Why does coffee make me want to go to the toilet?

Question

I drink coffee all the time, but every time I have the first sip (or couple of sips), I feel I need to go (no.2).

Why?

Answer 1

Quotes from the list of links below:

(1)
Laxative/diuretic:
Coffee is also a powerful stimulant for peristalsis and is sometimes considered to prevent constipation; it is also a diuretic. However, coffee can also cause loose bowel movements.
Coffee enemas:
Practitioners in alternative medicine often recommend coffee enemas for "cleansing of the colon" due to its stimulus of peristalsis, although mainstream medicine has not proved any benefits of the practice.
(2)
Caffeine’s diuretic effect causes loss of potassium, magnesium, zinc and other minerals, and B vitamins, especially thiamine B1. Caffeine also washes out vitamin C. Therefore, all of these nutrients can be deficient unless they are obtained from foods in increased amounts or taken as supplements.
Diarrhea can also occur with increased amounts of caffeine, which relaxes the smooth muscle in the colon. The laxative effect of caffeine can also create a dependency.
(3)
Diuretics - deplete water, electrolytes (sodium, potassium) and minerals
Laxative abuse with diarrhea - You lose lots of fluids and electrolytes but still absorb more than 90% of the calories
Caffeine - acts as a diuretic to increase quantity of urine
(4)
The following characteristics of coffee have an adverse effect on the intestinal tract:
Coffee Stimulates the Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract to Overactivity
Coffee Elevates Stress Hormones
The Acidity of Coffee Irritates the Intestines
Caffeine Decreases Magnesium Absorption
Caffeine Acts as a Diuretic
Caffeine Interferes with GABA Metabolism
(5)
"...caffeine would have a laxative effect that would last for a further 24 hours"

Answer 2

Coffee Laxative Effect

Answer 3

Because coffee contains caffiene and caffiene is a stimulant.Therefore it tends to aggravate the sensitive intestines.Try using a decaffienated kind or try drinking a half glass of cold water before you have your coffee.This will help dilute it a little in the stomach and make it a little easier to tolerate inside your colon.. good luck

Answer 4

It is because coffee is an irritant to the gut. When you drink it, it causes the gastrocolic reflex and you have to go #2. It would either be the coffee or your breakfast that will cause this reflex.

Answer 5

I know what your're saying. I have the same problem. I don't even like to look at a cup of coffee in the evening for fear I will have to go to the restroom.

Answer 6

Caffeine is a mild Diuretic. Meaning it has the mild affect of making you have to go to the bathroom. Also it is a water base, so you are putting more water into your system.

Answer 7

we talk about a sphincter, but there are two -- an inner involuntary sphincter and an outer voluntary sphincther. We have no concious control of the inner sphincter, but when it relaxes, there is pressure on the outer sphincter, creating an urge.

The bladder works similarly.

Sorry about the source.

Answer 8

Some coffees have chicory added for flavor and it is also a mild laxative.

Answer 9

I THINK THE CAFFEIN ACTS LIKE A LAXATIVE. AND YOU'RE RIGHT, I ALWAYS END UP ON THE TOILET!

Answer 10

caffeine is a laxative and a diuretic