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Anyways,
Let’s dive in to how coffee impacts your BMs and whether it can help regulate your gut health.
Why Does Coffee Make You Poop?
Coffee is more than just a caffeine boost; it's a complex beverage that affects your digestive system in several ways:
🏃♂️ Stimulant Properties: Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, enhancing bowel motility. This means your intestines are encouraged to move food along, leading to that urge-2-purge.
🧪 Acidity: Coffee is naturally acidic, promoting gastric acid production. This increase in stomach acid helps break down food faster, potentially leading to quicker bowel movements.
🧬 Hormonal Effects: Drinking coffee stimulates the production of certain hormones like gastrin and cholecystokinin. Gastrin, in particular, promotes digestive juices and can accelerate the digestive process.
🥵 Warm Beverage Effect: The warmth of coffee can relax the digestive tract and enhance peristalsis - the wave-like muscle contractions in your intestines), further promoting the urge to poop.
Can Coffee Help Regulate Bowel Movements?
While coffee can indeed get things moving, it’s essential to consider its effects on individual bowel patterns:
🕰 Regularity: For some, coffee helps establish a routine, promoting regular bowel movements. The stimulating effects of caffeine provide a gentle nudge for those who struggle with constipation.
💧 Hydration Considerations: Coffee is a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration if consumed in excess. Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining healthy bowel function, so balance your coffee intake with plenty of water.
🙎🏻♂️ Individual Differences: Everyone's body reacts differently to coffee. Some may find it beneficial for regularity, while others might experience digestive discomfort or increased urgency.
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Who Should and Shouldn’t Drink Coffee?
Who Should Drink Coffee:
🏋🏻♂️ Healthy Individuals: If you have no underlying digestive issues, moderate coffee consumption can support gut motility and regularity.
🚽 Constipation Sufferers: For those struggling with constipation, coffee can be a useful tool to encourage bowel movements.
Who Should Avoid Coffee:
🙅🏼♂️ Individuals with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): The acidity of coffee can exacerbate symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux.
🙅🏼 Those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Some people with IBS may find that coffee triggers symptoms, leading to discomfort or diarrhea.
🤰🏼 Pregnant Women: High caffeine intake during pregnancy can lead to complications. Ask your doc about it during your next visit.
🙅🏼♀️ People with Anxiety Disorders: Caffeine can heighten anxiety and jitteriness in sensitive individuals, which may not be conducive to overall health.
Tips to Make Your Coffee Gut-Friendly
☝️ Choose Low-Acidity Coffee: Look for coffee labeled as low-acidity or choose blends from regions known for lower acidity, such as Brazil or Sumatra. These coffees can to be gentler on the stomach for some folks.
🥶 Opt for Cold Brew: Cold brewing extracts coffee flavors with less acidity than hot brewing methods. Steep coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours, then strain. This method results in a smoother, less acidic cup of coffee.
🫂 Add Gut-Friendly Ingredients: Consider adding some non-conventional ingredients to your brew like a spoonful of coconut oil, collagen powder, or a dash of cinnamon for added benefits. Try to avoid coffee on an empty stomach.
⏱ Consider Brewing Time: If using a French press or espresso machine, aim for a shorter brewing time to extract fewer bitter compounds, which can be harsh on the stomach. Try and avoid typical drip machines if you can as well as they can leech plastics into your coffee.
🚫 Avoid Flavored Coffees: Stick to plain coffee to avoid added sugars and chemicals often found in flavored varieties, which can negatively impact gut health.
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That’s all for today, PoopMates. Go, fertilize the Earth. The planet needs you.
DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.