Re: Serum Copper Levels VERY LONG

[Guest guest]

Here you go Anne,

This should help to answer some of your questions as well as educate you

on the role copper plays in your body.

Peace, love and light,

Don Quai

*/COPPER TOXICITY SYNDROME/*/ /

Do you know anyone who suffers from headaches,

fatigue, insomnia, depression, skin rashes, spaciness, learning

disorders or premenstrual syndrome? These can be symptoms of a copper

imbalance.

Copper, an essential trace mineral, is vitally

important for both physical and mental health. It has been studied for

years, including at government laboratories. However, its importance

for health is still largely unappreciated. The following is but an

introduction. The author is deeply indebted to Dr. C. Eck, an avid

copper researcher.

*

COPPER'S ROLE IN THE BODY*

Copper is critical for energy production in the

cells. It is also involved in nerve conduction, connective tissue, the

cardiovascular system and the immune system. Copper is closely related

to estrogen metabolism, and is required for women's fertility and to

maintain pregnancy. Copper stimulates production of the

neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. It is also

required for monoamine oxidase, an enzyme related to serotonin production.

It is possible to become /copper-toxic/ or

/copper-deficient/, and there is a condition called /biounavailable

copper/. In the latter, copper is present, but cannot be utilized.

Toxicity and biounavailability are seen most often. This article uses

the words /copper imbalance/ when more than one situation is possible.

Physical conditions associated with copper

imbalance include arthritis, fatigue, adrenal burnout, insomnia,

scoliosis, osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, migraine headaches,

seizures, fungal and bacterial infections including yeast infection, gum

disease, tooth decay, skin and hair problems and female organ conditions

including uterine fibroids, endometriosis and others.

Mental and emotional disorders related to copper

imbalance include spaciness, depression, mood swings, fears, anxiety,

phobias, panic attacks, violence, autism, schizophrenia, and attention

deficit disorder. Copper deficiency is associated with aneurysms, gout,

anemia and osteoporosis. Interestingly, the

symptoms of premenstrual tension are identical to the symptoms of copper

imbalance.

*

SOURCES OF COPPER*

Today, many children are born with excessive

tissue copper. It is passed from high-copper mothers to their children

through the placenta.

Stress from any cause contributes to copper

imbalance. Stress depletes the adrenal glands and lowers the zinc level

in the body. Whenever zinc becomes deficient, copper tends to

accumulate. Our soil is low in zinc. Refined sugar, white rice and

white flour have been stripped of their zinc. The trend toward

vegetarianism reduces zinc in the diet, since red meat is the best

dietary source of zinc.

Copper is found in many foods, particularly

vegetarian proteins such as nuts, beans, seeds and grains. Meats

contain copper, but it is balanced by zinc which competes for its

absorption. Chocolate is high in copper. A desire for copper may help

explain chocolate cravings.

Another source of copper is drinking water that

remained in copper water pipes, or copper added to your water supply.

During a recent dry summer, several Oregon cities added copper sulfate

to their reservoirs to reduce algae growth. Accident and disease rates

increased.

Other sources of copper are copper cookware,

dental materials, vitamin pills, fungicides and pesticides residues on

food, copper intra-uterine devices and birth control pills. Mrs.

and her 6-month-old, breast-fed baby both began to experience

hair loss. The cause was a daily prenatal vitamin containing 4

milligrams of copper, far too much for this high-copper

mother. Deficiencies of manganese, iron,

B-vitamins and vitamin C can cause copper to accumulate. Adrenal

hormones cause the liver to produce ceruloplasmin, the main copper

binding protein in the body. Therefore, a sluggish liver or weak

adrenal glands may cause copper to build up in the tissues.

*

THE COPPER PERSONALITY *

There is a high copper personality. Positive

traits include a warm, caring, sensitive, emotional nature, often with

artistic orientation and a child-like quality. Often high-copper people

are young-looking. Many traditional feminine traits are associated with

copper such as softness, gentleness and intuitiveness.

When the personality is not fully integrated or

the copper becomes too high, negative traits show up. These include

spaciness, racing thoughts, living in a dream world, naivete,

childishness, excessive emotions, sentimentality, a tendency to

depression, fearfulness, hidden anger and resentments, phobias,

psychosis and violence. Artists, inventors and other high-copper types

often " live on the edge " , in part due to their high copper level.

The copper personality tends to accumulate

copper easily. Copper functions as a psychological defense mechanism.

It causes one to detach slightly from reality. This provides relief

from stress for the sensitive individual. It works well as long as the

copper does not become too high. Very high copper can cause a psychotic

break from reality, a type of schizophrenia.

An 18-year old schizophrenic patient had a hair

copper level of 40 mg% (normal is 2.5 mg%). She hallucinated and

attempted suicide twice while in the sdale Camelback Mental

Hospital. When her copper decreased to normal through a diet and

supplement program, her symptoms disappeared and she has remained well.

*

COPPER AND SOCIETY *

Is it possible that our mineral balance affects

our attitudes? Copper is called the 'psychic' mineral, the 'intuitive'

mineral, and a 'feminine' mineral because it is so important for the

female reproductive system. Its level generally parallels that of

estrogen. While many factors influence our attitudes and values, the

rise in tissue copper levels in both men and women in the past twenty

years parallels renewed interest in feminism, in psychic and intuitive

knowledge, and 'nurturing' movements such as environmentalism.

*

COPPER AND SEXUALITY*

Women tend to have higher levels of copper than

men. Women also have more symptoms related to copper imbalance. These

include yeast infections, migraine headaches, adult acne, various

menstrual symptoms and depression.

Copper-toxic women are often estrogen dominant.

They may benefit from progesterone therapy to help balance their

hormones. Women with biounavailable copper are often low in estrogen.

Their bodies are often more linear in shape. Of course, copper is not

the only factor affecting hormones. Some pesticides, for example, mimic

the effects of estrogen and can affect the hormone balance.

Men, by contrast, should be zinc-dominant.

Zinc, a 'masculine' element, balances copper in the body, and is

essential for male reproductive activity. Today, however, many men have

symptoms of copper toxicity including depression, anxiety and other

symptoms. Homosexuality may be related to copper levels. This is

because secondary sex characteristics are greatly influenced by hormones

which are in turn influenced by copper and zinc levels.

*

COPPER AND CHILDREN *

Children are often born with high copper

levels. Young children are very sensitive and intuitive. They often

lose some of their sensitivity and 'psychic abilities' as their copper

levels diminish around age four.

Persistent elevated copper levels in children

are common today. The problem often begins during gestation, when

high-copper mothers pass on excessive copper (and often low zinc) to the

fetus through the placenta. This is called /congenital/, rather than

genetic high copper. It can be prevented by correcting one's copper

metabolism before becoming pregnant. After birth, poor nutrition,

stress in the home, and overuse of prescription drugs can aggravate a

child's copper imbalance.

Copper imbalance in children is associated with

delayed development, attention deficit disorder, anti-social and

hyperactive behavior, autism, learning difficulties and infections such

as ear infections.

*

VEGETARIAN DIETS *

Excess copper interferes with zinc, a mineral

needed to make digestive enzymes. Too much copper also impairs thyroid

activity and the functioning of the liver. If severe enough, a person

will become an /obligatory vegetarian/. This means they are no longer

able to digest meat very well. Conversely, if one becomes a vegetarian

for other reasons, most likely one's copper level will increase.

Vegetarian proteins are higher in copper, and lower in zinc.

At times, the vegetarian orientation is

health-producing. In many people, however, restricted diets do not work

well. Fatigue, spaciness and other symptoms begin to appear. Many

people, including the author, felt they were becoming more spiritual on

a vegetarian diet, when in fact it was just copper poisoning! The taste

for meat often returns when copper is brought into better balance.

Some people with high copper dislike all

protein. They crave high-carbohydrate diets. Protein feels heavy or

causes other symptoms. Eating protein stimulates glandular activity.

This releases stored copper which causes the symptoms. However, these

individuals usually need to eat protein. The symptoms will eventually

disappear.

Copper-toxic individuals may also be drawn to

sweets or salty foods due to adrenal insufficiency. Some sea salt is

often beneficial. Sweets, including fruit juices, provide a temporary

lift but may worsen the condition.

*

ADRENAL BURNOUT *

Adrenal burnout, characterized by chronic

fatigue and other symptoms, is often related to copper imbalance.

Although correcting emotional and other factors are necessary, improving

the copper imbalance, supporting the adrenals and releasing fearful

thoughts go hand in hand to restore optimum health. Click here for

more information about adrenal burnout syndrome.

<http://www.drlwilson.com/articles/adrenal_burnout.htm>

*

COPPER AND ADDICTION *

Compulsive behavior may be related to copper and

the adrenals. Exercise, for example, stimulates the adrenals. This

helps keep copper available and makes one feel better. If one stops

exercising, unbound copper builds up and one may feel fatigue, mood

swings and depression. In some people, this can create a compulsive

need to exercise. Other ways to temporarily control copper toxicity

include the use of caffeine or other stimulants.

Part of the appeal of cocaine, Ritalin and

amphetamines may be their ability to help lower copper temporarily by

stimulating the adrenals. Cadmium found in marijuana and cigarettes

drives copper back into storage. These drugs may make one feel better

by affecting the copper balance.

*

COPPER AND YEAST INFECTIONS*

Our bodies use copper to help control the growth

of yeast. This may be because copper favors aerobic metabolism. Copper

is required for the electron transport system, where most of our

cellular energy is produced. Yeast organisms use anerobic metabolism.

Copper sulfate is often sprayed on crops to kill

yeast and fungus. Copper is also used in some swimming pools and hot

tubs to control yeast and bacterial growth.

When copper is out of balance, our bodies cannot

control yeast overgrowth. This often lead to chronic candida albicans

infections that are resistant to treatment.

*

COPPER AND MALIGNANCY*

Copper imbalance impairs the immune system. Research is

underway investigating the role of excess copper in tumor angiogenesis.

Copper imbalance is often related to a tendency for infections and cancer.

*

COPPER AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE *

Copper is required for collagen formation. Copper deficiency is

association with atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions.

Excess copper or biounavailable copper often cause connective tissue

problems, interfering with the disulfide bonds in connective tissue.

Symptoms may include stretch marks, tendon and ligament weakness, mitral

valve prolapse, skin and hair problems and other conditions affecting

connective tissue.

*

DETECTING COPPER IMBALANCE*

Blood, urine and hair analysis are used to

detect copper toxicity. Challenge tests with a chelating agent such as

EDTA may also be used to detect excess copper. However, they may not

reveal copper toxicity directly. Copper is stored mainly in the brain,

liver and other organs, not in the blood or urine. A liver biopsy can

be performed for copper, but this is invasive and unnecessary.

Several indirect indicators on a hair mineral

test are excellent to detect copper imbalance. These include a hair

calcium level greater than about 100 mg%, a potassium level less than

about 3 mg%, a sodium/potassium ratio less than 2.5:1, a zinc/copper

ratio less than 6:1, an elevated mercury level or a copper level less

than 1.0 mg%.

*

BALANCING COPPER*

The author dealt with severe copper imbalance in

himself and with many others for the past 18 years. Seven methods are

used to reduce copper in the tissues:

/ 1) Inhibit the sympathetic nervous system./

This is easier said than done. Copper toxic individuals often complain

of their mind racing. Turning off the sympathetic or fight-or-flight

nervous system can be a challenge. Methods that are helpful include

electric light sauna therapy, meditation, relaxation techniques, deep

breathing, supplemental calcium, magnesium, ox bile, pancreatin, kidney

glandular and coffee enemas.

/2) Reduce exposure/ to sources of copper like

copper intra-uterine devices, swimming in pools and high-copper

vegetarian diets.

/ 3) Antagonists/ such as zinc, manganese and

iron compete with copper for absorption and utilization. Other

antagonists include vitamins B6, folic acid and selenium. Research

indicates copper may be excreted by binding with glutathione and

metallothionine which require these nutrients.

/ 4) Chelators/ of copper include vitamin C,

molybdenum and sulfur-containing amino acids. These bind and remove

copper. More powerful chelators may be used, but can have harmful side

effects.

/ 5) Enhance the eliminative organs/, such as the

liver, skin and colon. Digestive enzymes, especially pancreatin, are

very important. Also excellent is sauna therapy, especially with an

infrared electric light sauna

<http://www.drlwilson.com/articles/sauna_therapy.htm>. Other methods of

enhancing the eliminative organs are coffee enemas, colonic irrigation

and skin brushing.

/ 6) Balance body chemistry,/ enhance energy

production and improve adrenal gland activity. To support the adrenal

glands, avoid sweets, eat protein with each meal. Supplements that

assist the adrenals include vitamins A,C and E, manganese, zinc, adrenal

glandular and B-complex vitamins. Animal protein is very helpful due to

its higher content of zinc, B-vitamins and sulfur amino acids including

cysteine and taurine. Adrenal glandular substance is also frequently

helpful.

/ 7) Reduce fear and stress/. Methods range from

a change in location or work to meditation, therapy, more rest and other

changes.

/Note that just taking a lot of copper

antagonists and chelators may not work very well./ This is because it

does not balance body chemistry. For example, zinc and vitamin C lower

sodium while molybdenum raises sodium. Each vitamin and mineral

affects overall body chemistry. For best results, I strongly recommend

an integrated nutrition, lifestyle and detoxification program based on a

properly performed and interpreted hair mineral analysis. It is worth

the extra cost and you will save more in not buying unneeded supplements.

*

COPPER DETOXIFICATION SYMPTOMS*

One of the difficulties in reducing excess

copper are symptoms that arise during the process of elimination. As

the body begins to mobilize excess copper from tissue storage sites, it

enters the bloodstream on its way to the liver and kidneys for

elimination. While in the bloodstream, the copper can cause headaches,

skin rashes, racing thoughts, strange odors, digestive upset, mood

swings and energy fluctuations. In men, testicular pain is not

uncommon. Womenís periods may be affected.

Certain methods of lowering copper cause these

symptoms more than others. Zinc, vitamin C and manganese tend to cause

more symptoms, perhaps because zinc and manganese replace copper in the

liver. Molybdenum and sulfur compounds such as Russian black radish

tend not to produce copper elimination effects.

If one knows what is occurring, it is possible

to take measures to minimize these temporary elimination symptoms.

Enemas, sweating, and drinking more water can help promote copper

elimination. Reducing the nutrition program for a few days may also

help slow the reactions and reduce symptoms if they are severe.

Supplements of molybdenum, bile acids, laxative herbs and vitamin B6 may

also mitigate elimination symptoms.

*

ATTITUDES TO HELP BALANCE COPPER*

Adequate rest and sleep are important. Any

technique to help handle stress is also helpful. A simple but powerful

technique for handling all negative emotions is given in an excellent

book, /Emissary of Light,/ by Twyman. He suggests to feel our

negative emotions purely, dissociating them from thoughts. Feel them in

the body. Then move the feeling to the heart area, visualize a small

door just in front of you, open the door and release the emotion.

Realize that all feelings are just energies. They can be transmuted,

sent forth and used for good.

High copper people are often sensitive, must

acknowledge this and 'live their own truth'. At the same time, a

careful look at one's attitudes, especially hidden fears, angers and

resentments, is very important. Overcoming copper imbalance often

involves overcoming deep fears.

Life is not always easy for the copper-toxic

person. One can become resentful or depressed at times. With

understanding, a complete nutritional balancing program based on hair

mineral analysis and lots of compassion for oneself, these obstacles can

be overcome. Then the creative, intuitive and loving qualities of the

high-copper individual can shine through to the world.

*Resources*

1. Eck, P. and , L., /Toxic Metals in Human Health and Disease/,

Eck Institute of Applied Nutrition and Bioenergetics, Ltd., Phoenix, AZ,

1989.

2. Gittleman, A.L., /Why Am I Always So Tired?/, Harper San Francisco,

1999.

3. Nolan, K., " Copper Toxicity Syndrome " , /J. Orthomolecular

Psychiatry/, 12:4, p.270-282.

4. Pfeiffer, C., /Mental and Elemental Nutrients/, Keats Publishing, New

Canaan, CT., 1975.

4. Twyman, J., /Emissary of Light/, Warner Books, New York, 1996.

5. , L., /Nutritional Balancing and Hair Mineral Analysis/, L.D.

Consultants, 1998.

>