Why Does Caffeine Make Me Poop?

If you've ever sipped your morning coffee only to find yourself rushing to the bathroom shortly after, you're not alone. Many people experience a laxative effect from caffeinated beverages like coffee and energy drinks, but why does this happen?

The Science Behind Caffeine and Digestion

Caffeine is a powerful stimulant, not just for your brain but for your entire body, including your digestive system.

1. Stimulating the Colon: Caffeine activates contractions in the colon, known as peristalsis, which helps move waste through your intestines. This is called the 'gastrocolic reflex', which is why coffee is often linked to increased bowel movements. This occurs even in decaffeinated coffee, as it may be contributed by other compounds in your energy drink or coffee.

2. Hormone Activation: Caffeine increases the release of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the production of stomach acid and promotes digestive motility, speeding up digestion but causing the aforementioned colon stimulation.

3. Acidity of Coffee: Coffee, in particular, contains acids that can irritate the stomach lining and stimulate bile production, further signaling your body to increase digestion and the gastrocolic reflex.

4. Dairy and Artificial Sweeteners: Many people consume coffee or energy drinks with milk, cream, or artificial sweeteners, which can contribute to digestive discomfort, especially for those with lactose intolerance or sensitivity.

Getting Your Energy Boost Without The Discomfort

While some people regard the laxative effect of caffeine as a normal byproduct of energy drinks and coffee, it's certainly an inconvenience, especially if you're at work, in class, or on the go. Drinking coffee or energy drinks can also lead to bloating, acid reflux, and dehydration, making them less than ideal and counterproductive to your day.

Oral dissolving strips are a new way to get your energy fix, without the associated stomach discomfort of energy drinks and coffee. Simply place the thin film on your inner cheek, and allow the caffeine to be absorbed directly in your mouth without passing through the digestive system.

1. No Digestive Disruption: Since STIM strips dissolve in your mouth, caffeine is absorbed sublingually (through the mucous membranes) instead of passing through your digestive system, avoiding colon stimulation.

2. Fast-Acting & Convenient: STIM is pocket sized and convenient, providing a quick energy boost anywhere, anytime.

3. Smooth, Sustained Release: STIM is the first in the world to use time release caffeine, ensuring a smoother, sustained energy boost compared to drinks and coffee. No crashes or jitters, just clean, sustained energy for the day.

4. Great Taste, Zero Calories: No sugar overload from energy drinks; just a clean, effective caffeine dose.

Caffeine is the common go-to supplement to get us going at the start of the day, or to beat the dreaded afternoon slump. While energy drinks and coffee are common ways to get your caffeine fix, they often come with inconvenient side effects like stomach upsets and bowel movements. For fast, convenient energy that tastes great without the tummy-ache, keep STIM Energy Strips handy.