A Valentine's Day Health Scare: Allergic Reaction to Chocolate

In the United States, a countless number of work and school days are missed as a direct result of chocolate food allergies and chocolate intolerances. For many, the onset of the physiological reaction is quite unexpected leading some to wonder what the culprit of the health deterioration may have been. Understanding the difference between food allergies and food intolerances, including the physiological response times and methods for treatment, may work to provide not only improved health but also an opportunity for resolving unanticipated missed days from work and school.

Within American society, many consider food intolerance and food allergies to be the same. This is not the case. Within a food intolerance reaction, unlike food allergies, the human body undergoes a physiological adverse reaction to an essential biological, or chemical, components of food. With as many as 50 additives in consumer food products, any number of chemical reactions could occur. What sets food intolerance reactions apart from food allergies is the symptoms and timing of the reaction. Within a food intolerance reaction, symptoms, generally, do not appear for several hours, days or even weeks. Because of the delay in exhibition of symptoms, food intolerance reactions are often difficult to diagnose in origin. So, what are the food intolerance symptoms and methods for diagnosis?

When suffering from food intolerance, especially in the case of chocolate, symptoms, generally, do not present for several hours or days. Common symptoms of chocolate food intolerance include upset stomach, diarrhea, headache, nausea and general fatigue or lethargy. To diagnose food intolerance, there are no scientific diagnostic tools in place. The best tool a food intolerance sufferer can utilize is a diary. It is by journaling all food intake, exercise and sleep habits that food intolerance is generally narrowed down and then revealed as that of an intolerance to chocolate.