Stomachaches caused by chocolate can be related to various disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, a food allergy or lactose intolerance. Talk to your doctor if you notice that you develop a stomachache every time you eat chocolate. Without a proper diagnosis, you will not be able to treat your condition and symptoms effectively. Any other symptoms that develop along with the stomachache, such as hives, lightheadedness and nasal congestion, need to be discussed with your doctor.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a chronic digestive disorder that affects the colon. IBS causes erratic reactions in the colon, such as explosive diarrhea that cannot be held. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but certain foods, such as chocolate, can trigger symptoms of IBS, according to MayoClinic.com. Shortly after eating chocolate, you may experience bloating, gas, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, constipation or nausea if you have IBS. IBS is primarily treated by eliminating foods that trigger your symptoms, such as chocolate.
Food Allergy
A stomachache after eating chocolate can also be a result of a food allergy. Chocolate products can contain multiple highly allergic ingredients, such as milk, nuts, soy and wheat. If you're allergic to any of the ingredients in the chocolate, you will develop symptoms within a few minutes. Food allergy symptoms affect various parts of the body and not just the digestive system. Common symptoms aside from stomachaches are eczema, skin rashes, facial swelling, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, sinus congestion, sneezing, watery eyes and postnasal drip.
Lactose Intolerance
Most chocolate contains lactose, a sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance, also referred to as a lactase deficiency, causes stomachaches within 30 minutes or up to two hours after you consume the chocolate. Because your small intestines fail to create enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest the lactose, excessive amounts of bacteria form, causing bloating, gas, cramping and stomach pain that leads to diarrhea, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Warning
If you develop severe pain in your stomach, accompanied with blood in your vomit or stool, call 911 or go to the emergency room. These are signs of a more serious condition, such as cancer, ulcers or Crohn's disease, that may require emergency medical attention.
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