Information About Chocolate Allergy
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.
Upon investigation I quickly discovered that chocolate allergy is actually very rare when compared to the many other allergies that people can suffer from. To make things even more complicated it has even been suggested that it may not even be the chocolate itself that I am allergic to but rather some of the other ingredients of the chocolate bars I eat that are causing the symptoms.
Most chocolate bars have cocoa as it's main ingredient and it should account for around 65% or more (depending upon how dark the chocolate is). In actual fact rather than suffering from a chocolate allergy you would actually be suffering from a cocoa allergy instead.
Cocoa can be found in all manner of foodstuffs, from the usual biscuits and cakes to more unusual items. If you find that you are allergic to cocoa you will need to ensure that everything you eat is free from it. As most of us are creatures of habit most of us eat much the same foods each month. So, all you really need to do is check the items in your kitchen cupboards and make a note of those things that contain cocoa. Next time you go shopping see if you can find a suitable replacement. Also if you are purchasing something new check the ingredients first - every time!
Although a chocolate allergy is unlikely to kill you the common symptoms experienced can be very unpleasant and rather alarming. Headaches are closely associated with this problem and other symptoms include an element of confusion or the lack of ability to think clearly. Further common associated symptoms are heartburn/acid reflux, hives and skin rashes, rectal itching and, possibly the most worrying symptoms of breathing difficulties plus the vision can also be effected. Not a pleasant mix at all.
As mentioned earlier, if you think that you suffer from an allergy to chocolate it is important that you check that you are not allergic to other substances first. However, if you visit a local clinic or your family doctor, you will, hopefully, be referred to an allergy specialist. This consultant will test for chocolate allergy and a selection of other allergies. He tests for a number of possibilities as it is very common that people find that they are actually allergic to a number of things besides cocoa.
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.
Finally, now that you know if you have a chocolate allergy and you have been given suitable treatment you can begin to think about your future diet. I will repeat again that if you are allergic to cocoa it is best avoided completely. Fortunately there are a number of chocolate substitutes on the market that are actually rather good. You may want to investigate further or you may take this opportunity to change to a far more healthy diet to improve your general health, it is really up to you.
Article Source: http://www.search-raven.com
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