Cocoa allergy is very rare and experts say that allergic may trigger because of the various different ingredients included in cocoa or chocolate. So you experience allergy after eating chocolate, don’t come to inclusion that you’re sensitive to cocoa. There are 300 varied items included in it.
The fact is only 4 percent of people experience true food allergy, of them 90 percent people react to 8 notable foods namely, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, shellfish and fish.
When you ingest any one of the ingredient, then your immune system will fight to protect your body. Actually, your immune system wrongly treats cocoa or other items have harmful, so it releases antibodies and histamines. To thwart the foreign proteins histamines results in cocoa allergic symptoms.
Actress Gemma Bissix of Hollyoaks is allergic to chocolate. Allergy triggered when she was 16, but it took 2 years to release the right allergen. After seeing unusual signs on skin, she stopped consuming different items like strawberries, spices, bananas and cheese. Only after consulting with doctor she came to know about cocoa allergy. (1)
Symptoms of Cocoa Allergy
As mentioned, cocoa is not the only culprit, U.S Food and Drug Administration states that cocoa beans are powder on the same surface where preservatives and other ingredients are processed.
Cocoa itself incorporated with additives before adding to chocolate. Possibly there are many culprits. Allergist conduct different test to confirm the specific allergen.
Cocoa allergy symptoms include:
#1 Skin Rashes
Gemma shares that she experienced rigorous itching over her skin when she mistakenly ate some honeycombed chocolates.
Depending on the state of allergens, you may notice rashes and lumps on the skin. Face, neck, hands and other parts of the body may be affected.
#2 Headache
Caffeine in the chocolate may trigger sharp headache. However, experts think more investigation must be done to know the actual culprit who triggered headache.
#3 Breathing Problem
When the food you eat contains more irritants, you may experience severe allergic signs. Which includes, stomach ache, vomiting, tightness of the chest, shortness of breath and dizziness.
In rare cases, it may cause asthma and lead to anaphylaxis. The person will need immediate medical attention.
#4 Restlessness and Heartburn
Theobromine, a substance in chocolate is known to fasten the heart beat. Anyway, people who’re sensitive to cocoa may experience restlessness and irritability. Few people may experience heart burn after eating chocolate.
#5 Itching
Other then consuming, when your skin comes in contact with the irritant itching is triggered. It can be legs, hands or face, the part of the body that come into direct contact with cocoa or chocolate will experience itching.
Applying natural oils like olive oil or coconut oil will give you instant relief.
How to Prevent and Treat Cocoa Allergy?
As soon as you experience any of the above mentioned systems reach doctor or allergist for diagnosis. He/she will conduct food challenge test or prick skin test with different substances to confirm the allergen. Accordingly you’ll be given medication and asked to avoid the specified ingredient.
Avoiding is the only way you can prevent allergy. Apart from cocoa, other ingredients like nuts, gluten, corn and other ingredients to which you’re sensitive must be refrained. After discussing with your doctor get the list of allergens and avoid them completely.
Important Points
- Apply natural moisturizer to relieve from itching.
- Drop 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil in hot water and inhale the vapor to clear respiratory tract.
- To reduce headache, massage with rosemary water.
- Antihistamines will reduce cocoa allergy symptoms; consult your doctor before taking antihistamines.
- Check the food ingredient’s list before buying any product.