Diarrhea is something most people have experienced, whether from something they ate or from an infection. The watery stools that characterize diarrhea can have many causes, and several remedies are available. One seemingly unusual remedy is cocoa.
Diarrhea
In addition to loose stools, diarrhea can cause abdominal cramping and pain. Diarrhea caused by an infection might also be accompanied by fever, chills or a feeling of illness. Other causes of diarrhea include bowel disease, lactose intolerance, medications and the artificial sweeteners mannitol and sorbitol. Chronic diarrhea can also cause thirst and weight loss. Children or infants who develop diarrhea can quickly become dehydrated.
Cocoa
The use of cocoa, made from the sweet pulp of cacao beans, is very old. South Americans were using the beans as currency 4,000 years ago and fermenting the bean pulp into an alcoholic beverage. Chocolate is made from cocoa powder, sugar and fats. Milk and other flavorings might also be added.
Chocolate and Diarrhea
The darker the chocolate, the more cocoa it contains, and cocoa contains beneficial substances called flavonoids. In a study published in the October 2005 "Journal of Nutrition," researchers reported that the flavonoids in cocoa seemed to prevent fluid loss from the intestine and might help relieve diarrhea symptoms. The researchers felt cocoa could be used to develop a medicine to help relieve diarrhea symptoms.
Chronic Diarrhea
However, chronic diarrhea can also be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome, a serious medical condition in which the bowel does not work properly. Chronic, frequent diarrhea; abdominal pain or cramping; a distended abdomen; and whitish mucus in the stool are all symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Chocolate is not recommended in for this condition, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, because it can make symptoms worse.
Considerations and Warnings
In most cases, a bout of diarrhea, although uncomfortable, is not likely to be dangerous. Infants, small children and anyone who might become dehydrated quickly are more likely to be at risk, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Diarrhea can be serious and even fatal in those situations. The UMMC recommends that if you have diarrhea for more than a few days, you should contact a doctor. As always, if you have questions or concerns, talk to a health care professional.
References
- Children's Hospital Oakland; "Children's Hospital Oakland Scientists First to Discover Cocoa Bean Extracts Can Relieve intestinal problems"; September 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
- University of Maryland Medical Center; "Diarrhea"; Steven Ehrlich; March 2010
- Smithsonian.com; "A Brief History of Chocolate"; Amanda Bensen; March 2008
