Episode 220: Nickel Allergies

Ep. 220: Nickel Allergies In this episode, we question an issue Stacy's mom has about nickel allergy. Can an allergy to a metal cause severe systemic dermatitis?

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If you enjoy the show, please review it in iTunes!The Paleo View (TPV), Episode 220: Nickel Allergies

• Intro (0:00)
• News and Views (0:40)
• Simpsons did it.
• As Sarah always says, what's the use of her degree and research acumen if she can't use it to help her friends?
• Our topic today is nickel allergies, thanks to Stacy's mom!
• Are nickel allergies a thing? Not topical allergies, but food allergies to nickel. (4:38)
• Stacy's mom, Carol, has a skin rash that has been around for years, but with no known cause.
• Stacy has been encouraging her to stop eating corn and nightshades
• Carol found an article that linked these kind of allergic reactions to nickel allergies, and they started after she wore a ring that contained nickel.
• Topical nickel allergy is very well established. People have reactions to nickel jewelry and such
• Not well established is systemic nickel allergy, the kind that could happen when you ingest it.
• Nickel is a trace mineral that we do need in small quantities.
• Helps with bones, iron absorption, DNA synthesis and gut microbiome.
• Affects 10-20% of the population
• Some get dermatitis of the hands and feet, some have whole body excema
• If you give people a dose of nickel, they'll react to it, but this is much more than the dietary recommendation
• Some small studies have done elimination diet of nickel with some success.
• There are things you can do to counteract nickel sensitivity. Vitamin C reduces absorption and high phytates as well, though that has its own problems.
• High nickel foods: Grains, beans, fish and seafoods, soy, oatmeal, nuts and almonds, milk, chocolate and canned foods.
• Some of these are from the processing and the growing conditions.
• Systemic nickel hypersensitivity: all the bad things
• Skin issues, GI symptoms, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, headaches, cold sores, respiratory disorders may be linked, but evidence is very scant at this point.
• Some nickel is used in black and red tattoo inks too.
• Cosmetic products and smoking as well.
• Nickel is an extremely common metal as well. Exposure could be from zippers or coins or keys as well.
• Vegetables: Spinach and lettuce and gelatin, but not well established
• And studies are not clear on how many people can be helped by a low nickel diet
• Mom needs to give up the corn. For real.
• Skin barrier function is helped by Vitamin A and D.
• Should you get a tattoo removed? Probably not. Work with a health professional to increase liver and kidney function, then reduce heavy metals in the diet generally and up the Vitamin C
• Outro (31:58)

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