Does beer make you poop?
For many beer enthusiasts, the thought of cracking open a cold one is enough to make their toes curl in excitement. But have you ever wondered if your beloved brewski could be responsible for that sudden need to find the nearest bathroom? That’s right; we’re talking about pooping.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into whether or not beer makes you poop and answer some of your most pressing questions on the matter.
The Science Behind Digestion
Before diving into the specifics of beer and pooping (is there anything more appetizing?), it’s essential to understand how digestion works. When you eat food, it travels down through your esophagus and enters your stomach, where digestive juices help break it down.
From there, it moves into your small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed by tiny finger-like projections called villi. Finally, whatever hasn’t been digested yet makes its way into your large intestine (otherwise known as the colon) before eventually exiting out an area colloquially referred to as “the behind.”
But what does all of this have to do with beer?
Why Do We Poop?
Believe it or not, everyone poops, regardless of age or gender. And while going number two might not be something people like discussing openly over dinner conversation (unless you’re at a really weird dinner party), it’s a crucial part of our bodies’ natural functions.
After all, waste needs to exit our bodies somehow! Without bowel movements (BM for short), things start backing up -A horrifying thought no doubt!
So now that we know more about how digestion works let us move onto whether drinking lots o’ beers affects your digestion cycle, leading inevitably to nature calling harder than normal.
Myth vs Reality
Let’s get one thing straight – just because someone claims blithely that they always have to run to the bathroom after a certain amount of beer doesn’t make that a fact (though it can be entertaining).
It’s easy for people to cling on to these sorts of beliefs because they feel like there’s some nugget of truth in them. However, just because you might experience something one time after doing something else doesn’t mean they’re directly related Finally – this is called CORRELATION NOT CAUSATION!
The truth? Beer does not inherently have a laxative effect on your bowels, meaning it won’t automatically cause you to poop more than usual. However and again we use all caps here It DOES affect your digestives system functioning differently- mostly due its composition.
How Does Beer Affect Digestion?
Beer has long been known as dehydrating drink, yet most beers will contain moderate surfactants i.e compounds used in detergents etc.- ever noticed bubbles or fizzing when washing dishes? That causes the feeling of bloating and pressure inside our bellies which in turn triggers contractions that move food through our digestive systems
So even though drinking lots o’ bubbly suds may make you bloaty (that delightful sensation where you’re almost convinced baby aliens are going shoot out from your rib-cage), what’s causing those pesky bowel movements isn’t necessarily the beer itself but perhaps other elements involved in its consumption specifically too much salt- oh hello Mr Pretzel or spicy foods mixed with excessive booze intake.
Quick note here: One thing also worth considering when talking about alcohol & pooping is how often people who drink heavily consume high-fat/high-carb meals prior/during/after sessions.Adding excess fat/carbs can cause digestion irregularity leading onto more toilet trips
Additionally, studies have shown that beer can increase gastric acid production which et voila leads us onto… ( drumroll please) heartburn!If someone begins experiencing heartburn -sometimes known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)- the chance of that individual needing to make an unexpected trip or two may increase.
What about specific types of beer?
Some might swear by certain brews having a more powerful effect on their BM’s. Whether it be heavier IPAs, darker Stouts or healthier options like wheat beers – unfortunately there isn’t much scientific evidence for these theories.
Yes, some people report different experiences depending on what type they’re sipping away at, but those investigations have mainly been based anecdotal folklore not rigorous examinations.Hence the question left unanswered- Are those differences due to outside factors not directly linked with what’s inside their beer glass?
Regardless of the molecular structure you put down your throat and into your stomach/gut biome-toilet time comes unto us all eventually peristaltic contractions in our bowels are going to cause which will lead to bowel movements- End-of-Discussion
Conclusion
So does drinking beer make you poop? Technically no; proctological expert will tell [you] when asked concerning consuming one crazy evening after 22 pizzas along with excessive shots many things won’t agree with digestive systems regardless(and brewing barley/wheat is certainly one item that falls under such a category).
However – do NOT underestimate personal experiences. Drinking any large quantity always upsets keel in bellies normal functioning pattern That coupled with other activities e.g late night snacking can potentially mean sudden nature calling has increased frequency/tendency so remember Moderation really is KEY!
The only definitive thing we can say here is if someone regularly consumes lots of alcohol and begins experiencing temperature changes/night sweats/vomiting/blood in stool etc…best course action-inquire Doctor.Notwithstanding,don’t let fear-mongering ruin something fun enjoy yourselves out there folk even if occasionally running to lou through vomiting & diarrhea!