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point begin to eliminate a lot of copper. This can cause symptoms such as headaches, skin
rashes, anxiety, fatigue, testicular pain in men, changes in the menstrual cycle in women,
irritability, weepiness or emotional sensitivity.
These symptoms are temporary, but can be annoying and cause some to discontinue the
nutrition program when in fact it is working perfectly well. This bulletin explores what to do when
an individual is eliminating copper.
Why Copper Reactions Occur
Most people have deficiencies of zinc, manganese and other minerals that contribute to
excessive accumulation of copper in the body tissues. As one replenishes the zinc and other vital
minerals, the body begins to eliminate excess copper.
Free or unbound copper, however, is quite toxic. Copper is a powerful oxidant, meaning it
can inflame the tissues and cause oxidant damage. To avoid toxicity, it must be wrapped up or
bound to protein molecule. Sulfur amino acids found in eggs and meats are helpful for this.
Adequate adrenal glandular activity is also required for the liver to produce enough copper
binding proteins.
To eliminate copper, it is first mobilized from tissue storage sites and moved into the blood.
The blood transports it to the liver and kidneys through which it is eliminated. Symptoms occur
because a lot of copper may be dumped into the blood at once and it is not cleared from the
blood rapidly enough by the liver and kidneys. Also, there is often a deficiency of the copper
binding proteins, ceruloplasmin and metallothionine, due to sluggish liver production of these
proteins. Copper remaining in the blood, especially in an unbound form, may cause headaches
and other symptoms.
Solutions
To stop the symptoms of copper elimination one may slow the mobilization of copper from
tissue storage sites, assist the binding of copper and speed up the clearing of copper from the
blood. The objective is to eliminate as much copper as possible as rapidly as possible without
causing annoying symptoms.
To slow mobilization of copper from the tissues, the simplest way is to stop the nutritional
supplement program for about three days. One may continue taking digestive enzymes such as
HCl-Pepsin or GB-3, but discontinue the rest. After three days, resume the program taking only
one dose of supplements per day. If one remains symptom-free after five days, increase to two
doses of supplements per day. If one remains symptom-free after five more days, increase to
three doses per day. This will take care of many copper elimination symptoms.
To help clear copper from the blood, eat some eggs or animal protein regularly and get
plenty of rest. Avoid constipation, taking magnesium or extra GB-3 if needed. Drink at least six
eight-ounce glasses of water each day. If symptoms persist, the following supplements may be
helpful.
Moly-Cu. This product contains molybdenum that binds with copper to reduce its toxic
effects. It also helps the liver eliminate copper. The product also contains Russian black radish,
an herb high in sulfur. Sulfur binds with copper, reducing its toxic effects and is important for liver
detoxification. The product also contains parsley, an herb helpful for the kidneys. An adult
dosage is three to six tablets daily as needed.
L-Taurine. Taurine is an essential amino acid deficient in many people’s diets. High in sulfur,
it can donate a sulfate molecule that helps bind copper to reduce its toxicity and facilitate its
removal. An adult dosage is two to three tablets three times a day with meals.
GB-3. This product contains ox bile and dehydrocholic acid that enhance bile flow and
contains Russian black radish, a source of sulfur. By enhancing liver activity, it can increase the
rate of copper elimination by the liver. An adult dosage is two to three tablets three times a day
with meals.
ICMN. This product contains methionine, another sulfur-containing amino acid that is a
precursor of taurine and helpful for liver detoxification. Choline and inositol are also helpful for
liver detoxification.
N-acetyl cysteine is another sulfur-containing compound that may help with severe copper
elimination symptoms.
Other Procedures For Copper Symptoms
Other procedures can also assist with copper elimination symptoms. Slow walking and deep
breathing calm the nerves and promote activity of the parasympathetic nervous system. This
system activates the liver, kidneys and intestines to help remove copper.
Coffee enemas stimulate bile flow and enhance liver detoxification. They can be very
effective to relieve a headache associated with copper elimination. One may take one or even
two of these daily, adding two tablespoons of regular coffee to two cups of boiling water and
letting it simmer for five minutes. When the water is body temperature, one places the water in an
enema bag. One must retain the enema 15 minutes for maximum effectiveness.
Sauna baths or massage therapy enhance circulation and help decongest the internal organs
such as the liver and kidneys. The far infrared sauna will give the best results and may be used up
to twice a day for 50 minutes at a time. The sauna has a parasympathetic effect like slow walking
and one can sweat out some copper through the skin.
Acupressure or acupuncture can balance the flow of qi or subtle energy through the liver and
kidneys. In some cases, this too will be helpful. Chiropractic treatment can clear nerve blockages
that may be interfering with the activity of the liver and kidneys.
Releasing fear is also a powerful way to assist copper elimination. Fear has a paralyzing
effect on the body, affecting the activity of many organs. Also, copper toxicity is associated with
negative emotions. Allowing oneself to give up these emotions frees up energy that assists all the
organs that are involved with copper metabolism.
The Benefits Of Copper Elimination
If an individual is tempted to quit a nutrition program due to copper elimination symptoms,
recall the benefits of getting rid of excess copper from the body. Copper toxicity is associated
with a weakened immune system and the serious diseases that follow.
Copper toxicity is associated with mental and emotional symptoms including anxiety,
depression, mood swings, panic disorder, crying spells and even a type of schizophrenia. Copper
imbalance is also associated with premenstrual tension, endometriosis, tumors, fatigue, many skin
diseases, hair loss, greying of the hair, insomnia and liver disease such as hepatitis. Copper
toxicity that is passed on to children is associated with attention deficit disorder, infections and
impaired growth and development.
Copper symptoms are temporary and disappear as the copper level decreases and the
organs of elimination function better. Staying on the nutrition program is worth the temporary
discomfort in order to achieve and maintain excellent health.
Copyright © 2003
The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
