Many people claim to be allergic to chocolate. But the exact number of people, who is truly allergic to cocoa, as chocolate is made from cocoa, is very rare. These people cannot eat chocolates even if their heart desires to. Living with a chocolate allergy can be as difficult as living with any other form of allergy or disease.

But before concluding by yourself that you have developed allergic reactions to this particular food item, read on to know whether it is exactly chocolate or cocoa that is triggering the reaction or some other food ingredients. If you are allergic to cocoa then you are suffering from F1 contact allergies. And so far, experts have not been able to figure out why the immune system reacts against harmless proteins and considers it foreign to the body.

Intolerance or allergy to one of the main food ingredients or food additives of chocolate is the main cause of this allergy. However, chocolate intolerance doesn’t really mean that a person is allergic to cocoa. These ingredients include milk, soy, corn, syrup, dye, flavors etc.

Most possibly, this allergy owes its allergic reactions to other ingredients used in the production of the chocolate, as some of the major ingredients in it can trigger reactions among people who are hypersensitive. It includes:

1) cow milk

2) soybeans

3) wheat

4) corn

5) Other food additives

Sometimes traces of rat and mouse dropping, cockroaches and other insect’s parts can also be found in the chocolate, though this has not been done intentionally.

Most of the symptoms experienced would be similar to those of food allergy. Some of which include Headache, Heartburn, Rectal itching, Hives, Skin rashes, Confusion, Breathing problems etc. To people who suffer from severe allergic reactions, it may cause allergic reaction which may involve two or more body systems. And this may further widen the scope of the symptoms which may include:

1) gasping

2) Dizziness

3) Chest pain, stomach cramps

4) Nausea

5) Severe drop in blood pressure

6) Heart tremble

7) Loss of consciousness, etc.

So, if you are suffering from all these symptoms, then the first priority for you is to consult a doctor and figure out the main cause of the reactions. You might possibly have to go through a number of tests (blood as well as skin) to determine the exact cause. In case, you are allergic to cocoa then this would mean you will have to completely avoid chocolate from your diet. Or you can even substitute cocoa with carob which is usually considered as non allergic. But before doing so, it is better to consult your physician.

If you are suffering from chocolate or other food allergy then you will have to give a close reading to the ingredients before you eat anything. Sometimes people are allergic to milk and nuts. So those of you who are fond of this sweet temptation, can still enjoy the delight of it by avoiding milk chocolate and opting for premium dark ones.

However, if the quality of the chocolate is higher then there are less chances of people developing allergic reactions, for higher quality chocolate would mean less amount of food additives, which is often responsible for triggering the reactions. The chances of developing chocolate allergy is very rare but there are chances for chocolate intolerances. But this intolerance has nothing to do with the immune system and is rarely life threatening.