Like most of us, you’ve got in all probability been there: You’re minding your enterprise, milling about your morning routine, solely to have the sudden, pressing have to go quantity two. Such is the truth of consuming espresso. In spite of everything, the cult-favorite beverage is perhaps finest recognized for its energy-boosting skills, however it’s a laxative, too.

That is essential to bear in mind as a result of, as soul-nourishing as it could really feel to sip on an iced espresso whereas strolling via a farmer’s market or embarking in your every day scorching lady stroll, the apply can result in a doubtlessly shitty state of affairs—actually. That’s as a result of strolling alone can get the bowels transferring, and including a laxative to the equation might have you ever high-tailing it to the closest rest room.

What’s it concerning the combo of espresso and strolling?

“Individually, espresso and cardio are recognized to stimulate the bowels,” says New York Metropolis–based mostly gastroenterologist Samantha Nazareth, MD, FACG. Combining the 2 makes it much more doubtless that you just’ll end up in a state of affairs the place you gotta go proper now (although you is perhaps removed from a bathroom).

A examine printed in Illnesses of the Colon & Rectum discovered that consuming caffeine in water led to an earlier have to poop than consuming the identical quantity of water sans caffeine. That’s doubtless as a result of caffeine causes our intestinal muscle tissue to contract.

But it surely’s not caffeine alone that’s the only real perpetrator. “Espresso stimulates the discharge of two hormones, gastrin (launched within the abdomen) and cholecystokinin (launched from the small gut),” intestine well being skilled Kate Scarlata, RDN, LDN, beforehand advised Properly+Good. “Gastrin will increase colonic actions and cholecystokinin releases bile and digestive enzymes, initiating the digestive course of.” Espresso additionally stimulates abdomen acids that assist transfer meals via our system.

In the meantime, strolling will get these core (and digestive) muscle tissue activating, even when we don’t essentially really feel like we’re getting a core exercise. “Only a easy stroll will contract your stomach muscle tissue and assist push out gasoline and stool and maintain you common,” gastroenterologist Niket Sonpal, MD, beforehand advised Properly+Good.

Is there a technique to go on a espresso stroll with out pooping?

We all know what you’re pondering: How can I minimize such a scrumptious ritual from my morning routine? As a result of, we’re not gonna lie—heading out for a morning stroll to the espresso store, or with our favourite journey mug in hand, is a very pleasant technique to begin the day. Fortuitously, there are a number of methods you need to use so that you don’t must skip it altogether.

Time your espresso and cardio post-poo

If you understand issues sometimes get transferring within the morning, Dr. Nazareth suggests ready till after you’ve finished your enterprise to move out for a stroll.

Follow a single cup of espresso

That approach you aren’t overloading your system with caffeine or stimulating these digestive-boosting hormones and acids fairly a lot.

Avoid dairy milk and creamers

“Lactose can stimulate bowel actions, significantly in case you are lactose illiberal,” Dr. Nazareth says.

Go for decaf

We all know, this may occasionally really feel like blasphemy to some, however it could actually assist. “Whereas decaf nonetheless does comprise some caffeine, it doesn’t have as sturdy of a laxative impact as common espresso,” Dr. Nazareth says.

Experiment

Some individuals discover that iced espresso doesn’t have an effect on their bowels with fairly the identical depth as scorching espresso. Whereas there’s no analysis to again this up definitively, you’ll be able to check it out to see if your individual physique responds otherwise to chilly brew.

Strive a bevvie that’s gentler on the bowels

My private go-tos are Alani Nu Power Drinks ($28/12) and Higher Days Caffeinated Greens ($90 for 60 servings). Or, on days I need some fizz, I depend on previous trustworthy: Polar Seltzer Water ($4/8).