Why does coffee make you poop? What the research says

A cup of coffee ever have you running for the nearest bathroom?

Well, according to scientists, that is totally normal, and here’s why.

Part of the reason is the caffeine contained in coffee. As Dr. Christine Lee, a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic, explained, caffeine does more than activate our brain; “it also stimulates our muscle contractions and circulation and motility in our body.” This stimulating effect gets our GI system working and, sometimes, prompts us to go to the bathroom.

This means that besides eating a fiber-rich diet, some other chemicals and elements can help you go number 2. These include magnesium, which has muscle-relaxing properties, and according to Michigan Medicine, it also “helps to increase the amount of water in the intestines, which can help with bowel movements.” You can increase your magnesium intake naturally by consuming foods rich in the element like spinach, quinoa, black beans, dark chocolate, and nuts like almonds and cashews.

Constipation and when do visit your doctor

Eating a fiber-rich diet can help many regulate their bowel movements. If you experience more severe constipation and feel like your diet is not solving the problem, you should speak with your doctor. The National Insitute of Health says that if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be worth a trip to your primary care physicians; these include blood from the rectum or blood in the stool, trouble passing gas, vomiting, fever, pain in your lower back, or a sudden drop in weight when no efforts were being made.