OK.... Today's post seems unrelated to nickel allergies and contact skin dermatitis. But hang in there.
A few weeks ago, I had an appointment with my Kineseologist/Chiropractor. I told him of my recent diagnosis of having nickel and iron oxide allergies. His response....
"You don't have nickel allergy, you have symptoms of Grain Brain."
I thought a moment, and got the basic idea of what he was saying. The doctor recommended that I read The Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter.
So before I bought the book, I looked it up on YouTube (where the highest quality research results are available, right?) :)
Great interview, great information! So then I bought the book.
Take a look at some of the concepts Dr. Perlmutter uses and how this relates to contact dermatitis and nickel allergy:
“Inflammation, which you know by now is the cornerstone of many brain disorders, can be initiated when the immune system reacts to a substance in a person’s body. When antibodies of the immune system come into contact with a protein or antigen to which a person is allergic, the inflammatory cascade is provoked, releasing a whole host of damaging chemicals known as cytokines. Gluten sensitivity in particular is caused by elevated levels of antibodies against the gliadin component of gluten. When the antibody combines with this protein (creating an anti-gliadin antibody), specific genes are turned on in a special type of immune cell in the body. Once these genes are activated, inflammatory cytokine chemicals collect and can attack the brain. Cytokines are highly antagonistic to the brain, damaging tissue and leaving the brain vulnerable to dysfunction and disease — especially if the assault continues.”
"At the root of the problem? That sticky wheat protein, gluten. Although the jury is still out on the connections between gluten sensitivity and behavioral or psychological issues, we do know a few facts: People with celiac disease may be at increased risk for developmental delay, learning difficulties, tic disorders, and ADHD.6 Depression and anxiety are often severe in patients with gluten sensitivity. This is primarily due to the cytokines that block production of critical brain neurotransmitters like serotonin, which is essential in regulating mood. With the elimination of gluten and often dairy, many patients have been freed from not just their mood disorders but other conditions caused by an overactive immune system, like allergies and arthritis. As many as 45 percent of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have gastrointestinal problems. Although not all gastrointestinal symptoms in ASD result from celiac disease, data shows an increased prevalence of celiac in pediatric cases of autism, compared to the general pediatric population. The good news is that we can reverse many of the symptoms of neurological, psychological, and behavioral disorders just by going gluten-free and adding supplements like DHA and probiotics to our diet.”
Am I Eager and Ready For This New Lifestyle?
Truthfully? Yes and no. I'm eager for the results. There are so many benefits that have long lasting implications, that I know my husband and I BOTH need this.
Am I ready to start? Umm.....not that much. I am usually very quick to start a new eating plan. I usually read the book in a couple of days and then start the plan.
Am I ready to start? Umm.....not that much. I am usually very quick to start a new eating plan. I usually read the book in a couple of days and then start the plan.
But with The Grain Brain, I find I have been reading it very slowly. I realized I have been dragging my feet. Because once I'm finished reading, I am fully accountable. I know I need it, but I don't want to do it.
My cousins have Celiac's Disease. They live the gluten free lifestyle. I know a bit about how challenging this lifestyle can be.
I've gone grain free before. It can be done, but is not fun. I LIKE grains! But I will start this plan with the thought that it is a lifestyle.
Well, I'm just about finished reading the book. Then our eating plan begins.
I'm really hoping for some z big improvements in my eye issues. The doctor said if I enact this plan, I should see improvements in 3-8 months. That is worth the try.
At the very least, I KNOW I will lose weight. So let's see!
