Positive Health Benefits Associated With Chocolate
The potentially valuable health benefits derived from cocoa include cardio-protection, anti-diabetic action, stress reduction, anti-inflammatory and even support recovery after exercise.
The health pluses from eating;cocoa and cocoa- based products come mainly;from the antioxidant content flavonoids particularly , which provide defence against free-radical damage.
Other components include:;
- caffeine and theobromine, which are central nervous system stimulants, smooth muscle relaxants, and a have a diuretic action
- valeric acid, which aids in stress reduction
- nutrients – vitamin E, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and plant phytochemicals
Other flavonoid-rich plant-based products include berries, fruit, wine and tea. Numerous studies have indicated the flavonoid-rich foods and beverages may offer a cardioprotective role in health. This includes lowering blood pressure, reducing oxidative stress, increased vasodilation and stress reduction.
Can Dark Chocolate Cause Diarrhea
While dark chocolate is known to help ease symptoms of constipation, does this extend to making your stools pass through a little too quickly?
According to WebMD, the flavonoids found in cocoa beans can actually help to prevent the buildup of fluid in the small intestine that is associated with diarrhea.
Researchers claim that the results suggest that cocoa flavonoids may be used in nutritional supplements as a natural fix for diarrhea. Since dark chocolate contains the highest concentration of these flavonoids, it can be said that dark chocolate offers relief from diarrhea.
In the study, researchers tested the effects of cocoa extract and flavonoids on the cell cultures that mimicked the intestinal lining. The results indicated an effect of inhibited secretion of salt and water in the intestine.
This means that the cocoa and flavonoids had successfully prevented the loss of excessive fluid and salt through the intestines, preventing diarrhea and the dangerous disruption of the balance of electrolytes in the body.
Our study presents the first evidence that fluid loss by the intestine can be prevented by cocoa flavonoids.
Horst Fischer, PhD, an associate scientist at Childrens Hospital Oakland Research Institute
Reasons That Eggs Could Be The Cause
1. Egg intolerance
It it is possible that you get diarrhea after eating eggs because your body is intolerant to such. The reason for this would be a lack of an enzyme that is required to break down the eggs during digestion. Symptoms like low energy levels, headaches, joint pain and diarrhea could show up right away or it could be days later after consumption, which just makes it harder to pinpoint whether or not this is the problem.
The good news is that you can actually become tolerant to eggs if you suffer from intolerance. What you want to do is quit eating eggs for a while and then very slowly introduce them back into your diet.
2. Egg allergy
If you have an egg allergy then the proteins are to blame, and we all know that eggs are abundant in protein. Basically what is happening here is your body is reacting to the egg protein as if they are some threat. The immune system perceives them as unwanted harmful intruders and begins to mount an attack, although they pose no harm in the first place.
Side effects if you are allergic include things like rashes, runny nose, sneezing, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, and even possibly anaphylaxis. This can be a pretty serious condition depending on your level of allergy. Even the smallest contact with eggs could cause problems.
3. Eggs have zero fiber
4. Salmonella contamination
Getting diarrhea after eating eggs could also be due to bacterial contamination, such as that from the popular salmonella.;
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What Causes Diarrhea Immediately After Eating
If youve ever had to run to the toilet after eating, youve experienced acute diarrhea. Although there are a number of possible causes, including malabsorption, intolerances to foods like dairy, and chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome , its likely that this type of diarrhea is caused by food poisoning or a virus, per the National Institutes of Health .
Food poisoning is the result of ingesting food or water contaminated with bacteria, the NIH notes. Food poisoning symptoms appear between hours and days after ingesting contaminated food, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Illnesses like norovirus and viral gastroenteritis, commonly called the stomach flu, can also cause acute diarrhea; symptoms can appear between 12 hours and 10 days after exposure to a virus, depending on the strain, the NIH explains.
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References
Cocoa antioxidants and cardiovascular health
A low-glycemic-load diet improves symptoms in acne vulgaris patients: a randomized controlled trial
Overview of scientific evidence for chocolate health benefits
Relationship between Cocoa Intake and Healthy Status: A Pilot Study in University Students.
Chocolate allergy vs. chocolate sensitivity
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Ingredients Of Chocolate Milk
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture , here are the ingredients of a standard chocolate milk brand:
- Cocoa
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D3
However, it is necessary to point out that the exact ingredients profile may differ from brand to brand. For the sake of comparison, it is interesting to know that chocolate milk has just as much sugar content as a glass of unsweetened fruit juice, and about just as much caffeine content as a cup of decaffeinated coffee.
Acute Diarrhea After Meals
Acute diarrhea is a sudden onset of diarrhea episodes. Diarrhea due to any cause may occur after eating, as the simple act of eating stimulates muscle movement within your large intestine to empty your bowels. When you have an underlying cause such as an infection, food poisoning, or IBS, these contractions may be stronger and more painful than usual and come with a sense of urgency.
Read Also: How Long Can An Ibs Flare Up Last
How To Start Managing Your Food Sensitivity The Right Way
If you feel poorly and want to pinpoint whether you have a food sensitivity, follow these action steps:
- Keep a food diary. For the next 30 days, write down everything you eat, including the time and the quantity. Also, make a note of any symptoms that occur or that you feel every day.
- Consult with your healthcare professional. Ask to take food allergy tests. This will ensure you are not suffering from something more serious, like a food allergy.
- Ask to do a breath or saliva test. These tests require you to eat specific foods that you may be sensitive to. It will help you determine if your body is digesting them, or if you lack the enzyme to do so.
- Try the food challenge. Ask your doctor to monitor what happens when you eat specific foods over the following 1-3 days. This will help to determine if these specific foods are causing you to feel unwell and sick.
- Ask to do the elimination challenge. Ask your doctor for help with eliminating certain foods from your diet altogether. It may be hard to start, but you can begin by eliminating just one food at a time for 3-4 weeks. When you reintroduce that food, ask your doctor for help noting your bodys reaction.
Signs Of A Chocolate Allergy
True allergy to cocoa is rare. Most likely an allergy to or intolerance of other ingredients in chocolate or chocolate desserts, such as soy or dairy, is causing symptoms. You might also be sensitive to the natural chemicals in chocolate. Chocolate allergy symptoms can show within minutes or within several hours after you eat chocolate, and can range from rashes to trouble breathing. Severe symptoms require emergency treatment.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
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How To Eat Dark Chocolate For Constipation
In order to reap the benefits of dark chocolate for your digestion, it is important that you moderate your consumption of dark chocolate so that you do not experience any adverse side effects. Here are some important tips to follow:
1. Watch your intake
The daily recommended dose for dark chocolate is approximately 1 to 2 ounces or 30-60 grams, according to LEC. Anything exceeding this amount may lead to weight gain and too much caffeine.
According to WebMD, the caffeine found in dark chocolate can worsen may result in diarrhea rather than the desired effect.
2. Check the cocoa percentage
When it comes to chocolate, the darker the better! The reason why dark chocolate has so many health benefits is due to the fact that it contains lower added sugars, fats, and milk than its white counterpart. It is also higher in beneficial flavonoids, which help to promote healthy bowel movements, according to WebMD.
This is why it is better to choose dark chocolate that has a minimum of 70% cacao in order to reap the full benefits.
3. Combine with additional sources of fiber
For best relief, it is advisable to also incorporate other high-fiber foods into your diet such as:
- Barley
- Nuts
- Fruits;
Also make sure that you are drinking plenty of water, as dehydration can result in the fiber causing constipation rather than relieving it.
An Underlying Health Condition
Could it be by chance that you started experiencing discomfort immediately when you indulged in your feel-good food?
Experiencing abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, etc., that is not fading away; it could be a sign of something more serious that needs immediate medical attention, such as bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, etc.
Maybe the pizza triggered the underlying condition, and diarrhea was one of the symptoms. If it doesnt go away within a few days or is accompanied by other severe symptoms, visit a doctor.
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Can Sugar Free Chocolate Cause Diarrhea
sugarfreechocolatesugardiarrhea
Sugar alcohols, including sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, and erythritol, are commonly used to sweeten foods labeled sugar–free or no sugar added. These sugar alcohols are not well absorbed by the body and can cause diarrhea in some people, especially if consumed in large amounts.
what happens if you eat too much sugar free candy? But they have some negatives too: the most common are bloating, gas, and diarrhea. The American Diabetes Association says that sugar alcohols are acceptable in a moderate amount, but should not be eaten in excess, particularly by children.
Similarly, it is asked, are sugar free sweets a laxative?
Too much “sugar–free” chewing gum can lead to severe weight loss and diarrhoea, doctors warn. The cause is sorbitol, a widely used sweetener in chewing gum and sweets, which acts as a laxative. Sorbitol is widely used in “sugar–free” foods, including products for people with diabetes.
What are the side effects of sugar free?
Though cleared by many FDAs, a gamut of studies have found that aspartame has at least 92 side effects, including headaches, anxiety, heart palpitations, weight gain, depression and neurological disorders. It is often referred to as the most dangerous of all artificial sweeteners.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention
See a doctor if you experience chronic diarrhea. The doctor will make a complete diagnosis to ascertain whether the watery stool is associated with food intolerance or a gastrointestinal disorder. Consult a doctor if diarrhea goes for several days and is accompanied by these other symptoms:
- Severe cramping or abdominal pain
- Severe dehydration
- Major weight loss
- Stool stained with blood or pus
For those whove been victims of diarrhea severally, it becomes difficult to trust what you eat. Work fearlessly with your doctor to find the root cause. You will be able to enjoy your meals soon enough without fear of needing a bathroom every few minutes.
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Dark Chocolate May Ease Diarrhea
Chemical Found in Dark Chocolate May Be Natural Diarrhea Remedy
Oct. 3, 2005 — Dark chocolate may contain a hidden benefit to ease one of life’s most common yet embarrassing health problems: diarrhea.
A new study shows that the flavonoids found in cocoa beans can help prevent the buildup of fluid in the small intestine associated with diarrhea.
Researchers say the results suggest that cocoa flavonoids may be used in nutritional supplements as a natural remedy for diarrhea, and dark chocolate, which contains the highest concentration of these flavonoids, may also offer mild diarrhea relief.
“Our study presents the first evidence that fluid loss by the intestine can be prevented by cocoa flavonoids,” says researcher Horst Fischer, PhD, an associate scientist at Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, in a news release. “Ultimately, this discovery could lead to the development of natural treatments that are inexpensive, easy to access, and are unlikely to have side effects.”
Can You Be Intolerant To Chocolate
Youre more likely to have a reaction to chocolate if youre allergic to it or its source, which is cocoa. But ingredients in chocolate-based foods, such as milk, wheat, and nuts, can also set off a reaction. People with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease sometimes react to chocolate, especially milk chocolate.
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Can Chocolate Cause Diarrhea
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Just Been Diagnosed With Ibs
Then you have come to the right place! If you have started to panic, there is no need to!;
My Story;
In November 2015, my doctor told me I have IBS. I had thought about it before, had paid for expensive and food intolerance tests and taken over the counter remedies for my symptoms, but the flare ups were getting worse and more frequent.
When I got the diagnosis, my doctor recommended following the FODMAP diet and gave me some tablets to take regularly. As soon as I got home I did what most of us do and went straight to the internet to research about IBS, FODMAP, good and bad foods for me etc and yes I started to panic. I found IBS isnt curable, read about the enormous list of foods to avoid, it seemed from all the different forums that everyone had slightly different symptoms and severities, so how do I know what they tried will work for me?
In one way I was thankful I finally had a diagnosis for my terrible cramps, bloating, noisy gas, and uncomfortable and changing bowel movements. However I was also now worried that Id never be able to be in full control of my health, Id be miserable for having to cut out so many foods and alcohol, I was relying on these tablets my doctor prescribed to be some sort of miracle cure and eating out with friends and family would never be a fun experience again.
The Diagnosis
Find a Registered Dietician
Talk To Your Friends & Family
Buy A Food & Symptom Dairy
Understand The Importance Of Sleep & Exercise
Low FODMAP Food & Symptom Dairy
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How Do I Detox From Sugar
Eat more protein
Add protein to every meal to help you avoid hunger and low energy levels during your sugar detox. This will help you avoid the temptation to reach for a candy bar or other sugar-laden quick fix. Eat fish, poultry, and lean cuts of meat. High-protein vegetables, nuts, and seeds make great snacks.
Causes Of Diarrhea After Eating
Experiencing diarrhea right after you eat is known as postprandial diarrhea. It may just have started occurring, in which case it is acute, or you may have had it for a long time and it is a chronic condition. Learning about the common causes of diarrhea after meals will help you be able to work with your doctor on an effective treatment plan.
Any new or ongoing digestive symptom should be brought to the attention of your doctor so that you can obtain an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Although diarrhea after eating may be the result of one of the health conditions described here, it can also be a sign of other serious diseases.
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Benefits Of Dark Chocolate For Digestion
Dark Chocolate Benefits Bitter Dark Chocolate Health Benefits You Wouldnt Believe Exist
1. Fiber
If you purchase quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, then it is actually quite nutritious. It contains a healthy amount of soluble fiber and is also loaded with minerals.
In fact, a 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa contains an impressive 11 grams of fiber! Soluble fiber helps diarrhea by absorbing water and adding bulk to stools.
2. Magnesium
Dark chocolate is also an excellent source of magnesium, which is another reason why it is so great for your digestion and bowels. The magnesium helps you poop by relaxing the muscles in your digestive tract .
This in turn means that you are far more likely to have a healthy bowel movement!
3. Promotes Healthy Microbes in Gut
According to ScienceDaily, certain bacteria in the stomach feed off the chocolate and ferment it into anti-inflammatory compounds that are particularly good for the heart and your gut!
Researchers also discovered that combining the fiber in cocoa with prebiotics will help to promote overall health and help convert polyphenolics located in the stomach into compounds that are anti-inflammatory.
Prebiotics can increase the gut microbial population and this outcompetes any harmful microbes. Prebiotics are carbohydrates found in certain foods such as garlic and whole wheat flour that microbes feed on.