Why Coffee Makes You Poop

There are two questions that come up in the first few conversations that I have with new friends when they find out that I am a nutritionist. They want to know why does coffee make you poop? and why does asparagus make your pee smell funny?

If we are having a few beers, then we also probably cover is there any science behind breaking the seal while drinking?

While these are three great topics that I enjoy discussing in public to build rapport with new acquaintances, this post is going to focus on coffee-driven bathroom visits.

Many coffee drinkers are familiar with the need to vacate their working environment and find a bathroom within minutes of consuming their morning brew.

Unfortunately, there is no clear answer as to the exact reason coffee sends people running to the restroom, but research has dispelled some of the commons myths and helped narrow down the search.

It’s Not The Caffeine

Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee were both found to have an impact on defecation, according to research published in the journal Gut.

This is consistent with what I have seen and heard from the discussions with clients and friends, alongside practising nutrition.