Can Coffee Cause Constipation? What the Experts Say About Coffee, Digestion, and Regularity

For many people, coffee is the ultimate morning motivator not only for the brain but also for the bowels. Yet surprisingly, some coffee drinkers report the opposite effect: bloating, sluggish digestion, and even constipation. So what’s the truth behind this paradox? Can coffee cause constipation?

In this detailed exploration, we analyze how coffee interacts with the digestive system, using data from leading research authorities like the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), World Coffee Research, and brewing science experts at Barista Hustle. We’ll explain when coffee helps digestion, when it might hinder it, and how Bazan Coffee can support smoother, more regular mornings.

Introduction: Coffee’s Complex Role in Digestion

Coffee has long been linked to digestive stimulation. For most, it increases colon activity a phenomenon backed by research from Gut journal, which found that up to 30% of people experience a bowel movement within 20 minutes of drinking coffee.

But this isn’t universal. For a smaller group, coffee consumption is associated with dehydration, sluggish digestion, or worsened GI discomfort, raising the question of whether coffee could cause or worsen constipation under specific conditions.

Can Coffee Cause Constipation? Examining the Evidence

1. Caffeine and Digestive Motility

Caffeine stimulates the gastrocolic reflex, promoting muscular contractions in the colon. This is usually beneficial for regularity but in excessive doses, caffeine may trigger the opposite effect:

• Overstimulation of the nervous system can cause anxiety and dehydration.
  

• Increased cortisol levels may indirectly slow digestion in stressed individuals.
  

The CQI digestive research summary (2023) explains: “While caffeine increases colonic motility, overconsumption can disrupt the balance of the enteric nervous system, potentially leading to irregular stools or constipation in sensitive populations.”

If you’re drinking strong Robusta coffee like Bazan’s Fine Robusta – Krong Năng in high amounts without hydrating, you could experience this shift from stimulation to stagnation.

2. Dehydration: A Hidden Culprit

Coffee has mild diuretic effects, especially in caffeine-sensitive individuals. While moderate consumption doesn’t lead to clinical dehydration, failing to drink enough water alongside coffee can result in harder stools and less frequent bowel movements.

According to the Mayo Clinic and World Coffee Research, the net hydration effect of coffee is positive, but only when total fluid intake is adequate.

This means that if coffee is your main source of liquid but you’re not drinking water your risk of constipation rises.

Supporting Questions: Related Digestive Effects

Can Coffee Slow Digestion in Some People?

Yes. People with IBS-C (irritable bowel syndrome with constipation), or those under chronic stress, may find that caffeine overstimulates their nervous system, leading to gastrointestinal sluggishness.

Bazan recommends starting with low-acidity, moderate-caffeine coffees, such as the Cau Dat Arabica or Special Vietnam Blend, especially when symptoms appear.

Can Coffee Cause Bloating and Gas?

As discussed in prior Bazan Coffee guides, bloating and gas are often tied to gut sensitivity, additives (like dairy), or over-roasted beans. These symptoms can mimic or accompany constipation.

Using washed, medium-roast coffees like Bazan’s high-elevation Arabicas can reduce irritation and support gentler digestion.

Who Is More Prone to Coffee-Linked Constipation?

Constipation from coffee is uncommon, but it’s more likely in:

• Caffeine-sensitive individuals
  

• Those drinking coffee on an empty stomach without water
  

• People consuming excessive amounts of Robusta or triple-shot espresso
  

• Individuals with slow metabolism or GI disorders (e.g. IBS, hypothyroidism)
  

A 2021 study from Nutrients journal confirmed that low-fiber diets and high-caffeine, low-water habits are a major risk factor for modern-day constipation even in otherwise healthy adults.

Tips for Enjoying Coffee Without Constipation

Best Brewing Methods for Digestive Comfort

Barista Hustle recommends immersion and cold brew methods for sensitive guts, as these approaches extract fewer oils and irritants, and produce a lower-acidity cup.

Bazan’s Cau Dat Arabica in cold brew form, steeped for 12–16 hours with a coarse grind, delivers a silky, balanced cup that supports hydration and gentle motility.

Pro Tip: Use a 1:17 coffee-to-water ratio and serve chilled or over ice for a clean, colon-friendly experience.

Expert Insight: Does Coffee Have Fiber?

Surprisingly, yes but not in large amounts.

According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, brewed coffee contains soluble fiber fractions like polysaccharides, which can help feed gut bacteria and improve stool consistency but only in meaningful quantities if you’re drinking multiple cups daily.

So, while coffee isn’t a substitute for fiber-rich food, it can complement a high-fiber diet when consumed correctly.

Conclusion: Coffee and Constipation Friend or Foe?

So, can coffee cause constipation? The answer is: rarely, and usually only under specific conditions. While most people find coffee promotes digestion, factors like dehydration, overconsumption, individual sensitivity, and inadequate fiber intake can tip the balance.

With the right brewing method, bean selection, and hydration habits, coffee can be part of a healthy digestive routine not a disruptor of it.

Brew Better Mornings with Bazan Coffee

At Bazan, we roast and process our beans with care to ensure low acidity, balanced caffeine, and digestive support all while preserving the flavor integrity specialty coffee lovers demand.

Explore our gentle, gut-friendly coffees:

• Cau Dat Arabica: Washed Arabica, smooth and stomach-friendly, perfect for cold brew or pour-over.
  

• Special Vietnam Blend: Balanced and versatile, ideal for daily sipping without GI distress.
  

• Fine Robusta – Krong Năng: High in caffeine great in small amounts or blended for regularity boost.

Say goodbye to coffee-related constipation choose Bazan Coffee, brew better, and feel your best.