Fiber in chocolate may help with ‘healthier bowel habits’
By Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon
Q. I recently had quintuple bypass surgery. Afterward, I suffered from terrible bouts of constipation.
As part of my search for healthy recipes, I found one for hot cocoa using dark cocoa powder. During recent cold afternoons, I substituted that for my afternoon cup of herbal tea. It is a large tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa with a little honey, mixed with boiling water and topped off with a little no-fat milk.
I noticed that since I started drinking this, my bouts with constipation have eased quite a bit. I’ve seen many articles about the health benefits of cocoa but can’t find anything that mentions constipation. Is the cocoa actually helping my digestive system?
A. Dark chocolate and cocoa are rich in many plant compounds (flavanols, polyphenols, quercetin, epicatechin and theobromine). A surprising amount of research suggests that both cocoa and dark chocolate can make blood vessels more flexible, enhance circulation and improve cardiovascular health (Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, Vol. 61,
Issue 3, 2021).
There are also studies showing that ingredients in cocoa powder can improve memory and cognitive performance (Scientific Reports, Nov.
24, 2020). To our surprise, a study reported that the fiber in cocoa “promotes healthier bowel habits” (Nutrition & Metabolism, April 18, 2012).
Cocoa (and dark chocolate) are good sources of magnesium, which is also useful to ward off constipation.
Q. As a patient in a major university medical center’s respiratory clinic, I was told to take vitamin D at a daily dosage no less than 1,000 IU per day. I don’t have objective data, but I can say that after starting this, I am coping better with the effects of being a COVID-19 “long hauler.”
In addition to vitamin D, the regimen includes vitamin C and zinc picolinate. I’d hate to imagine what my symptoms would be like without these nutrients!
A. There is growing recognition that many people who recover from COVID-19 continue to suffer long-term symptoms. These include fatigue, breathing problems, muscle weakness, trouble sleeping, joint pain, brain fog and loss of taste and smell.
Vitamins C and D plus zinc all are considered important nutrients for immune system function.
Q. I had to be hospitalized and received four units of blood because of a gastrointestinal bleed. The doctors at the hospital think it was caused by taking a baby aspirin every day for the past 10 years. I was following orders from my primary care physician.
Now I’m afraid to take anything. If a baby aspirin could make my hemoglobin drop and require hospitalization, what would a stronger drug do? How can we know if following doctor’s orders will cause problems like this?
A. All medications, including over-thecounter drugs, have the potential to cause side effects. Aspirin and other NSAID-type pain relievers (diclofenac, ibuprofen, meloxicam, naproxen, etc.) can cause stomach irritation and bleeding ulcers.
Always ask your physician about the pros and cons of any drug she prescribes.