Coffee : Friend or Foe to Your Digestive System series-pat 1

Published August 3rd 2026

Mindful Monday: Can Coffee Cause Constipation? The Answer May Surprise You

Following another successful Fermentation 101 virtual session, I noticed something unusual. Later that evening, I felt bloated, a symptom I rarely experience. Rather than dismissing it, I did what I encourage every GRID Holistic Living community member to do: pause, reflect, and investigate.

I mentally reviewed everything I had eaten and drank that day, and whether there were any recent changes in my diet. After taking inventory of my dietary choices, one item stood out; my coffee brand. That simple observation led me to ask an important question: Could my morning cup of coffee have contributed to how I was feeling?

Whether coffee was the cause or simply one of several contributing factors, the experience served as an important reminder that our bodies are constantly communicating with us. One of the recurring themes throughout our Fermentation 101 discussions is learning to observe how different foods affect each of us differently. This week's Mindful Monday I am pivoting to explore a common question: Can coffee cause constipation?

The short answer is yes, for some people. Although coffee is commonly associated with stimulating bowel movements, its effects are not universal. Some individuals experience increased digestive activity after drinking coffee, while others notice bloating, harder stools, or constipation. Understanding why these different responses occur can help you make informed choices about your digestive health. 

Many people begin their morning with a hot cup of coffee, followed shortly by a trip to the bathroom. This happens because coffee can stimulate the gastrocolic reflex, a normal physiological response that increases movement in the colon after eating or drinking.

Coffee also promotes the release of gastrin, a digestive hormone that encourages contractions within the stomach and intestines. According to research, this response has been observed with both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, suggesting that compounds beyond caffeine contribute to coffee's digestive effects. While for many people, this is perfectly normal; for others, however, the experience can be quite different.

Why Coffee May Contribute to Constipation: Mild Dehydration

Coffee has a mild diuretic effect, meaning it can increase urine production, particularly in people who do not consume it regularly. If you drink several cups of coffee without replacing those fluids with water, your body may absorb more water from your stool, making it firmer and more difficult to pass.

GRID Tip: Every cup of coffee should be balanced with adequate water intake throughout the day.

Practical Tips for Better Digestion

If you notice constipation after drinking coffee:

• Drink additional water throughout the day.
• Consider reducing the amount of coffee you consume.
• Experiment with decaffeinated coffee to see whether your symptoms improve.
• Evaluate what you add to your coffee.
• Increase dietary fiber from whole foods.
• Include regular physical activity.
• Consider incorporating fermented foods into your diet to support a healthy gut microbiome.
• Seek medical evaluation if constipation becomes persistent, severe, or is accompanied by bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or significant abdominal pain.

Reflection

One lesson we continue to emphasize in Fermentation 101 is that wellness is personal. One food may nourish one person while causing discomfort in another. Rather than asking, "Is coffee good or bad?" A better question is: "How does coffee affect my body?" Then listen to your body for the answer.

Keeping a simple food and symptom journal can reveal patterns that generic advice often misses. The goal isn't perfection, it is becoming a mindful observer of your body's signals.

At GRID Holistic Living, we believe lasting wellness begins with awareness, informed choices, and practical habits that support your unique journey.

Mindful Monday Challenge

If you recently switched your brand, return to the old brand to determine whether it was the old or new brand. An alternate, shift temporarily from coffee to tea. Let's check in about 1 week to determine any change.

Whole Health. Whole Life. Whole You!

References 

Healthline. (2024). Why coffee makes you poop. https://www.healthline.com

Verywell Health. (2024). Can coffee cause constipation? https://www.verywellhealth.com

International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. (2024). Constipation. https://iffgd.org

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2025). Symptoms and causes of constipation. https://www.niddk.nih.gov

Rao, S. S. C., Bharucha, A. E., Chiarioni, G., Felt-Bersma, R., Knowles, C., Malcolm, A., & Wald, A. (2016). Functional anorectal disorders. Gastroenterology, 150(6), 1430–1442.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2025). Dietary Guidelines for Americans. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov