What You Need to Know About Chocolate Allergy

Almost everyone loves chocolates. The sweet taste is something that most of us just cannot say no to. But there are also a few very unlucky ones who have chocolate allergy. This type of allergy is an "Allergies Type 1", and it is also called contact allergies. Though it is not clearly understood why the immune system of people with chocolate allergy consider some proteins as harmful to the body, scientists are continuing their researches about this allergy.

It is said that the immune system of a person can mount a variety of defense mechanisms against harmful and foreign proteins. Depending on the severity of the allergy, it can range from mild to life-threatening. Symptoms occur within a few minutes to a few hours after eating or even inhaling chocolate.

True allergies, or those caused by the pure cocoa or chocolate alone, are actually very rare. What causes most of the allergies are the additives and chemicals added to chocolate, namely nuts, milk, gluten form wheat, soybeans, syrup, caffeine, and corn. Chemicals such as Theo-bromine and Phenyl-ethylamine are also some of the most common additives in chocolates that cause allergies. These are mostly found in cheap chocolates or those that do not have much quality.

Cocoa, the largest component of chocolate, is made from the seeds of the cocoa tree that originated in Central America. Today it is found in many tropical countries around the world. These seeds are fermented, roasted and grounded in the process of making chocolate.

There are proteins in chocolate that trigger the immune system to react. To neutralize the chocolate protein, antibodies and histamines are released into the bloodstream, which leads to the allergic symptoms. In severe cases of chocolate allergy, Epinephrine or Adrenaline is used to control the anaphylaxis reaction.

The diagnosis of chocolate allergy is mainly made through a test called "Food Challenge Test". The doctor will tell you to avoid chocolates for several weeks, and then when you come back, you will be given pure chocolate without any additives. If you are really allergic to chocolates, violent reactions will occur, and emergency medical attention is needed. You are also positive for chocolate allergy if the symptoms appear within 2 hours.

If you are allergic to chocolate, your doctor will have to ask you to avoid them. It will be very difficult, since cocoa is also found in other foods. When you are in the process of trying to avoid cocoa, read the labels of every food that you want to eat. Do this not only once, but make sure to re-read the labels every time you purchase a new one.

Back in January 1, 2006, a law was passed saying that all food labels should be written in such a way that a child as young as 7 years old can read and understand the ingredients. This ensures that children who have chocolate allergy are able to tell which food is good or bad for them.

Though some people are allergic to it, chocolate still has health benefits when taken in moderation. Just because it tastes so good, it does not mean that it is harmful for you. These health benefits include reduced heart disease risks, increased longevity, increased libido and sexual fulfillment. What is even better is that antioxidants are found in chocolates. It helps lower the amount of cholesterol found in our bloodstream.

If you have chocolate allergy, you may find that the following vitamins and over-the-counter products will help:

1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is known to help in the healing process of the body. It is mostly found in liver and fat cells. It is not advisable to take it in very large doses, because it has been found to be very toxic in high amounts.

2. Vitamin B

It plays a huge role in forming red blood cells and keeping the nerves of our body healthy. Some people, approximately one-third of the elderly, can no longer absorb this vitamin. It is very important to eat foods rich with vitamin B while still young.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a protective nutrient and it plays a role in defending our bodies against infection, pollution, and certain diseases and enhancing our immune system.

4. Vitamin E

This is the vitamin that protects and defends the lung tissue from harmful pollutants that may be inhaled by our bodies. It also aids in the functioning of the immune system.

5. Pantothenic Acid

This other form of nontoxic B vitamin is very helpful against allergy symptoms, especially that of chocolate allergy. It has a huge role in our body's metabolism and in the synthesis of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

6. Glucosamine

This is another substance that can give some relief to people with chocolate allergy. It is anti-inflammatory, which means that it can prevent or reduce inflammation caused by allergy symptoms.

7. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals through binding with the free radical electrons. This prevents damage of our body's cells.

8. Allergy Aid

This can help people with chocolate allergies by opening the bronchial tubes to provide ease of breathing. It contains 9 herbs to give temporary relief from respiratory allergies.

9. Quercitin

Quercitin is a well known type of flavanoid. Flavanoids are antioxidants that provide many benefits at once-reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, strengthen blood vessels, and improve the blood circulation. It also has the ability to block the release of histamines to prevent the symptoms of chocolate allergy.

10. Beta Carotene

Beta Carotene plays a role in protecting the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. But before it can perform its role, it has to attain optimum efficiency through protecting Vitamin C from oxidation.

Before choosing any of the above medications or vitamins, it is always best to consult your doctor before putting your plans into actions. Involving your doctor should always be the first step in any medical situation.