Have you ever noticed that sometimes after eating chocolate, you suddenly start sneezing? It can be frustrating, especially when trying to indulge in your favorite sweet treat. I’ve experienced this myself, and I know firsthand how annoying it can be.
That’s why I’ve been doing some research to try to find a solution to this problem.
If you’re like me and you’re tired of sneezing every time you eat chocolate, then keep reading – I have some tips and tricks that might help you!
Why Does Chocolate Make Me Sneeze?
Chocolate can make you sneeze due to a sneeze reflex, which is activated via a compound called theobromine which is found in chocolate.
Believe it or not, there’s actually a scientific explanation for why chocolate can make you sneeze.
It’s called the chocolate-induced sneeze reflex, and it’s related to your body’s reaction to bright light.
Stay with me…
You see, chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which has been shown to stimulate the trigeminal nerve in some people.
This nerve is responsible for transmitting sensory information from your face to your brain, including the feeling of light hitting your eyes.
When this nerve is stimulated, it can cause a sneeze reflex in some people, which is why you might find yourself reaching for a tissue after indulging in a delicious chocolate bar.
How To Stop Sneezing After Eating Chocolate
If you’re like me, sneezing every time you eat chocolate can be pretty annoying. But don’t worry; there are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms.
Try An Antihistamine
One option is to try taking an antihistamine before eating chocolate.
This can help reduce the allergic response that’s causing the sneezing, and it might make it easier for you to enjoy your favorite sweet treat without any sneezy side effects.
Drink Water After
One easy fix is to simply drink water after eating chocolate.
This can help to wash away any lingering chocolate particles that might be irritating your nasal passages.
It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day in general, as hydration can help keep your nasal passages moist and reduce your risk of sneezing.
Blow Your Nose
Another option is to blow your nose after eating chocolate.
This can help to clear out any mucus or irritants that might be causing you to sneeze.
Just be sure to blow your nose gently and avoid blowing too hard, as this can cause more irritation and worsen your symptoms.
How Do I Stop Sneezing From Chocolate?
If you’re looking for a more long-term solution, there are some things you can do to help train your body not to sneeze when you eat chocolate.
Try Desensitization
One technique is called desensitization therapy, where you slowly expose yourself to increasing amounts of chocolate over time to help reduce the sensitivity of your trigeminal nerve.
This can be done under the guidance of a doctor or allergist, and it might take some time to see results.
Use A Saline Nasal Spray
Another option is to try using a saline nasal spray before eating chocolate.
This can help rinse away any irritants in your nasal passages and might help reduce the sneezing reflex.
Try Different Chocolate
It’s also worth noting that different types of chocolate can affect people in different ways.
For example, some people might find that they only sneeze after eating dark chocolate, while others might react similarly to milk chocolate or white chocolate.
Try Different Brands
Similarly, some brands of chocolate might be more likely to cause sneezing than others.
This could be due to differences in the ingredients used, the processing methods, or other factors.
So, if you’re really determined to enjoy chocolate without sneezing, it might be worth experimenting with different types and brands to see if there are any that don’t trigger your symptoms.
Lastly
So it’s not just you.
Chocolate making you sneeze is real, but there are ways to manage the symptoms.
Whether you choose to avoid certain chocolate altogether, or opt for an anti-histamine or two, I hope you’re able to continue enjoying this sweet treat without any sneezing interruptions!
Related guides you may want to read:
- Chocolate Makes Me Cough • Why & What You Can Do •
- Chocolate Makes Me Feel Sick • Why & What You Can Do •
- Chocolate Makes Me Sleepy • Why & What You Can Do •
- Chocolate Makes Me Poop • Why & What You Can Do •
Hello, I’m Matthew, a candy expert and enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the candy industry. My passion for candy started at a very young age. Since then, I have worked in numerous, large candy stores, and have been fortunate enough to try out hundreds of brands of candies, different types and flavors. In addition to my work, I enjoy sharing my extensive knowledge with others, and decided to create Sugar Stand in order to do so. My mission is to make the world a sweeter place, one candy at a time.
