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Insight Into Copper Elimination
By Dr. Paul C. Eck
and
Dr. Larry Wilson

Introduction
    Years of experience in dealing with copper toxic individuals reveal that such individuals
experience certain difficulties while on a nutritional correction program. One common complaint is
that they are unable to take their nutritional program three times a day. Some copper-toxic
individuals find it difficult to take their supplements even once a day.

Copper Elimination Reactions
    During the correction of a copper imbalance, copper elimination frequently causes transitory
symptoms. These symptoms may include, headaches, usually of the migraine type, skin rashes,
free-floating mental depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, digestive disorders, abdominal bloating
and a flare-up of a wide variety of chronic conditions related to a copper imbalance; such as
hypoglycemia, candida albicans, etc.
    These reactions generally last a day or two and then usually subside. In some cases, what
appears to be adverse reactions may last for a month or more. In his book A Nutritionist's Guide
to the Clinical use of Vitamin B-1, Dr. Derrick Lonsdale claims, and rightfully so, that:
    "One of the most alarming factors that will have to be considered when nutritional therapy
begins, is the effect of what we have termed paradox. The patient's symptoms, particularly if they
have been long standing, are apt to become considerably worse for an unpredictable period,
varying from a few days to a few months. Biochemical changes may appear to reflect this."

Dr. Lonsdale goes on to say:
    "Put simply, the patient's symptoms may become very much worse initially, before they
begin to improve. The period of paradox can last for a variable time of days to months,
and appears to be related to chronicity and severity. It is distressing to the patient or his
relatives, may cause him to abandon therapy, and must be explained to him in some detail
before treatment is instituted. On the other hand, we have learned that it is often a
favorable sign that later success will be achieved and the family be reassured that it is
worth pursuing. It can give rise to real problems of management as for example, when the
patient reaches a stage where he refuses to take the vitamins or minerals prescribed, this is
observed quite frequently in psychiatric problems...They are dynamic changes and
invariably relative to each other and to the stage of disease or therapy."(1)
    The supplement program may be temporarily reduced if symptoms become particularly
annoying. These symptoms, related to the beneficial elimination of copper, are indications of a
healing process and although uncomfortable, should be welcomed!

Feeling of Hopelessness
    Another common occurrence which may be distressing is that the individual usually feels better
for varying lengths of time when initially starting the program, followed by a return of previous
distressing symptoms. Unfortunately, the individual often begins to lose hope of recovering from
her or his afflictions. It is to be noted that copper toxicity is over a hundred times more prevalent
in women than men. When this occurs, the individual will usually go-off their nutritional program
for a varying period of time. Upon return to the program, they may again feel better for a few
days only to re-experience their previous distressing symptoms.

What Is A Copper Elimination?
    A copper elimination represents the elimination of excess copper from storage organs into the
blood. Copper is stored in various tissues such as the liver, brain and bone to prevent it from
building-up in excessive amounts in the blood.

Treating a Copper Elimination
    As stated above, it is not at all uncommon for individuals suffering from copper toxicity to
experience occasional unpleasant symptoms while on a nutritional correction program. While
these problems appear to be related to the nutritional program, more often they are, they are
stress-induced.

Stress
Stress and Increased Metabolic Rate
    Any kind of stress, physical or emotional in nature, results in a necessary increase in the
metabolic rate. Any increase in the metabolic rate, whatever its cause frequently results in the
release of excess copper into the blood. It is to be noted that the major internal cause of a
copper toxicity problem is a reduced ability to cope with stress. It is the intent of your nutritional
program to increase your ability to cope with stress, hence avoiding any future excessive buildup
of copper. Many of the distressing symptoms associated with copper toxicity are due to a
stress-induced zinc deficiency.

Severe Loss of Zinc due to Acute Stress
    "Dietary zinc requirement in the human adult is approximately 15 mg per day. In healthy
individuals, most of it is excreted in feces, urine and sweat. However, during acute disease states,
zinc losses can increase up to 4-fold and as much as 50-fold during total parenteral nutrition."(2)

Stress as a Cause of Copper Elimination
    Whenever there is an increase in one's rate of metabolism (usually due to stress, whether
physical or emotional), copper is mobilized from primary storage sites in the liver and brain and is
discharged into the blood. The principal way that excess copper can be eliminated from storage
sites is to increase one's rate of metabolism. People with high tissue copper levels, because of an
adrenal insufficiency problem, are very susceptible to stress and consequentially suffer from
periodical elimination of copper. Enabling such individuals to better cope with stress helps to
prevent a buildup of excess copper in the tissues. In other words, sensitivity to stress is greatly
reduced. Major copper eliminations are thus largely eliminated.

Symptoms Commonly Associated with a Copper Toxicity Problem

Clinical Disorders Commonly Associated with a Copper Toxicity

Why a Copper Elimination: An Adaptive Function
    The elimination of excess copper from tissue storage represents an attempt by the body to
protect itself from the serious effects which results from a copper toxicity problem.
    A buildup of copper in storage organs eventually results in malfunctions of the organs involved.
For Example:
    Brain - Schizophrenia
    Liver - Cirrhosis, hepatitis
    Blood - Hemolytic jaundice

Adrenal Gland Exhaustion: A Major Cause of Copper Toxicity
    Diminished adrenal activity is perhaps the single most important physiological reason for
copper toxicity problems today. When adrenal activity is insufficient, ceruloplasmin (a
copper-binding protein) synthesis in the liver declines. Copper that is not bound to a protein
cannot be utilized, and so it is that unbound copper begins to accumulate in various tissues and
organs.
    According to hair analysis research conducted by Dr. Paul C. Eck, 70-80% of people tested
reveal weak adrenal glands or what is termed adrenal insufficiency! Individuals with weak adrenal
glands tend to store excess copper in various body tissues, principally the liver and brain.
Excessive storage of copper, as we have stated previously, eventually results in organ damage.

Correction Of A Copper Elimination
How Can an Acute Copper Elimination be Effectively Cut-off?
    If appropriate action is taken, the distressing symptoms associated with a copper elimination
can be frequently diminished.

The Importance of Zinc & Vitamin B6
    Discomforting symptoms frequently occur when the individual is eliminating copper faster than
their nutrient reservoirs of vitamin B6 and zinc can contain it. Many of the symptoms associated
with copper toxicity relate to a copper induced vitamin B6, zinc and vitamin C deficiency. Both
vitamin B6, and vitamin C are destroyed on contact with copper.(3) Along with destroying
vitamin B6 and vitamin C on contact, copper, in excess, causes a relative zinc deficiency. When
zinc, vitamin B6 and vitamin C reserves become adequate, the distressing symptoms of copper
toxicity are largely eliminated, hence the necessity to buildup the copper-toxic individual's storage
reservoirs of the above vitamins and minerals. Until the individual's storage reservoirs of B6,
vitamin C and zinc are sufficiently replete, symptoms will continue to be manifest.

Slowing Down a Copper Elimination
    Numerous methods are available for slowing down the elimination of copper. Several means
of slowing-down the elimination of copper would be to reduce the supplemental dosage to once
a day, take or follow the recommended program every other day, add three calcium tablets three
times a day and/or temporarily increase the individual's dietary intake of dairy products. The
individual must be made aware that this is only a temporary stop gap measure, because if one
remained on dairy products on a continuous basis their metabolic rate would decrease resulting in
an increased storage of copper. Dairy products are often effective in reducing the symptoms of a
copper elimination because they temporarily reduce the individuals temporary stress-induced
excessive metabolic rate.
    Inasmuch as an increase in one's metabolic rate will cause a flare-up in symptoms associated
with a copper toxicity problem it becomes necessary to temporarily slow down one's rate of
metabolism. This is accomplished by increasing one's calcium intake, increasing one's dairy
product intake, together with an increase in dietary fat intake, such as, avocadoes, nuts, salad
oils, cooking oils, dairy products, etc.) Slowing down one's rate of metabolism is definitely of
value in reducing the symptoms associated with copper toxicity. When the distressing symptoms
come under control, it is time to resume the original nutritional program.

Nutritional Program to Follow When One is Undergoing a Copper Elimination
    The following nutritional products have been found to be effective in controlling a copper
elimination.





     These specialty products are available from Endo-Met Laboratories - 2225 W. Alice
Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85021.

What to do Under the Circumstances
•  Reduce or temporarily go off program.
    If distressing symptoms occur, the individual should reduce the nutritional program from three
times a day to once a day, preferably taken at the evening meal. If this change does not suffice to
alleviate the distressing symptoms of a copper elimination, it would be advisable to follow the
supplemental program on an every other day, or every third day basis.
    By reducing one's nutritional program the individual will be better able to tolerate the
symptoms associated with a copper elimination. Eventually, as the copper-load is decreased,
symptoms will also decrease.

•  Temporarily increase your dietary fat intake by 25-30%
    Also helpful in alleviating the distressing symptoms is to increase one's dietary fat intake while
the copper elimination  is occurring. This can best be accomplished by increasing one's dairy food
intake, e.g., milk, cottage cheese, cream, yogurt, etc. An increase in dietary fat is beneficial
inasmuch as it results in a slow down of one's rate of metabolism which results in a beneficial
diminished elimination of copper. An increase in the metabolic rate (whatever its cause) results in
an increased elimination of copper. Another beneficial effect of dairy foods is their relatively high
calcium content. Calcium tends to buffer the side-effects associated with a copper elimination. A
person, in the process of eliminating copper should take three calcium tablets three times a day.
Doing so will not stop the copper elimination from occurring, but will minimize some of the
distressing side effects caused by a copper-induced calcium deficiency.

Dietary Considerations
Need for Increase in Protein Intake
    One of the major problems associated with a copper toxicity problem is a copper-induced
protein deficiency. This no doubt occurs, in part, because an excess of tissue copper causes a
zinc deficiency. "Zinc has...been found to be important in governing the net rate of synthesis of
nucleic acids and protein, thereby importantly influencing tissue growth and reparative
processes..."(4) Adding to the problem, individuals suffering from copper toxicity frequently
develop a distaste for meat protein due to their reduced ability to digest and assimilate protein.
Over a period of time, a serious protein deficiency develops. As stated previously, one major
reason why copper accumulates in the body is a deficiency of protein required to bind copper,
thus increasing one's metabolic rate. Although sometimes difficult, copper-toxic individuals should
attempt to increase their protein intake (eggs, fish or chicken). Soy-protein products should be
avoided, unless otherwise specified, if possible, inasmuch as soy products contain relatively high
amounts of copper.
    Copper-toxic individuals have a great need to increase their protein intake, but usually will not
partake of an increased meat protein intake until their adrenal insufficiency problem is improved
or corrected. Until such time, the copper-toxic individual must avail him or herself of digestive
aids including hydrochloric acid and pancreatic enzymes.
    An adequate level of zinc, so necessary to prevent an excessive copper buildup depends
largely on the eating of red meat protein. As stated previously, individuals suffering from copper
toxicity develop a strong aversion to the eating of zinc-rich red meat protein hence the tendency
to the excessive accumulation of tissue copper.

Eliminate Foods High in Copper Content
    Many diets today are high in copper and low in zinc content. In particular, vegetarian proteins
such as soybean, nuts, seeds, tofu, avocado and grains, often highly beneficial for others, are high
in copper content. Fast food hamburgers and other popular foods are also frequently soy-based.
Soybean protein is coming into wider usage, due to its low cholesterol level and lower cost.
    Other high-copper foods are organ meats, shellfish, wheat germ and bran, yeast, corn oil,
margarine, and mushrooms. Except for margarine, these are excellent health foods in general, but
should be temporarily avoided by copper-toxic individuals.

Special Considerations Regarding Copper Detoxification
Diet for the Copper-Toxic Individual
    As stated previously, copper-toxic individuals frequently have an aversion to eating protein,
particularly red meat protein. It is important for such individuals to eat some protein at least twice
a day, even if the quantity is small. Meat protein is rich in zinc content, a mineral essential to
prevent copper toxicity and to promote the elimination of excess copper. It is for this reason (high
zinc content) that red meats are often avoided. Otherwise, progress is delayed. Strict vegetarian
diets are not advisable, but may be necessary for a period of time in severe cases, until adrenal
activity has been adequately reestablished.

Excessive Intake of Sweets, Fruits and Fruit Juices
    The majority of copper-toxic individuals have an insatiable craving for sweets, fruit, and fruit
juices. Such cravings arise from the fact that copper-toxic individuals, in general, suffer from a
severe potassium deficiency. Fruit, fruit juices and vegetables are high in potassium content, and
hence the craving for these foods. Such foods should be limited as much as possible for optimal
results. In many cases, a high complex carbohydrate diet is necessary until adrenal activity is
increased.

Excess Sugar Intake as a Cause of Copper Toxicity and Zinc Deficiency
    The eating of sugar and sugar-containing foods contributes greatly to a copper toxicity
problem by causing a zinc deficiency. This occurs because zinc is required for sugar and
carbohydrate metabolism. The greater the sugar and carbohydrate intake, the greater the chances
for a zinc deficiency to develop. Individuals suffering from copper toxicity problem usually limit
their diets, to a great extent, to simple carbohydrates and carbohydrates which are rapidly
absorbed (vegetable and fruit juices).

    It has been established that prolonged and repeated increases in the glucose content of the
blood rid the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas almost completely of zinc. Zinc is necessary for
both the production and secretion of insulin, which is necessary to burn sugars and carbohydrates.
    "By means of prolonged and repeated increases in the glucose content of the blood, Maske
succeeded in ridding the islets almost completely of zinc."
    In other words, the eating of a sugar and a high carbohydrate diet, which is typical of the diet
preferred by the copper-toxic individual, is conducive to causing a zinc deficiency. The end-result
is an inability to derive sufficient energy from the metabolism of sugar and carbohydrates with a
consequent buildup of copper in the tissues.
    One is forced to realize the importance of zinc in combating copper toxicity when one realizes
that:

Zinc Regulates the Autonomic Device Which Retains or Liberates Insulin
    "Zinc is therefore the basic element of the autonomic device which retains or liberates insulin,
thus regulating the sugar content of the blood.  Naturally, this mechanism is thrown out of gear by
any substance that upsets the metabolism of zinc, this reveals the fundamental role of one of the
dusts of the soil in diabetes."(5)

A Low Carbohydrate, High Fat and Protein Diet Favors Zinc Buildup in the Isles of
Langerhans
    "...The zinc present in the islets of Langerhans is a function of animal feeding. When the ration
was very rich in carbohydrates there was less zinc in the islets than when the animals had fasted
or had received a feed rich in lipids and proteins."

Hypoglycemia
    Functional hypoglycemia is frequently associated with elevated tissue copper levels. An
excess of tissue copper reduces both manganese and zinc values, thereby interfering with normal
glucose metabolism, by adversely affecting the endocrine glands. "The biochemical and
physiological interrelationship of trace minerals and the endocrine glands is well documented.
Deficiency of zinc, copper and manganese affects adversely the endocrine glands through either
decreased dietary intake or increased secretion of the metal..."(6)

Hypoglycemic-Induced Fear and Increased Adrenalin Secretion
    Many of the symptoms associated with hypoglycemia are associated with the body's attempt
to increase a copper-excess-induced low blood sugar level. Anxiety and panic states are mainly
due to an increased secretion of adrenalin, in an attempt by the body to correct the hypoglycemia.
Zinc, in adequate amounts, reduces an excessive secretion of adrenalin, thus reducing anxiety and
panic states. It is important to note that the mobilization and consequent elimination of copper
results in temporary hypoglycemia which in turn results in an increased adrenalin secretion.

Specific Distressing Symptoms Associated With A Copper Elimination
Anxiety and Panic States Resulting from a Copper Elimination
    Individual suffering from a copper elimination frequently experience feelings of anxiety and
tension and for good reason.
    As copper levels in the blood increases, the amount of anxiety tends to increase. Panic
attacks, as well as anxiety attacks are also commonly due to a copper toxicity problem. Panic
and anxiety attacks are frequently associated with an excessive buildup of lactic acid, caused by
an excessive secretion of the stress hormone adrenalin. A copper toxicity problem is a common
cause of increased adrenalin secretion. Adrenalin secretion is increased when blood sugar levels
are low. Adrenalin is both a panic and anxiety hormone. A reduction in copper toxicity is
effective in reducing the incidence and severity of both panic and anxiety attacks.
    The major emotional cause of an increase in adrenalin secretion is adrenal
insufficiency/hypoglycemia-induced fear. Copper, in excess, is instrumental in increasing adrenalin
output just as copper is associated with increased estrogen hormone output. As copper
eliminates into the blood, the amount of adrenalin increases resulting in excessive lactic acid
accumulation (lactic acid dehydrogenase - a zinc-dependent enzyme). A reduction in copper
toxicity results in a reduction of the anxiety attacks.

The Value of Calcium in Preventing a Lactic Acid Buildup
    While zinc and vitamin B6 serve to release copper from the tissues, they do not fully address
the lactic acid problem. Individuals suffering from copper toxicity commonly have excessively
high calcium levels, as determined by a hair analysis. A high calcium level indicates a calcium
bio-unavailability, which, in essence, is the same as a calcium deficiency.
    A calcium deficiency results in increased adrenalin secretion which in turn results in excessive
lactic acid buildup in the tissues. Calcium is necessary to mop-up excessive lactic acid. As a
result of a calcium bio-unavailability, lactic acid levels continue to increase. Increasing one's
calcium intake allows for calcium to combine with the lactic acid to form calcium-lactate resulting
in a reduction or elimination of both anxiety and panic attacks. Because of a calcium
bio-unavailability, copper-toxic individuals have little or no protection against a lactic acid
buildup, resulting in the creation of more anxiety.

Abdominal Bloating and Digestive Distress
    Abdominal bloating and digestive distress are common symptoms associated with copper
toxicity. These symptoms are, of course, associated with impairment in the secretion of digestive
enzymes and failure to secrete adequate levels of hydrochloric acid, principally due to an
underlying adrenal insufficiency problem.

Candida, Stress and Copper and Hypoglycemia
    Eventually, over a period of time, copper is eliminated from storage sites. Future eliminations  
of copper, due to stress, are thus minimized. As a result, symptoms of anxiety, migraine
headaches, skin disorders, severe constipation, fears, candida infections etc., are greatly
minimized.
    As a result of a low blood sugar induced increased adrenalin secretion, (diminished immune
response) a flare-up in candida may occur.
    Often a copper elimination results in the flare-up of a candida infection and the many
symptoms associated with candida.
    The major reason candida continues to exist in an individual is because they are unable to
reduce their excessive copper storage in the liver and in the brain. Whenever they undergo stress
of any kind, copper builds up in the tissues resulting in a bio-unavailability of copper. It is the
bio-unavailability of copper which permits candida to thrive. In essence, sufficient copper cannot
be mobilized out of liver storage because of stress and weak adrenal glands.

• Candida Albicans (Yeast) Infections
    Copper is a stimulant to oxidative or aerobic metabolism. Copper biounavailability, deficiency
or imbalance, often results in a tendency for yeast infections.
    Copper compounds are used commercially to inhibit growth of yeast and fungi.

Emotional Aspects Of Copper Toxicity
Emotional Considerations Resulting in Increased Copper Storage
    It is important to note that one's attitude plays an important role in preventing the buildup of
excessive copper in body tissues. Copper toxic individuals have a strong tendency to be
perfectionistic, and indecisive.

• Perfectionism
    Individuals suffering from copper toxicity are known to be perfectionistic. Being perfectionistic
places a great amount of stress on already stressed-out adrenal glands. Any added stress results
in an increase in copper toxicity.

• Inability to Solve a Problem (Indecision)
    Copper toxicity results in a decreased ability to make decisions or solve problems. The result
is increased stress. Making a decision, even a wrong decision, is beneficial in reducing stress and
its consequential copper buildup.

Miscellaneous Causes Of Copper Toxicity
Birth Control Pills and Copper Intrauterine Devices as a Source of Copper Toxicity
    One of the side effects of the pill is that it tends to raise copper levels in the body. This is due
to the close association between the hormone estrogen and copper levels.
    Several hundred milligrams of copper a year can easily be absorbed from a copper IUD.
Many women still use the Copper-7 intrauterine birth control device, although it has been taken
off the market. The only intrauterine birth control device sold today, however, is a copper-T.
These devices can be very harmful for women prone to high copper levels.

Miscellaneous
    It is important to point out that not all individuals suffering from copper toxicity exhibit
symptoms of copper toxicity when copper is being eliminated.

Low Copper Levels does not Preclude a Copper Toxicity Problem
  A low copper level, (below 1.1) in the majority of cases, indicates a decreased ability to
release excessive copper from storage depots.

How Long Will it Take to Eliminate Excessive Copper From Tissue Storage?
    The time required to eliminate excessive copper depends on how much copper is currently
being stored in the tissues and how long it has been stored. One's calcium level, as determined by
a hair analysis, is an excellent indicator of the amount of copper being stored. As copper is being
eliminated, calcium levels tend to temporarily rise. It is at this time that symptoms related to
copper toxicity commonly flare-up. A drop in one's calcium level is indicative of a reduction in
copper storage levels and is considered to be a favorable sign of progress.

A Final Statement
Copper Eliminations Associated with Increased Awareness
    As stated previously, the elimination of copper is frequently associated with a myriad of
distressing symptoms. One of the major reason for an increased awareness is that the elimination
of excess copper often is accompanied by an increase in consciousness. Not only may a person
become increasingly aware of physical aches and pains, but also previous and current emotional
conflicts may rise to a higher level of consciousness.
    These reactions occur because many copper-toxic individuals have been living in a lowered
state of awareness. Copper is commonly referred to as the anesthesia mineral, because like
endorphins (opiate-like substances), accumulation of copper serves to diminish one's awareness
of both distress and pleasure. It is important to note that an increase in awareness is a necessary
part of the healing process.(7) Although there may be some temporary anxiety or pain associated
with the elimination of excess copper, usually one feels much better after the elimination process
has been completed.

Bibliography

This material is for educational purposes only
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.

Copyright © 1991 - The Eck Institute of Applied Nutrition and Bioenergetics, Ltd.

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