Coffee Can Make You Poop, But Is It Good For Constipation? 

When it comes to coffee, the health consensus can be mixed. Some praise the drink for its brain benefits, healthy antioxidants, and performance-enhancing abilities. For others, coffee can lead to gut issues, such as heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach pain. But how does coffee affect digestion—and more specifically, constipation?

"It's likely that coffee consumption induces the gastrocolic reflex," integrative medicine doctor Alejandra Carrasco, M.D., tells mbg. The gastrocolic reflex is a physiological response, which induces movement of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. 

In other words, coffee stimulates movement through the digestive tract and makes you want to poop. While researchers aren't clear exactly why coffee increases digestion, it's clear that it does. "The warm temperature of the liquid1 may stimulate motility," integrative gastroenterologist Marvin Singh, M.D., previously told mbg, "and the caffeine also contributes to contractions of the bowel2." 

Chemicals in both caffeinated and decaf coffee, like chlorogenic acids, may contribute to the digestive process and stimulation of the bowel, Singh says.

"I would recommend people focus on adequate hydration, daily fiber consumption, and work with their physician to ensure there isn't a causal reason for constipation," Carrasco says. Opting for less acidic versions of coffee may also be beneficial for the gut.