AM I REALLY ALLERGIC TO CHOCOLATE?

In these days of Internet access and social media, people tend to self-diagnose their medical conditions.  Chocolate lovers can relax, though, because a real chocolate allergy is very rare.  People who attribute allergy-like symptoms to chocolate are more apt to be experiencing a reaction to another of the ingredients added during the manufacturing process.  Chocolate often contains milk, wheat, soy, and tree nuts, all of which are among the most common allergens.  Even if the chocolate does not contain any of these ingredients, it can be contaminated by being produced on the same machinery as products containing them.   If you have an adverse reaction after eating chocolate, consult an allergist before jumping to the conclusion that you are allergic.

P.S.  Chocolate contains caffeine, a stimulant that can cause shakiness, sleeplessness, erratic heartbeats, and/or headaches in some sensitive individuals.

 

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