Does pre workout make you poop? Understanding the relationship between pre-workout and gut health

Does pre workout make you poop? Have you ever wondered about this? If yes, then you are just in the right place.

Pre-workouts have a number of advantages, including improved exercise performance, more energy, sharper focus, and greater pumps. As one of the most well-liked and crowded segments in the sports nutrition market, pre-workouts rule.

But even after so many benefits, you might ask, does pre workout make you poop? Well, the answer is clearly a yes. This leads to another question in line – WHY? Let’s get to the answer to this question in this article.

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Why does pre workout make you poop more?

There are a few factors that explain why does pre workout make you poop. First of all, some of the components in these supplements have laxative properties. This is most likely to occur if you're using a pre-workout that contains caffeine or other stimulants that affect bowel movements, such as lactose and magnesium.

Why does pre workout make you poop - because of caffeine. (Image via Pexels/ Klaus Nielsen)

Drinking a lot of fluids both before and during your workout is another reason why pre workout makes you poop. This is especially true if you're not accustomed to guzzling a lot of liquid in a short period of time. If you do consume more water than usual, it may promote peristalsis, which is the movement of foods and waste through intestinal walls.

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Which pre-workout ingredients make you poop?

Pre workout supplements make you poop, owing to the ingredients contained in them.

1) Caffeine

Caffeine is the number one culprit here. Your colon can be stimulated by caffeine.

This is well understood by the fact that caffeine enemas are advised prior to endoscopy and colonoscopy because they support bile excretion through the colon wall, which can help to prepare the colon.

Your frequency of bathroom visits may increase if you take caffeinated pre-workout supplements on an empty stomach. Caffeine is absorbed by food and lessens an upset stomach.

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2) Artificial sweeteners

The artificial sweeteners in your pre-workout may also be the cause of your bowel movements. The low to no-calorie taste of your pre-workout is due to artificial sweeteners. They unfortunately can also cause intestinal issues.

Does pre workout make you poop more? Yes, due to artificial sweeteners. (Image via Pexels/ Andres Ayrton)

Due to the characteristics of artificial sweeteners, excessive gases may be produced and accumulate in your stomach, causing pain.

Common types of artificial sweeteners added in the pre workout supplements are:

• Sucralose
• Sorbitol
• Aspartame
• Erythritol

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3) Vitamin C

One of the benefits of Vitamin C appears to be being able to boost gastric motility, which accelerates the digestive process. It depends on the individual, but for the majority of people, it takes between 2,000 milligrams and 4,000 milligrams of vitamin C to cause a bowel movement.

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Other factors impacting pre workouts and pooping

Now that we are aware of the components of pre-workout, we can talk about the other elements that may have an impact on bowel movements.

1) Dosage

The serving size is determined by the tiny plastic scoop that comes with each pre-workout powder. However, not everyone needs to take that scoop. Consider cutting back to half of the scoop if you frequently find yourself needing to use the restroom after taking your pre-workout.

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2) Timing

Take your pre-workout supplement just before working out. The effects you experience after taking it may vary depending on whether you exercise in the morning or the evening.

When people exercise and take pre-workout supplements later in the day, they are generally less likely to encounter negative side effects.

Why does pre workout make you poop? It can be due to the dosage. (Image via Pexels/ Andrea Piacquadio)

We hope that you have got the answer to this question – does pre workout make you poop, and the reasons behind it.

You can try switching your pre workout supplements, if you are experiencing frequent pooping, or try changing the dosage and timing as well.