Does dark chocolate make you poop?

In this brief article we will answer the question: does dark chocolate make you poop and the potential effects of dark chocolate on your digestion..

Does dark chocolate make you poop?

There is limited scientific evidence addressing the claim that dark chocolate makes you poop. While some anecdotal reports suggest that dark chocolate may have a laxative effect, you should know that more research is needed to establish an evidence-based link.

However, dark chocolate does contain certain compounds that could potentially influence digestion and potentially contribute to increased bowel movements. 

For instance, it contains dietary fiber, which is known to promote bowel movements (1). Additionally, dark chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which has a mild stimulating effect on the muscles of the digestive system (2).

The effect of dark chocolate on bowel movements can vary greatly among individuals. Factors such as overall diet, allergies, gut health, and individual sensitivity to certain compounds can influence the response (3).

Thus, while some people may experience a mild laxative effect after consuming dark chocolate, it is not a guaranteed outcome for everyone.

You should know that dark chocolate is not typically considered a primary treatment for constipation or other digestive issues. So, if you have concerns about your digestion, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate guidance.

Is dark chocolate a laxative? 

There are specific compounds in dark chocolate that could potentially impact your bowel movements and may be laxative, for example:

  • Fiber: Dark chocolate contains dietary fiber, although the amount is relatively low compared to other high-fiber foods. Fiber is known to add bulk to the stool and promote regular bowel movements (1).
  • Theobromine: Dark chocolate contains theobromine, a natural compound that belongs to the methylxanthine family. Theobromine can also have a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the digestive system, potentially promoting bowel movements (2).
  • Caffeine: While dark chocolate generally contains less caffeine than coffee or tea, it still contains a small amount. Caffeine can have a stimulating effect on the digestive system, including increasing intestinal contractions, which may help move stool through the intestines (4).
  • Magnesium: Dark chocolate also contains some magnesium, although the amount can vary depending on the brand and cocoa content. Magnesium is an essential mineral that can have a mild laxative effect when consumed in larger quantities (5).

You should know that the presence of these compounds does not mean that dark chocolate will always cause a noticeable change in bowel habits for everyone. 

Be aware that the individual responses may vary based on factors such as overall diet, gut health, and sensitivity to specific compounds.

What are the potential effects of dark chocolate on digestion?

Dark chocolate can have several potential effects on your digestion. While individual responses may vary, here are some common effects:

  • Inhibition of some digestive enzymes: Dark chocolate contains compounds that can affect the production of digestive enzymes, such as lipase and amylase, and may, in conjunction with a low-calorie diet, play a role in body weight management (6).
  • Increased blood flow: The flavonoids present in dark chocolate can promote vasodilation, which may improve blood flow to the digestive system (7). 

This increased blood flow can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the digestive organs, potentially improving digestion (8).

  • Relaxation of smooth muscles: Dark chocolate contains theobromine, which has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the digestive tract (2).
  • Gut Microbiota Modulation: Emerging research suggests that certain compounds in dark chocolate, such as flavanols, may have a positive impact on the gut microbiota. A healthy gut microbiota is crucial for proper digestion and overall gut health (9-11).

You should know that the effects of dark chocolate on digestion can vary among individuals, and the overall impact may be relatively mild. 

Conclusion:

In this brief article we have answered the question: does dark chocolate make you poop and the potential effects of dark chocolate on your digestion.

References:

1. Hillemeier C. An Overview of the Effects of Dietary Fiber on Gastrointestinal Transit. Pediatrics [Internet]. 1995 Nov 1 [cited 2023 Jun 26];96(5):997–9. Available from: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/96/5/997/59899/An-Overview-of-the-Effects-of-Dietary-Fiber-on 

2. Simadibrata M. Anti-free Radical Effects of Dark Chocolate in Radical Damage and Constipation. [cited 2023 Jun 26]; Available from: http://www.inaactamedica.org/archives/2011/22156350.pdf 

3. Ghosh JS. Allergic reactions to chocolate. Am J Clin Nutr [Internet]. 1977 [cited 2023 Jun 26];30(6):834–5. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/868778/ 

4. Zamanabadi MN, Alizadeh R, Gholami F, Seyed mehdi SA, Aryafar M. Effect of caffeine on postoperative bowel movement and defecation after cesarean section. Ann Med Surg [Internet]. 2021 Aug 1 [cited 2023 Jun 26];68:102674. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2049080121006245 

5. Mori S, Tomita T, Fujimura K, Asano H, Ogawa T, Yamasaki T, et al. A Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial on the Effect of Magnesium Oxide in Patients With Chronic Constipation. J Neurogastroenterol Motil [Internet]. 2019 Oct 1 [cited 2023 Jun 26];25(4):563. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6786451/ 

6. Gu Y, Hurst WJ, Stuart DA, Lambert JD. Inhibition of key digestive enzymes by cocoa extracts and procyanidins. J Agric Food Chem [Internet]. 2011 May 25 [cited 2023 Jun 26];59(10):5305–11. Available from: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf200180n 

7. Grassi D, Ferri C, Desideri G. Brain Protection and Cognitive Function: Cocoa Flavonoids as Nutraceuticals. [cited 2023 Jun 26]; Available from: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cpd/2016/00000022/00000002/art00004 

8. Socci V, Tempesta D, Desideri G, De Gennaro L, Ferrara M. Enhancing Human Cognition with Cocoa Flavonoids. Front Nutr [Internet]. 2017 May 16 [cited 2023 Jun 26];4. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28560212/ 

9. Sorrenti V, Ali S, Mancin L, Davinelli S, Paoli A, Scapagnini G. Cocoa Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota Interplay: Bioavailability, Prebiotic Effect, and Impact on Human Health. Nutr 2020, Vol 12, Page 1908 [Internet]. 2020 Jun 27 [cited 2023 Jun 26];12(7):1908. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/7/1908 

10. Strat KM, Rowley TJ, Smithson AT, Tessem JS, Hulver MW, Liu D, et al. Mechanisms by which cocoa flavanols improve metabolic syndrome and related disorders. J Nutr Biochem [Internet]. 2016 Sep 1 [cited 2023 Jun 26];35:1–21. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955286316000061 

11. Williamson G. Possible effects of dietary polyphenols on sugar absorption and digestion. Mol Nutr Food Res [Internet]. 2013 Jan 1 [cited 2023 Jun 26];57(1):48–57. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mnfr.201200511 

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