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Articles

Copper Toxicity
By Dr. Paul C. Eck
and
Dr. Larry Wilson

Introduction
     When medical science comes to understand the implications of a copper imbalance, it may be
referred to as the scourge of the late 20th century. It is one of the most commonly encountered
imbalances that we find on tissue mineral tests today. Many of the most prevalent metabolic
dysfunctions of our time are related in some way to a copper imbalance.
     Copper toxicity is a much overlooked contributor to many health problems; including
anorexia, fatigue, premenstrual syndrome, depression, anxiety, migraine headaches, allergies,
childhood hyperactivity and learning disorders.
     The involvement of copper toxicity and biounavailability in such a wide range of health
conditions may seem unusual. It is our intent in this paper to show how copper is regulated in the
body and why it is such a key mineral in so many metabolic dysfunctions.

Sources Of Copper
Copper imbalance can result from:

Environmental Copper
Copper Water Pipes
     Copper plumbing was hailed as a great advance in the 1940's and today the majority of
homes in the United States have copper plumbing. Especially in areas with acidic water, copper
can be leached from pipes, leaving in severe cases, a greenish ring on bathroom fixtures. Water
coolers and ice-makers in refrigerators also use copper tubing. Water that sits in these units can
contain dangerously high levels of copper.

Copper Cookware
     Copper tea kettles and other copper cookware can be a source of copper toxicity if used
frequently over a period of time.

Drinking Water Contaminated With Copper
     Some areas of the United States have high amounts of naturally occurring copper in their
water supply. Also, copper sulfate is added to some municipal drinking water supplies to kill
yeast and fungi.

Birth Control Pills and Copper Intrauterine Devices
     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 intra-uterine birth control device sold today, however, is a copper-T.
These devices can be very harmful for women prone to high copper levels.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
     Copper is frequently added to vitamin supplements, particularly prenatal vitamins. Although
this is a benefit for some people, it can be harmful for many other women.

Fungicides for Swimming Pools and Foods
     Copper sulfate is added to swimming pools and may be sprayed on fruits and vegetables to
retard growth of algae and fungus.

Vegetarianism and Other High-Copper Diets
     Many diets today are high in copper. In particular, vegetarian proteins such as soybeans,
nuts, seeds, tofu, avocados and grains are high in copper content. Fast food hamburgers and
other popular foods are soy-based. Soybean protein is coming into wider usage, due to its low
cholesterol level and lower cost.

Vegetarianism and Other High-Copper Diets
     Many diets today are high in copper. In particular, vegetarian proteins such as soybeans,
nuts, seeds, tofu, avocados and grains are high in copper content. Fast food hamburgers and
other popular foods are 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.

Occupational Exposure
     Plumbers, welders, machinists and others who work with copper are at risk for copper
toxicity.

Dental Appliances
     Copper is used in dental alloys in fillings, crowns and other appliances.

Adrenal Gland Exhaustion and Copper Toxicity
     Diminished adrenal activity is perhaps the single most important physiological reason for
copper problems today. The reason is that adrenal activity is required to stimulate production of
ceruloplasmin, the primary copper-binding protein.
     When adrenal activity is insufficient, ceruloplasmin synthesis in the liver declines. Copper that
is not bound cannot be used and unbound copper begins to accumulate in various tissues and
organs.
     According to hair analysis research, 70–80 percent of people tested show weak adrenal
glands!

Zinc Deficiency and Copper Toxicity
     A widespread zinc deficiency in our population is another critical cause of a copper
imbalance. Zinc and copper normally exist in a delicate balance. Zinc is a primary copper
antagonist. When zinc is deficient, copper tends to accumulate in various storage organs.
     Zinc deficiency is extremely common today. Dr. Carl Pfeiffer has stated that the entire
American population is borderline deficient in zinc. A zinc deficiency may be due to:

Congenital Copper Imbalance
     Mothers deficient in zinc, or high in copper, transmit these imbalances to their children
through the placenta. Untold numbers of children today are born with a copper imbalance. Often
they suffer from learning problems, developmental disability, chronic infections and other
problems.
     Mothers also pass on to their offspring other nutrient deficiencies and toxic metals, which
impair the child's adrenal glands. Weak adrenal glands, in turn, results in a worsening of the
copper imbalance in the child by the mechanism explained above.

The Copper Personality
     The copper personality refers to the observation that certain individuals tend to accumulate
copper, perhaps as a physical or psychological mechanism that is adaptive for these individuals.
Copper accumulation results in various degrees of detachment from reality which some have
labeled spaciness.
     The detachment enables these individuals to better cope with stress. People with a copper
personality tend to be intelligent, creative, childlike and artistic.

Detection Of Copper Imbalance
Blood Tests
     Copper and ceruloplasmin levels can be measured in serum to detect copper poisoning.
There will be some daily fluctuations as with all blood tests, but this is a useful measure.
Unfortunately, few physicians run these tests routinely.

Hair Analysis
     Hair analysis is a rapid, simple screening test that can reveal both direct and hidden copper
imbalance. A copper level exceeding 2.50 mg% is considered elevated. However, there are
several readings that indicate hidden copper toxicity. In other words, copper may not show up
high on the hair test, but may be stored in various organs and will show up later as it is mobilized.

Indicators For Hidden Copper on a Hair Analysis
     For these indicators to be valid, the hair sample must not be washed at the lab:

     These criteria were derived by reviewing over 100,000 tests and noting that people with the
above readings sooner or later began eliminating excess copper from their body tissues as they
gained enough energy to correct their abnormal copper metabolism

Metabolism Of Copper
Absorption
     Thirty to sixty percent of ingested copper is absorbed through the intestinal tract. Certain
minerals and heavy toxic metals compete for absorption with copper, including calcium, iron,
zinc, cadmium and mercury. Vitamin C inhibits copper absorption. Sulfur and molybdenum are
intestinal sequestrants of copper that also apparently inhibit absorption of copper.
     Absorption of copper is increased by the presence of amino acids. Diminished protein intake
or impaired protein digestion (HCL and enzyme deficiency) inhibits copper absorption.
Absorption is also hindered by an alkaline intestinal pH.

Retention
     Normally copper is bound in the blood to ceruloplasmin (95 percent) and albumin. Organs
with a high copper content include the liver, brain, heart and kidneys. However, excess copper
can accumulate in almost every organ of the body.

Excretion
     Copper is excreted mainly through the bile. Vitamin C binds or chelates copper and
facilitates its removal. Zinc and manganese displace copper from the liver. Molybdenum and
sulfur bind to copper and greatly facilitate its excretion.

Metabolic Effects Of Copper
     Copper directly or indirectly affects virtually every body system. Many symptoms associated
with copper toxicity are due to a copper-induced deficiency, or deficiency of vitamin C, folic
acid, or other nutrients induced by copper toxicity. Copper also interferes with adrenal and
thyroid gland activity, creating another set of symptoms relating to hypothyroidism and adrenal
insufficiency.

Particular functions which are copper-dependent include:

Metabolic Dysfunctions Associated With Copper Imbalance
Acne
     Acne is frequently associated with elevated copper levels, or a low imbalanced zinc/copper
ratio.

Adreno-Cortical Hyperactivity
     A low zinc/copper ratio is frequently related with adrenal-cortical hyperactivity.

Adrenal hypertrophy
     The adrenal glands markedly increase in weight when the tissue levels of copper are high —
this indicates excessive stress.

Adrenal Insufficiency
     Copper accumulates in the liver of adrenalectomized rats; thus severe adrenal insufficiency
may be accompanied by increased tissue copper levels.
     The release of copper from the liver is controlled by the adrenal glands through its influence
on the synthesis of ceruloplasmin; the protein needed for its removal.
     A copper deficiency results in an increased ascorbic acid content of the adrenal gland.

Agoraphobia
     A morbid dread of open spaces (agoraphobia) is often associated with copper toxicity.
Phobias of various types are commonly associated with copper toxicity (see phobias).

Allergies
     Allergies are commonly associated with a copper toxicity problem inasmuch as copper
biounavailability (deficiency) results in a reduced output of both adrenal mineral corticoid and
glucocorticoid hormones. These hormones normally help control allergy reactions.

Alopecia (hair loss)
     Copper toxicity causes an excessive breakdown of all protein structures, including hair and
nails. This is due in part, to a destructive effect on the disulfide bonds of proteins. Copper
imbalance also inhibits an enzyme required for collagen synthesis — lysal oxidase.

Androgens
     A low copper level, particularly an elevated zinc/copper ratio, suggests increased androgen
secretion.

Anemia
     A high copper/molybdenum ratio may contribute to iron deficiency anemias and possibly
cause iron-storage disease.
     Several anemias which do not respond to iron therapy have been found to be associated
with biounavailable copper. Copper is required to convert iron from the ferric to ferrous form so
it can be utilized. Copper is also required to incorporate iron into the hemoglobin molecule.
     High tissue copper levels can cause a relative manganese deficiency. Manganese is necessary
to stimulate hemoglobin formation; thus anemia can result from a copper-induced deficiency of
manganese.

Anxiety
     Anxiety states are frequently associated with elevated hair copper levels. This may be due to
an excessive production of stimulatory neurotransmitters (catecholamines), which include
epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine.
     Zinc deficiency due to copper toxicity can also result in anxiety states.

Arthritis
     Copper levels in the synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis are three or more
times as high as normal.
     A high tissue copper level is frequently associated with osteoarthritis. Copper tends to
enhance calcium retention in body tissues. Excessive copper also has a destructive effect upon
protein structures such as joint cartilages.

Autism
     "Normally, the liver produces the normal copper protein, ceruloplasmin, which stores copper
in the blood serum and prevents excess absorption. Ferritin, the iron-containing protein is made
similarly.
     Any abnormality which results in inadequate ceruloplasmin, or ferritin, could allow excess
copper or iron to be absorbed, which would affect the brain. Both of these metals (copper and
iron) are stimulants to the brain and might produce hyperactivity and/or autism."  (Pfeiffer)

Calcium Level, Elevated
     A hair calcium level above 120.00 mg% indicates a biounavailability of calcium. High
calcium levels are frequently associated with elevated copper levels.
     An elevated calcium level is frequently the result of a manganese deficiency caused by
elevated copper levels.

Cancer and High Tissue Copper
     In adult life, chronic tissue zinc and vitamin B6 deficiencies due to copper toxicity may
predispose cells to cancerous change.
     Changes in serum copper concentrations with reticuloendothelial cancers are predictive of
remissions and relapses. The copper levels rise during active phases of the malignancies and drop
back to normal limits during remissions.

Cancer and Low Tissue Copper
     A possible role for dietary copper in the metabolism of foreign compounds was first
suggested by Sharpless in 1946. He observed that the addition of a copper supplement to the
diet of rats had a marked protective effect against the hepatocarcinogenic action of the dye butter
yellow (i.e., 4 dimethyl aminoazo benzene). Yamane et al. have demonstrated that this protective
effect of copper is associated with the stimulation of the hepatic metabolism of this aminoazo dye
to noncarcinogenic metabolites.

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

Ceruloplasmin Levels, Elevated
     High copper tissue levels are associated with or indicative of increased ceruloplasmin levels.
Conditions that are associated with elevated ceruloplasmin levels include myocardial infarctions,
lymphomas and rheumatoid arthritis.

Cholesterol, Elevated
     When copper levels in the blood rise, fat levels decrease. Any contaminant that depresses
copper and zinc, such as cadmium in the case of zinc, may cause elevated levels of lipids.

Clinical Syndromes
     "The clinical syndromes (other than Wilson's disease) wherein elevated serum or tissue
copper may be an important factor are paranoid and hallucinatory schizophrenia, hypertension,
preeclampsia, stuttering, autism, childhood hyperactivity, premenstrual tensions, psychiatric
depression, insomnia, senility and possibly functional hypoglycemia." (Pfeiffer)

Cystic Fibrosis
     Unusually large amounts of copper have been found in the fingernails of infants with cystic
fibrosis.

Depression, Mental
     Mental depression is frequently associated with elevated tissue copper levels. An elevated
copper level reduces tissue manganese levels which may result in depression.
     Adequate copper is necessary for activation of biogenic amines. A deficiency of biogenic
amines is frequently associated with mental depression.

Diabetes
     Diabetes is frequently associated with elevated tissue copper levels. Excess copper
frequently reduces zinc and manganese levels, thereby interfering with glucose metabolism.

Dysinsulinism
     Dysinsulinism is frequently associated with elevated copper levels. An excess of tissue
copper reduces zinc and manganese values, thereby interfering with glucose metabolism.

Estrogen Levels, Elevated
     Elevated copper levels often accompany elevated estrogens levels. A low tissue copper level
frequently indicates a low estrogen level. This is particularly so when the zinc/copper ratio
exceeds 12.00/l.
     Administration of estrogens markedly increases both serum copper and ceruloplasmin
concentrations.

Failure To Thrive' Syndrome
     Zinc deficiency and copper toxicity are intimately associated with developmental disability
and failure the thrive syndromes.
     Adequate levels of zinc are essential for protein synthesis, growth and development.

Fears
     Excessive tissue copper levels are commonly associated with a wide variety of fears. Often,
as copper is eliminated from tissue storage, one becomes increasingly aware of these fears and as
a result, they are released.

Fractures, Bone
     Bone fractures are frequently associated with an elevated copper level.

Headaches, Migraine
     Elevated copper levels are frequently associated with migraine headaches.

Heart Attacks
     A high tissue copper level, by causing a zinc deficiency, predisposes one to hypertension,
heart attacks and strokes.
     Copper deficiency results in sudden death from heart failure in livestock. The cattle suffer
from anemia first.

Heavy Metal Toxicity
     Heavy metal poisoning frequently accompanies copper toxicity. A copper imbalance can
contribute to heavy metal poisoning by slowing the rate of metabolism, thereby reducing the
body's ability to detoxify heavy metals.
     Conversely, such metals as lead and mercury may interfere with the synthesis of
ceruloplasmin or ferritin, contributing to copper toxicity problems.

Hemorrhaging
     Hemorrhaging on the surface of the heart is commonly associated with a copper deficiency.

Hodgkin's Disease
     Copper scores have proved to be a particularly sensitive index in Hodgkin's disease.

Hyperactivity, Childhood
     Both copper and iron are stimulants to the brain. For this reason, both of these elements
might play a role in the causation of hyperactivity and/or autism.

Hypertension
     A high tissue copper level, by causing a zinc deficiency, predisposes one to hypertension,
heart attacks and strokes.
     Excessive aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid hormone which is produced by the adrenal
cortex, is frequently responsible for elevated blood pressure, by raising sodium levels. Copper
frequently raises sodium levels, indicating that copper has a stimulating effect on aldosterone
levels.

Hypoglycemia
     Functional hypoglycemia is frequently associated with elevated tissue copper levels. An
excess of tissue copper reduces manganese and zinc, thereby interfering with normal glucose
metabolism.

Hypothyroidism
     An elevated copper tissue level is frequently associated with hypothyroidism, particularly
when the zinc/copper ratio is greater than 10.00/1. The ideal zinc/copper ratio is 8.00/1.

Infections
     A tissue zinc/copper ratio of less than 4.00/1 is frequently associated with an increased
susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections. Copper toxicity may predispose to infections by
displacing zinc.
     Normally, to combat infections, copper is mobilized from the liver. If copper is
biounavailable and cannot be mobilized, susceptibility to infections increases.

Inflammation
     Inflammation is commonly associated with an elevated tissue copper level, particularly when
the sodium/potassium ratio is greater than 6.00/l.
     Copper frequently acts as an analgesic and may rise in response to an inflammatory process.
Copper combined with aspirin, for example, increases the pain-alleviating qualities of aspirin.
However, copper's destructive effect upon protein structures can also cause inflammation in
certain cases.

Iron Storage Diseases
     The trace metal pattern of iron-storage disease suggests a relationship of iron, molybdenum,
lead and possibly copper as a cause of these diseases.

Kidney Disorders
     Kidney dysfunction is frequently associated with a zinc/copper ratio of less than 5.00/l.
     The kidney problems are primarily due to displacement of zinc by copper.

Lead Toxicity
     A low tissue copper level is frequently associated with an elevated lead level. It has been
established that lead blocks copper enzymatic reactions. The blocking of enzymatic reactions has
serious ramifications on many of life's most vital processes such as;

Libido (Decreased)
     A high tissue copper level, or a low zinc/copper ratio is frequently associated with a
decreased libido.

Liver Detoxification And Dysfunctions
     A high level of tissue copper, or a low zinc/copper ratio (below 4.00/1) impairs the liver's
ability to detoxify.
     Excessive copper, by lowering manganese, permits iron deposition in the liver resulting in liver
dysfunction.
     A copper deficiency, as indicated by a low tissue copper level, also interferes with the ability
of the liver to detoxify.
     Alterations in dietary copper intake might modify the toxicity of various foreign chemicals
which are activated or detoxified by hepatic microsomal enzyme systems.

Metabolic Dysfunctions
     Metabolic diseases associated with elevated copper levels are:

Multiple Sclerosis
     Although many factors are involved as causative factors of multiple sclerosis, a common
contributing factor may well be a low tissue copper level or a low copper level relative to some
other metal such as zinc. Demyelination of nerves is known to result from a copper deficiency.
     Cases of multiple sclerosis, all of which had in common a dietary exposure to lead, have been
reported. Lead adversely alters copper metabolism as one aspect of its toxicity.

Myocardial Infarction: High Serum Copper Levels And Use of the Birth Control Pill
     The copper level of the heart is higher than normal in those dying from heart attacks.
Elevated serum copper due to use of the birth control pill may explain the higher heart attack rate
of users of the pill.

Nervousness
     Excessive biogenic amine levels are frequently associated with elevated tissue copper levels.
An excess of biogenic amines is frequently responsible for nervousness, hypertension, etc.

High Copper and Osteoporosis
     An excessive level of copper can result in a manganese deficiency. A manganese deficiency
is one of the principal causes of loss of calcium from the bone. The end result is osteoporosis.

Low Copper and Osteoporosis
     Adequate levels of estrogen appear to counteract osteoporosis. Low tissue copper levels are
commonly associated with low estrogen levels.

Ovarian Dysfunction
     A zinc/copper ratio of less than 4.00/l is frequently associated with ovarian dysfunction.

Pancreatic Dysfunction
     Pancreatic dysfunction is frequently associated with elevated copper levels. Normal
pancreatic function is highly dependent upon zinc and manganese, both of which are displaced by
excessive levels of copper.

Panic Attacks
     Panic attacks are highly associated with copper toxicity. Zinc deficiency due to copper
excess may contribute to this problem.

Pantothenic Acid Deficiency
     Excessive copper levels have been associated with low levels of pantothenic acid.

Phobias
     Fears and phobias are commonly associated with copper toxicity. Fear may reduce adrenal
gland activity, which causes a rise in copper levels.
     Conversely, copper can affect thyroid and adrenal gland activity and induce anxiety feelings.
Zinc deficiency due to copper toxicity may also play a role.

Pituitary Hyperactivity
     A zinc/copper ratio less than 4.1 may be associated with anterior pituitary hyperactivity.

Premenstrual Tension
     Premenstrual tension is frequently the result of a high tissue concentration of copper,
especially when the zinc level in the tissues is depressed.

Schizophrenia
     Pfeiffer and others have postulated that excessive copper and iron and/or zinc and
manganese deficiency states are primary factors in one type of schizophrenia, namely histapenia.
     Histaminase is a copper containing enzyme and both histaminase and ceruloplasmin can
destroy histamines. Therefore, patients with high serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels have low
levels of blood histamine. The histapenic individual responds to treatment which rids the body of
excess copper and builds-up blood and tissue histamine.
     "A possible factor in some of the schizophrenias is a combined deficiency of zinc and
manganese, with a relative increase in iron and copper or both. The urinary copper excretion in
schizophrenics is consistently less than in normal patients; zinc plus manganese in dietary doses is
effective in increasing copper elimination and reducing copper to normal levels." (Pfeiffer)
     Schizophrenia is not uncommon when the zinc/copper ratio is less than 3.00/l.

Sexual Inadequacy
     Sexual inadequacy is frequently the result of excess copper in the tissues, resulting in a zinc
deficiency.

Strokes
     A high tissue copper level, by causing a relative zinc deficiency, predisposes one to
hypertension, heart attacks and strokes.

Tooth Decay
     High levels of lead, copper, zinc and chromium in the body tissues may tend to increase the
tooth's susceptibility to decay.

Urinary Tract Infection
     Elevated copper levels are frequently associated with urinary tract infections.

Vitamin Deficiencies
     The following vitamin deficiencies in the body may be caused by a copper deficiency: vitamin
C, inositol, folic acid, vitamin B6 and rutin.

Effects Of Copper On Other Minerals
Copper, in excess, tends to lower manganese, zinc and potassium levels. Copper toxicity can
also result in deficiency of vitamin C and B6, inositol, folic acid and rutin.
     Copper tends to increase tissue levels of calcium and sodium.
     Copper can displace iron from the liver.

Effects Of Other Minerals And Vitamins On Copper
Mercury, cadmium and zinc – compete for absorption.
Molybdenum and sulfur – bind copper in the intestine.
Iron and manganese – remove copper from the liver.
Zinc – lowers copper levels in the blood.
Vitamin C – chelates copper in the blood.
Vitamin B6, folic acid and niacin are also copper antagonists.
Cobalt is synergetic with copper.

Detoxification And Correction Of Copper Imbalance
     Correction of a copper imbalance is accomplished by the following:

Exposure to Copper
     Remove sources of exposure, including birth control pills, copper IUD's, contaminated water
supplies and copper-rich diets.
     Strict vegetarian diets are to be avoided, when possible, because of the high copper content
of nuts, seeds, beans and grains. However, the copper-toxic individual may require a
vegetarian-type diet for a period of time until he is able to adequately digest and assimilate animal
protein.
     Junk-food diets contribute to copper imbalance because they are low in zinc, manganese and
other essential elements which are required for optimal adrenal gland activity. Deficiency of these
nutrients therefore contributes to a detrimental buildup of excess copper.

Restore Adrenal Activity
     Restore normal adrenal gland activity through nutrition and positive lifestyle changes.
     A reduction in stressful activity is advisable. Adequate rest, sleep and avoiding excessive
exercise is beneficial.
     Enhancing adrenal gland activity is aided by a tissue mineral analysis. This test provides an
indication of adrenal activity; trace mineral deficiencies and toxic metals which serve to interfere
with normal adrenal activity.
     Nutritional supplement programs to enhance adrenal activity should include vitamin C and E,
manganese, pantothenic acid and adrenal glandular substance. Specific dosages depend on
individual cases.
     A major goal of the nutritional supplement program is to balance the oxidation rate, which
increases the body's adaptive energy thus allowing healing to take place. That is; internal stress
on the body is removed by nutritional balancing, allowing the adrenal glands to return to more
normal functioning.

Increase Energy Levels by Balancing Body Chemistry
     Optimizing energy levels is essential to enable the body to eliminate toxic metals; including
copper. This is best accomplished by balancing the oxidation rate as indicated on a hair analysis,
using precise supplementation as indicated on the test.

Antagonists and Chelating Agents
     Copper-lowering agents may be given, including mineral and vitamin antagonists, chelating
agents and sequestrants. Specific nutrient antagonists and chelators are helpful depending on the
individual's mineral balance.
     These include vitamin C, molybdenum, sulfur, vitamin B6, manganese, zinc and others.
These nutrients need to be given in a manner that contributes to balancing the overall body
chemistry.

Note: There are times when it is not advisable to lower copper levels beyond a
certain point. In these cases, a high copper level is serving as an adaptive
mechanism.

     Excessive lowering of even a very high copper level can result in anxiety or other symptoms.
This is another reason why we recommend that copper-lowering nutrients be used in conjunction
with a complete nutritional program based on mineral testing.

Special Considerations Regarding Copper Detoxification
Diet For The Copper-Toxic Individual
     Copper-toxic individuals frequently have an aversion to eating protein, particularly red meat.
It is important for such individuals to eat some protein at least twice a day, even if the quantity is
small, otherwise progress is delayed. Strict vegetarian diets are not advisable, but may be
necessary for a period of time in severe cases.
     Many copper-toxic individuals have an insatiable craving for sweets, fruit and fruit juices.
Such items should be limited as much as possible for optimal results. In many cases, a high
carbohydrate diet is necessary until adrenal activity is increased.

The Time Factor
     Six months to several years may be required to correct a copper imbalance, depending on
the severity of the copper toxicity problem.

Copper Reactions (Copper Eliminations)
     During the correction of a copper imbalance, copper elimination frequently causes transient
symptoms including headache, skin rash, free-floating anxiety, insomnia, fatigue and a flare-up of
chronic conditions related to a copper imbalance.
     These reactions generally last a day or two and then subside. The supplement program may
be temporarily reduced if a symptom becomes particularly annoying. These symptoms are
indications of a healing process and should be welcomed!

Copper Eliminations and Increased Awareness
     Elimination of excess copper often is accompanied by an increase in awareness. Not only
may a person become aware of physical aches and pains, but also emotional conflicts may come
into consciousness.
     These reactions occur because many copper-toxic individuals are living in a lowered state of
awareness. An increase in awareness is a necessary part of the healing process. Although there
may be some temporary anxiety or pain, usually one feels much better after the process has been
completed.

References

Glossary

Adaptive Energy - biochemical energy that the body uses to adapt and respond to stress.

Androgen - any substance, e.g., androsterone and testosterone, that stimulates male
characteristics.

Ceruloplasmin - a blood protein which binds and transports most of the copper in the body.

Histaminase - a widely occurring flavoprotein enzyme that oxidizes histamine and various
diamines.

Histamine - a compound that is found in many animal tissues or made synthetically. Histamine is
probably responsible for the dilation and increased permeability of blood vessels which play a
major role in allergic reactions.

Histapenia - a condition characterized by low histamine levels. Slow oxidizers tend to have
lower histamine levels.

Internal stress - stress that is generated from within the body. Causes of internal stress include
nutritional imbalances, toxic metal poisoning, structural imbalances, or other internal dysfunctions.

Nigris-S - a nutritional supplement produced by Endo-Met Labs. Nigris-S contains organic
sulfur, which has been found helpful in reducing copper and other heavy metal toxicity.

Oxidation rate - oxidation refers to the rate at which the body burns the food it consumes and
converts to energy. This process occurs at different rates of efficiency, depending on glandular
activity. The oxidation rate can be measured using the calcium/potassium.

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 © 1989 - The Eck Institute of Applied Nutrition and Bioenergetics, Ltd.

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