Nickel free, with information and awareness

The average amount to which most people are exposed does not pose a threat to human health since most of the nickel ingested daily is eliminated through urine or through the gastrointestinal tract without being absorbed. However, massive doses or chronic exposure may pose a risk due to its acute toxicity and carcinogenicity.

The nickel-free diet is a dietary choice based on the elimination or reduction of foods that contain this metal, present in many foods and also in water. Nickel allergy is an immune reaction that manifests itself with skin symptoms, such as dermatitis, eczema, urticaria, caused by contact with metal objects, such as jewelry, coins, buckles, but also with gastrointestinal, respiratory and neurological disorders, due to the ingestion of foods that are rich or contaminated or by air, associated with air polluted by nickel refineries, combustion of fossil fuels or tobacco smoke.

It is not an easy diet to follow, because nickel is present in many foods of both plant and animal origin, especially those processed, preserved or canned.

Foods to avoid include: legumes, whole grains, nuts, chocolate, coffee, tea, beer, wine, fish, shellfish, molluscs, canned meat, aged cheeses, sausages, yeast, spices, sauces, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, artichokes, asparagus, celery, eggplant, kiwi, pineapple, strawberries, raspberries, citrus fruits.

Among the permitted or tolerated foods are: milk, yogurt, fresh cheeses, fresh meat, fresh fish (excluding shellfish), eggs, rice, pasta, white bread, potatoes, courgettes, carrots, peppers, melon, peach, banana, apple, pear, oligomineral water.

Cooking can be done using aluminum, glass or Teflon pans, avoiding stainless steel. 

Obviously, the nickel-free diet must be personalized based on the sensitivity and any other food intolerances or allergies that the individual suffers from. Furthermore, it must be followed under the supervision of a doctor or nutritionist , to avoid nutritional deficiencies or dietary imbalances, since it aims to reduce the symptoms of the allergy and improve the quality of life of people who suffer from it. It is not a miracle diet, nor a fad to follow, to lose weight or to detox. On the contrary, it is a restrictive diet , which requires attention, information and awareness.