We consume different types of food daily, our diet is composed of several types of carbs, proteins, and fats. This blend of nutrients provides us with the necessary energy which we need to get through the day.
Some of us also drink different energy-boosting beverages for a quick boost.
However, along with providing energy, a few energy beverages provide us with plenty of problems that none of us are fans of.
If you are wondering that constipation could be one of them, so yes, energy drinks can actually make you constipated.
Do you want to know how and why can energy drinks be the culprit behind causing constipation? Then let’s get going because this article contains lots of necessary information which you need to clear your doubts!
What Causes Constipation?
Constipation is a condition that causes bowel movements to be infrequent or difficult. The most common symptom of constipation is hard, dry, and painful stools.
It can happen for several reasons, including lack of physical activity, not drinking enough water or other fluids, and certain conditions that affect the digestive system. Constipation can also be caused by a change in diet or medications.
A few other reasons for constipation can be:
- Medications.
- No exercise to less exercise.
- Not keeping yourself hydrated.
- Not consuming enough fiber.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Change in routine, habits, or lifestyle like traveling or changed sleep routine.
- Pregnancy.
- Old age.
- Problems with intestinal function.
What are the Foods that Cause Constipation?
It must be kept in mind that constipation is not only caused by a change in lifestyle or routine; as constipation is related to your bowel, food has a serious impact on constipation or other bowel conditions like diarrhea.
There are certain foods that can cause constipation in humans and they are mentioned below:
- Unripened bananas
- Chewing gum
- Caffeine
- Gluten
- Chocolate
- White rice
- Persimmon
- Red meat
- Alcohol
- White bread
You must have heard that a diet that does not include fiber can cause constipation. The reason is that when you consume fiber, it adds up to your stool and causes it to become heavy and soft, as a result, the bulky stool passes out easily.
In the same way, consuming fiber when you have diarrhea can have positive impacts. In short, dietary fiber is a tummy-friendly food.
Other than this, consuming water regularly can also help with your constipation as it might make the stool soft and you can easily pass it.
This shows that certain nutrients can affect your constipation. A few foods which might help with constipation if consumed in the right way are:
- Vegetables, such as broccoli, collard greens, carrots, and green peas.
- whole grains, such as whole wheat bread, oatmeal, pasta, and bran flake cereals
- Nuts, such as peanuts, almonds, and pecans.
- legumes, such as kidney beans, soybeans, chickpeas lentils, and black beans
- Fruits, such as oranges, berries, apples, and pears (With skin on).
There are several other foods that cause constipation and can provide you relief from constipation.
Caffeine in Energy Drinks
Caffeine is a popular ingredient on which almost the whole energy drink market is based. There are very few energy drinks, which are caffeine-free and utilize other stimulants.
However, it’s rare to find an energy drink, which has a label of “no caffeine” over it. The preferences of people for caffeine in an energy drink have set a trend for energy drink companies to power their drinks with caffeine rather than some other ingredient.
Given the benefits of caffeine for physical and mental health, the hype about caffeine is not really unexpected.
Following are a few amazing benefits of caffeine, which I have witnessed myself:
- Increased energy level.
- Sharpened memory.
- Improved concentration and focus.
- Reduced headaches.
- Better metabolism.
- Quick fat burn.
- Better physical performance.
- Better mood.
However, these benefits can come in a whole package with a few side effects which are mentioned below:
- Restlessness and shakiness.
- Insomnia.
- Headaches.
- Fast heart rate.
- Dizziness.
- Nervousness.
- Dehydration leads to constipation.
- Anxiety.
- Headache.
Do Caffeine Drinks Cause Constipation?
Caffeine is a stimulant that does not only cause your brain to function better, but it can also increase your bowel movements, so caffeine can actually make you poop and in severe cases, it can cause diarrhea.
However, isn’t it contradictory to what we have been talking about until now? Do not worry, let me elucidate this a little better.
While caffeine can increase your bowel movements, however, a few caffeine-sensitive people’s bodies can react differently to the consumption intake; for some people, caffeine can interrupt bowel movement. This interrupted bowel movement can cause slower movement and irregular one and the slow movement can lead to constipation.
Other than this, caffeine is a diuretic ingredient, being a diuretic, it can increase urination. In case you do not compensate for the liquid lost through urination, it can make you dehydrated. Excessive dehydration can lead to constipation, however, this is rare.
Can Energy Drinks Cause Bowel Problems?
Have you ever thought that what effects energy drinks might be having on your stomach except for your mental health?
If not, then let’s discuss the details of the effects of bowel problems energy drinks can have on you.
Energy drink itself does not cause bowel problems, however, the strong stimulants such as sugar and caffeine present in energy drinks can cause poor or irregular, or more frequent bowel movements.
These frequent or irregular bowel movements can lead to many bowel problems; caffeine and sugar can stomach sometimes work as laxatives.
Caffeine has been discovered to increase your bowel movement in some cases, while some caffeine-sensitive people complain that caffeine actually slows down their bowel movements leading to constipation.
Other than this, sugar can also cause certain bowel movement issues. Sugar can have laxative effects on your body, leading to diarrhea. Other than that, if you don’t consume the right amount of fiber, and keep on chewing sweet and sugary food, then you can experience constipation.
The good news is that constipation can be relieved with some simple lifestyle changes and there are also many over-the-counter (OTC) products available for relief.
Can Red Bull Constipate You?
When you hear the word “Energy drink”, what pops up in your mind first? For me, Red Bull or Monster energy would be the first word.
The popularity of the Red Bull energy drink can be perceived by the tons of cans sold each year.
Despite its popularity, rumors have circulated over the years that Red Bull can put your health under serious threat.
As far as constipation is concerned, I do not think that Red Bull can cause constipation. However, in case you are extremely sensitive to caffeine, then there is a possibility that you might experience constipation.
How to Relieve Your Symptoms at Home?
When you are dealing with chronic constipation, it can be hard to find relief. Even if you are following the advice of your doctor or other medical professionals, you may still be struggling to get relief.
Some natural remedies for chronic constipation that you can try at home are:
- When you are constipated, you should drink more water. Adding more liquid to your diet will make it easier for food to move through your intestines, and you may be able to avoid constipation altogether.
- Keep your body active by means of exercise, the movement can improve your bowel movement as well, making it easier for you to poop.
- You can consume some laxatives as per the instructions of your doctor.
What Are Some other Side Effects of Energy Drinks?
There are many benefits associated with energy drinks, on the other hand, there are many side effects which have been associated with energy drinks such as:
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Headache
- Mood swings
- Anxiety and depression
Can Energy Drinks Relieve Constipation?
Energy drinks are not likely to help you relieve constipation, even though caffeine is a stimulant and is said to improve the functioning of digestive muscles.
However, caffeine is a dehydrating ingredient and in case you are constipated, you might avoid consuming caffeinated drinks including energy drinks.
Final Thoughts
- Energy beverages provide you with a good amount of energy because it contains several nutrients which are naturally or synthetically designed to provide you energy.
- Few energy beverages provide us with plenty of problems that none of us are fans of, constipation can be one of the problems associated with energy drinks.
- Energy drink itself does not cause bowel problems, however, the strong stimulants such as sugar and caffeine present in energy drinks can cause poor or irregular, or more frequent bowel movements.
- However, you can deal with constipation by consuming different fruits, vegetables, legumes, laxatives, etc.
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