Does Pre Workout Make You Poop? (Expert Answer)
Key Takeaways
- Pre workout is a beloved, versatile exercise booster among fitness enthusiasts. If you’re new to this topic, we’ve got you covered.
- Does pre workout make you poop? Yes, and the whys are several. Explore each of them in depth with us below!
What Is A Pre-Workout?
Pre workout powders. Source: NDN Store.
Pre-workout supplements are specially formulated products designed to give you an extra boost before exercise. That’s where it’s got the name from!
These supplements usually contain ingredients like caffeine for energy, citrulline malate for muscle pumps, and beta-alanine for endurance. The goal? To help you crush your workout with more energy, better focus, and improved performance.
They come in various forms, with powders being the most common. You'll also see ready-to-drink beverages and capsules. They’re everywhere. Ask any seasoned gym-goer, and you’ll likely find them already hooked to a certain brand of pre workout!
Note: It's important to choose one that fits your needs and doesn't cause unwanted side effects. Speaking of which, does pre workout make you poop? Let’s find the answer to that!
Why Does Pre Workout Make You Poop?
Yes, pre-workout does make people poop, but not all the time, and not everyone. But why does your favorite performance booster give you an unexpected "boost" in other areas? Some ingredients might be the cause.
Caffeine
Caffeine in pre workout can make you poop. Source: Freepik.
Most pre-workouts are packed with caffeine - it's what gives you the energy boost. Unfortunately, that isn’t the only thing, caffeine also gives your gut a little kick.
Here's what happens: Caffeine contributes a huge part in making your stomach push food through your system faster than usual. Read: more trips to the bathroom. It's kind of like how coffee can sometimes make you need the bathroom soon after drinking it.
The more caffeine you take, the more likely you are to feel this effect. So if your pre-workout has a ton of caffeine, don't be surprised and Google “pre workout makes me poop”.
Magnesium
Some pre-workouts come with a magnesium boost. Great for muscle function, but not so much for your digestive system.
As one of the key players in the “does pre workout make you poop” book, magnesium acts as a natural laxative. It attracts water to the intestines, which can soften stools and increase their volume. The results are looser stools or diarrhea. Not very pleasant, if you ask us.
The amount of magnesium in pre-workouts varies, but if you're sensitive to its effects, even a small dose could send you running. It's not trying to sabotage your workout, it's just really good at its job.
Artificial Sweeteners and Sugar Alcohols
Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols are often used to make your drink taste like liquid candy without the added calories.
These substances, such as sorbitol, xylitol, or sucralose, can be tough for some people to digest. They can draw water into your intestines and ferment in your gut, leading to gas, bloating, and, yes, the dreaded diarrhea.
Creatine
Creatine is another big name in many pre-workout mixes. There’s a reason for this popularity – it's fantastic for building muscle and strength. But for some unlucky folks, it might also build a path straight to the porcelain throne.
Most people handle creatine just fine, but the possibility of digestive issues is never zero. Like some of the other ingredients in this list, creatine pulls water into your muscles, and sometimes, this can lead to diarrhea, especially if you're new to it or taking a lot.
If this happens to you, don’t worry! It usually gets better as your body gets used to the creatine.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is sometimes added to pre workout. Source: Freepik.
Surprised to find sodium bicarbonate, a.k.a baking soda, in your pre-workout? This kitchen staple is sometimes added to buffer lactic acid and potentially improve your endurance.
But it doesn’t end up in the list of why does preworkout make you poop for nothing. Baking soda can also cause a laxative effect (diarrhea), especially in larger doses. If your pre-workout contains this ingredient, start with a smaller dose to see how your body reacts.
Niacinamide
Some pre-workouts throw in niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, a superstar in the skincare sector. It's there to make your blood vessels open up, which can create a "flushing" sensation. But this opening-up business might not stop at the skin.
It can speed your bowel movements up. In other words, you might find yourself needing the bathroom sooner than expected.
How much this happens usually depends on how much niacinamide is in your pre-workout. And if you're taking the kind that hits your system all at once, you're more likely to receive these effects.
Other Factors That Contribute To Pre-Workout Pooping
The ingredients are a huge contributor, but there are more:
- Stomach content: Taking pre-workout with food is like giving your gut a cushion. On an empty stomach, though, that's when things can get messy, fast!
- Timing: Again, pre workouts on an empty stomach first thing in the morning might be a one-way ticket to the bathroom. Taking in later in the day when your body’s already had some food in it will slow down the digestion!
- Dosage: With stuff like caffeine and those funky sweeteners, more isn't always better. What matters is you take just enough for your body to receive the pre workout without problems. Being a bit careful goes a long way.
How to Choose A Pre-Workout That Won’t Make You Poop
Some general tips so you don’t have to ask does pre-workout make you poop anymore:
- Consider stim-free options: Try non-stimulant pre-workouts if caffeine gives you the runs.
- Or gentler options: you can go for formulas with beta-alanine and citrulline instead of creatine and magnesium.
- Avoid artificial sweeteners: Keep it organic with natural sugar, and your digestive system won’t have many complaints.
- Take it with food: As mentioned above, an empty stomach isn’t the most ideal environment for pre workouts. Try taking them with food or after a balanced diet and see how your tummy feels.
- Start small: Begin with half the serving to see how your body reacts. Then, gradually up the dose until you reach the recommended amount.
- Consult a professional: Talking to a sports nutritionist or your doctor for the right timing and dosage is always the safest tactic out there. Especially when your popping situation prolongs.
Top Best Pre-Workout
Superhuman Pump Stim Free Pre Workout
Superhuman Pump Stim Free Pre Workout. Source: NDN Store.
This stim-free pre-workout promises to get you pumped without wondering does pre workout make you poop. Superhuman Pump Stim Free Pre Workout is packed with ingredients to boost your blood flow, giving you that skin-stretching pump during your gym sessions.
Gat Nitraflex Pre Workout
Gat Nitraflex Pre Workout. Source: NDN Store.
This pre-workout is packed with ingredients that have actually been studied, not just thrown in for fun. It aims to boost your energy, strength, focus, and even your free testosterone.
The best thing about Gat Nitraflex Pre Workout is artificial colors or dyes. They're keeping it real, just like your gains will be.
Abe Pump Zero Stim Pre-Workout
Abe Pump Zero Stim Pre-Workout. Source: NDN Store.
Abe Pump Zero Stim Pre-Workout is packed with scientifically tested ingredients. This stuff will make your muscles look huge during workouts, keep your mind sharp, and help you push through those tough sets.
You can take it day or night without worrying about messing up your sleep or your stomach. Exactly, this is another zero-stimulant option!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Pre Workout Make You Poop?
Yeah, some ingredients in pre workouts can upset your stomach. Caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and magnesium are often the culprits behind the pre-workout poops. But factors like timing or dosage can also chip in and lead to unpleasant digestive issues.
2. How To Prevent Pre Workout Poop?
Try these tricks:
- Consider stim-free options or gentle formulas
- Stay away from artificial sweeteners
- Take it with or after a balanced meal
- Start small and watch how your body reacts
- Consult a professional if necessary