What is Nickel Toxicity?
Nickel toxicity refers to the harmful effects that occur when the body is exposed to excessive amounts of nickel, a toxic metal found in various forms such as nickel carbonyl, nickel sulfate, and nickel chloride. This condition can lead to a range of health problems, including allergic contact dermatitis, respiratory issues, and even cancer. Prolonged exposure to nickel can cause the immune system to become sensitized, resulting in a nickel allergy. When this happens, any contact with nickel can trigger an allergic reaction, manifesting as contact dermatitis or other symptoms.
Do you have nickel allergy?
Nickel is a commonly used heavy metal that can cause serious health problems due to nickel toxicity. Nickel toxicity is rarely considered a problem simply because people except the use of this common toxic metal in their every day lives, without understanding the dangers in terms of how it could be affecting their health right now.
Chronic exposure to nickel can lead to severe respiratory conditions like rhinitis, bronchitis, and asthma, and has been linked to increased risks of cancer in the nasopharyngeal and pulmonary regions.
Nickel is found in most homes, we use them in our cooking such as cutlery, pots, pans, it is used to make money such as coins, some dental ware is made from nickel and many common products and machines are made using nickel, even stainless steel has some nickel. What most people don’t know is every time you use nickel products such as in eating with nickel utensils small amounts leech into your food, your mouth and your water, over time this can build up in your body making you sick. So the question is do you have nickel toxicity?
Symptoms of nickel toxicity
Nickel poisoning is often a hidden cause of many un-diagnosed health problems and is often subtle in the way that it causes toxicity, this is because the body can store nickel in your body fat. This is bad news because nickel is attracted to places in the body that use fat such as the brain for example, also being fat soluble means that it can interfere with fat soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, K including essential fatty acids making them unusable by other synergistic nutrients.
Common symptoms of nickel toxicity include:
Dermatitis
Breast pain
Fibromyalgia – painful or inflamed muscles
Cancer
Myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle
Encephalopathy – overall brain disorders, mental health problems
Prostate problems – including prostate cancer
Skin rashes
Headaches
Infertility
Male pattern baldness
Allergic reactions
Pulmonary fibrosis (Scaring of the lungs)
Reduced sperm count
Nasopharyngeal tumors (cancer of head and neck)
Visual disturbances
Nickel allergic contact dermatitis
Nickel contact can lead to allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis.
Additional symptoms of nickel sensitization
As mentioned previously fat soluble vitamins can be adversely effected by toxic levels of nickel, therefore deficiency symptoms of fat soluble vitamins & essential fatty acids can be signs of excess levels of nickel. In addition nickel interferes with an important amino acid called histidine therefore histidine deficiency symptoms can also be signs of nickel toxicity.
It’s important to understand that vitamin & mineral supplementation can NOT resolve nickel toxicity and may cover up symptoms leading to bigger problems. Detoxification of nickel is essential to properly restoring vitamin and amino acid imbalances.
Dermatologists play a crucial role in conducting allergy testing, such as patch tests, to confirm nickel sensitization. This approach aids in developing avoidance strategies and managing related skin conditions, ensuring comprehensive care for those affected by nickel exposure.
Here are some additional symptoms of nickel toxicity:
Vitamin A deficiency – Mouth ulcers, poor night vision, acne, frequent colds or infections, dry flaky skin, dandruff, thrush or cystitis, diarrhea can all be indications of nickel toxicity.
Vitamin D deficiency – Joint pain or stiffness, backache, tooth decay, muscle cramps, hair loss can all be indications of nickel toxicity.
Vitamin E deficiency – Lack of sex drive, exhaustion after light exercise, easy bruising, slow wound healing, varicose veins, loss of muscle tone, infertility can all be indications of nickel toxicity.
Vitamin K deficiency – Easy bleeding, lack of good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Overgrowth of bad bacteria.
Histidine deficiency – poor recovery from illness and injury, allergy reactions, inflamed muscles, painful muscles, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, anemia & kidney failure.
Essential Fatty Acids deficiency – Omega 3, 6, 9 EPA & DHA can be interfered with by nickel toxicity, symptoms combined are extensive however here are the main problems to look for:
Dry skin, eczema, dry hair or dandruff, excessive thirst, excessive sweating, poor memory or learning difficulties, inflammatory health problems e.g. arthritis, high blood lipids, depression, PMS, breast pain, water retention, hair loss, itchy skin, dry eyes, stiff painful joints, craving for fatty foods.
Nickel Allergy and Symptoms
A nickel allergy is a common condition that affects many people, particularly women and children. The symptoms of a nickel allergy can range from mild to severe and may include:
Redness and itching
Blistering and rashes
Dry patches and swelling
Blisters that may break and leave crusts and scales
In severe cases, a nickel allergy can also lead to respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis. If left untreated, the skin may become darker, leathery, and cracked, and may even become infected. Recognizing these symptoms early and avoiding nickel exposure can help manage the condition effectively.
Sources of Nickel Exposure
Nickel is a common metal that can be found in many everyday items, including:
Jewelry, particularly earrings and other piercings
Coins and other currency
Zippers and other metal fasteners
Eyeglass frames and other metal eyewear
Cosmetics and personal care products
Detergents and cleaning products
Electronics and other metal-containing devices
People who work with nickel, such as metalworkers, welders, and jewelers, are at increased risk of nickel exposure and may develop nickel allergies. Being aware of these sources can help in taking preventive measures to reduce exposure.
Who is at Risk for Nickel Toxicity?
Anyone can develop nickel toxicity, but certain groups are at increased risk, including:
People who work with nickel or nickel-containing products
Children and pregnant women, who are more susceptible to the harmful effects of nickel
People who have a history of nickel exposure or nickel allergy
People who live in areas with high levels of nickel contamination
Understanding who is at risk can help in taking proactive steps to minimize exposure and prevent the onset of nickel-related health issues.
Nickel Toxicity & Genetics: Effects of Prolonged Exposure
genetically predisposed to nickel toxicity, this is because certain genes belonging to liver detoxification pathways that normally deal with nickel detoxification have been deleted, in these cases can confirm and a specialized nutritional program can help the individual detoxify nickel.
Identifying toxic metals is crucial to understanding their potential toxicity to the human body.
Testing and Diagnosis
Diagnosing nickel toxicity typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests, including:
Patch testing to determine nickel sensitivity
Blood tests to measure nickel levels
Urine tests to measure nickel excretion
Imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, to evaluate organ damage
A doctor or dermatologist can diagnose nickel allergy and recommend treatment and prevention strategies. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management and prevention of further complications.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment for nickel toxicity typically involves removing the source of exposure and managing symptoms. This may include:
Topical corticosteroids and moisturizers to alleviate skin symptoms
Antihistamines and other medications to manage allergic reactions
Avoiding nickel-containing products and foods
Wearing protective clothing and gloves when working with nickel
Using surgical-grade stainless steel or other nickel-free materials in jewelry and other products
Preventing nickel toxicity is key, and can be achieved by:
Avoiding nickel-containing products and foods
Wearing protective clothing and gloves when working with nickel
Using nickel-free materials in jewelry and other products
Regularly cleaning and maintaining equipment and surfaces to reduce nickel exposure
By understanding the risks and taking steps to prevent nickel toxicity, individuals can reduce their risk of developing nickel allergy and other health problems.
Do you have nickel toxicity?
The best way to find out if you have toxic levels of nickel and or if you’re at risk from nickel related disease is by a , this simple home test shows if you are toxic and guidance can be given to how to detoxify the nickel in your situation as everyone is different.
Detoxification of nickel exposure
Often people attempt to detoxify nickel without knowing if they have toxicity and without knowing the best ways to achieve results. Many heavy metal detoxification supplements on the market do not work and often contain toxic heavy metals themselves.
Nickel is a very toxic metal and each person who has been exposed to the metal is affected in different ways, this can cause detoxification problems. Specialized consultations for individuals suspected of nickel sensitization are crucial. Dermatologists can conduct allergy testing, such as patch tests, to confirm nickel allergy, aiding in developing avoidance strategies and managing related skin conditions.
Have any questions about Nickel toxicity & treatments?