Chocolate does not cause stomach bloating in healthy adults. If you develop stomach bloating after eating chocolate, you may be lactose intolerant. Lactose is present in chocolate products because most are made from milk solids. If you have not been diagnosed with lactose intolerance, you should make an appointment with your doctor for an exam. There is also a possibility that the bloating could be the result of a food allergy -- but if this is the case, you will develop more symptoms than just stomach bloating.
Lactose Intolerance
Bloating is one of the first symptoms associated with lactose intolerance. Lactose is a sugar that is primarily found in dairy products. If you're lactose intolerant, you are deficient of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose into simpler sugars to be absorbed by your body. Because your small intestine lacks the right amount of lactase, bacteria can form around the lactose, resulting in bloating, cramping, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Lactose intolerance is a common condition that has no cure, but it is treatable.
Eating Chocolate
If you are lactose intolerant and you want to eat chocolate without developing stomach bloating, you can use lactase enzyme supplements to prevent symptoms. Lactase enzyme supplements are available at any pharmacy. The supplement needs to be taken with the first bite of chocolate to be effective at preventing bloating and other symptoms. Some kinds of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, may not contain any lactose; you should be able to consume it without experiencing common symptoms.
Food Allergy Considerations
If you notice that bloating is accompanied by other symptoms, you may have a food allergy. Chocolate products may contain nuts, milk, soy, wheat and eggs. These ingredients are considered highly allergic foods by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other symptoms that will develop from a food allergy include skin irritation, tingling in the lips or face, hives, eczema, sinus complications, runny nose, sneezing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, chest pain, diarrhea and vomiting. If you have a known food allergy, you should avoid eating chocolate until you can talk with your doctor.
IBS
Bloating after eating chocolate may be related to a more serious condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. MayoClinic.com states that chocolate is a common food trigger for IBS. IBS is a chronic digestive disorder that can cause bloating, irregular bowel movements and stomach pain.
