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Who should not eat dark chocolate?

Consuming large amounts of dark chocolate can lead to an increased heart rate, diarrhea, anxiety, irritability, nervousness, and dehydration. Caffeine can also cause an increase in blood pressure and difficulty in focus or concentration.

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Dark chocolate has 60 percent or more cocoa than milk chocolate. According to Clemson University, dark chocolate can provide health benefits that other types of chocolate cannot. Dark chocolate may help to lower your blood pressure if you have hypertension, increase your HDL "good" cholesterol, decrease your LDL "bad" cholesterol and improve your mood and sense of well-being by increasing your serotonin and endorphin levels. Although this may make you want to run out and buy a dark chocolate candy bar, dark chocolate has some health risks that you should be aware of.

Side Effects from Caffeine

According to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, dark chocolate has higher caffeine content than both milk chocolate and white chocolate. Consuming large amounts of dark chocolate can lead to an increased heart rate, diarrhea, anxiety, irritability, nervousness, and dehydration. Caffeine can also cause an increase in blood pressure and difficulty in focus or concentration. Caffeine can cause insomnia so you should avoid eating dark chocolate before you go to sleep. If you are sensitive to caffeine or if you have high blood pressure, you should avoid consuming large amounts of dark chocolate.

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Kidney Stones

Dark chocolate may increase your changes of having kidney stones. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, dark chocolate has oxalates in it. This can cause an increase in urinary oxalate excretion, which can increase your risk of forming kidney stones. If you are predisposed to kidney stone formation or if you have had a kidney stone in the past, then it is important for you to avoid oxalate consumption in its various forms, including dark chocolate.

Migraine Headaches

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center and Clemson University, dark chocolate may trigger the symptoms of a migraine. Dark chocolate contains a natural chemical called tyramine. Tyramine is thought to possibly trigger the migraine headaches, but further studies are needed to understand this relationship better. Dark chocolate is also high in sugar and can significantly raise your blood sugar levels. According to Harvard University, high blood sugar or hyperglycemia can trigger migraine headaches, as well. If you experience migraine headaches, dark chocolate may be a food that you should avoid.

Dark Chocolate is High in Sugar

Dark chocolate has a significant amount of saturated fat and sugar. According to Clemson University, a single ounce of dark chocolate is 150 calories, with the majority of calories coming from fat and sugar. Excess fat and sugar consumption can add inches to your waistline and increase your risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Clemson notes, however, dark chocolate is much more healthful than white chocolate or milk chocolate. Although dark chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants, it is only recommended in moderation because it is such a calorie-dense food.

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Can you live a long life after prostate cancer?

You can live a long time with prostate cancer. If you catch and treat it early, you might even be able to cure it. Staying as healthy as possible plays an important role.

Life goes on after a prostate cancer diagnosis , and often for a very long time. If your disease is still in the early stages and you've opted not to treat it, it may have little or even no effect on you. But there may be some adjustments to make to your life during treatment. Here's how you can live well even with prostate cancer .

Changes to Your Sex Life

Sex will be a little different if you have surgery to remove your prostate gland. It means you won’t ejaculate, though you can still have an orgasm. Trouble getting erections or having orgasms is also a risk after an operation or if you have radiation therapy. You can work with your doctor to cut those risks. Start by asking about "nerve-sparing" surgery and more precise radiation therapy. You can ask about the success they've had in protecting other men from these side effects. If you do end up having problems after treatment, you’re not out of luck. Keep in mind that for many men, the problems go away on their own once the body has time to heal. Medications, devices, penile implants, and couples counseling also can make your sex life satisfying again. But most of all, be patient with yourself.

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