Does Dr. Pepper Make You Poop?
Dr. Pepper, a cola-flavored soft drink, was first introduced in the United States in 1904. It is now available in Europe and other parts of the world. This type of soda is considered a popular drink and is loved by many. Some people think Dr. Pepper can assist with relieving constipation due to common myths surrounding it.
Since the 1930s, Dr. Pepper has been rumored to include prune juice as one of its ingredients. However, the origin of the rumors remains unknown. Some people suggest it was begun by a delivery guy working for a competitor company and looking for a way to cast doubt on this soda. But does this soda have laxative abilities? Does Dr. Pepper make you poop? Stay tuned to learn that and more.
Does Dr. Pepper Make You Poop?
Yes, Dr. Pepper can make you poop. That’s not because it’s a laxative or contains laxatives, but because of its high water and sugar concentrations. High amounts of sugar and water can create a laxative effect and help soften stool, regulating bowel movements. Here are possible reasons why you visit the bathroom anytime you drink Dr. Pepper:
Presence Of Caffeine
Caffeine is known to enhance bowel movements. And Dr. Pepper contains 41 milligrams of caffeine in a 12-ounce liquid, equivalent to one can. This amount of caffeine is relatively lower than other drinks and very unlikely to send you to the bathroom when you drink it.
For instance, a 6-ounce cup of arabica coffee contains around 100 milligrams of caffeine, while a shot of espresso has about 70 milligrams of caffeine. These amounts are relatively higher, but they don’t send you to the bathroom when you drink them. But Dr. Pepper does.
Drinking one can of Dr. Pepper is not enough to send you to the bathroom. But having several cans of Dr. Pepper daily can have a diuretic effect on your body. This may then cause bowel movements.
Presence Of High Fructose Corn Syrup
Dr. Pepper contains large amounts of high fructose corn syrup. This type of syrup can be hard to digest in some people, a condition called fructose malabsorption. If you have fructose malabsorption, you may experience diarrhea, bloating, and cramping when you drink Dr Pepper.
High fructose corn syrup also has a higher concentration than water. This causes it to draw lots of water from the body to the digestive system, making you poop.
Artificial Sweeteners
Dr. Pepper contains both natural and artificial sweeteners. Like high fructose corn syrup, some artificial sweeteners draw water into the colon, leading to frequent bathroom visits.
Carbonated Water
The carbonation that gives Dr. Pepper soda the fizz could be another reason you poop when you drink it. Carbonation can cause gas accumulation, indigestion, and belching, leading to diarrhea. And if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the gas and bloating may cause a flare-up leading to pooping and diarrhea.
Is Dr. Pepper Healthy?
It’s not recommended to drink carbonated and sugar-rich beverages like Dr. Pepper. And apart from the extra kick you get from caffeine when you drink this soda, Dr. Pepper is associated with several adverse health consequences, thanks to its ingredients. Some include:
High fructose corn syrup
High fructose corn syrup is the first ingredient associated with adverse health effects. Healthline states this ingredient has been linked with diabetes, tooth decay, kidney problems, and colon cancer.
Phosphoric acid
Another harmful ingredient in most soft drinks, not just Dr. Pepper alone. Like high fructose corn syrup, phosphoric acid is bad for your kidneys. Although there’s limited evidence, some research studies suggest that this ingredient can cause bone calcium loss, resulting in osteoporosis. For this reason, it would be wise to monitor your intake of Dr. Pepper and any other soft drink out there.
Caramel color
The caramel flavor is another harmful ingredient present in Dr. Pepper. The caramel flavor is used to improve the color of Dr. Pepper. According to John Hopkins University, this ingredient has been associated with many serious health consequences, including liver and stomach problems, hyperactivity, cancer, and reduced white blood cell count.
Artificial ingredients
It’s a no-brainer that artificial flavors are harmful to health. These ingredients are manufactured in the lab using chemicals and have had many side effects. The News Medical Life Sciences reports that artificial flavors are associated with the central nervous system, kidney damage, chest pain, and nausea.
Should You Use Dr. Pepper To Improve Your Bowel Movements
While drinking several cans of Dr. Pepper can make you poop, that’s not recommended. Dr. Pepper is a soft drink and should only be drunk as an occasional treat, not a regular drink. Besides, there are many different healthy ways of managing constipation. Some of them include:
Fiber Supplements
Fiber supplements are readily available and an excellent method of inducing bowel movements, especially if you have difficulty pooping due to a low-fiber diet. Fiber supplements work by adding bulk to stools, easing pushing them through the intestines and eliminating them from the body.
High Fiber Foods
Foods high in fiber are a natural way of managing constipation. Foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, oats, whole grains, and cereals are good at improving your fiber intake, making you poop. When taking a high-fiber diet, remember to drink lots of water.
Exercise
Exercise is another natural way of inducing bowel movements. When you engage in physical exercise, especially aerobic exercises like swimming, walking, or jogging, you increase blood flow throughout the body. This increased blood flow can promote bowel movements.
Conclusion
Does Dr. Pepper make you poop? Yes, Dr. Pepper can make you poop, especially if you drink several cans in a day. This drink contains caffeine which acts like a laxative, drawing water from the body to the digestive system and promoting bowel movements.
Dr. Pepper also contains high amounts of high fructose corn syrup which some people may have difficulty digesting, leading to more bowel movements. Moreover, Dr. Pepper contains artificial sweeteners, which also draw water from the colon, promoting regular bowel movements.
