why do some things like coffee and cigarettes cause you to want to go to the bathroom?

Question

I have always wondered why when some people drink coffee or smoke a cigarette, they almost immediately feel the urge to poo.

In: 0

Answer 1

For nicotine specifically, it binds and activates specific acetylcholine receptors (nicotinic).

These trigger the pre-synaptic autonomic nervous system, both sympathetic and parasympathetic. It’s the parasympathetic system that will trigger defecation impulse.

These receptors are also found at the neuromuscular junction, so twitchiness can result at low doses. At high doses, muscle spasms and respiratory issues can lead to death.

Doesn’t take much: a drop absorbed through the skin can be fatal.

It’s been 35 years since I memorized this shite, I might be mistaken here and there.