Embodied Caffeinated: The Science & Culture Of Your Coffee Habit
Jun 24, 2022
Join gastroenterologist Dr. Satish Rao and neuroscientist Shannon Odell as they brew the science of coffee! Dr. Rao explains coffee's sneaky role in gut health and why it may lead to unexpected bathroom visits. Meanwhile, Odell dives into how caffeine affects your brain and body, revealing the magic behind that morning pick-me-up. They explore coffee culture, contrasting speedy U.S. habits with the slow rituals of other countries, and touch on the connection between coffee and community. It's a delightful blend of science, culture, and personal stories!
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Coffee's Effect on Gut Motility
- Satish Rao studied coffee's effect on gut motility in the 90s due to patient observations about coffee making them poop.\n- They found coffee stimulates colon contractions almost as strongly as a meal in the first hour after drinking.
Morning Colon Activity Spike
- The colon activity increases threefold after waking up, triggering bowel movements through high amplitude contractions.\n- This natural biorhythm explains the common early morning urge to poop.
Coffee Weakens Esophageal Valve
- Coffee weakens the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus.\n- This relaxation of the LES after coffee is a major cause of heartburn or acid reflux symptoms.