If you're a smoker, you may have noticed something strange, and it's that smoking a cigarette makes you want to go to the bathroom, almost immediately. It often becomes a ritual for smokers to take a hit before going to the bathroom. Strange, isn't it?
Well, we all know that the main culprit behind this is probably nicotine, but how does nicotine make you want to go to the bathroom? Does it affect your bowel movements and regularity?
It's an age-old question that has been asked around campfires, debates among dads in the backyard a few beers deep, and of course online forums. And lately, it seems like everyone's asking: Does nicotine make us go to the bathroom more frequently?
Well, we've done the research and are here to tell you – yes it does! Smoking does indeed increase your chances of needing to rally for round two in the bathroom department.
Why? Keep on reading, as we dive deeper into the specifics behind this phenomenon!
Table of Contents
Constipation - A Brief Overview
Constipation is a common issue that many people face when it comes to gut health. Essentially, it's a condition where it's difficult to pass stools regularly.
Speaking frankly, it's an absolute pain in the rear! But it's also something that can be managed with a bit of know-how.
In terms of causes, it's often down to diet, hydration, medication, and other health issues. It's always worth investigating the root cause if it becomes a persistent issue.
We've talked about this a lot, and unless there's an underlying medical condition that is bringing constipation in your body, increasing fiber intake and drinking plenty of water can make a world of difference. Just remember to seek medical attention if your constipation is getting worse and worse by the day!
How Does Smoking Cigarettes Affect Your Digestive System?
Smoking might seem like a good way to have more bowel movements and be regular in the bathroom, but the detriments of it far outweigh its benefits.
Starting, smoking cigarettes affects not only your lungs but also your gut health, in ways that might be fatal in the long run. It may come as a surprise, but the cigarette smoke you inhale can cause harm to your GI tract.
Smoking can lead to inflammation and irritation in the stomach lining, potentially leading to the development of painful ulcers, including peptic ulcers and Crohn's disease.
Additionally, the chemicals in cigarettes can weaken the muscles in your esophagus, making it more difficult for food to pass through smoothly. As a result, smokers may experience acid reflux and indigestion more frequently. Quitting smoking can not only improve your lung health but your gut health too!
Why Does Nicotine Make You Poop?
We've mentioned before that people who smoke or chew nicotine gum often undergo bowel movements, and the reason behind it is nicotine.
It's a strange but true fact: nicotine does make you poop. But why?
As it turns out, nicotine is a trigger for your digestive system, acting as a stimulant that increases movement and contractions in your gut.
It gets things moving down there.
This is why smokers often feel the need to use the bathroom shortly after having a cigarette. While the exact science behind it is still being studied, it's thought that nicotine mimics the effects of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating digestion.
So if you're a smoker and you've ever wondered why you suddenly need to go number two after a cigarette, now you know the answer!
Does Vaping Also Make You Poop?
That depends on the flavor type that you’re using in your vape. If your flavor contains nicotine, switching to e-cigarettes and vapes for that “healthy” transition won’t get you far, and you’ll still be pooping as much as you were while you were smoking cigarettes.
Many 'vape bros' on the internet have talked about this matter, swearing that they hardly ever go number two without taking a hit of their vape first.
And while we're talking about fun facts regarding vaping and pooping, some people also point out that increased vape intake masks the smell of their poop with a less-stenchy flavor smell, which is making vape bros stick to their flavor sticks more.
Will Nicotine Withdrawal Make Me Constipated?
Quitting nicotine is a courageous move, and kudos to you for taking the first step to quit smoking! While you celebrate the decline in the amount of nicotine in your system, a different kind of problem might start creeping up - constipation.
Yes, you heard that right! Nicotine withdrawal can cause mild to severe bowel changes such as constipation. Many nicotine users experience this symptom when they try to quit smoking.
Our body takes time to adapt to these changes, so be patient and continue to fight the good fight against smoking.
To deal with this new issue, try a well-balanced diet, add fiber-rich foods to your meals, hydrate sufficiently, and if needed, consult your physician for medical advice. Don't let constipation keep you from achieving your smoke-free life!
Alternative Ways To Make You Poop
It's time to give the nicotine bros on the internet better ways to get those bowels running, and it doesn't just have to be nicotine and smoking all the time, which can put you into all sorts of positions to get digestive ailments like IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), bloating, irritation in the stomach lining, and more.
Though our blog is full of a long list of guides that help you in pooping more, here are a few key ways summarized for you to plow through, and fix those bowels ASAP!
Probiotics
Constipation is a real pain in the butt - Pun intended, but that’s where probiotics come in.
These living microorganisms can work miracles on your gut health, especially when it comes to your pooping frequency and quality. By introducing beneficial bacteria to your digestive system, probiotics help regulate your bowel movements and keep things moving along smoothly.
Not only that, but they also help break down food more efficiently, reducing the chances of constipation in the first place. So if you've been struggling with irregularity lately, consider adding some probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or kombucha to your diet.
Though, on the contrary, if you’re not a fan of kombucha or yogurt, you can always try our IBSupport supplement, which has way more potency than dietary foods, and will have your gut health replenished in a second!
Green Tea
If you're struggling with constipation, you might want to consider adding green tea to your daily routine. That's right, this simple beverage has been known to have a positive effect on digestive health.
Green tea has a high concentration of antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammation in the gut and can ease discomfort associated with constipation.
Additionally, the caffeine in green tea can stimulate bowel movements and get things moving quicker. So next time you're experiencing constipation, skip the laxatives and reach for a warm cup of green tea instead. Your digestive system will thank you.
Spinach
What if we told you that the key to a constipation-free life is as simple as adding a bit of spinach to your diet?
Yep, that’s right. Our green, leafy friend is a powerhouse of fiber, and a high-fiber diet is a proven remedy for constipation.
The insoluble fiber in spinach adds bulk to your stool, making it easier to pass through your digestive system. Plus, spinach is rich in magnesium, a mineral that helps relax your body's muscles.
Including spinach in your daily diet isn't just delicious, it's an easy way to keep your digestive system healthy, and that is always a reason to relieve yourself.
Bottom Line
Well, folks, that's about the summary of it all. Nicotine makes you poop, and tobacco smoking can bring about harmful effects to not only your lungs but to your digestive tract as well, including ailments like gastroesophageal reflux disease and IBD.
We’ve done our best to break down why nicotine makes you poop, and the better alternatives that will restore your healthy bowel movement and get you pooping normally again.