Do You Have a Chocolate Allergy?
August 9, 2022
While chocolate is loved by many, there are some people who have an allergy or sensitivity to chocolate or one of its ingredients. Do you think you have a chocolate allergy or know someone who is? Fret not, here are the basics on how to tell whether you should avoid chocolates or not.
First things first, being allergic and having sensitivity or intolerance are not the same.
What is a Chocolate Allergy?
A chocolate allergy, like any other food allergy, is a reaction of our body’s immune system to a foreign substance.
Eating something you are allergic to will cause your immune system to release chemicals like histamine into the bloodstream which may cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This life-threatening condition is diagnosed with high levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
On the other hand, chocolate sensitivity or intolerance does not involve the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and most of the time it could be less life-threatening than an allergic reaction.
It is possible to have an allergic reaction to the cacao itself or other non-cacao ingredients in chocolate-based foods like milk, wheat, or nuts. If you have a chocolate sensitivity, you may still be able to eat small amounts and not trigger any reaction.
Define Chocolate
The gray area here is how you would define chocolate in your household. It may be cacao nibs, candy bars, or chocolate cake and brownies. So, if you think you are allergic to whatever type of chocolate you are eating, then it’s best to take note of its ingredients.
If you have an allergic reaction to milk or white chocolates, then you may be allergic to dairy or milk alternatives. Should this be the case, then the quickest solution is to switch to non-dairy dark chocolates. However, if it’s cacao nibs or 100% dark chocolate you are allergic with, then you might have a histamine intolerance.
Pure chocolate is cacao nibs or 100% cacao, and for a pure chocolate to cause an allergic reaction is rare. Which is why, if you think you have a chocolate allergy or sensitivity, seek professional help. An allergist may do a blood test, skin patch test, or a food challenge where you will have to taste test a very small amount of pure cacao nibs and see if it causes you any discomfort.
Generally, cocoa contains histamines, though organic or pure cocoa contains lower doses than non-organic or processed ones. Our body naturally has histamines already and they are essential to remove allergen triggers or symptoms. However, higher levels of histamine may contribute to allergies and intolerance. So, if you are allergic to pure cocoa, then reducing your intake would be best.
Also consider the reaction caused by cross-reactivity. Bodies of people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease reacts to gluten, which is a protein mostly found in wheat and barley. And chocolates also have a protein that is somehow similar to gluten. So, sometimes our body’s immune system reacts to chocolate because it mistakes it for gluten.
Symptoms
If you are allergic to chocolate and you ate one, then you may experience some of the following symptoms. Of course, it’s best to seek help should any of these symptoms interferes with your daily activities.
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach pain
- Hives
- Vomiting
- Swelling of tongue, throat, lips, or face
- Wheezing or coughing
- Migraines
- Heartburn
- Bloating
Do You Have a Chocolate Allergy?
Though chocolate allergy is rare, it’s not at all impossible. It is also possible that you may be reacting to something else. Depending on the severity, you may need to reduce your intake, try substitutes, or avoid it altogether.
If you are experiencing discomfort when eating chocolate, it’s best to talk to your doctor about it.
Do you know someone with a chocolate allergy? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and don’t forget to follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts for more fun and interesting chocolatey ideas!
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