your bowels are stimulated by coffee, whether it is decaf or high in caffeine. However, not all coffee drinkers may experience cramping, bloating, or diarrhea as a result. Some people who drink decaf coffee don’t experience any laxative effects at all because everyone is different.
Is Decaf Coffee Beneficial To Your Stomach?
Depending on how decaf coffee is made, the response to this question will vary. There’s a greater likelihood that the coffee will upset your stomach if you add milk, cream, sugar, or other flavorings. Decaffeinated coffee—or any coffee, for that matter—is probably not a good choice if you struggle with acid reflux. Also believed to be the most likely to cause bowel movements is the first cup of coffee in the morning.
The Bottom Line
Several compounds in coffee may help to stimulate bowel movements.
Included in this group are N-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamides, chlorogenic acids, and caffeine.
In particular, if you have lactose intolerance, adding milk or cream may intensify this effect.
If your stomach issues become too much for you to handle, experiment with different brewing techniques, cut back on lactose, or drink less coffee in the morning. Take another sip if your bowel movements are manageable, though.
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