LifeHacker Guy is a personal-blog. We may earn a small commission on purchases made through our links. Learn more.

Guy sat on toilet

Do Super Greens Make You Poop? The Honest Answer!

A lot of people that are really interested in taking super greens formulas will never actually commit to doing so because they’re too scared of the fact it might make them poop!

The thought of ingesting a wide range of powerful leafy greens in one glass terrifies some people because they believe the only thing they would be doing after consumption would be running to the toilet.

These people are not only missing out on overall increased daily wellness, but they’re also missing out on a variety of impressive health benefits from green superfoods such as a boosted immune system, higher energy levels, and better mental clarity.

So, although poop is understandably not one of the most popular subjects to talk about, I’m going to do just that in this article so that hopefully people can understand green powders more, and stop being so terrified that by consuming them, they’re going to be rushing to the toilet.

Guy sat on toilet

Can Super Greens Make You Poop?

Greens powders are scientifically formulated to benefit your body, so the first thing you need to understand is that brands that produce a greens powder is not out to get you, and these supplements will very very rarely produce adverse effects.

Another thing that’s important to mention straight away is that greens powders don’t contain laxatives (at least the ones I know of don’t). This means that if you are rushing to the toilet after consuming a greens powder, natural ingredients are having this effect on your body.

…if you already have a fairly healthy and balanced diet, you shouldn’t experience a greens powder making you poop.

Typically, if you already have a fairly healthy and balanced diet, you shouldn’t experience a greens powder making you poop.

If you don’t have a healthy diet in which you’re not receiving essential nutrients and fiber, a greens powder could very well make you poop.

If a greens powder is sending you to the toilet after consumption, it’s typically because your body has been shocked into being healthy and is trying to get everything that’s not good out of your body.

Your body is pushing all of the toxins out, and your poop is the easiest way for it to do that.

Your body isn’t only pushing the toxins from your body, but it’s also been shocked because you’re immediately receiving all of the micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed for daily optimum health.

So, if you don’t have a healthy, balanced diet and then you start consuming a super greens formula, you may experience diarrhea. This wouldn’t last long though, possibly up to a week or two, maximum.

If after a week or two of consistently taking a greens powder you are still having to rush to the toilet, you may be allergic or intolerant to one of the ingredients within the formula. You should investigate this further and not just put it down to your body detoxing.

Guy with stomach cramps

What Ingredients Make You Poop?

If you’re not used to consuming a sufficient amount of nutrients, there are certain ingredients and types of ingredients in greens powders that could lead to you having diarrhea.

The most obvious ingredients to cause this kind of effect on the gut will be probiotics and digestive enzymes. Although not all greens powders contain probiotics and digestive enzymes, a lot of them do, and these ingredients are added specifically to support the digestive system.

If your body isn’t used to consuming them, probiotics and digestive enzymes could definitely increase the amount that you go to the toilet.

Greens powders typically contain a substantial amount of fiber, and if your diet is lacking in fiber, this increase of fiber in your diet through the means of a greens powder could be sending you to the toilet.

Dark leafy greens like kale and spirulina are rich in antioxidants and it’s these antioxidants that push toxins from your body. If you have a lot of toxins from your diet in your system, antioxidants will be forcing them out, forcing you to the toilet.

Using Super Greens To Relieve Constipation

If you’re constipated, you could definitely try to use a greens powder to make sure your nutritional intake is the best it can be, and potentially move things along.

However, if you have a healthy diet, it’s pretty unlikely that a greens powder will affect your digestive system so much in a short period of time. So, for more instant relief, you might want to try and use probiotics or natural laxatives.

What Other Side Effects Do Super Greens Have?

Of course, this article is about possible diarrhea from consuming greens powders, but it’s important to think about other possible side effects too.

Due to the fact greens, powders are made from 100% natural ingredients, you shouldn’t actually experience any serious side effects.

If within the first week or two you experience diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, or a headache, your body might be adjusting to the formula. However, you should also bear in mind that these side effects could signal that you’re allergic to something in the formula.

How To Reduce The Likelihood Of Side Effects From Super Greens

If you’re concerned about getting side effects from a super greens powder of you’re already experiencing side effects, you’ll probably be wondering how you can handle them, and don’t panic, there’s a simple way to fix it!

To reduce the likelihood of experiencing side effects from a greens powder, you might want to start by easing into taking it, especially if you’re someone that hasn’t had a healthy lifestyle in the past.

You might want to ease into it by first taking ¼ of a serving per day, putting it up to ½ a serving, then ¾ of a serving and finally building up to consuming one whole serving.

Remember, you shouldn’t experience any side effects, but if you’re worried about it, this is a sure-fire way to ease yourself into it.

If you find yourself experiencing any side effects, as long as they’re not extreme side effects, the best thing that you can do is continue to take the green powder, but in much smaller quantities.

It’s very unlikely that you’ll experience any side effects when taking a greens powder, so don’t worry. If you’re concerned, just take it slow and allow your body time to adjust to your new lifestyle!

Adam Author

About the LifeHacker Guy

Hi, I'm Adam the founder of the LifeHacker Guy.

I have a First Class Honours degree in Sports Science from Brighton University, specialising in exercise physiology and nutrition. In my youth I was a competitive Triathlete and long-distance runner placing top 10 in most triathlon races I completed.

Since suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I moved into web development, after a couple of years I then moved onto developing a number of online businesses. I've recently taken a sabbatical and I'm now looking to make big changes in my life, hopefully this may resonate with you - join me in my journey!

1 comment

  1. I really loved this article. I’ve been taking greens for a while now, then I stop. But every time I start. It definitely makes my asshole shoot up the toilet. I’m not even exaggerating. This article made me feel at ease and honestly, answered all my current questions. Also, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how it was stated that greens are shocking your body to making it healthy. That’s the perfect way to say it. Thank you!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *