Nearly everyone has experienced the watery stools of diarrhea at some time or another. A symptom rather than an actual disease, diarrhea can be caused by a variety of things. Many remedies exist in both herbal and conventional medicine. Ancient South American cultures used cocoa to treat diarrhea.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea symptoms include frequent and loose stools as well as abdominal pain or cramping. If the diarrhea is caused by an illness, there may also be fever, chills and a general feeling of illness. If the problem persists for an extended period, you may experience thirst and weight loss. Diarrhea in an infant or child can be serious because children can become dehydrated quickly. Infections, lactose intolerance, medications, artificial sweeteners and bowel disease can all cause diarrhea.
Chocolate Flavonids
Chocolate has an ancient history that may stretch back four thousand years, according to an article by Amanda Bensen in the March 2008 "Smithsonian." It was fermented into an alcoholic beverage and used as medicine. Chocolate contains flavonoids that have antioxidant properties, many of which have positive effects on health. Antioxidants help to protect the body from free radicals, which are damaging molecules that result from exposure to toxins and from normal body processes.
Research
Cocoa was used to treat diarrhea by South American and European cultures. Research at Children's Oakland Hospital found that flavonoids from cocoa could help to ease diarrhea symptoms. The flavonoids work by preventing fluid loss from the intestine. The researchers note that dark chocolate may offer some relief as it contains high concentrations of cocoa compared to other forms of chocolate. The study was published in the October 2005 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition."
Considerations and Warnings
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, chronic diarrhea can be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome, a potentially serious medical condition. And other symptoms such as blood in the stool could indicate disease such as cancer. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that you contact a doctor for diarrhea that lasts more than a few days. While chocolate is unlikely to be harmful, it is not recommended for people with irritable bowel syndrome. If you have questions or concerns, talk to a health care professional.
References
- "Science Daily"; Dark Chocolate Helps Diarrhea: Study Confirms Ancient Myth; October 2, 2005
- Cleveland Clinic; Heart-Health Benefits of Chocolate Unveiled; February 2010
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; What I Need To Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome; May 2007
- American Academy of Family Physicians; Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Tips on Controlling Your Symptoms; November 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Diarrhea; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; March 2010
- Children's Hospital Oakland; Children's Hospital Oakland Scientists First to Discover Cocoa Bean Extracts Can Relieve intestinal problems; September 2005
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