Chocolate may be one of your favorite dietary indulgences, but eating too much of it can cause stomach upset, bloating and gas. These symptoms may occur for a variety of reasons, so it is important that you discuss your digestive troubles with your doctor. If you believe that chocolate is causing your symptoms, talk about dietary alterations you can make or over-the-counter medications you can consume to relieve bloating and gas.
Chocolate, Bloating and Gas
Gas results when your body does not completely break down your undigested food, and bloating occurs when that gas does not pass through your body by flatulence. Instead, it builds up in your stomach and intestines, creating a feeling of fullness, and your stomach may also become distended. Chocolate can cause both gas and bloating, as well as other signs of stomach upset like heartburn, especially when you consume it in excess. The amount that is considered “excessive” will vary from person to person, as some people may experience a reaction after eating a few bites of chocolate and others may develop no symptoms at all. Chocolate can cause digestive upset because of the caffeine it contains. This food also contains milk, and it may be that your symptoms are not due to consuming too much chocolate but rather a lactose sensitivity or intolerance.
Remedies
If you suspect that chocolate is giving you gas and causing you to bloat, lessen the amount you eat or eliminate it from your diet, especially if you begin to bloat after consuming only a small amount. If your symptoms persist, you might not then cut out all caffeine or dairy products, depending on which dietary component you suspect is causing your symptoms. Discuss dietary changes with your doctor before making them, and tell him about the stomach problems you are experiencing. He can help you identify your trigger foods, as well as conduct tests to determine if you are lactose intolerant. In the event that this is the case, he can then give you a list of foods to avoid.
Digestive Aids
Certain over-the-counter medications can help you manage gas and bloating. They contain digestive enzymes that help your body process the foods that cause your symptoms, and your physician can help you decide if these will work for you. If you are lactose intolerant, she may suggest you take lactase supplements before eating chocolate and other milk-based foods. These products help your body digest lactose and can thereby reduce the bloating, gas and other symptoms you experience when consuming dairy.
Additional Tips and Considerations
Gas is a normal part of the digestive process and is not typically a cause for concern. But if your symptoms are bothering you, see your doctor. Keep a food diary, noting what you eat, when your symptoms occur and what they are. This will better enable your health care provider to determine what foods are giving you problems. Should you experience sharp pain or a recent change in your bowel habits along with gas and bloating, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
