chocolate flu

[Limeoutsider]

During the cold and flu season, we normally reach for throat lozengers or cough medicine, but grabbing chocolate never comes to mind. You might view chocolate in a different light now that researches have concluded that it may be more effective in stopping colds than OTC medicine. The ingredient found in cocoa, called theobromine (the very ingredient that's fatal to dogs), has proven more effective than codiene when it comes to stopping persistent coughing. The study also concluded that theobromine has no lasting side effects unlike other drugs which can leave you drowsy.

 

[AffectionateDan]

No WONDER I crave M&M's when I'm sick...

...oh, wait... I ALWAYS crave M&M's. Never mind. 🙄

Does it stipulate that it has to be a certain KIND of chocolate?

 

[BlackmoonDoll]

Interesting!

*Reaches for the bag of hersey kisses*

😀

 

[desdemona]

FYI...

Theobromine is actually a xanthine compound. It's similar to asthma medications such as theophylline - a smooth muscle relaxer that helps open breathing passages. The problem is, it has very narrow therapetic range, meaning it doesn't take a lot for it to be toxic. Higher levels of theobromine are found in dark chocolate or baker's chocolate. Milk chocolate actually contains much lower amounts of this drug. The average 20 pound dog would have to eat 10 candy bars...or a full bag of kisses or M&M's...many will be bringing up the wrappers before they get that far. For more info see this site:

chocolate toxicity in dogs

Toxic signs include: increased heart rate, hyperexcitablity, and seizures.

BTW...caffeine has similar properties. That's why I always say my coffee is therapeutic 🙂

 

[milagros317]

This gives me an excuse to eat more chocolate. 😀 😛
Thank you, Limeoutsider. 😀

 

[AffectionateDan]

BTW...caffeine has similar properties. That's why I always say my coffee is therapeutic 🙂

Ooooo... chocolate coffee. Hmmm! 😀