Originally published October 7 2005
Research uncovers how dark chocolate can help control diarrhea
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
At the Children's Hospital and Research Center in Oakland, researchers have found that flavonoids, chemicals found in cocoa beans, stimulate the production of supplements in the body that can relieve the symptoms of diarrhea, most notably fluid loss.
The study, published in the October issue of The Journal of Nutrition, found that cocoa flavonoids can bind to and inhibit a protein in the intestines called CFTR, which regulates fluid secretion in the small intestines.
The research was done in collaboration with scientists at Heinrich Heine University in Germany.
"Our study presents the first evidence that fluid loss by the intestine can be prevented by cocoa flavonoids," said Horst Fischer, Ph.D., Associate Scientist, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute and co-author of the study.
"Ultimately, this discovery could lead to the development of natural treatments that are inexpensive, easy to access and are unlikely to have side effects."
Each year, Americans record an average of 2.4 million visits to their doctor with symptoms of diarrhea.
Children younger than the age of five and the elderly are the most likely to develop grave health problems if their condition leads to dehydration.
"Patients with diarrhea can lose dangerous amounts of fluids," said Beate Illek, Ph.D., Associate Scientist, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute and co-author of the study.
In severe cases children or elderly patients with diarrhea can die from dehydration within a few days.
History shows that the use of cocoa to treat diarrhea dates back to the 16th century by ancient South American and European cultures.
Until now, no one knew exactly why the cocoa bean appeared to be a remedy.
"Our research successfully proves that this ancient myth is really based on scientific principals," said Dr. Illek.
For more than a year, scientists tested cocoa extract and flavonoids in cell cultures that mimic the lining of the intestine.
All of the cultures reported lower fluid levels.
Consequently, the tests confirmed that cocoa flavonoids are a possible remedy for diarrhea.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml