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Why does coffee make me poop? The facts behind your morning loo trip

Coffee. The magical elixir that jumpstarts your day, fuels your productivity, and… sends you sprinting to the bathroom faster than you can say “David Koch”. If you’ve ever wondered “Why does coffee make me poop?” you’re in good company. Very good company. It’s a question as old as time (or at least as old as coffee shops), so let's deep dive into the science behind this peculiar phenomenon. Plus, we’ll introduce you to a gut-friendly, energy-boosting alternative that’s shaking up Australia’s bevvie scene.

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The morning ritual: Coffee and the call of nature

Let’s set the scene. You wake up, bleary-eyed, craving that first sip of coffee. You brew your cup, take a few glorious sips, and then bam! your stomach starts gurgling like a volcano about to erupt. Before you know it, you’re making a Usain Bolt for the bathroom, leaving your half-finished coffee behind. How did this happen so fast!

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. In fact, studies show that up to 30% of coffee drinkers experience this… let’s call it a “digestive urgency.” But why does this happen? Is it the caffeine? The acidity? Let’s break it down.

The science behind Coffee’s laxative effect

Turns out, coffee isn’t just a wake-up call for your brain, it’s also a wake-up call for your bowels lols. Here’s the science behind why coffee makes you poop, and how all of these different factors create a pretty nasty cocktail of irritants:

1. Gastrin: The hormone that gets things moving

When you drink coffee, your body releases a hormone called gastrin. Gastrin’s job is to stimulate your digestive system, including your colon. The result? Increased activity in your gut, which can lead to a sudden urge to go.

2. Acidity: A gut irritant

Coffee is highly acidic, which can irritate the lining of your stomach and intestines. For some people, this irritation speeds up digestion, leading to a quicker trip to the loo.

3. Muscle contractions: The caffeine effect

Caffeine is a stimulant, and it doesn’t just wake up your brain, it also wakes up your digestive muscles. It causes your colon to contract more frequently, which can push things along faster than usual.

4. Gut microbiome: A balancing act

Coffee can alter the balance of bacteria in your gut, which might contribute to digestive issues for some people. If your gut microbiome is already a little out of whack, coffee could make things worse.


The downsides of Coffee: More than just a bathroom break

While the laxative effect is the most talked-about side effect of coffee, it’s not the only one. Here are a few other reasons why coffee might not be the best choice for everyone:

  • Energy crashes: Coffee gives you a quick hit of energy, but it’s often followed by a crash that leaves you feeling more tired than before.

  • Anxiety and jitters: Too much caffeine can leave you feeling jittery, anxious, or downright frazzled.

  • Sleep disruption: Drinking coffee late in the day can mess with your sleep, leaving you tossing and turning all night.

  • Addiction: Let’s face it, coffee is addictive. Going cold turkey can lead to headaches, fatigue, and a general sense of doom.

A healthier Coffee alternative: Mushroom Coffee to the rescue

If you’re tired of coffee’s side effects but still want a warm, comforting beverage to start your day, we’ve got good news: there’s a better way, and it's called Mushroom Coffee. It’s the perfect blend of taste, energy, and gut-friendly goodness.

Zoe, co-founder of Earthrise, using a laptop

Why Mushroom Coffee?

  1. Gentle on the stomach: Unlike coffee, our mushroom-based blend is non-acidic and won’t irritate your digestive system. No more sprinting to the bathroom!

  2. Adaptogens for balance: Adaptogenic mushrooms like lion’s mane and reishi help your body adapt to stress, promoting calm focus without the jitters.

  3. No energy crashes: Our blend provides steady, long-lasting energy without the peaks and troughs of caffeine.

  4. Gut-friendly: Free from harsh stimulants, our product supports a healthy gut microbiome.

Our favourite mushroom drink brand (us lol) is currently giving away Starter Kits for 25% off! Now is the perfect time to dive in and try the drink thousands of Aussies are switching over to.


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