Chocolate Bad for You? Health Check

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Is chocolate bad for you? Health benefits for some but not all? If you suffer from certain medical conditions, cocoa can be a bad choice.

It can aggravate or trigger some health problems.

The seemingly harmless treat may be making you feel worse.

Acquaint yourself with the list of conditions it affects. Then take your concerns to your doctor.

She might suggest that you ditch the dark from your diet.

Is Chocolate Bad for Your Health?

Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content has been shown to have health benefits.   Most people can enjoy it safely.

But for some that delicious treat could be a fiend. If you suffer from any of the following chronic medical conditions, chocolate can be bad for your health.

Not the kind of news anyone wants to hear, especially a chocoholic. But you may need to avoid it or simply eat less. Work with your doctor to figure out what's best for you.

Here are the results of an exhaustive search of the MedlinePlus website. It's a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.

Health Effects: Chocolate May Aggravate

Do you suffer from any of the following health problems? If you do, chocolate may not be for you. It's ingredients can heighten the symptoms of...

A:

• Anal Itching-may cause irritation as it passes
• Anxiety-the caffeine in chocolate may amplify the unease

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B:

• Barrett's Esophagus-bittersweet may cause heartburn or acid reflux that can cause changes to the lining of the esophagus
• Bedwetting-caffeine can make you urinate more frequently
• Bile Reflux-can relax the muscles of the esophagus and let bile back up into your stomach and windpipe

_______________________________________________________________ C:

• Carcinoid Syndrome-the tyramine may trigger syptoms
• Crohn's Disease-may increase gas production or diarrhea
• Chronic Pain In The Vulva-oxolates may cause irritating urine

_________________________________________________________________ E:

• Esophageal Spasms
• Essential Tremor-can be a trigger of tremors

_________________________________________________________________ F:

• Fecal Incontinence-caffeine and fat content
• Fibromyalgia

_________________________________________________________________ G:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

_________________________________________________________________ H:

• Hiatal Hernia-heartburn trigger
• Hypoglycemia-fat in chocolate slows the absorption of sugar into your blood
  
• Hyperphosphatemia-it's high in phosphorus

_________________________________________________________________ I:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

_________________________________________________________________ L:

• Limited Scleroderma-acid reflux

_________________________________________________________________ M:

• Meibomianitis
• Meniere’s Disease-caffeine can make symptoms worse

_________________________________________________________________ P:

• Painful Bladder Syndrome-caffeine may irritate
• Palpitations-caffeine may cause them
• Premenstrual Syndrome-caffeine

_________________________________________________________________ R:

• Restless Leg Syndrome-caffeine make contribute to problem

_________________________________________________________________ S:

• Sleep Problems

_________________________________________________________________ T:

• Tinnitus-caffeine may be a cause

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Not only can chocolate aggravate a problem it can sometimes be the cause. Who knew something so good could be so bad. But...

Chocolate Bad for You? Health Problems It May Cause

It can be a trigger for...

• Migraines
• Rosacea
• Cyclic Vomiting
• Hives
• Colic-in breast fed babies
• Cystitis- noninfectious

Something to consider if you experience any of those. Take a second look at your chocolate. That innocent looking bar may not be your best friend after all.

Other Problems

People with Wilson's disease must avoid chocolate, according the MedlinePlus website.

This disease can cause a dangerous build up of copper in the body. Chocolate, rich in copper, is a bad food choice.

Do you have a milk allergy?  Chocolate could contribute to the problem. Always check the label.

Many dark chocolate bars contain some dairy. But with a little effort you can find dairy-free dark chocolate.




Is chocolate bad for you? Health benefit or a detriment? It can be either.  Don't assume your dark chocolate habit is healthy.  It may be causing more harm than benefit.  Consult your doctor.

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