A recent study from China has revealed a benefit that may have been known to coffee lovers, but now it’s backed up by numbers: One cup of coffee a day may actually help relieve the symptoms of constipation.

The study, which involved more than 12,700 people, found that consuming just 100 mg of caffeine, the equivalent of a standard cup of coffee, can reduce the likelihood of constipation by nearly 20 percent.

But too much has consequences. Drinking more than 204 mg of caffeine per day, about two cups of coffee or more, can be counterproductive, with researchers noting that every 100 mg increase doubled the likelihood of constipation by 6%.

Caffeine as a laxative: Only smart use

The researchers, who conducted their study at the Shi Yuan Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, recommended using caffeine as a treatment for constipation, but strategically and thoughtfully. This is because caffeine is considered a diuretic, which can dehydrate the body and worsen constipation rather than relieve it.

Sixty and above age exclusion

Interestingly, these effects did not apply to everyone to the same degree. For people over the age of 60, higher caffeine intake seemed to be associated with a significantly lower risk of constipation, by up to 25% compared to those who consumed less.

It’s not just coffee Alternative options to caffeine

If you’re not a coffee drinker, don’t worry. Tea can be an effective substitute, with one cup containing between 20 and 70 mg of caffeine. You can also get a similar dose from energy drinks, such as a can of Red Bull, which contains 80 mg of caffeine.

Important disclaimer

Despite these findings, the researchers cautioned against generalization, noting that the sample did not include a sufficient number of IBS patients, meaning that the effect may differ in some specific cases