1. Caffeine and Theobromine:
Stimulant effects: Caffeine and theobromine are stimulants that can increase heart rate and blood pressure. This can be problematic for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, high blood pressure, or anxiety disorders.
Interactions with stimulant drugs: Combining cacao with other stimulant medications (like those for ADHD) or with other substances that stimulate the nervous system (e.g., ephedrine) may increase the risk of serious side effects such as high blood pressure and heart complications.
Interference with sedatives and certain seizure medications: Cacao's stimulant properties may counteract the intended effects of sedatives and certain seizure medications.
2. Tyramine:
Interaction with MAOIs: Cacao contains tyramine, an amino acid that can interact dangerously with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a class of antidepressants. This interaction can lead to a hypertensive crisis, a sudden and dangerous increase in blood pressure.
3. Flavonoids:
Potential interaction with blood thinners: The flavonoids in cacao can have a mild anticoagulant effect, which may enhance the action of blood-thinning medications (like warfarin or aspirin), increasing the risk of bleeding.
4. Diuretic effect of Theobromine:
Interaction with diuretics: Theobromine has a diuretic effect, increasing urine production. Combining cacao with diuretic medications may increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance, such as dangerously low potassium levels.
5. Other potential interactions:
Antidepressants (SSRIs and others): Cacao can interact with other antidepressants, potentially affecting serotonin levels and leading to serotonin syndrome.
Asthma medications: The caffeine in cacao can stimulate the heart, and combining it with certain asthma medications that have similar stimulating effects may cause excessive stimulation and heart problems.
**Ultimately, please consult your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about consuming pure cacao. By choosing to drink cacao at the retreat, I will assume you’ve done your due diligence and determined it is safe for you.