When it comes to coffee, the health consensus can be mixed.
Some praise the drink for itsbrain benefits, healthy antioxidants, andperformance-enhancing abilities.
For others, coffee can lead togut issues, such as heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach pain.
But how does coffee affect digestionand more specifically, constipation?
Can coffee help with digestion?
The gastrocolic reflex is a physiological response, which induces movement of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
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In other words, coffee stimulates movement through the digestive tract andmakes you want to poop.
While researchers aren’t clear exactly why coffee increases digestion, it’s clear that it does.
What about caffeine versus decaf?
The latter study found caffeinated coffeestimulated colonic movement423% more than decaf coffee.
So, is coffee a solution for constipation?
While coffee can certainly enhance digestion, it’s not a long-term solution to constipation.
Persistent constipation could be a sign of another health issue, like hypothyroidism, Carrasco says.
Opting for less acidic versions of coffee may also bebeneficial for the gut.
