What Drink Makes You Have a Bowel Movement?

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, constipation affects nearly 22% of Indian adults alone, highlighting a widespread health concern. For many, simple hydration and specific beverages can offer effective relief, answering the question: what drink makes you have a bowel movement?

Quick Summary

Several drinks stimulate bowel movements by increasing hydration, adding fiber, or providing natural laxatives. Options range from well-known prune juice to magnesium citrate solutions, warm caffeinated drinks, and specific herbal teas. Understanding the mechanisms of each beverage helps select the best remedy for different needs.

Key Points

• Prune Juice: An effective remedy due to its high sorbitol content, which pulls water into the colon to soften stool.

• Magnesium Citrate: A saline laxative that works quickly, typically within 30 minutes to 6 hours, by increasing water in the intestines.

• Coffee: The caffeine and other compounds in coffee stimulate the gastrocolic reflex, triggering bowel movements in many people.

• Hydration is Key: Water is the most fundamental fluid for preventing and treating constipation, as it helps soften stool and supports fiber function.

• Herbal Teas: Senna tea is a stimulant laxative for short-term relief, while peppermint tea can help relax the digestive muscles.

• High-Fiber Drinks: Mixing psyllium husk or chia seeds into water increases fiber intake, adding bulk to the stool to promote regularity.

• Warm Liquids: The temperature of hot beverages like warm lemon water or broth can stimulate digestive motility.

Hydration: The Foundational Solution

Dehydration is a leading cause of constipation, as the colon reabsorbs water from stool, making it hard and difficult to pass. Drinking sufficient fluids throughout the day is the simplest and most effective strategy for preventing and treating constipation. Water is essential for helping dietary fiber work effectively to soften stool. Aim for at least 8 glasses (around 2 liters) of water daily, adjusting based on activity level, weight, and climate.

Warm Beverages: A Gentle Stimulant

Drinking warm or hot liquids can be particularly effective in getting things moving. The warmth can increase peristalsis, the muscle contractions that move waste through the intestines.

• Hot Water with Lemon: A popular morning remedy, the citric acid in lemon and the warmth of the water can stimulate the gut. Vitamin C in lemon also helps draw water into the gut.
• Coffee: Caffeine is a known gastrocolic reflex stimulant, which triggers bowel movements. While effective for many, some find it irritating or anxiety-inducing. Decaf coffee also has a milder effect due to other compounds.
• Herbal Tea: Certain herbal teas offer soothing and stimulating effects. Peppermint tea helps relax digestive muscles, while senna tea acts as a potent stimulant laxative (for short-term use only).

Juices with a Natural Laxative Effect

Certain fruit juices are excellent for relieving constipation due to their fiber content and presence of sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that draws water into the large intestine.

• Prune Juice: The most famous constipation remedy. Prune juice contains sorbitol, magnesium, and potassium, all of which promote bowel function. For adults, 4 to 8 ounces in the morning is a common recommendation.
• Pear Juice: Contains more sorbitol than apple juice, making it a powerful and often more palatable alternative to prune juice. It is also frequently recommended for children.
• Apple Juice: A milder option containing sorbitol and pectin, a soluble fiber. Choose cloudy, non-filtered versions for more fiber, and be aware large quantities can cause discomfort due to high fructose content.

Targeted and Supplemental Drinks

For more stubborn cases of constipation, specific supplements and functional drinks can be a good option.

• Magnesium Citrate Solution: A saline laxative that works by drawing water into the intestine to soften stool and increase bowel movements. It is typically used for occasional, short-term relief.
• Psyllium Husk Drink: Psyllium husk is a fiber supplement that forms a gel when mixed with water, adding bulk to stool. It is essential to drink plenty of water with it to prevent choking or clogging.
• Chia Fresca: A refreshing drink made by soaking chia seeds in water with lemon. Chia seeds are a fantastic source of soluble fiber that helps move waste through the digestive tract.
• Kefir or Kombucha: Probiotic drinks like these can improve gut microbiome health. A balanced gut flora can help improve stool consistency and frequency over time.

Comparison of Bowel Movement Drinks

Drink	Mechanism	Onset	Suitability	Considerations
Prune Juice	Sorbitol and fiber soften and bulk stool	Hours to a day	Adults, children (small doses)	High sugar content, strong taste
Magnesium Citrate	Saline laxative, draws water into bowels	30 minutes to 6 hours	Short-term adult use	Can cause cramping, not for regular use
Coffee (Caffeinated)	Stimulates gastrocolic reflex	Minutes to an hour	Regular coffee drinkers	Can be irritating, causes anxiety for some
Herbal Tea (Senna)	Stimulant laxative	Several hours	Short-term adult use	Not for chronic use, can cause dependence
Psyllium Husk Drink	Adds soluble fiber and bulk	12 to 72 hours	Regular long-term use	Needs lots of water, risk of clogging
Warm Lemon Water	Hydration, gentle gut stimulation	Hours	Daily, preventative	Acidity can harm tooth enamel over time

Finding What Works for You

Personal response to these drinks can vary significantly. What provides quick relief for one person may have no effect on another, or could even cause discomfort. Starting with mild options like warm water or a small amount of fruit juice and gradually introducing more potent remedies can help find the most effective and tolerable solution.

Conclusion

While no single drink provides an instant bowel movement, several options can effectively promote regularity and relieve constipation. For general hydration, plain water remains the gold standard. For a more targeted approach, prune, pear, or apple juice leverage natural sorbitol and fiber. Those needing more immediate, short-term relief may consider magnesium citrate or a caffeinated beverage like coffee. Herbal teas and psyllium husk offer alternative pathways through gut stimulation and added fiber, respectively. Combining these liquid remedies with a high-fiber diet, regular exercise, and ample hydration throughout the day is the most comprehensive strategy for long-term digestive health. For persistent or severe constipation, consulting a healthcare provider is essential.

Learn more about constipation management and dietary strategies on the NIDDK website.

Sources:

Medical News Today. "Drinks and juices to make you poop." December 18, 2023. [https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324585] Johns Hopkins Medicine. "Foods for Constipation." [https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/foods-for-constipation] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). "Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Constipation." [https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/eating-diet-nutrition] Healthline. "Prune Juice for Constipation: Does It Work?" March 8, 2019. [https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/prune-juice-for-constipation] Health.com. "How Magnesium Citrate Can Take Care of Your Constipation..." October 16, 2025. [https://www.health.com/magnesium-citrate-for-constipation-8777078] Everyday Health. "Why Does Coffee Make You Poop?" September 24, 2025. [https://www.everydayhealth.com/constipation/cant-poop-without-coffee/] NDTV. "These Herbal Teas Can Help Cure Constipation." September 20, 2024. [https://www.ndtv.com/health/these-herbal-teas-can-help-cure-constipation-6611665] GoodRx. "The 5 Best Drinks for Constipation." April 8, 2025. [https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/constipation/best-drinks] Oladoc. "7 Best Drinks for Constipation." December 18, 2023. [https://oladoc.com/health-zone/drinks-for-constipation/]

Additional References:

MedlinePlus. "Magnesium Citrate: MedlinePlus Drug Information." April 15, 2019. [https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a619019.html] NDTV. "These Herbal Teas Can Help Cure Constipation." September 20, 2024. [https://www.ndtv.com/health/these-herbal-teas-can-help-cure-constipation-6611665] Healthline. "3 Juices Good for Constipation Relief." April 26, 2024. [https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/juice-for-constipation]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best drink for constipation relief?

While individual results vary, water is the best drink for constipation prevention and relief, as it is essential for keeping stool soft. For targeted relief, prune juice is often considered the most effective natural option due to its sorbitol and fiber content.

How quickly do drinks for constipation work?

The time it takes for a drink to work depends on the type. Magnesium citrate can work within 30 minutes to 6 hours, while prune juice typically takes several hours to a day. Simple hydration and fiber drinks may take longer to show effects.

Can I drink coffee to help with constipation?

Yes, for many people, caffeinated coffee stimulates the gastrocolic reflex, which can trigger a bowel movement. However, excessive caffeine can also cause dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of water as well.

Are herbal teas safe for daily constipation relief?

Some herbal teas, like peppermint, are gentle and safe for regular consumption. However, stimulant laxative teas containing senna should only be used for short-term relief, as long-term use can lead to dependence.

Is magnesium citrate a good option for chronic constipation?

Magnesium citrate is intended for occasional, short-term relief of constipation, not for chronic use. For chronic constipation, a long-term approach involving hydration, increased dietary fiber, and regular exercise is recommended.

What is sorbitol and how does it help?

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol found in fruits like prunes, pears, and apples. It is not fully absorbed by the body and draws water into the colon, which softens stool and makes it easier to pass, providing a natural laxative effect.

Can coconut water help with constipation?

Coconut water can help with hydration, and its electrolyte content, including magnesium, may aid muscle function in the digestive tract. It is a gentle option for staying hydrated, which is crucial for bowel regularity.