Ah, the morning ritual: brewing coffee and… well, then needing to *go*. You're not alone! The link between coffee and bowel movements is a well-documented phenomenon, and it's more complex than just caffeine.
While caffeine does stimulate colon contractions, research suggests it's not the only culprit. Coffee triggers a gastrocolic reflex, a physiological response that increases colon motility. This reflex is often stronger after coffee consumption than after eating a similar meal, suggesting other compounds in coffee are at play.
Acidity might also contribute, as coffee is quite acidic and can irritate the stomach lining. Furthermore, some people are simply more sensitive to the effects of coffee than others. So, the next time your coffee urges a bathroom break, know that it's a perfectly normal (and surprisingly interesting!) process.
