How to drink coffee is beneficial for digestion

Caffeine in coffee can increase bowel movements. People with digestive problems such as leaky gut or irritable bowel syndrome may notice more severe symptoms.

Coffee, especially caffeine, stimulates the production of gastrin, a hormone that regulates gastric acid secretion along with gastrointestinal motility. Gastrin promotes the muscles in the digestive tract to contract more strongly, increasing the speed at which food moves through the digestive system.

Caffeine stimulates the release of catecholamines such as adrenaline and noradrenaline. These are neurotransmitters that promote increased colon contractions. These increased contractions push food from the colon toward the rectum more quickly, leading to an increased need to defecate.

Coffee contains compounds that trigger the production of cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone that signals the gallbladder to release bile into the small intestine. More released bile can speed up digestion and move food through the intestines faster, leading to increased intestinal motility.

Some of the ways below can reduce the digestive side effects of coffee.

Use caffeine-free: Caffeine is the main element in coffee that has a laxative effect, so switching to a caffeine-free version helps reduce its impact on bowel movements. Some types of decaf coffee that have up to 90% caffeine are a better choice.

Limit intake: Adjusting the amount of coffee consumed in one drink also reduces the laxative effect. In particular, gradually reducing consumption or limiting use during the day may be beneficial.

Drink coffee with meals: Drinking coffee with meals or snacks helps reduce its stimulating effect on bowel movements. Food in the stomach slows down the absorption of caffeine, causing less unpleasant side effects in the digestive tract.

Drink cold brew or low-acid coffee: They have a gentler effect on the stomach and are less likely to irritate or stimulate excessive stomach acid production than regular brewed coffee.

Avoid drinking on an empty stomach: Drinking coffee on an empty stomach is not harmful but increases the effects of coffee more. Drink a cup after a light meal to avoid these unpleasant symptoms.

Choose alternative drinks: Beverages such as herbal teas or caffeine-free alternatives provide flavor while being less likely to stimulate bowel movements.

People at risk of digestive disorders should avoid caffeine. Acid reflux, gastritis or stomach ulcers cause more uncomfortable symptoms due to the acidity of coffee and the stimulation of stomach acid production. Drinking coffee late, especially in the afternoon or evening, disrupts sleep and worsens insomnia.