Diarrhea is a common symptom of a food-related allergy. Most symptoms from a food allergy occur within minutes of consuming the food, which could lead to serious complications. Food allergies are commonly confused with other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerances and celiac disease. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms for proper testing and a clinical diagnosis. An allergic reaction to cocoa is very rare and needs to be assessed by an allergist.
Chocolate Allergy
Because an allergy to the cocoa bean, the main ingredient for making chocolate, is rare. Therefore, your diarrhea is most likely a reaction to another ingredient found in the chocolate product. Chocolate may contain various highly allergic foods, such as peanuts, nuts, milk, soy and wheat. If you're allergic to any of these foods, eating a chocolate product that contains these ingredients could trigger an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction causes inflammation in soft tissue in various parts of your body and will lead to other symptoms aside from just diarrhea.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the result of inflammation and irritation in the digestive system. If you develop an allergic reaction after consuming chocolate, your body doesn't recognize a protein in one of the ingredients and unleashes an attack against it to defend the body. Histamine is produced in the lining of the intestines, which causes inflammation. The inflammation will lead to stomach pain, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. The diarrhea will not last for more than an hour or two. Once the allergic food is eliminated from the body, the diarrhea should subside. If it continues, call your doctor.
Alarming Symptoms
Whenever you develop an allergic reaction to a food, there is always the chance that you may develop anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that causes extreme reactions throughout your entire body. Your blood pressure will drop suddenly, your heart rate will increase and you will feel lightheaded and dizzy. Diarrhea is a common sign of anaphylaxis, especially if you develop facial swelling, the inability to breathe and hives along with the diarrhea. Call 911 immediately for emergency assistance.
Considerations
Diarrhea that is caused by a chocolate-related allergy needs to run its course. Do not use an anti-diarrhea medication as this can cause further complications. Drink plenty of water during episodes of diarrhea to prevent dehydration. If you don't develop any other symptoms aside from diarrhea, you may have another medical condition unrelated to an allergy.
