DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

For many, drinking coffee after a heavy meal is not just a social ritual, but a functional tool for the body. According to a report by The Guardian, featuring Dr. Emily Leeming, a nutritionist at King’s College London and author of Genius Gut, the relationship between coffee and your digestive system is much deeper than just a morning energy boost.

The “Ideal Pace” of Digestion

Dr. Leeming explains that coffee acts as a powerful stimulant for the intestines; it activates muscle contractions in the digestive tract, helping food move at a “good” and efficient pace.

A Natural Aid: For those suffering from “sluggish digestion,” coffee is considered an effective natural way to maintain regular bowel movements.
Exception for Colon Patients: This effect can be very strong for those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which may lead to discomfort or an urgent need to use the bathroom due to excessive acceleration of the digestive process.

Food for 100 Trillion Guests

Beyond moving the intestines, coffee is considered a “superfood” for the microbiome (beneficial bacteria). People who drink coffee regularly tend to have a greater and healthier diversity of gut bacteria.

The Power of Polyphenols: Coffee is a major source of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that act as a feast for beneficial bacteria.
Hidden Fiber: Surprisingly, coffee also contains a small amount of soluble plant fiber, which further supports gut health.

The “Sleep and Digestive System” Loop (The 12-Hour Rule)

The most important information from recent research is the importance of timing. Caffeine can stay in your body for up to 12 hours.

Sleep Connection: Drinking coffee late in the day ruins sleep quality, and poor sleep is directly linked to the deterioration of digestive health.
The Junk Food Trap: Sleep deprivation causes a state of “mental grogginess,” which often leads to poor food choices and increased cravings for sugars the next day, further harming the microbiome.

Golden Rules for a Healthy Cup

To achieve the maximum protective benefits of coffee without side effects, follow these science-based rules:

The Noon Deadline: Stop drinking caffeinated coffee by midday. Replace it with decaf coffee or herbal tea in the afternoon to protect your sleep cycle.
Monitor Sweeteners: 2.5 grams is the maximum amount of sugar allowed to ensure the protective benefits of coffee remain.
Listen to Your Body: If coffee causes you stress or digestive upset, this is a signal from your “second brain” to reduce the amount.

microbiome

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