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Is coffee good for digestion?

In our fast-paced world, many of us can’t start the day without a good ‘ol cup of coffee. Whether you love it iced, as a latte, or black, drinking that liquid energy is the best way to start your day on the right foot. But is coffee good for anything other than an energy boost (and to make non-morning people more enjoyable to be around)? Or is it a cause for concern when it comes to health? And most importantly is coffee good for digestion?Is coffee good for digestion

In this article, we will cover what Dr. Ken Brown, gastroenterologist and founder of Atrantil, has to say about coffee, caffeine, and everything in between. 

Let’s start by talking about…

Health Benefits of Coffee

Coffee is enjoyed all over the world. The various blends from different countries are enjoyed with breakfast, pastries, and multiple dishes. Coffee isn’t just a quick way to boost energy and elevate your meal. Coffee does tout many benefits as well. 

Some of the top benefits we get from coffee include:

So with all of these benefits, how could we pass on coffee? 

Let’s continue learning about the different compounds in coffee that can affect our health — positively or negatively.

How does caffeine (in coffee or in general) affect digestion?

Caffeine can have a significant impact on digestion, both positive and negative. 

It can stimulate the muscles in the stomach and intestines, leading to increased contractions and bowel movements. This can be beneficial for those suffering from constipation. 

However, it can also cause diarrhea in some people. 

Additionally, caffeine can increase the production of stomach acid. More stomach acid can lead to heartburn or acid reflux, which can be uncomfortable and even painful.

Aside from caffeine, what compounds in coffee can trigger bowel movements?

In addition to caffeine, coffee contains several compounds that can stimulate bowel movements. 

One of the most notable compounds is chlorogenic acid, a type of antioxidant found in coffee beans. This compound can stimulate the muscles in the gut, which can trigger a bowel movement.

Furthermore, N-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamides (a chemical closely related to the neurotransmitter serotonin) are naturally occurring compounds that act as laxatives. These compounds increase the water content in the colon and the contractions of the colonic muscles.  

The combination of these compounds can cause a sudden urge to use the restroom in some people, but they also make a great natural remedy for constipation.

This is why some people are on a routine bathroom schedule when they drink coffee. They drink coffee at the same time every day and then have a bowel movement around the same time an hour or so later. 

So if you’re feeling blocked up, try a cup of coffee and see if you’re feeling better (and a few pounds lighter) a little while later.

So is coffee good or bad for digestion in this case? That depends on the person drinking it. Having regular bathroom habits is a positive thing, and knowing that coffee can help you move your bowels if you are struggling, that’s great. 

But if you’re having multiple, loose bowel movements from too much caffeine you run the risk of dehydration and an upset microbiome. So this answer will differ from person to person based on your bathroom habits.

Is it possible to tame diarrhea and other types of digestive discomfort by switching from regular coffee to decaf?

Both decaf and regular coffee can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea due to chlorogenic acid and N-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamides, which can cause intestinal contractions. 

However, it is important to note that caffeine itself can also be a contributing factor to digestive issues. Therefore, while it is impossible to eliminate the risk of digestive issues, it is possible to reduce the risk by opting for decaf coffee instead of regular coffee. 

Decaf coffee contains significantly lower levels of caffeine than regular coffee, which can help to reduce the risk of digestive issues. 

Also, decaf coffee still contains beneficial compounds such as antioxidants and polyphenols, which can help improve health. Therefore, if you are looking to reduce the risk of digestive issues, decaf coffee may be the better option.

Test it out and see if that allows you to have the comfort of coffee flavor to start your day without dealing with embarrassing and time consuming bathroom runs. 

Tips to avoid upset digestion from coffee

  1. Try drinking smaller amounts of coffee at a time: This can help to reduce the amount of caffeine and other components in the coffee that may be causing digestive upset.
  2. Try drinking coffee at various times of day:  In the morning coffee, will stimulate the gastro-colic reflex, where the hormones from the stomach tell the rectum to contract
  3. Experiment with different brewing methods:  Some people find that cold brew or French press coffee causes less stomach discomfort than regular drip coffee. This can be a fun experiment to see which type of coffee you (and your bowels) prefer!
  4. Avoid adding too much cream or sugar to your coffee: These can be triggers for some people and contribute to stomach upset, especially if you have issues like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). The sugars — especially in premade flavored creamers — can make your coffee unhealthy. Drinking it as it is or with a splash of milk is your best bet for reaping the benefits of coffee without putting your health at risk. 

So all in all, coffee is good for digestion. Decaf might be the better choice for people who want a cup but are overly sensitive to caffeine. Tea is a more subtle flavor that can give you similar benefits with less caffeine so that is always an option to switch up your routine and give your body even more benefits!

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