Thanksgiving and the Low Nickel Diet

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. - Nov. 20, 2013 - PRLog -- There is a growing concern among nickel allergy sufferers that the nickel in foods may be exacerbating their contact dermatitis and eczema symptoms.  As dermatologists continue their research into the role of diet in controlling nickel allergy problems, the public sees considerable conflicting information.

It appears that for a small subset of people who have contact dermatitis problems, a low nickel diet can help.  Determining the foods that contain nickel may be somewhat more difficult.  NoNickel owners Michael and Lea Dow recommend that anyone who wants to pursue a nickel allergy diet contact a physician for current advice along with other treatment options.

Recent studies implicate some favorite Thanksgiving foods as containing significant amounts of nickel.  The good news is that turkey is not on the list!  Meats and poultry contain low levels of nickel are considered safe foods on a low nickel diet.  The traditional Christmas ham has also gotten the all clear on nickel content.

Oyster stuffing may not get a green light, as oysters are considered to have a medium level of nickel.  The grains in that dressing score even higher on the nickel scale.  In addition, foods that are canned or subject to processing are typically higher in nickel due to their exposure to the nickel in the metals they contact.

A study done by MELISA reports that the levels of nickel in soil make the difference as to whether the crop grown in that soil will be high or low in nickel content.  Foods grown in India, where much research has been done on the relationship of nickel to contact dermatitis, may be much higher or lower in nickel than the same foods grown in the United States.  Examples of foods showing a high nickel content regardless of the soil content include:  grains such as whole wheat, rye, oat, millet, and buckwheat, legumes including peas, lentils, peanuts, soya beans, and chickpeas, soy products, canned foods, and dried fruits.

Michael Dow suggests that most people can tolerate a day of “forbidden foods” on the low nickel diet, so Thanksgiving should be a time of relaxing with family and friends rather than trying to up the nickel content on the table.  However, if one’s allergist or dermatologist recommends following this diet, there are lots of low nickel options.   Studies generally concur that cheese, milk, yogurt, beets, spinach, apples, and strawberries are among the many low nickel options.  Other studies recommend eating a diet high in iron and supplementing with vitamin C to reduce the absorption of nickel in the body.

As the gift-giving season approaches, it may be an excellent time to take a look at the nickel-free products offered by NoNickel.com.  It is now easier than ever to live comfortably with nickel allergy.   The years of experience gained by NoNickel owners shows readily in their concern for customers’ health.  While some companies may offer “nickel-free” products, buyers can attest to the fact that only the protective coating is nickel free and often the product is poorly made and short-lived.  NoNickel prides itself on offering high quality products, with each batch tested for even minute concentrations of nickel.

With many new products, along with the invaluable “Detect and Protect"  Nickel Solution™ Kit,  NoNickel is ready to assist nickel allergy sufferers begin a nickel free life for the new year.  The number one step is to find the sources of nickel through Nickel Alert™, then to protect the skin from that nickel with Nickel Guard™.   This kit is truly a must-have product for anyone who is impaired by nickel allergy rashes.

To learn more about nickel allergy, a visit to the NoNickel website will address many typical questions.  The "Introduction to Nickel Allergy," along with several articles and a nickel allergy blog, provides an excellent learning opportunity.  NoNickel also takes the extra step by educating their public on the types of materials used in their nickel-free products.

Among the new nickel free belt selections are many that have been handcrafted in the USA from genuine leather.  These handmade nickel free belts offer comfort and a unique style for men, women, and teens.

As jewelry is a top seller at the holidays, NoNickel employs a jewelry artist who designs and produces gorgeous earrings and bracelets that come with the guarantee to never cause a nickel allergy rash.  Their watch selection for men and women has been tested and is Certified Nickel Safe™.  Though these products contain stainless steel, it is so tightly bound that it will never test positive for nickel and won’t cause those uncomfortable itchy nickel rashes.

Controlling nickel allergy symptoms is a great start to enjoying the holiday season.  A visit to an allergist or dermatologist, along with the many products and current information from NoNickel.com, are perfect ways to kick off a nickel-free new year.