Chocolate, although the most popular sweet temptation, is included in the list of products that promote the release of histamine in our body. Therefore, this favorite dessert can be difficult to digest for people with histamine intolerance.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to chocolate
The symptoms of a chocolate allergy are usually not life-threatening. In some cases, however, a person can develop life-threatening anaphylaxis.
This is a very serious manifestation of allergy. People at established risk of developing an anaphylactic reaction to chocolate should exclude this product from their diet.
Other symptoms of chocolate allergies include:
migraine;
heartburn;
convulsions;
swelling;
cough;
itching;
urticaria;
rash - which may appear immediately or after some time.
However, a true allergy to chocolate, or cocoa protein, is quite rare. So, if you have allergic reactions after using this product, you are more likely to be sensitive not to the cocoa itself, but to other chocolate ingredients.
However, you may suffer from intolerance to chocolate - this is a genetic condition where the human body cannot break down a product.
Most often, the body can react to milk, soy lecithin, tyramine, phenylethylamine, theobromine, caffeine, flavors and emulsifiers that are part of chocolate.
Symptoms of an allergy to cocoa itself include:
headache;
urticaria;
breathing problems;
swelling of the tongue, lips or throat;
wheezing cough;
flatulence;
digestive disorders;
nausea or vomiting
stomach cramps.
All of these symptoms may be signs of anaphylaxis. This condition is life threatening if you do not get medical help in time.
However, in most cases, fortunately, sensitivity to chocolate or cocoa is not life-threatening. Many people are able to manage the symptoms of allergies by restricting the use of chocolate products or using substitutes for this product.
