"Just eating it leads straight to the bathroom"... 3 대표 foods that stimulate bowel movements

There are moments when I suddenly feel the urge to run to the bathroom, and I get extremely embarrassed. When I experience intense stomach pain signals that are hard to endure, it becomes even more awkward in important situations. For people with sensitive intestines, these situations can be even more frightening. Here are foods that trigger immediate trips to the bathroom.

 

 

☆Coffee

If you suddenly feel the urge to go to the bathroom even though you don't have a stomach ache, you should consider whether you have consumed too much coffee. Coffee contains a compound called chlorogenic acid, which is a type of polyphenol. This compound stimulates the secretion of stomach acid, speeding up the digestion process. When food quickly moves into the intestines, it triggers the urge to defecate.

 

The Korean Society for Obesity also states that coffee consumed after a meal can stimulate metabolism and aid digestion. Although it helps with digestion, drinking it excessively and frequently can hinder proper digestion of food and put a burden on the stomach. Caffeine and fatty acids in coffee can irritate the stomach and cause inflammation. When the intestines are weakened, it is advisable to avoid excessive coffee intake.

 

☆Alcohol

If you drink a lot of alcohol the night before, you may suffer from frequent bowel movements beyond just an upset stomach. When alcohol is absorbed into the body through alcohol, it irritates the mucosal villi of the intestinal lining. The intestinal mucosal villi absorb nutrients and moisture from food in the intestines. When this function weakens, stool becomes more watery. Alcohol also inhibits the secretion of digestive fluids such as bile, making it difficult for food to be properly digested, which also negatively affects bowel movements.

 

In particular, high-proof alcohol can more strongly stimulate the mucosal villi of the intestines, promoting diarrhea. Fermented drinks such as beer or makgeolli have higher sugar content than regular alcohol, which can stimulate bowel movements and cause loose stools. If you must drink alcohol, it is advisable to drink plenty of water to dilute the alcohol in the body as much as possible. Fried foods like chicken or pizza can further irritate the intestines, so caution is advised.

 

Foods rich in dietary fiber

Vegetables and fruits are high in dietary fiber and water content, and contain various vitamins. Even if they are good for the body, foods high in dietary fiber can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea in people with weak intestines. Dietary fiber is a non-digestible polymer that is not broken down in the body and is excreted as is. When it reaches the intestines, it stimulates colonic movement, shortens the time it takes for stool to pass through the colon, and increases bowel movements.

 

For this reason, dietary fiber is known to be effective for constipation, but for people with sensitive intestines such as those with irritable bowel syndrome, excessive intake can actually lead to more frequent trips to the bathroom. For example, consuming too many prunes (dried plums) can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain. Prunes contain about 7g of dietary fiber per 100g, which is approximately three times that of apples. An appropriate amount of prunes can soften stool and increase its volume, thereby improving constipation. However, it is necessary to monitor the reaction and adjust the intake accordingly, consuming 1 to 3 pieces per day. Concentrated prune juice should be consumed with caution, such as avoiding intake before going out.

 

☆☆⟨Three-line summary⟩

 

Chlorogenic acid in coffee stimulates gastric acid secretion, so excessive intake should be avoided in individuals with weak intestines.

 

✔ Alcohol in alcohol irritates the intestinal mucosal villi, causing stool to become loose and leading to diarrhea.

 

✔ Dietary fiber helps improve constipation, but people with sensitive intestines should watch out for abdominal pain and diarrhea.

 

Reporter Choi Ji-hye (jhchoi@kormedi.com)

.....,.

Summer is a season when stomach troubles can occur frequently.

I just realized that my favorite coffee could be the cause of my stomach upset.

I thought I was urinating frequently because of a diuretic effect.

I understand...