Cocoa allergy is quite rare and specialists say that allergic can trigger due to the many distinct ingredients contained in chocolate or cocoa. So you encounter allergy after eating chocolate, do not come to conclusion that you are sensitive to cocoa. You will find 300 diverse items contained inside.
The simple fact is just 4% of individuals experience real food allergy, of these 90 percent individuals react to 8 noteworthy meals namely, eggs, milk, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish.
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.
Cocoa Allergy Symptoms
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
Based upon the condition of allergens, you might notice lumps and lump on the skin. Face, neck, neck and other areas of the human body could 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 proven to secure the heart beat. Anyhow, those who are sensitive to cocoa might experience restlessness and irritability. Few individuals can undergo heart burn off 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?
The moment you encounter any of the aforementioned systems reach physician or allergist for test. He/she will run food challenge test or prick skin test using various materials to validate the allergen. Accordingly you are going to be given medicine and requested to prevent the designated ingredient.
Preventing is the only way that you can protect against allergy. Aside from anti inflammatory, other components such as nuts, corn, gluten and other components to which you are sensitive should be refrained. After talking with your physician get the listing of allergens and prevent them completely.