Because chocolate contains ample amounts of caffeine and sugar, one might think that it should arouse the senses rather than cause fatigue, but there are other factors related to chocolate consumption that must be considered for complete physiological understanding. If you experience extreme fatigue, dizzy spells or blackouts after eating chocolate, consult your doctor immediately to rule out serious health conditions.
Sugar
Chocolate usually contains significant amounts of sugar, with milk chocolate at the top of the sugar quota and dark chocolate containing less. Sugar is believed to stress the immune system through deposits of energy that are burned rapidly. This rapid metabolic process is similar to suddenly sprinting up a tall flight of stairs, where at the top, you are out of breath and need to sit down. Sugar gives the body positive signals as it is consumed, triggering dopamine responses in the brain for a quick and pleasurable energy boost. Soon after this energy boost comes a crash in blood sugar, which can make a person feel very tired. Eating sugary foods like chocolate also causes your brain to make large amounts of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps people fall asleep naturally at night.
Caffiene
Chocolate naturally contains caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant to the nervous system and can boost energy levels for short periods of time. Like sugar, caffeine is believed to cause stress within the immune system. Any product containing caffeine, such as chocolate, will raise metabolism and energy levels for short periods of time, but when the duration of caffeine energy has been spent, a sudden crash in energy will be experienced. This crash will signal to the body that it must either consume more chocolate, causing excessive caloric consumption, or take a nap to recover from the stress the body has undergone.
Light and Dark
Dark chocolate contains higher levels of caffeine than milk or white chocolate, but it is lower in sugar. Milk chocolate and white chocolate also are typically higher in fat. Some designer chocolates now boast fewer refined sweeteners, which may be processed by the body in more subtle ways than refined sugar. Agave nectar and herbal stevia are among some of the natural sweeteners that offer a lower glycemic index, which may be desirable for the chocolate connoisseur who would like to reduce the fatigue aspects of chocolate consumption. Additionally, eating protein along with chocolate may help to level out the effects of fatigue through slower digestion.
Medical Conditions
Hypoglycemia and diabetes may increase the tendency for the body to feel extreme fatigue after consuming chocolate. Blood-sugar regulation is affected by these medical conditions and immediate attention is required if you suspect you may be suffering from a blood-sugar regulation problem. Attention to diet and carbohydrate count can reduce the long-term risk of internal damage to organs and overall health if one of these medical conditions is affecting your ability to process sugars normally.
References
- "The American Holistic Medical Association Guide to Holistic Health: Healing Therapies for Optimal Wellness"; Larry Trivieri Jr.; 2001
- "The Nutrition Almanac"; Luvanne Dunne; 2001
- "Choose Your Foods: Exchange Lists for Diabetes"; American Diabetes Association; 2011
