If you've been diagnosed with any primary food allergies, eating chocolate may cause an allergic reaction. The top seven food allergens, defined by the Mayo Clinic, include: soy, milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat and fish. Chocolate products may contain soy, milk, eggs, nuts and wheat, depending on the product. If you have a known food allergy, it is advisable to avoid the consumption of chocolate products. An allergy to cocoa is unlikely and very rare, according to Healthology.com. If you develop a rapid heart rate after eating chocolate, you may be experiencing anaphylactic shock. Call 911 immediately.
Chocolate and Allergies
If you've been diagnosed with a food allergy, eating chocolate increases your chances of exposure to an allergen and a reaction. A food allergy occurs when your immune system malfunctions and mistakes the proteins in a specific food as a dangerous substance. This triggers the body's defenses and releases multiple chemicals in the body to fight off the allergen. Immunoglobulin E, or IgE, antibodies are created to defend the body and trigger the production of histamine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Histamine is a hormone in the body that protects against infection but can cause swelling.
Allergy Symptoms
Allergy symptoms from chocolate may develop quickly or up to an hour after you've ingested the food. Your symptoms may be minor to severe. All symptoms need to be reported to your doctor. Digestive symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping. Nasal symptoms include a runny nose, congestion and sneezing. Your skin can react with hives, eczema or general skin itching or tingling. You may find it difficult to breathe, which can lead to wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Heart Reaction
If you experience an increased, but faint, heart rate, you may be experiencing anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that affects your entire body, sending it into a state of shock. Other symptoms of anaphylaxis may include: coughing, abdominal pain, anxiety, confusion, difficulty swallowing, fainting, hives, nausea, facial swelling, palpitations, skin redness, slurred speech and lightheadedness, according to Medline Plus.
Identification
If you develop an allergic reaction after eating chocolate, you should contact an allergist to identify which ingredients you're allergic to. An allergist will take a sample of your blood or use a skin test to determine which foods you're allergic to. You should eliminate any food you're allergic to from your diet.
