I simply adore chocolate for many years I have spoilt myself and eaten it often. Unfortunately, during this period, I have been rather unwell and used my poor health as excuse to say to myself "go ahead spoil yourself" far too many times and I find myself just a little overweight. However it is not just my weight that is alarming as a friend recently suggested that my illness may actually be a chocolate allergy.



One of the very first things that I discovered while reading up about chocolate allergy is that it is often something else that is effecting the person. The reason why it is always wise to investigate the possibility of other allergies first as this would be most likely as an allergy to chocolate is, in reality, rather rare.

The main ingredient (usually around 65%) in any chocolate bar is cocoa, which is generally what gives it the brown color and rich flavor. Medically speaking if you were actually suffering from a chocolate allergy it would actually be caused by the cocoa and, therefore, strictly speaking it would be a cocoa allergy!

Cocoa is a very useful ingredient that is used extensively in the food industry. Most often found in cakes and biscuits it can also be added to other prepared foods in small amounts. If you are allergic to cocoa you will have to quickly learn to read all packaging on foodstuffs to ensure that it is not a component part of the product. If you are like me and you eat a large amount of cakes and biscuits this task could prove very time consuming but, over time, you will begin to notice which products are to be avoided.

There are a number of symptoms associated with chocolate allergy. Some of the symptoms, such as itching, skin rashes and hives, headaches, visual problems and confusion, are similar to other allergies. However the most alarming symptoms include the sudden onset of breathing problems sometimes similar to asthma. Heartburn is the symptom that I seem to get the most discomfort from.

specialist. This specialist will test your bodies reaction to a selection of common allergens including cocoa. As it is common for people to suffer from more than one allergy this will ensure that he determines which substances are causing your unpleasant symptoms.

When the culprit has been discovered you will receive the suitable help and advice. You will be given treatments such as creams lotions and drugs to help clear up the symptoms and help minimize them in future. Some drugs can prove so effective that it is sometimes possible to treat yourself now and then with a little chocolate but maybe it would be best to abstain altogether.

If you find that you do have a chocolate allergy do not despair instead you should be positive. Maybe you could avoid chocolate altogether and cut all processed foods from your diet. You will be amazed at how much better you will feel after only a short time of changing to a healthy balanced diet. I wish you the very best.