Chocolate Allergy Information
Liz Chorley
I could not live without chocolate I love is so much. Sadly I may have no option but to cut it from my diet completely and immediately. The reason is that I think that I might suffer from a chocolate allergy is that whenever I eat it it usually follows that I am rather unwell after it.
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.
If it was discovered that you were actually suffering from what we commonly refer to as a chocolate allergy, you would, in actuality, be suffering from an allergy to cocoa. Accounting for about 65%, or more, of the ingredients of an average chocolate bar, cocoa is the substance that give the bar it's wonderful flavor and color.
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.
Allergies cause all manner of symptoms some are little more than an irritation but some can be extremely worrying and even life threatening. Sufferers of chocolate allergy sadly include some of the following in their list of symptoms; heartburn, hives, skin rashes and itching, rectal itching, headache, vision problems, clouded thought and confusion and, the most upsetting, problems with the breathing.
As we have said earlier in this article it is a distinct possibility that you are allergic to another ingredient rather than cocoa as chocolate allergy is rare. When you visit your local doctor he will send you to a specialist clinic or an allergy consultant who will perform a number of tests and examinations to discover if you are allergic to cocoa or not. Included in these tests will be a number of other tests for an allergic to other common allergens. It may surprise you to know that it is not uncommon for a person to suffer from a number of allergies.
When the results of the tests are known you will be advised about the various treatments available. Such treatments usually include creams and lotions to help clear up the rashes and reduce itching. You may also be prescribed some appropriate drugs which should have marked effect upon future reactions and minimize symptoms noticeably.
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.
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