Yum!
My last article discussing the benefits of eating small amounts of high quality dark chocolate was seen and read by literally thousands of people who also made hundreds of comments. A few of these comments told of getting headaches or stomach aches after eating chocolate. And a few discussed how they just didn’t like chocolate. However, one from a man in Europe, flat out stated that the entire piece was complete rubbish and I shouldn’t be writing such things. It goes on to say that there are several studies showing that chocolate is harmful for people with multiple sclerosis.
And that comment sent me off to the internet for a three hour plus search to see if I could find these studies that he was referring to. My search came up empty as to any study that found chocolate to be bad for people with MS. What I could find basically said that if chocolate, or anything for that matter, makes you feel worse after eating it, then don’t eat or drink it. The closest thing that I could find to a study that was not favorable to chocolate came from a Naturopath site and their belief that MS is primarily a disease that is being caused by food allergies of which chocolate could be one of these foods.
You would think out of the thousands of people who read the article, some of which most certainly work in the health care industry, that one of them would have disputed what I wrote about, but not one of them did.
What I did find of relevance, which wasn’t a whole lot, is copied below with links so you can read it for yourself. And I encourage anyone to do their own searches as I could have missed something along the way. And with that said, I stand behind what I wrote a couple of weeks ago!
Why Dark Chocolate for Peripheral Vascular Disease?
Previous studies suggested dark chocolate may have a role in helping people with peripheral vascular disease. Dark chocolate can help the diseased blood vessels dilate; allowing more blood flow, according to a study in the journal Heart in 2011. Dark chocolate also has properties that block chemicals in the body that constrict the blood vessel, researchers from Heinrich-Heine-University in Germany found. Finally, as mentioned in my prior column, dark chocolate improves body inflammation, is an antioxidant, and can help with certain parts of our cholesterol, all of which contribute to the growth and stability of the atherosclerotic plaques.
What’s New With Dark Chocolate?
A new study of dark chocolate included twenty patients with an average age of approximately 70 years and with moderately severe peripheral vascular disease. The authors, from Rome, Italy, wanted to understand what happened to the function of the arteries and exercise capacity 2 hours after people ate 40 grams of dark chocolate (40 grams of dark chocolate on average is about 200-220 calories, and 1.4 ounces).
The investigators studied blood flow into the patient’s limbs before and after consuming the dark chocolate. They also performed treadmill exercise testing. The patients were studied after having 40 grams of dark chocolate and then a second time after receiving a placebo chocolate (milk chocolate). Even with a single treatment the findings were quite interesting.
- 11 percent increase in the patients’ walk distances after eating dark chocolate
- 15 percent increase in their walking time
- 57 percent increase in the blood protein (nitric oxide) that helps with relaxation and dilation of the arteries
- Two markers associated with constriction of the arteries went down by 23-37 percent
In summary, dark chocolate improved blood flow through mechanisms related to relaxation of the arteries (nitric oxide) and oxidative stress and as a result improved walking distances and times.
We currently don’t know how much dark chocolate is too much. So if you are a dark chocolate enthusiast, look to use 40 grams (1.4 ounces) a day as this is what has shown in this study to provide benefit. Hopefully these studies will continue to stimulate investigators to look at multiple doses to allow the consumer to receive the maximum benefit without risks.
- Jared Bunch, MD
Dr. Bunch is a native of Logan, Utah and graduated from the University of Utah School of Medicine with alpha omega alpha honors. He completed internal medicine residency and fellowships in cardiovascular
I use chocolate- dark chocolate- to battle pain which presents in a certain part of my brain. It works quite well for me and the pain disappears quite quickly. Yesterday I had this pain twice in one day which is rare. Still, each time the pain hit, the dark chocolate was 100% effective- for me- in melting the pain.
I read of a recent study in Italy using chocolate to combat dementia and to slow down Alzheimer’s. Though the study is still inconclusive, the initial results have been quite promising. Knowledge is important and I always encourage others to read and learn because it is a lifelong pursuit. If we do not use our brain, we will in fact lose it. The saying ‘use it or lose it’ applies to muscles and brain both!
Now I do not have dementia nor Alzheimer’s, but I will keep using it for my MS pain!This conversation continues at the link below:
Read more: http://www.healthboards.com/boards/multiple-sclerosis/914130-chocolate-mmmmmmmm.html#ixzz3ftvh2tFJFoods which are high in magnesium include raw spinach, squash and pumpkin seeds, soy beans, fish (mackerel), brown rice, avocados, plain non-fat yogurt, bananas, dried figs, and dark chocolate. Foods high in folate include raw spinach, black eyed peas, lentils, asparagus, romaine lettuce, avocado, broccoli, mango, oranges, and wheat bread.
Would you be willing to independently undertake the effort to study your own nutritional intakes and take note of any effect on specific MS symptoms you may have, including fatigue? The results would be interesting.– See more at: http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/19065/169283/folate-correlates/#sthash.7KToo5xt.dpuf
The following from a Naturopath site was about the only extremely negative comment about chocolate that I could find in two hours of searching. And again even here it assumes that a food allergy may be the cause of Multiple Sclerosis.
Chocolate Avoidance Epidemiology studies have documented a correlation between high cocoa consumption and high MS incidence. When cocoa is introduced to an area, MS incidence rises sharply. Cases are reported in which chocolate ingestion by MS patients was followed by exacerbations [Maas AG, Hogenhuis LAH. Multiple sclerosis and possible relationship to cocoa: A hypothesis. Ann Allergy 59: pp.76- 9, 1987] Here is the abstract of this article: “The hypothesis presented in this paper suggests that MS may be caused by an allergic or other adverse reaction to certain foods, mostly cocoa products, cola, and coffee. Many MS patients have one or more manifestations of other well known reactions to those foods, such as migraine, urticaria, or gastrointestinal disturbances.”
Multiple Sclerosis And Beyond 
I love choc. (dark is so good for ya) and only eat organic and I have ms and have never had any issues plus have never heard of this and I have had ms for years. 🙂
Thank you for the comment Jennifer. Sorry about you having MS though!
I find chocolate very helpful and it’s never caused my MS to get worse. It’s not often mentioned, but the endorphins it creates have their own positive impact that should not be ignored.
Now, I do make my own chocolate, so that might be a major factor. Dairy and sugar can be highly inflammatory, especially if you have sensitivities to them. But it’s very easy to make your own at home without those ingredients. All you need is coconut oil, cocoa powder, vanilla (optional), and stevia (I use liquid) to taste. This makes a very nice dark chocolate, and has the added benefit of coconut oil which is important for brain health. Drizzle some over frozen blueberries and you’ve got an absolutely decadent dessert. Make some bars with dried sour cherries and you’ve got a fantastic natural anti-inflammatory treat.
This is interesting. I’ll see if I can remember it long enough to actually try it! Thank you for the advice!
No problem! It’s pretty foolproof. Just go by taste to decide how much cocoa and sweetener you like in it.
I experience bladder problems after eating chocolate and do have ms also so I try to pass on chocolates but not easy 🙂
Yep, it’s not for everyone, I agree! Thanks for commenting.
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Interesting post, thanks for sharing. I’ve had MS for 20 years. In 2012 I started following the Overcoming MS (OMS) lifestyle. It’s a modern version of Roy Swank’s diet that uses diet, exercise, sunlight and meditation to treat MS. Re OMS, chocolate is a “no no” because of all the saturated fat. I love chocolate, but when I have it, it seems like my legs ache and it’s harder to walk. So I’ve tried to avoid it. Following this diet has kept me pretty stable. Best. Rob
Yes, I agree that if you have a bad response to chocolate then certainly don’t eat it at all. I have found that many people who have autoimmune diseases say that they can eat a small amount of chocolate without any negative side effects, which includes me as well. Thanks for the comment Rob and I hope that your diet continues to bring you a positive response!
Having someone in my house who also has MS, I find your articles so helpful. I recently was told of ur web site & I’m so thankful I have it now. I’m also thankful & grateful to you for doing research about MS B4 posting some of your articles such as MS & Chocolate. Chocolate is so helpful for my pain, dark chocolate that is, & I know it helps my dearest friend, Larry, who resides in my home as well as his adorable be dog, Chad. Thank you for the info on tumeric & all the valuable info as well. I wanted to say how much I appreciate the dark chocolate receipe from Ferocious Cantaloupe & today I’ll be making my own choc thanks to her. God bless you and your family. 🌸💙😎
Thank you Connie. I appreciate your words of appreciation!
I am a 64 year old female, I was diagnosed of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2008 (MRI), my symptoms started out with severe fatigue, poor balance, numbness, double vision, heat intolerance and anxiety. I was unable to go back to work, I tried Betaseron for about 6 years. Tried every shot available, all made me sick.
In November 2015, I started on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Herbal formula from NewLife Clinic, the treatment worked incredibly for my MS condition. I used the NewLife MS Herbal formula for a total time period of 4 months, it totally reversed my Multiple Sclerosis. I had a total decline of all symptoms including vision problems, numbness and others. Sometimes, i totally forget i ever had MS.
Visit NewLife Clinic web-site ww w. newlifeherbalclinic. com. I am very pleased with this treatment. I eat well, sleep well and exercise regularly. My attitude is extremely positive.
I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 50. I was still mobile but use a cane. I had balance issues and some falling. I only took baclofen as the injectable medicine did not seem to help. I was about to try other oral medicines.There has been little if any progress in finding a cure or reliable treatment. My multiple sclerosis got significantly worse and unbearable because of my cognitive thinking.. Last year, i started on a natural multiple sclerosis Herbal therapy from Mbeki Herbal Clinic, i read a lot of positive reviews from patients who used the treatment and i immediately started on it. I had great relief with this herbal treatment. I am doing very much better now, no case of Cognitive thinking or memory Loss,, my multiple sclerosis condition is totally reversed. Visit Mbeki Herbal Clinic website This treatment is a miracle!!
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I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012, and I was 40yrs. They put me on Rebif which I took until 2012 and was switched to Copaxone. I had two relapses on Rebif, none on Copaxone. I noticed my balance getting worse, and my memory, as well as muscle spasms. I’m 47 now, In Febuary this year my neurologist referred me to Dr Oduwa herbal home, i immediately started on their natural organic MS Herbal treatment. I had a total decline in all symptoms including the balance, fatigue, muscle spasms, Pain, excessive urination and others. message Dr Oduwa herbal home on their email { info@droduwaherbalhome.com } or You can visit his website at https://droduwaherbalhome.com The MS treatment totally reversed my Multiple Sclerosis condition and most amazingly i can go about my daily activities!
I’m not sure about this, but I’m approving this comment because it’s not up to me to judge the reliability of what someone else writes or believes. If you read this and find it helpful than return here and post your results. And if it’s not helpful, do the same!
My husband was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and had a stroke a few years after his diagnosis. His conditions left him with problems with swallowing and burning mouth syndrome ,blurred vision BUT his gait improved after starting the multivitamincare .org formulas which they prescribe , he started swinging his stiff arm again and could write legible after the usage of their products . The chief of neurology at the multivitamin care always said his condition will reverse back to normal i did not believe not until last month here after his new result.
If it works for you, I’m all for it! Everyone should choose for themselves.