My Favorite Things for Nickel and Iron Oxide Allergy

Whew! What a week!  I just finished my first FULL WEEK of teaching Kindergarten (this year). Trying to get 23 four and five year olds how to be "civil" students is quite a huge task.  I never get used to the start of the school year in Kindergarten.  It truly makes me think of herding cats!





"How are we gonna get all these situations?"

Oh, Sorry!! I am off topic.
Yes, that is how my mind has been running all week.

I Decided To Think Of My Favorite Things 

For Nickel and Iron Oxide Allergies 

Naturally Nickel Free Jewelry

Donna Jo Wallace is the artist who creates earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and charms that are nickel-free.  Donna even offers custom design jewelry pieces.  She made custom earring charms for me, which I LOVE!

 

 

100 Percent Pure

I love the Fruit Pigmented Cosmetics offered by 100 Percent Pure! God was good to me in advance of my diagnosis of nickel allergy.  This site appeared in my Facebook news feed a couple of weeks before my allergy testing. I am so grateful that I now have some cosmetics I can wear.
NOTE: If you have exclusively nickel allergy, cosmetics may not be an allergy trigger for you.  But if you have IRON OXIDE allergies, like I do, you need to find alternatives to the big name cosmetics, as well as to the "natural" brands.

 I use Fig eyeshadow, which also can serve as my liner.  And Champagne is my lighter color.

I enjoy the Pomegranate lip glaze.  It is a bit light, but when I use a lip liner, it is just right. The circle sample makes it look more pink than it actually is. These lip glazes so NOT have the lasting power of regular lip sticks or glazes.  Sorry!  

 

 

 

 

Herbatint Hair Color

When I realized my Nickel/Iron Oxide Allergy was impacted by the hair color that I use each month, I was horrified.  I could not imagine going without coloring my hair! Even most of the "natural" hair coloring products include Iron Oxide.  So when my friend Terrie, the health food store owner, told me about Herbatint, I was very interested, but leery. I wasn't sure this product could do the job. 

I was extremely surprised at how wonderful Herbatint did the job! I wouldn't go back to the traditional hair color now, even IF I could! Even my beautician commented on the improvement of the condition of my hair, now that I am using Herbatint.  I get many more compliments on the shiny look it gives my hair.  

 

The Grain Brain by Dr. Perlmutter

Renowned neurologist David Perlmutter, MD, blows the lid off a topic that’s been buried in medical literature for far too long: carbs are destroying your brain. And not just unhealthy carbs, but even healthy ones like whole grains can cause dementia, ADHD, anxiety, chronic headaches, depression, and much more. Dr. Perlmutter explains what happens when the brain encounters common ingredients in your daily bread and fruit bowls, why your brain thrives on fat and cholesterol, and how you can spur the growth of new brain cells at any age. He offers an in-depth look at how we can take control of our “smart genes” through specific dietary choices and lifestyle habits, demonstrating how to remedy our most feared maladies without drugs.

My Kineseologist/Chiro recommended that I read this book after I told him about my diagnosis of Nickel and Iron Oxide allergy.  The basic reason is because this allergy is likely a result of inflammation of the brain due to gluten and too much sugar.  Perlmutter also writes about the importance of getting a LOT more healthy fats into our diet to promote health.

After eating Gluten-Free for 5 months, many of my most extreme areas of inflammation have cleared up tremendously!  I hope to continue a Gluten-Free diet from now on.


I have met quite a few other Nickel allergy sufferers who also discovered that Gluten-free living helps with their symptoms. So I am not alone.  In fact, I decided to focus on Gluten-free eating versus the Nickel Avoidance Diet.
Read more about my story toward Gluten-Free living here.

Note: I am STILL going to try to avoid touching items with high Nickel and Iron Oxide content.

Pamela's Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies

I know, I know!  These are NOT sugar-free.  But when I need a cookie and chocolate fix, these do just fine!

Coco Roons (Costco) 

Oh........My...........Gosh!!!! These are just so good!

Ugly Gloves

When I just can't avoid touching nickel, I still enjoy my gloves.  These gloves allow me to handle paper, turn pages, pick up pens, write, and so on.  I just can't answer my cell phone, or work on the computer keyboard with them.  But they work just fine when I need them.

OK, I guess I've cheered myself up by thinking of my favorite things.  Maybe I need to burst into song..............

Detox Plans #1 and 2 for Nickel Heavy Metals

For some people struggling with nickel allergy, all that is needed to stay "clean" is to avoid skin contact with jewelry, kitchen utensils, zippers and metal buttons.


But those with more severe nickel allergies have to also avoid nickel exposure in their diet.  Either way, avoiding nickel exposure requires a lot of thought about how you live and what you touch.


I try to avoid many foods that are known to contain a lot of nickel .  But every so often, I'm in a position where I just cannot avoid it. For instance, we are eating dinner at a friend's house and several of the foods served contain a lot of nickel.  Most likely, I'm going to eat the food and suffer later.


When doctors told me there really weren't any pills I could take to get rid of the nickel in my gut and body, I decided to look toward more natural treatments.  Heavy metal detox techniques seemed to be the path I needed to take.

Is there anything I can do to get a nickel detox?

There are a couple of safe and easy ways to remove heavy metals by using natural supplements and foods. PLEASE NOTE that most detox techniques for heavy metals focus upon mercury, lead, and aluminum. Nickel commonly is not listed. But when I checked a bit further I found this:

Nickel (Ni) is a nasty toxic metal and a known carcinogen. It is one of the metals we see most commonly in toxicity tests
 Doctor Myhill 

In terms of degree of interest, the chief heavy metals of note in the environmental science literature are lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, zinc, silver.

The Encyclopedia of the Earth

  Detox Chelation Plan #1

Chelation is a very effective way to treat heavy-metal poisoning. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved prescription chelation therapy for the treatment of lead poisoning.
http://www.webmd.com/balance/tc/chelation-therapy-topic-overview


Until recently, all chelation was a formal medical procedure, usually supervised by a doctor but sometimes carried out by dentists. But recent research has revealed a more natural way to perform chelation.This detox plan uses  cilantro, also called coriander or Chinese parsley.

A  researcher named Dr. Yoshiaki Omura discovered that some patients excreted more toxic metals after consuming a Chinese soup containing cilantro, the leafy part of coriander, an herb whose seed is a familiar culinary spice in African, Middle Eastern, and Indian cooking. In China, cilantro is called Chinese parsley, and it is used mainly as a garnish rather than seasoning.  Cilantro is also common in some Italian dishes. It is a member of the carrot family and has a distinct taste that most people either love or hate.
http://www.kitchendoctor.com/herbs/cilantro.php

Cilantro is best used in conjunction with chlorella because it, “mobilizes more toxins than it can carry out of the body, it may flood the connective tissue (where the nerves reside) with metals, that were previously stored in safer hiding places.” This can cause retoxificaiton if another binding agent isn’t used to help rid the body of the heavy metals that are ‘found’ in their hiding places throughout the body.

http://naturalsociety.com/proper-heavy-metal-chelation-cilantro-chlorella/

 

Cilantro offers chelation benefits:

• Highly effective metal toxin binding agent and mobilizer.
• Powerful anti-inflammatory.
• Antibacterial.
• Increases HDL cholesterol and decreases LDL.
• Prevents gas and bloating.
• Wards off urinary tract infections.
• Eases hormonal swings during menopause and menstruation.
• Can reduce nausea.
• Adds fiber to the digestive tract – an effective bulking agent.
• Fights anemia with high levels of iron, and magnesium.
• Reduces minor swelling.
• Promotes liver health.
• Can be used as an expectorant.

 

 

Dr. Mercola suggests combining cilantro chelation with other supplements :

 Cilantro alone often does not remove mercury from the body; it often only displaces the metals form intracellularly or from deeper body stores to more superficial structures, from where it can be easier removed with the previously described agents.

 

 

The properties of chlorella lend themselves nicely to aiding cilantro for detoxifying the body:

• Chlorella is antiviral.
• It binds to dioxins and other environmental toxins.
• It repairs the body’s detoxification functions.
• Improves glutathione – the bodies ‘master’ antioxidant.
• Binds to heavy metals exceptionally well.
• Alpha and gamma lineolic acids in chlorella help increase the intake of fish oil and other important fatty acids.
• Methyl-coblolamine repairs the nervous system and damaged neurons which often suffer from heavy metal poisoning.
• Chlorella contains the most easily absorbed form of B12 and B6.
• Chlorella is high in amino acids, and thus ideal for vegetarians.
• Chlorella is able to open cell walls, which is necessary for detox processes.
• Chlorella restores healthy gut flora.
• Chlorella is still being studied for its detoxifying effects, since science cannot fully understand how it has developed over millions of years to be so effective in ridding the body of unwanted substances.
• This PDF describes very specific chelation dosing when using chlorella.

 Dr. Mercola supports the use of chlorella in chelation:

Chlorella is an important part of the systemic mercury elimination program, as approximately 90% of the mercury is eliminated through the stool. Using large doses of chlorella facilitates fecal mercury excretion. After the intestinal mercury burden is lowered, mercury will more readily migrate into the intestine from other body tissues from where chlorella will effectively remove it.

Chlorella is not tolerated by about one-third of people due to gastrointestinal distress. Chitosan can be effectively used as an alternative in these individuals. Chitosan makes up most of the hull of insects shellfish and also bind metals like mercury from the lumen of the intestines.

 

Detox Chelation Plan #2

Dr. David Williams has used natural chelation treatment extensively.  He suggests consuming at least 1/4 cup of tightly-packed fresh cilantro stems and leaves per day during a detox.

Since cilantro may release more heavy metals than the body can efficiently remove, and to prevent any metals from being deposited in the colon, I also recommend using a form of calcium bentonite clay called Pascalite. While using the cilantro for a detox period of two weeks, take 1 to 2 teaspoons of Pascalite mixed with water three times a day between meals.
 http://www.drdavidwilliams.com/cilantro-clay-for-detoxification/

Please note, just be sure your magnesium levels are high before starting any serious chelation program, since this trace mineral helps to promote ‘relaxed’ arteries and can make elimination of toxins easier on the body.

http://naturalsociety.com/proper-heavy-metal-chelation-cilantro-chlorella/

Check back for my next post showing two more ways to detox and help with your nickel allergy.

Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below.  I have a Facebook page and you can find me on Twitter. Follow my Nickel Allergies board on Pinterest.

Zendocrine essential oil blend supports the body’s natural ability to rid itself of unwanted substances. This powerful blend combines Rosemary, Cilantro, and Juniper Berry, known for their detoxifying properties and ability to support healthy liver function, while Tangerine and Geranium have purifying effects against unhealthy substances. Zendocrine helps cleanse the body of toxins and free radicals that can slow the body’s systems down, leaving a heavy, weighted feeling. - See more at: http://doterrablog.com/essential-oil-spotlight-zendocrine-detoxification-blend/#sthash.Ri6RluEI.dpuf

Zendocrine essential oil blend supports the body’s natural ability to rid itself of unwanted substances. This powerful blend combines Rosemary, Cilantro, and Juniper Berry, known for their detoxifying properties and ability to support healthy liver function, while Tangerine and Geranium have purifying effects against unhealthy substances. Zendocrine helps cleanse the body of toxins and free radicals that can slow the body’s systems down, leaving a heavy, weighted feeling. - See more at: http://doterrablog.com/essential-oil-spotlight-zendocrine-detoxification-blend/#sthash.Ri6RluEI.dpuf

Zendocrine essential oil blend supports the body’s natural ability to rid itself of unwanted substances. This powerful blend combines Rosemary, Cilantro, and Juniper Berry, known for their detoxifying properties and ability to support healthy liver function, while Tangerine and Geranium have purifying effects against unhealthy substances. Zendocrine helps cleanse the body of toxins and free radicals that can slow the body’s systems down, leaving a heavy, weighted feeling. - See more at: http://doterrablog.com/essential-oil-spotlight-zendocrine-detoxification-blend/#sthash.Ri6RluEI.dpuf

Diet and Nickel Allergy

Nickel In Food

Food is considered to be a major source of nickel exposure for the general population. Nickel content in food varies considerably from place to place due to the difference in nickel content of the soil. 

 

However, certain foods are predictably high in nickel content. When a nickel-sensitive person  eats  foods that are high in nickel content, it can provoke dermatitis.  A person with nickel allergy can improve dermatitis responses by making a concentrated effort to reduce the amount of nickel content in his diet. Reducing daily nickel content in food will make a positive impact dermatitis and allergic responses

      http://csironewsblog.com/tag/nickel/

Nickel is found in soil, water, air and in the biosphere. The concentration of nickel normally encountered is as follows:

Soil 5-500 grams (may be higher locally)

Plant tissue 0.5-5 grams (may be higher locally)

Animal tissue 0.1-5 grams

Fresh water 5-100 grams per litre

         Relationship Between Nickel and Diet


                       

Land plant tissue contains four times more nickel than that of animal tissues. This is because most of the human food that comprises both plants and animals acquire their nutrition from soil; therefore, the nickel content of food is strongly influenced by the concentration of nickel in the soil. The concentration of nickel in the soil varies from place to place. Some of the important factors that influence the concentration of nickel in soil are: 1.Type of soil

2.Use of modern agricultural practices such as the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides

 3.Contamination of soil with industrial effluents and urban wastes

 4.Distance of the soil from the nickel smelters

Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology

http://flipper.diff.org/app./items/info/5325

 

Foods That Are High In Nickel Content

Whole wheat, whole grain, rye, oat, millet, buckwheat, cocoa, chocolate, tea, gelatin, baking powder, soy products, red kidney beans, legumes: peas, lentils, peanut, soya beans and chickpeas, dried fruits, canned foods, beverages, strong licorice, and certain vitamin supplements

                Other foods containing considerable amount of nickel

Beer, red wine, mackerel, tuna, herring and shellfish, sunflower seeds, linseeds, hazelnuts, marzipan, walnuts, tomatoes, onion, raw carrots

Implementing a Low-Nickel Diet

Nickel is a  trace metal that is found everywhere. You must face the fact that nickel cannot be completely avoided from your diet. However, careful selection of foods that are relatively low in nickel concentration can bring a reduction in the total dietary intake of nickel per day.

1. Avoid all foods that are routinely high in nickel content
2. Avoid all drinks, vitamin supplements & canned food with high nickel content. Nickel from the can may raise the nickel content of the food.
3. Since animal tissues generally contain less nickel than plant tissues, make sure to eat plenty of animal protein. Meat, poultry & eggs are suitable for low nickel diet.Most fish can be included in a low-nickel diet (except tuna, herring, shellfish, salmon and mackerel).
4. Milk products, such as butter, cheese, curd and cottage cheese
   are low in nickel.
5. Nickel content of cereals is low. Rice (polished), refined wheat or corn (corn flakes, macaroni, etc.) are allowed.
6. Eat vegetables such as potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, & cucumber. Use onion and garlic in moderation. Green leafy vegetables may be eaten sparingly due to the possibility of high concentration of nickel.
7. Fruits: Apples (may eat 3-4 times per week), oranges (may eat 3-4 times per week), bananas (may be eaten 1 time per week).
8. Tea and coffee may be consumed in weaker concentration, these beverages can be taken in moderation (up to 2 cups a day).
9. While cooking, the following things have to be considered:
   
   (a) Nickel-plated utensils should not be used and should be replaced. Acidic food should not be cooked in stainless steel utensils as the acids may lead to the dissociation nickel from the the utensils and it may increase the nickel content of the food.
   
   (b) The initial water flow from the tap in the morning should not be drunk or used for cooking as nickel may be released from the tap during night.

http://flipper.diff.org/app./items/info/5325

So once you start to look at the numbers and the list of foods that contain high amounts of nickel, it becomes clear how important diet is to reducing dermatitis and nickel allergy symptoms.  

The biggest challenge is to remember the various foods that are high in nickel content, so you can make dietary decisions easily throughout your daily routines.  (THAT is what has been my biggest challenge!)

Grain Brain and Skin Allergies

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.

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.

 The other hang up I'm overcoming is the big reduction in white sugar and high fructose syrup.  I eat pretty healthy, but sugar is my area of weakness. 

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!

The Basics: Foods with Nickel

 When you are diagnosed with severe nickel allergy,  it is important to seriously consider using a nickel-free, nickel-avoidance diet. 

When I first heard the diagnosis of having a nickel allergy, I thought, "No big deal. Just avoid wearing cheap jewelry." But nickel is also found in the foods we eat and affected by the way we prepare it. YIKES!

I have been heavily doing my research to learn which foods have a high content of nickel. Every website has different foods and conflicting information.  The list of items below is based upon a nickel allergy flyer my dermatologist gave me:

Severely allergic individuals may choose to avoid foods which are rich in nickel. Dietary intake of some foods has been shown to aggravate dermatitis, especially hand dermatitis.  Your doctor may instruct you to avoid some foods which typically contain higher amounts of nickel, including asparagus, chocolate, peanuts, beans, peas, rhubarb, cabbage, oysters, spinach, herring, tea,  mushrooms, whole meal flour, pears, sprouts, corn, raisins, onions, tomatoes, and baking powder.

Wow! Some of those items are biggies that show up frequently in my diet: chocolate, beans, cabbage,  tea, onions, and tomatoes.

Image from http://jeanetteshealthyliving.com

nonickel.com provided the following 

list of foods to avoid for nickel allergy:

Grains:   Whole wheat bread, multi grain breads, multi grain cereals, wheat bran, wheat germ, whole wheat pasta, oats, oatmeal, buckwheat, seeds, rye, millet

Vegetables:  Beans, lentils, peas, soy products (tofu, soy sauce, soy beans) sprouts, brussel sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, canned vegetables, red kidney beans, chickpeas, cabbage, corn, mushrooms, onions, carrots
Fruits:  Canned fruit cocktail, pears, bananas, canned fruits, tomatoes, raisins, rhubarb, dried fruit

Meats:  Shellfish, herring, mackerel, tuna, processed meats with fillers or coatings, canned meats and fish

Beverages:  Tea, chocolate milk, beer, red wine 

OTHER SOURCES OF DIETARY NICKEL TO AVOID:

• Chocolate and cocoa powder (especially dark chocolate)
• All nuts (walnuts, peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, soy nuts)
• All seeds (sunflower seeds, linseed) 
• Licorice
• Baking powder
• Gelatin 
• Marzipan 
• Margarine 
• Commercial salad dressings
• Vitamins containing nickel
• Canned foods in general
• Stainless-steel cooking vessels used for cooking acidic foods
• The first quart of tap water drawn from any faucet in the morning.  

WAYS TO PREVENT YOUR BODY FROM ABSORBING THE NICKEL YOU EAT

• Take a vitamin C supplement with each meal.
• Eat a high iron diet

>>I'm still researching the "high iron diet". Often those types of foods are on the avoidance list. And isn't iron what I'm trying to avoid?

Penn State Hershey Dermatology published the following tips to help with nickel allergy:

 Various food items and drinks can aggravate nickel dermatitis even though the nickel content of these foods may be low. These include beer,wine (in particular, red wine), herring, mackerel, tuna, tomato, onion, carrot, and certain fruits, in particular, apples and citrus fruits (juice). These vegetables can usually be tolerated when cooked.

The first liter of water taken from the tap in the morning should not be used in food preparation, as nickel may be released from the tap during the night. Nickel-plated kitchen utensils, such as egg beaters and tea balls, should be replaced.

Acid foods such as stewed fruits and rhubarb cooked in stainless steel utensils should be avoided. The acids in the foods can cause nickel to be released from the utensils. Canned foods should be eaten only in moderation.

Hand dermatitis that is affected by nickel in food will also be made worse by other conditions. Prolonged physical contact with nickel-plated items should be avoided. Other substances that can irritate sensitive skin, such as soapy water, household cleaning agents, raw fruits and vegetables, garden soil, and oil products used in repair work, should also be avoided.

Honestly, I haven't moved into the kitchen tool replacement at this point. If I do it, I will try to avoid nickel exposure in my foods, versus avoiding hand contact with tools containing nickel. It all depends on how your body is reacting with your  nickel allergy. Since I am already washing my hands frequently, avoiding touching my face, and my eyes seem to react the most, touching nickel in kitchen tools is not my biggest area of concern.

Other resources:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/314347-low-nickel-diet/

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

http://www.melisa.org/metals-disease/metals/nickel/

 

 

Having a nickel allergy involves a lot of research, financial investment, and thought. But once the learning curve is over, I hope it will be a regular part of life.

I would love to hear about your experiences with having a nickel allergy. Please leave comments below.

Valentine's Day & Nickel Allergies

I love Valentine's Day! It is full of cards, 

notes, flowers, candy, and love! 

It is really important to make sure you don't cause a flare up of allergic reactions on this special day. Here is a reminder of common Valentine's gifts that are a problem for someone with nickel allergies: 

• Chocolate 
• Nuts 

But of course, I can ALWAYS eat these for Valentines!

Many kinds of lower priced jewelry will probably contain nickel. So make sure to get highest grade of gold, white gold, sterling silver.  Also shop for "nickel-free" jewelry.

 

So What Kinds of Gifts CAN I Have At Valentines'?

Sweets: Caramels, taffy, hard candies, jellies

Jewelry: Aluminum, Titanium, Platinum, possibly Nobium

Valentine's Dinner often includes some food items to avoid: 

• Raspberries 
• Multi-grain breads 
• Fish 
• Lettuce 
• Black tea Coffee 

 Wine and Beer can also aggravate a nickel allergy if other listed foods are  eaten. 

 

So What CAN We Eat For Dinner?

Steak or Chicken

Potatoes (baked/mashed) OR White Rice (moderate portion)

Pasta with fresh marinara sauce

Asparagus

Berries (any except raspberries)

Soft drinks

Tea, coffee, wine, beer (all OK IF the rest of the menu is nickel free)

 

 

And remember to be careful for an allergic reaction by kissing someone who has made contact with nickel...you really want to prevent a "kissing allergy". If the other person has braces, metal dental work, or has been sipping from a stainless steel container, an allergic reaction could occur.

Here is my Valentine, my love of my life!

The Basics: Where to Start...I'm Overwhelmed By Nickel Allergies

"You have a SEVERE nickel allergy."

 The dermatologist's words didn't make a full impact for a few minutes. My thoughts were, "Ok, no big deal. I avoid cheap jewelry, so I'm good." As the doctor talked in greater depth, I came to realize that I probably touch nickel every single waking minute of the day. I've been applying nickel and iron oxide to my face every day, plastering it on my hair every month, and the list goes on! 

  The dermatologist's advice:

The diagnosis is the easy part. Now comes the hard part. You will have to become Sherlock Holmes to figure out all the ways you are exposing yourself to nickel daily. Your response shows that you are getting exposed daily. So look for all the items you are touching at home an in your classroom, like scissors, doorknobs, keys, and so on.

And thinking of home... pots, pans, doorknobs, silverware, the dog bowl, leash, faucets, on and on there, too! Nickel Allergies are going to be a pain!





I think I missed about 1/3 of what the dermatologist said, because my mind was fast forwarding through a typical day at home and in my Kindergarten classroom. OH MY GOSH! This is a big hairy deal! The impact on my Nickel allergies really pop up everywhere!

The dermatologist's explanation went on:

Most likely your biggest exposure happens with your hands. The skin on the hands is tough and pretty resilient to irritants. The problem comes in when your hands perspire and then you touch your face. This is what has been irritating your eyes, causing the chronic conjunctivitis and ocular rosacea to appear.

There you have it. After two years of seeing numerous eye specialists, living on steroid eye drops that risk glaucoma in the future, pink eyes, tears, and ugliness. The answer at last....nickel allergies. Some friends respond, "Well, at least you now have an answer." Some days, I'm not so sure I wanted an answer like this.



I'm not proud of how I look without makeup.  But this is why we are here, right?  If you look carefully, you can see the rosacea on my cheeks and all the ways it affects my eyes.  I hate it!!!!







So in the last two weeks I have ditched my makeup,and started researching alternative sources of makeup. Even my reliable and "natural" Bare Escentuals items have Iron Oxide (that is one of the other names for nickel). Makeup is a tough area for nickel allergies. Iron Oxide/Nickel is the ingredient that makes the colors darker.  Even the light colors have Iron Oxide.   The items are on order and will arrive next week. I'll be writing about my adventures in mixing my own makeup in the very near future.



My hair color is another big problem.  There's enough gray hair that I must touch up color every 4 weeks (and that is stretching it about a week too long). Iron Oxide/nickel is included in hair color, too. I've ordered some alternative hair color, and will write about that adventure soon, too.



So needless to say, I'm feeling fairly ugly these days.  Let me admit that I'm moderately vain about my looks.  I've always felt I wanted to do my best with what I've got... makeup and hair color were part of what made me feel best.  This is going to be a learning process.



I'd love to hear from you. If you have any tips or products to recommend, let me know.  I'm open to new ideas. I'm always up for new adventures. But this Nickel Allergy, Iron Oxide Allergy is NOT an adventure I'd recommend.