Can poop smell like coffee? (Why does poop smell like coffee + plus more information)

Coffee is one of the most known and consumed beverages globally, and just like any other product, it affects our bodies, one of them being a change of smell in one’s poop. And so, the big question here is; can poop smell like coffee?

Yes, poop can smell like coffee. Your poop might smell like coffee for several reasons. For your poop to smell like coffee does not necessarily mean that you have consumed coffee. You might have had it earlier on, thus the presence of the coffee smell. Many times, most of us have experienced our poop producing a foul odor at one point or the other, and I’m not exceptional. So on this particular day, I noticed my poop was producing a weird smell, and with a closer diagnosis, I realized that the scent matched that of coffee. However, I had not had coffee in recent days, which came as a shock, but after a few inquiry calls, I realized that it’s normal for your poop to smell like coffee as long there are no other vital symptoms accompanying the smell.

Why does poop smell like coffee?

Coffee enthusiasts have one too many times lamented about their poop smelling like coffee. When drinking coffee, it produces a chemical element known as polyphenols, primarily responsible for the coffee-like smell in your poop. Polyphenols tend to get absorbed by the digestive system where it is used. It then breaks down and eventually gets excreted from the body in the form of feces. This is the same reason your poop smells like coffee, even if you have not drank coffee.

Consequently, your poop might smell like coffee if you have consumed large amounts of caffeine. High intakes of coffee will cause dehydration in your body, causing your poop to smell like coffee. Another cause for a coffee-like smell in your poop might be that bacteria have accessed entry into your small intestine, resulting in a weird smell. This is because large amounts of caffeine in our bodies reduce saliva production, leading to bacterial breakdown. Not to forget that some medications containing caffeine might also cause your poop to smell like coffee.

Is coffee-smelling poop a sign of infection?

The answer to this might either be a yes or no. Coffee-smelling poop is not necessarily a sign of infection unless the smell is followed by other vital symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, a painful abdomen, and blood in your stool. In that case, there might be a possibility of present bacteria in your small intestines, which might cause an infection.

Should I see a doctor if my poop smells like coffee?

Typically, your poop smelling like coffee is a usual scenario experienced by many people and shouldn’t be a cause for alarm. However, suppose this smell is accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, pain in your abdomen, or blood in your stool, it’s only wise to visit your doctor immediately to rule out any illnesses.

Conclusion

It is usual for your poop to smell like coffee if you have had it either recently or in the past few days. Large intakes of caffeine also bring about the coffee smell effect in your poop, not forgetting that it might also be a sign of a health-related problem if other symptoms follow the smell.

FAQ SECTION

Is coffee-smelling poop normal?

Yes, coffee-smelling poop is very normal, but it can only raise a concern if it’s followed by other vital symptoms, where you are advised to visit a doctor to rule out any underlying health problem.

Can too much coffee make poop smell like coffee?

Yes, too much caffeine in your body causes dehydration, thus making your poop smell like coffee.