Copper Toxicity: Symptoms and Treatment

Copper Toxicity: Symptoms and Treatment

http://www.holistic-back-relief.com/copper-toxicity.html

Copper Toxicity is a condition that is increasingly common in this day and age, due to the widespread occurrence of copper in our food, our hot water pipes, along with the common nutritional deficiencies in Zinc, Manganese and other trace minerals that keep levels of Copper from getting too high.

The use of birth control pills increases a woman's risk of having a Copper toxicity condition due to estrogen's effect of increasing copper retention in the kidneys. Estrogen over stimulates Aldosterone receptors in the kidneys, increasing Sodium, Copper and water retention. Both estrogen and Copper tend to raise the blood pressure by increasing water retention, raising the blood volume.

Copper builds up first in the liver and disrupts the liver's ability to detoxify the blood in general. This Copper toxicity in the liver therefore disrupts the Liver's ability to detoxify excess estrogen and other toxic heavy metals from the body by blocking Zinc in the binding sites of metallothionein and other Zinc dependent Liver enzymes needed to make Glutathione .

Other sources of chemicals which mimic estrogen, known as xeno-estrogens, may also increase the retention of copper. These include pesticides, plastic bags, Volatile organic compounds (VOC's), growth hormones used on animals, and all petrochemical waste products used in the manufacturing of plastic, gasoline and other petrochemical derivatives. These are all referred to as Xeno-estrogens.

Copper is a very stimulating mineral to the nerves and nervous system. Copper increases the production of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine while also implicated in a decrease of histamine. These effects on neurotransmitter levels can give rise to many psychological imbalances such as mood swings, depression, mental agitation, feeling over-stimulated, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia and a racing mind with too many thoughts are all hallmarks of elevated Copper toxicity.

Elevated Copper in the body acts like caffeine or even amphetamines. It constantly keeps the conversion of dopamine into norepinephrine going so that you have a constant adrenaline rush to help you be on the go, but you also are unable to settle down or turn off your mind.

Copper toxicity symptoms

• Acne
• Allergies
• Hair loss
• Anemia
• Anorexia
• Anxiety
• Attention deficit disorder
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Autism
• Candida overgrowth
• Depression
• Dysmenorrhea
• Male infertility
• Prostatitis
• Fibromyalgia
• Migraine Headaches
• PMS
• Chronic infections
• Insomnia
• Racing thoughts
• Neuralgia (nerve pain)
• Sciatica
• Hypertension
• Hypothyroidism
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar (Manic Depression)

Copper and ATP

Copper is a necessary component in the manufacturing of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) which is cellular energy. Low levels of Copper is associated with chronic fatigue. When someone has a Copper toxicity condition, they will most likely also have a concurrent Copper deficiency due to a bio-unavailability.

Copper must be bound to special binding proteins, Ceruloplasmin and Metallothionine, in order to be able to get into the cells where it can be used by the Mitochondria to make ATP energy in the Kreb's cycle. These proteins Ceruloplasmin and Metallothionein are made in the Liver upon receiving a signal from the Adrenal glands to produce these proteins. If there is a dysfunction with either the Liver or the Adrenals, or if there is just not enough Zinc in the body (Zinc is needed to produce all proteins in the body, especially Metallothionein), than these two proteins will be lacking and free and unbound Copper will begin accumulating in the blood.

When Copper is not properly bound to the proteins Ceruloplasmin and Metallothionein:

1. The Copper cannot get into the cells to make ATP.
2. Copper is now in a toxic and unbound form in the blood, agitating all of the tissues and creating many free radical type of reactions.
3. Toxic Copper must be removed from the blood immediately so this Copper begins to build up in the soft tissues of the Liver, brain, thyroid, ovaries, skin, joints, nerves and all other soft tissues.
4. This Copper toxicity seriously disturbs mental function, irritates the nerves and nervous system leading to many inflammatory conditions, agitates and stimulates the Adrenal glands, suppresses Zinc's function and its many roles in the body such as:

Zinc is needed to produce all proteins:

• Digestive enzymes
• Neurotransmitters
• Insulin production
• production of Adrenal hormones: Cortisol, Aldosterone, Progesterone, Testosterone
• Immune cells: killer T-cells, macrophages, eosinophils
• Zinc is needed in healing of wounds and scar tissue and all tissue repair, especially post operative healing.
• Maintaining healthy skin and clear complexion
• Detoxification binding proteins: Metallothionein, Glutathione, Ceruloplasmin

Copper levels rise in response to Stress.

When the mind and body is faced with mental, emotional or physical stress, the nervous system responds by switching to the Sympathetic nervous system also referred to as the “fight or flight" stress reaction.

This "Fight or Flight" stress reaction requires a jolt of quick energy to give us the adequate resources to be mentally alert and capable of handling the "Danger" which this stress mechanism was designed to protect us from. The Adrenals provide this energy in the form of Adrenaline, Cortisol, and Aldosterone.

Aldosterone works by increasing the retention of Sodium and Copper in the Kidneys, which are substances that provide that quick energy and mental alertness needed for the stress reaction. At the same time, Aldosterone causes an increase in the elimination of Zinc and Magnesium because these two minerals have a calming and sedating effect on the nervous system. Your body has no need for calming and sedating substances when it is preparing for a fight or quick escape.

Under normal circumstances, this temporary rise in Copper and Sodium and concurrent decline in Zinc and Magnesium is very useful in responding to a distressing situation, and the body chemistry is balanced quickly after the danger has passed.

However, with repeated stressors and stress reactions occurring on a daily basis for weeks, months and years, this Biochemical pattern becomes more and dysfunctional and increasingly difficult to reverse.

The stimulating effects of Copper on the Adrenal glands is partly the reason why Copper is so agitating to the nerves, brain, and tissues. When the Adrenal glands are constantly being stimulated by stress, the body retains Copper and eliminates Zinc. Zinc is necessary for the removal of all toxic heavy metals including Copper, and is also necessary for the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. When the brain starts becoming saturated with Copper but is lacking the necessary neurotransmitters to calm the brain, the mind becomes very agitated and is prone to severe mood swings and the mind and body generally feels agitated, making it very hard to relax.

These stress reactions in turn cause an even greater increase in Copper and a continuing decline in Zinc and Magnesium.

Since Zinc is needed to create the proteins Ceruloplasmin and Metallothionein which make Copper bio-available and non-toxic, this decline of Zinc causes a Copper toxicity which builds up first in the Liver, then the Brain, skin, nerves, muscles, ligaments, connective tissues, etc.

This lack of Zinc and Magnesium is in itself somewhat agitating to the brain and nervous system since they act to sedate and calm the mind. Coupled with the agitating effects of Copper toxicity in the brain, you now have a biochemical pattern that readily produces Stress reactions which continue to stimulate the Adrenal glands to produce more Aldosterone, Cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine. Copper is also very stimulating to the brain and causes the over-production of the stimulating neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine, causing manic behavior, paranoia, anxiety, Bipolar disorder, and even Schizophrenia

Stress and Adrenal Function

When the Adrenal glands are always being stimulated by stress reactions and Copper toxicity, constantly being called upon to produce hormones like cortisol, aldosterone epinephrine and norepinephrine, after a while your Adrenals become depleted in energy and your cortisol, aldosterone and adrenaline levels begin to decline.

Cortisol is the main anti-inflammatory compound in the body, so if the production of cortisol declines, you end up with all sorts of chronic infections, and chronic inflammatory diseases. And since Copper is also very agitating to the tissues like the nerves and skin, inflammation of all types increases.

Cortisol is also the main Gluccocorticoid responsible for maintaining Blood sugar levels. Cortisol maintains blood sugar levels by converting fats and proteins into glucose. When there is an insufficient amount of Cortisol, the risk of having a Hypoglycemic attack. When blood sugar levels drop severely, that again puts the body into a state of panic, which puts the nervous system into that same old "fight or flight" reaction.

This can also lead to a perpetual cycle of Stress, decreased Zinc and Magnesium, increased Copper toxicity, more Adrenal Fatigue, low levels of Cortisol, Hypoglycemia and Blood sugar swings.

This creates a situation where you have intense Sugar cravings as you panic to try to raise your blood sugar. The intake of Sugar in a pure form, such as:

• Candy
• Energy bars
• Honey
• Fruit juice
• Fruit
• Bread
• Chips, crackers, pasta, potatoes, starches
• Alcohol creates yet another Stress reaction as our Adrenals are stimulated by the large quantities of Sugar entering the blood all at once, instead of the preferred steady trickle. The body immediately starts producing and releasing Insulin in the Pancreas to get the Sugar out of the blood as quickly as possible.

Elevated Blood sugar levels degenerate all of the tissues and is the reason why Diabetes is such a deadly disease and causes blindness, gangrene, loss of limbs, nerve degeneration, numbness, kidney disease and death. Sugar in large quantities is a toxic substance.

Sugar, like all Toxins such as Heavy Metals, Copper, Mercury, Aluminum, etc., food preservatives, alcohol, household cleaners, VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds), bleach, and other industrial chemicals in our environment, all cause a Stress reaction in the body.

This stress reaction over-stimulates the Adrenals again (Zinc and Magnesium declines, Copper and Sodium levels rise) giving us the sense of energy. Many people who have Adrenal Fatigue rely on toxins such as Alcohol, Sugar, and the toxins in the environment to stimulate the Adrenals to produce a stress reaction which will give us the False impression of Energy, when in fact we are completely burnt out. Copper and other Heavy Metals which have accumulated continue to create internal Stress reactions which both stimulate the release of energy and also continue to deplete our stores of energy. These internal Toxins become sources of stress and agitation that prevent the Adrenal glands from ever truly relaxing out of the "Fight or Flight" sympathetic nervous system, and into the Recovery mode of the Parasympathetic nervous system, which is needed for sleep and digestion and truly regenerating our energy.

Copper Toxicity makes it impossible to truly and completely relax, so you can never truly rest and allow your Adrenals to heal and regenerate. They just keep being stimulated to death, or Adrenal Burnout.

Put into a sequence, it looks like this:

1.      Low blood sugar attack or some other Stressor

2.      Panic

3.      "Fight or Flight" reaction

4.      Zinc and Magnesium gets eliminated

5.      Copper and Sodium levels rise

6.      Adrenal glands produce more epinephrine and cortisol

7.      Adrenals become fatigued and are unable to signal the production of Ceruloplasmin and Metallothionein in the Liver

8.      The lack of Zinc in the body from all the stress reactions, lack of dietary nutrition, and the suppressing effect of Copper on Zinc's ability to function, causes a decline in the production of all proteins in the body: Ceruloplasmin, Metallothionein, Digestive enzymes, Neuro- transmitters, etc.

9.      Copper remains unbound in the blood and so gets stashed away in the Liver, Brain, joints, nerves, muscles and other soft tissues

10.   This Copper Toxicity continues to agitate the mind, nervous system and Adrenal glands, keeping the nervous system in a perpetual state of "fight or flight".

11.   The mind and body are unable to relax due to agitating effects of Copper toxicity, the lack of Zinc and Magnesium, an inability for Zinc to help create calming neurotransmitters in the brain, and the Adrenal fatigue which causes an inability to relax out of the sympathetic nervous system into the parasympathetic nervous system.

12.   This leads to insomnia, anxiety, over-emotional behavior, Bipolar syndrome, mania, PMS, Mental disorders such as Schizophrenia and Depression.

Adrenal Fatigue and Copper

Adrenal fatigue alone can cause Depression as the body is unable to perform the many tasks that modern society demands of us. So we turn to stimulants such as Coffee, chocolate, sugar and even Stress itself to give us a quick rush of energy, so we go numb to how tired we really feel. It can become very hard to stop using these stimulants since the Adrenal fatigue, which lies underneath this false energy, can feel so debilitating.

If we don't give the Adrenal glands a chance to rest and regenerate, they will continue to under-perform and the production of Cortisol and Adrenaline will continue to decline. This will severely reduce the production of Ceruloplasmin and Metallothionein, which as I stated previously, are necessary in the proper binding of Copper in the blood, so that it can get into the cells for energy production, and to prevent all of the degenerative effects of Copper toxicity.

Copper and Women

Because estrogen increases the retention of Copper in the body, many women who take Birth Control pills to control their PMS and pre-menstrual symptoms, menstrual cramps and acne are actually creating an environment within their bodies which will exacerbate those exact symptoms.

Both Copper and Mercury can accumulate in the Thyroid and cause Hashimoto's Thyroiditis or block the conversion of T4 into T3, the active form of Thyroid hormone. Estrogen has a similar structure to T3 and can block thyroid receptors on cell membranes throughout the body, causing a physiological Hypothyroidism, even though T3 production may be normal.

Hypothyroidism is much more common in women, in part due to the effects of estrogen on the bioavailability of Thyroid hormone. Low thyroid action results in a slower metabolism with weight gain, fatigue, low immunity, and feelings of cold.

Copper and the Liver

In Chinese medical theory, the period is regulated by the Liver which, when loaded with a toxic burden of excess Copper buildup, will become stagnant and be unable to perform its task of keeping everything flowing and circulating smoothly.

This results in such signs of Liver Qi stagnation as:

• Headaches
• Abdominal Pain
• PMS
• Moodiness
• Angered easily
• Muscle spasms and tension
• Tight ligaments

See how these Liver Qi stagnation symptoms are just about identical to Copper toxicity symptoms. Stress and our adverse reaction to it has an extraordinary effect on our health in a multitude of ways.

The Liver likes to relax. Stress makes the Liver's job of keeping everything running smoothly much harder. As we can see from the above explanation, Copper retention is a major reason why stress affects the Liver so adversely.

Qigong exercises and Meditation can help you to not only relax out of the 'Fight or Flight' sympathetic nervous system, but also help recover from or prevent the accumulation of Copper toxicity and protect the Adrenal Glands from burning out and dropping you into (CFS) Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Copper toxicity makes it very hard for the mind to settle down, making it very difficult to relax, meditate or 'calm down'. Copper toxicity alone is extraordinarily stressful as it stimulates the adrenal glands, keeping them stuck in overdrive or 'fight or flight'. The nervous system, simply cannot relax and slow down.

Copper and Diet

Avoiding a vegetarian diet is recommended to help recover from Copper toxicity as well as prevent it from occurring.

Just about all foods contain Copper. The main foods that have high amounts of Copper are:

• Shellfish
• Nuts and Seeds (except for pumpkin seeds)
• Soybeans (tofu, tempeh, miso, etc.)
• Legumes
• Wheat
• Coconut
• Avocado
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Leafy Greens

The only foods that have an adequate amount of Zinc (which can help eliminate and counterbalance Copper toxicity) without also having a high level of Copper as well are red meat (best source) such as beef, lamb, and venison, chicken, eggs and pumpkin seeds.

This is why many vegetarians have Copper toxicity and Zinc bio-unavailability to some degree. This can make people "spacy", over-emotional, and generally lower fertility rates in both men and women.

When choosing what kind of meat to buy, it is always best to buy Organic, Free-Range Chicken and Beef. Also make sure the beef you buy is Grass fed in order to get the most nutrition without any toxic residues of antibiotics, pesticides or growth hormones.

The structure of growth hormones are very similar to that of Estrogen, and therefore Meat that is raised on these hormones and pesticides will increase the rate of Copper retention in the body. These compounds are also linked with a greater occurrence of Cancer and Liver disease.

All toxins affect the Liver first and foremost and Estrogen compounds have been shown to increase the occurrence and rate of growth of cancer cells. This is like the way a pregnant woman will become saturated with estrogen to help promote the growth of the fetus.

Copper in Children

When women become pregnant, their estrogen levels rise, greatly increasing the retention of Copper in the body. This Copper toxicity will pass through the placenta into the unborn child. So many children are being born with toxic levels of Copper and other Heavy Metals which were stored in the mother's body.

This congenital (since birth) source of Copper toxicity is a huge factor in the higher incidence of Autism in children as well as ADD (attention deficit disorder) as well as teen depression, Bipolar, and even Schizophrenia.

Instead of putting these children on dangerous drugs such as Ritalin, Wellbutrin, Prozac or Dexadrine (Pharmaceutical Crystal Meth), we need to get them on a Nutritional Balancing program designed to address their root problem of Adrenal insuffiency and Copper or other Heavy Metal Toxicity, which is causing their minds to "Freak Out" and causing them such great mental and emotional disturbances.

Copper Toxicity Treatment

The main thing to do is to increase Zinc and Magnesium levels to calm the mind and nervous system. However, just taking Zinc alone can cause serious side effects as Zinc will cause a Copper detox as the body dumps this excess copper and Mercury and other heavy metals from the tissues. This can cause rashes and flu-like symptoms. Zinc will also lower Sodium levels which may make you feel extremely tired.

I recommend a Hair Analysis test to evaluate your Soft tissue levels of Copper, Zinc, Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and other trace minerals and toxic metals to help design a custom tailored Nutritional Balancing program. Hair Analysis is a very accurate and non-invasive means of analyzing the Mineral Levels in the Soft tissues. These readings can help us determine how much Heavy Metal and Copper toxicity there actually is and what type of Supplement and Nutritional therapy will be able to correct your Biochemical imbalance.

By balancing your Hair mineral levels and ratios, the Adrenal glands are strengthened, Zinc levels and bio-availability will rise, and the Liver will be able to produce adequate amoounts of Ceruloplasmin, Glutathione and Metallothioneine, which will help eliminate the Copper toxicity and also make the Copper available to the cells that need it.

Meditating, practicing Qigong, and enjoying a relaxed and stress free lifestyle is also extremely important in recovering from Adrenal Fatigue and Copper Toxicity. Try to remember to breathe deeply and slowly and not react to every little stressor that you may encounter. Peace of mind is essential for Copper toxicity recovery.

 

Top 10 Ways to Reduce Fluoride Exposure

http://fluoridealert.org/content/top_ten/

The following 10 tips will allow you to significantly reduce your daily exposure to fluoride.

1) Stop Drinking Fluoridated Water:

Tap water consumption is, on average, the largest daily source of fluoride exposure for people who live in areas that add fluoride to the water. Avoiding consumption of fluoridated water is especially critical for infants. If you live in area which fluoridates its water, you can avoid drinking the fluoride in one of three ways:

1. Water Filters: One way of avoiding the fluoride from tap water is to purchase a water filter. Not all water filters, however, remove fluoride. The three types of filters that can remove fluoride are reverse osmosis, deionizers (which use ion-exchange resins), and activated alumina. Each of these filters should be able to remove about 90% of the fluoride. By contrast, “activated carbon” filters (e.g., Brita & Pur) do not remove fluoride. For more information on water filters, click here. 
2. Spring Water: Another way to avoid fluoride from tap water is to purchase spring water. Most brands of spring water contain very low levels of fluoride. Some brands, however, do contain high levels (e.g., Trinity Springs). Before consuming any bottled water on a consistent basis, therefore, you should verify that the fluoride content is less than 0.2 ppm, and ideally less than 0.1 ppm. You can find out the level of fluoride level in some of the popular brands here. You can also find out the fluoride level by calling the number on the water label. (Most companies have this information readily available.)
3. Water Distillation: A third way to avoid fluoride from the tap is to purchase a distillation unit. Water distillation will remove most, if not all, of the fluoride. The price for a distillation units varies widely depending on the size. Small counter-top units cost as little as $200, while large units can exceed $1,000.

If you don’t know if your area is fluoridated, you can find out by contacting your local water department. If you live in the U.S., you can also find out by going to FAN’s State Fluoride Database.

2) Don’t Let Your Child Swallow Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride toothpaste is often the largest single source of fluoride intake for young children, and is a major risk factor for disfiguring dental fluorosis. This is because children swallow a large amount of the paste that they put in their mouth. In fact, research has shown that it is not uncommon for young children to swallow more fluoride from toothpaste alone than is recommended as an entire day’s ingestion from all sources.

If you have a young child, therefore, we recommend that you use a non-fluoride toothpaste. If, however, you do use fluoride toothpaste, it’s very important that you supervise your children while they brush to make sure they use no more than a “pea-sized amount” of paste, and that they fully rinse and spit after they finish. And, lastly, do not purchase candy flavored toothpaste (e.g., bubble-gum and watermelon) as these toothpastes (which still contain adult-strength concentrations of fluoride) increase the risk that your children will swallow it (and actually want to swallow it).

3) Do NOT Get Fluoride Gel Treatments at the Dentist

Although dental researchers have stated on numerous occasions that fluoride gel treatment should ONLY be used for patients at highest risk of cavities, many dentists continue to apply fluoride gels irrespective of the patient’s cavity risk. The fluoride gel procedure requires the patient to clamp down on a tray for 4 minutes and uses an extremely concentrated, acidic fluoride gel (12,300 ppm). Because of the fluoride gel’s high acidity, the saliva glands produce a large amount of saliva during the treatment, which makes it extremely difficult (both for children and adults) to avoid swallowing the gel.

Even when dentists use precautionary measures such as suction devices, children and adults still ingest significant quantities of the paste, which can cause incredibly high spikes of fluoride in the blood (for up to 15 hours). These fluoride levels place patients, particularly children, at risk for stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and places a person at risk for short-term kidney damage, harm to the reproductive system, and impairment to glucose metabolism. The next time your dentist asks you whether you want a fluoride gel treatment, say NO.

4) Eat More Fresh Food, Less Processed Food

When water is fluoridated, it is not just the water that is fluoridated, but all beverages and foods that are made with the water. As a general rule, therefore, the more processed a food is, the more fluoride it has. The good news is that the naturally occurring levels of fluoride in most fresh water (e.g., spring water) and most fresh food (e.g., fruits, vegetables, grain, eggs, milk) is very low. Use this fact to your advantage by trying to shift as much as you can from processed foods to fresh. Also, since processed beverages (e.g., sodas, reconstituted juices, sports drinks) contribute far more to fluoride intake than processed foods, it is most important to focus on reducing your consumption of processed beverages. For more detailed information on how you can cut down on your fluoride intake from processed foods, see “FAN’s Grocery Store Guide: 7 Ways to Avoid Fluoride in Beverages and Food.”

5) Buy Organic Grape Juice and Wine

In the United States, many vinyards use a fluoride pesticide called cryolite. As a result, the levels of fluoride in U.S. grape juice and wine (particularly white grape juice and white wine) are consistently elevated. Indeed, in 2005, the USDA reported that the average level of fluoride exceeded 2 ppm for both white wine and white grape. The levels of fluoride in red wine are also elevated (1 ppm), and so are raisins (2.3 ppm). If you buy grape juice and wine, or if you are a heavy consumer of raisins, buy organic. In the case of wine, if don’t want to spend the extra money on organic, consider purchasing a European brand, as Europe uses far less cryolite than the U.S.

6) Reduce Your Black & Green Tea Consumption (and/or Drink Tea with Younger Leaves)

Be careful of drinking too much tea, particularly bottled and instant varieties. The tea plant accumulates high levels of fluoride, and excess intake of tea is known to cause a painful bone disease called skeletal fluorosis. Some teas, however, contain high levels of health-boosting anti-oxidants, which are not only good for health in general, but help to protect against fluoride toxicity.

In the ideal scenario, one could drink tea with high levels of anti-oxidants but low levels of fluoride. Recent research suggests that this might be a somewhat obtainable goal. It has recently been shown that the anti-oxidant levels in tea are far higher in young leaves than old leaves. This is important because young leaves also happen to have lower levels of fluoride. Indeed, it has been proposed that the fluoride content of tea is an indicator of its quality: the higher the fluoride, the lower the quality, and vice versa. If you love tea, therefore, try to purchase varieties that are made from young leaves (e.g., “White tea”). This will allow you to maximize tea’s known benefits, while reducing its known harm. Towards this end, avoid bottled and instant teas as they have been found to contain low-quality leaves that have very low levels of anti-oxidants. With bottled and instant tea, you get the risk (fluoride) without the benefit (anti-oxidants).

7) Avoid Cooking with Non-Stick (Teflon) Pans

Some research has found that cooking with Teflon-coated pans (i.e., stick-free pans) can significantly increase the fluoride content of food. If you have Teflon pans, therefore, consider switching to stainless steel.

8) Don’t Take Cipro and Be Mindful of Other Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals

Many pharmaceuticals are fluorinated, which means they contain something called a “carbon-fluorine bond.” Although the carbon-fluorine bond is strong enough to resist breaking down within the body, this is not always the case.

Some fluorinated drugs have been found to metabolize into fluoride within the body and this greatly increases a person’s exposure to fluoride. The most notable example is Cipro. Other fluorinated chemicals that are currently known to break down into fluoride include fluorinated anesthetics (Isoflurane & Sevoflurane), Niflumic acid, Flecainide, and Voriconazole. If you are taking any of these drugs, find out if there are any safer alternatives available.

9) Minimize Consumption of Mechanically-Deboned Chicken:

Most meats that are pulverized into a pulp form (e.g., chicken fingers, chicken nuggets) are made using a mechanical deboning processes. This mechanical deboning process increases the quantity of bone particles in the meat. Since bone is the main site of fluoride accumulation in the body, the higher levels of bone particle in mechanically deboned meat results in significantly elevated fluoride levels. Of all the meats that are mechanically deboned, chicken meat has consistently been found to have the highest levels. Thus, minimize consumption of mechanically-deboned chicken.

10) Avoid Fluoridated Salt

If you live in a country which allows fluoridated salt to be sold, make sure that the salt you buy is unfluoridated. Consumption of fluoridated salt can greatly increase a person’s fluoride exposure. To see a list of countries that allow fluoridated salt, click here.

See also:

• Sources of Fluoride
• Top 5 Ways to Reduce Fluoride Exposure from Infant Formula
• FAN’s Grocery Store Guide: 7 Ways to Avoid Fluoride in Beverages and Food

 

CDC issues flu vaccine apology: this year's vaccine doesn't work!

CDC issues flu vaccine apology: this year's vaccine doesn't work!
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/047890_flu_vaccines_cdc_apology_medical_fraud.html#ixzz3LXDc0Gr5

Friday, December 05, 2014
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger

(NaturalNews) The following video from Gary Franchi of NextNewsNetwork reveals the shocking admission by the CDC that this year's flu vaccine doesn't work.

As this story has gone extremely viral, I've also added these additional links to other news stories that report on the CDC's admission that this year's flu shot contains the wrong strain:

Huffington Post: "Flu Vaccine Doesn't Protect Against This Season's Most Dominant Strain"

The Seattle Times: "Vaccine problems may signal rocky flu season" - "New evidence shows that FluMist and seasonal shots likely won't protect very well against this year's flu viruses..."

ABC News: "Flu vaccine may not be effective for this year's strains, CDC says"

Freedom Outpost: "CDC Health Advisory: Get Your Flu Shot. It "Might" Work This Year. Sort Of"

Also see this astonishing video from Dr. Mark Geier, former scientist at the NIH, a PhD in genetics, a professor at John Hopkins University and more:


From the Next News Network video:

For the first time we can remember, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are going on the record, saying the flu vaccine won't work this year. The warning comes just before the busiest part of flu season, in January and February. Unfortunately, there won't be any refund for any of the patients or insurance companies who spent money on flu shots earlier this fall.

But don't worry. Just when you thought perhaps the CDC could boost their credibility, they found a way to put a sales pitch on the end of their warning. The CDC says if you do come down with the flu, there's a cure. It's just going to cost more money. Money that will end up profiting pharmaceutical giants, GlaxoSmithKline and Roche. CDC officials are urging doctors to prescribe two specific antiviral medications for any patients who come in with flu symptoms.

Just last week, the CDC issued a warning, prompting Americans to take the flu vaccine if they haven't already. Health officials said they had 160 million flu shots on the shelves and ready to go. But just earlier this week, Italy launched an official investigation after about a dozen people died within 48 hours of getting the flu shot. Their national health agency issued an immediate warning, saying DON'T take the vaccine. Here in America, the CDC isn't going that far. In fact, they found a way of turning this failed vaccine into a promotion for yet another big pharma drug.

Here's the news report viewo:

And here's an original laboratory research report from Natural News earlier this year. I personally conducted the ICP-MS heavy metals analysis of these flu vaccines and have the raw count data to prove it. Mercury particle counts at atomic masses 200, 201 and 202 were through the roof on these laboratory tests.

Don't you find it astonishing that it takes a private ICP-MS laboratory with no ties to government funding, universities or the FDA to finally test flu vaccines and report the truth? (To my knowledge, Natural News is the only news organization in the world that owns a cutting-edge private mass spectrometry instrument and uses it for scientific research in the public interest...)

Flashback: Flu vaccines laboratory confirmed to contain crazy high concentrations of mercury

Mercury tests conducted on vaccines at the Natural News Forensic Food Lab have revealed a shockingly high level of toxic mercury in an influenza vaccine (flu shot) made by GlaxoSmithKline (lot #9H2GX). Tests conducted via ICP-MS document mercury in the Flulaval vaccine at a shocking 51 parts per million, or over 25,000 times higher than the maximum contaminant level of inorganic mercury in drinking water set by the EPA.(1)

The tests were conducted via ICP-MS using a 4-point mercury calibration curve for accuracy. Even then, the extremely high level of mercury found in this flu shot was higher than anything we've ever tested, including tuna and ocean fish which are known for high mercury contamination.

In fact, the concentration of mercury found in this GSK flu shot was 100 times higher than the highest level of mercury we've ever tested in contaminated fish. And yet vaccines are injected directly into the body, making them many times more toxic than anything ingested orally. As my previous research into foods has already documented, mercury consumed orally is easily blocked by eating common foods like strawberries or peanut butter, both of which bind with and capture about 90% of dietary mercury.

Here are the actual results of what we found in the influenza vaccine from GSK (lot #9H2GX):

Aluminum: 0.4 ppm
Arsenic: zero
Cadmium: zero
Lead: zero
Mercury: 51 ppm

All tests were conducted via calibrated, high-end ICP-MS instrumentation as shown in these lab videos.

Doctors, pharmacists and mainstream media continue to lie about mercury in vaccines

As you take in the scientifically-validated fact that mercury exists at very high concentrations in flu vaccines, keep in mind that most doctors, pharmacists and members of the mainstream media continue to stage an elaborate lie that claims mercury has "already been removed from vaccines."

Never mind the fact that the use of mercury is admitted right on the package containing the vaccine vial. And now, Natural News has scientifically confirmed the mercury content of flu vaccines using high-end laboratory instrumentation. The existence of high mercury in flu shots is irrefutable.

Anyone who claims mercury has been removed from all vaccines is either wildly ignorant or willfully lying. And anyone who would knowingly allow themselves to be injected with mercury is probably already a victim of the kind of brain damage well known to be caused by mercury.

Insert admits "no controlled trials"

Shockingly, the package insert for this flu shot readily admits the vaccine has never been subjected to scientific clinical trials:

"There have been no controlled trials adequately demonstrating a decrease in influenza disease after vaccination with Flulaval," the package insert claims in tiny text (that no one reads).

This is printed right on the insert, yet no one in the mainstream media will ever report this astonishing admission. This statement, all by itself, is a confession that flu shot marketing is a fraud.

Across the board, flu shots are heavily propagandized and promoted with the implication that they have zero risks while offering 100% protection. No one in the mainstream media ever questions this claim even though the package insert openly admits the claim is complete hokum and has never been subjected to scientific scrutiny.

No evidence of safety or effectiveness in pregnant women

But that's not all the insert admits. It also says:

"Safety and effectiveness of Flulaval have not been established in pregnant women, nursing mothers or children."

And yet everywhere you go in America, there's a Walgreens, CVS or Wal-Mart pharmacy promoting flu shots for pregnant women. Never mind the fact that flu shot safety has never been established in pregnant women, and never mind the obvious fact that you should never inject a pregnant women with mercury in the first place!

Who needs scientific proof when you've got the full propaganda of the media and the government to back you up? Anyone who dares question the scientific validity of flu shot safety for pregnant women is immediately attacked as being an opponent of all vaccines.

Apparently, the only requirement to be accepted by the vaccine community is to believe in medical fairy tales while abandoning all critical thinking and scientific skepticism. In the vaccine industry, genuine science is simply not allowed. No wonder two former Merck virologists filed a False Claims Act with the federal government, accusing the company of knowingly fabricating its vaccine efficacy data to trick the FDA.

Never proven safe or effective in children, either

Flu shots are heavily promoted for children, right alongside mumps and measles vaccines. But it turns out flu shots are never scientifically tested for safety or efficacy in children.

Check out what the insert for this vaccine directly admits:

"Safety and effectiveness of Flulaval in pediatric patients have not been established."

It's right there in black and white... an open admission. Yet flu shots are aggressively marketed to parents and children as if they were Tic-Tacs. The real beauty of the entire vaccine industry scam is that no scientific evidence is required! You don't have to have any proof, all you have to do is believe in vaccines as a matter of faith.

Never tested for cancer risk

Do flu shots cause cancer? The honest, scientific answer is that these shots are never tested for that. As the insert readily admits:

"Flulaval has not been evaluated for carcinogenic or mutagenic potential, or for impairment of fertility."

Believe it or not, the Flulaval vaccine also warns that no one should be given this shot if they've already received another flu shot at some previous time:

"Do not administer Flulaval to anyone... following previous administration of any influenza vaccine."

And yet, amazingly, people are encouraged to get flu shots year after year, even though the package insert directly warns against anyone taking a series of influenza vaccines.

Admission that flu shots contain formaldehyde and sodium deoxycholate

The same insert that admits this vaccine has never been proven safe in children or pregnant women also openly admits that it contains neurotoxic chemicals.

Per the insert, each dose of Flulaval contains up to 25 mcg of formaldehyde (a neurotoxin) and up to 50 mcg of sodium deoxycholate.

This is on top of the 25 mcg of mercury you'll get in every dose. And remember, this is mercury that's injected directly into your body, so you absorb 100% of this mercury (unlike mercury you eat, where most of it sticks to food fibers and is transported out of your body).

Total admission that flu shots cause seizures, convulsions and Guillian-Barre syndrome

Ever wonder what all these toxic chemicals and heavy metals cause in humans? Flu shots vaccines, it turns out, are already known to cause a huge number of devastating health effects.

Predictably, there is a massive disinfo campaign across the mainstream media, Wikipedia, medical journals and government propaganda agencies (CDC, FDA, etc.) to pretend that flu shots have no risks whatsoever. Yet the insert that comes with the vaccine openly admits the flu shot has been linked with a long, frightening list of serious adverse effects. As this Flulaval insert says (see photo below):

"In addition to reports in clinical trials, the following adverse events have been identified during postapproval use of Flulaval...

vomiting
chest pain
allergic edema of the mouth
anaphylaxis
laryngitis
cullulitis
muscle weakness
arthritis
dizziness
paresthesia
tremor
somnolence
Guillian-Barre syndrome
convulsions / seizures
facial or cranial nerve paralysis
encephalopathy
limb paralysis
insomnia
dyspnea
sweating"

Here's a photo of this section of the package insert, complete with the GlaxoSmithKline toll-free phone number:

If you take flu shots, you are being poisoned by quacks

The upshot of all this is that flu shots utterly lack any scientific evidence of safety of efficacy. We don't know if they work at all, in other words, and neither does the vaccine manufacturer. Neither do the doctors or medical staff who administer them. Flu vaccines are injected into people purely as a matter of blind faith in the very same companies that have already been convicted of felony crimes.

GlaxoSmithKline, for example, not only manufacturers this Flulaval vaccine... the company also committed multiple felony crimes and got caught bribing doctors, ultimately agreeing to pay a multi-billion-dollar criminal settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Trusting a flu shot made by a corporation of felons is a lot like trusting the purity of heroin you buy from a street dealer. Both flu shots and street heroin have at least one thing in common, by the way: neither has ever been tested for safety.

We also know that flu shots contain neurotoxic chemicals and heavy metals in alarming concentrations. This is irrefutable scientific fact. We also know that there is no "safe" form of mercury just like there is no safe form of heroin -- all forms of mercury are highly toxic when injected into the body (ethyl, methyl, organic, inorganic).

The only people who argue with this are those who are already mercury poisoned and thus incapable of rational thought. Mercury damages brain function, you see, which is exactly what causes some people to be tricked into thinking vaccines are safe and effective.

Technically, you'd have to be stupid to believe such a thing, as the vaccine insert directly tells you precisely the opposite.

Share this story, spread the truth

Share this story with everyone who needs to know the truth about flu vaccines. This message needs to get out. Every fact stated in this article is 100% true and verified. The quotes from the Flulaval package insert are on-the-record statements from GlaxoSmithKline.

And for the record, I am not an opponent of the theory of vaccination. What I'm against is the continued use of toxic heavy metals and chemicals in vaccines. I'm also opposed to the wildly fraudulent marketing of vaccines. If any other product were marketed with the same lies and deceptions as vaccines, they would be immediately charged with fraud and misrepresentation by the FTC. But somehow when the vaccine industry commits routine fraud, everybody pretends it isn't happening.

Even with all the marketing fraud taking place, if the vaccine manufacturers would stop poisoning the population with vaccine additives (by removing mercury, formaldehyde and other chemicals from their products), nearly all opposition to vaccines would rapidly disappear.



Sources for this story include:
(1) http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basi...
(2) http://vaccines.naturalnews.com

 

In-home vitamin D test kit - now $50!

What Is The In-home Vitamin D Test Kit?

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/testkit/?mc_cid=f0cf175fb8&mc_eid=ec1651b17f

The Vitamin D Council in-home vitamin D test kit is an easy, affordable and accurate way to find out your vitamin D status and determine if you are getting enough vitamin D.

The Vitamin D Council has partnered with Heartland Assays to bring the best home-testing solution on the market, the cheapest available in the United States.

The convenience of an in-home test kit, coupled with the affordability offered by the Vitamin D Council test kit, means it is easier now more than ever to know if you are vitamin D deficient and need to raise your levels or maintain them if they are in the healthy range.

The Vitamin D Council in-home vitamin D test kit can be used to measure vitamin D levels in both adults and children.

Note: testing is recommended every 6 months once you start supplementing to determine current levels.

Supplementation Guidelines per the Vitamin D Council:
(These are basic guidelines  for untested amounts – if there are deficiencies that are tested, then the person will need more, and this is based on your Health Care Practitioner recommendation.)

·        Adults - 5,000 IU’s per day

·        Children - 2,000 – 3,000 IU’s depending on age and weight

·        Pregnant women - 6,000 IU’s per day

·        Infants - 1,000 IU’s per day

 

Kari J. Kindem CFHom comments: For this and other homeopathy and health information, Follow Me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HomeopathyWomen or Subscribe to my Newsletter here www.homeopathyforwomen.org/newsletter.htm

As vaccination rates go up, so does infant mortality - could injecting newborns with toxic chemicals be behind SIDS?

Friday, December 05, 2014 by: Ethan A. Huff
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/047886_vaccines_sudden_infant_death_syndrome_hippocampus.html#ixzz3LKNIqJ7N

(NaturalNews) Evidence continues to mount that points to vaccines as the "mystery" trigger behind SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome. A recent study published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica, as well as extensive data on vaccination rates and the timing of SIDS cases, suggests that vaccines may be inhibiting the proper development of the hippocampus in some babies, resulting in the various breathing and cardiac failures that lead to SIDS.

Researchers from Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School inadvertently discovered this after observing that nearly half of all infants in a group who died from SIDS had a unique abnormality in their hippocampus that was not present in infants who died from other other known causes. Based on their observations, it is now believed that this abnormality upsets the brain's ability to regulate breathing and heart rate patterns during sleep, which is when SIDS typically occurs.

Though it is widely known that the hippocampus regulates brain-specific functions like memory, learning and spatial orientation, this central region of the brain also regulates breathing and cardiac function. When a structure within the hippocampus known as the dentate gyrus contains double layers of nerve cells instead of the usual single layers, the resulting abnormality, known as focal granule cell bilamination, can lead to sudden death for reasons that may not be initially apparent.

"The pattern of abnormal changes in the dentate gyrus suggests to us there was a problem in its development at some point in late fetal life or in the months right after birth," explained Dr. Hannah C. Kinney, M.D., lead author of the study. "We didn't see any signs of injury to the brain by low oxygen levels in the tissue we examined, such as scarring and loss of nerve cells."

A press release for the study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is available here:
NIH.gov.

More vaccines means higher infant mortality, study finds

How this relates to vaccines was explained in a 2011 study published in the journal Human & Experimental Toxicology. Since SIDS is the leading cause of death among babies between the ages of one month and one year, something common but most likely overlooked during its victims' normal developmental period is clearly to blame, and this common thing appears to be routine childhood vaccinations.

A team of independent researchers looked at the infant mortality rate (IMR) around the world and observed a direct relationship between the number of vaccines given and the number of infant deaths. In other words, countries that administer the most vaccines to children during the first year of life were found to have a higher IMR, while countries that are more careful with vaccines were found to have a lower IMR.

"Linear regression analysis of unweighted mean IMRs showed a high statistically significant correlation between increasing number of vaccine doses and increasing infant mortality rates," explains an abstract from the study, available here:
NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov.

Brain abnormalities linked to SIDS develop primarily when children are vaccinated for hepatitis B

Interestingly enough, the SIDS study also revealed that the hippocampus abnormalities associated with SIDS tend to emerge right around the time that babies are vaccinated for hepatitis B. As you may recall, the hepatitis B vaccine is associated with causing seizures and epilepsy in some children, which is often associated with hippocampus abnormalities.

This suggests that, at least in some cases, children who are vaccinated for hepatitis B immediately after birth in accordance with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines experience developmental damage to their hippocampus, which later leads to sudden death.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.theglobaldispatch.com

http://www.nih.gov

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

http://www.mommypotamus.com

http://www.smartvax.com

http://www.huffingtonpost.com

http://www.rxlist.com

http://www.cdc.gov^[PDF]

http://www.nvic.org

http://vaccines.procon.org

http://www.generationrescue.org

 

 

Copper Toxicity and How to Reduce Elevated Levels

Kari J. Kindem CFHom comments: For this and other homeopathy and health information, Follow Me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HomeopathyWomen or Subscribe to my Newsletter here www.homeopathyforwomen.org/subscribe.htm .

Note: Blood testing for determining methylation status, pryoluria, high copper and low zinc levels is available with a Metabolic Panel for Clients in my practice or seek testing through your medical practitioner.  For more information of methylation issues, see this link www.homeopathyforwomen.org/methylation.htm

Copper Toxicity and How to Reduce Elevated Levels

http://www.holistichelp.net/blog/copper-toxicity-and-how-to-reduce-elevated-levels/

December 5th, 2012 ·by Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed.

Copper toxicity has a profound impact on mental and physical health and is becoming more common in our society because of the widespread use of copper and the lack of adequate zinc, molybdenum and other minerals in the diet that help keep it in balance. Let’s take a closer look at this issue by answering the following question from a blog visitor…

My 4 yr old grandson has recently been diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome. He does eat healthy, is active in karate. My daughter has opted out of medication at this time. She is being told that his copper levels are extremely elevated and they have no answer to this. Our problem is that the tics are getting worse and we are at “wits end” wanting to help him. Thank you in advance. ~Teresa

Hi Teresa,

Yes, high copper is a common underlying factor in Tourette’s, as well as a lot of other mental health and medical conditions. There are many steps that can be taken to reduce elevated copper, so I am at a loss as to why the treating physician would not have this knowledge. I say it is time to find another doctor. Before we get into the specifics, let me present just a little background on copper toxicity for those reading this page that may not be familiar with this issue.

I see the term, copper toxicity, as somewhat of a misnomer because copper is absolutely essential to the body; it only becomes toxic, if it accumulates in excess. However, that is the term that is often used when there is an elevated level of copper in the body. Hypercupremia is actually the correct medical term.

There are actually three types of copper imbalances that may occur — copper insufficiency, copper excess or copper biounavailable. The first two are self-explanatory, but copper biounavailable means there is excess copper, but it isn’t easily accessible. Copper biounavailability occurs when copper binding proteins called ceruloplasmin and metallothionein are deficient. These proteins bind to and transport the copper to where it is needed. In this situation, an individual may experience both copper insufficiency and toxicity simultaneously, as there are high levels of copper circulating through the body, but the body is not able to utilize it.

Toxicity occurs more often than insufficiency. In any case, they can all lead to impaired mental and physical health.

Copper has a very narrow range for optimal function. For example, too much copper is associated with an increase in oxidative stress, but so are low levels.

A rare genetic disease called Wilson’s Disease can also occur. When that is that the case, the individual is not able to properly excrete copper and this can lead to brain and liver damage.

Copper is an essential mineral that is needed for production of ATP in the Krebs cycle (our cellular energy), in the production and repair of connective tissue, immune function, collagen formation, the reproductive system, iron metabolism, a healthy nervous system, cardiovascular function, nmda receptors, neurotransmitter production and function and much more. When there is an insufficient level of copper in the body, this can result in numerous health problems like high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, depression, heart disease, miscarriages, loss of sex drive, chronic fungal infections, food cravings like chocolate, compulsive overeating, addiction and even cancer.

However, if there is excess copper in the body, then a wide array of psychological and physiological symptoms and conditions can also develop like Tourette’s, schizophrenia, bipolar, mania, autism, Asperger’s, anemia, hair loss and much more. Extremely high copper levels can result in a psychotic break.

The key is to keep copper levels in balance; not too high and not too low. Too far in either direction leads to trouble. This is true of all minerals in the body.

What Causes Elevated Copper?

1. Copper Plumbing — Drinking water from copper pipes is one of the leading causes of copper toxicity. Copper sulfate may also be added to the water supply to control algae.

2. Zinc deficiency — Zinc and copper have an intimate relationship; each one balancing the other one out. Zinc is also needed to form ceruloplasmin and metallothionein, which as we mentioned earlier are needed to bind to copper to carry it into the mitochondria.

Zinc is found in highest concentrations in red meat, so a diet that is low in meat will not be consuming enough zinc. Additionally, diets that are high in refined foods are low in zinc.

In general, our soil is low in zinc because of over farming and environmental toxins.

If you supplement with zinc for any reason, then it must be balanced with copper supplementation to prevent an imbalance and vice versa.

3. Other Vitamin or Mineral Deficiencies — Deficiencies in vitamin C, or the B complex and minerals like iron, selenium, chromium and especially manganese and molybdenum can also result in elevated copper in the body.

4. Adrenal fatigue — In order for copper to be carried into the mitochondria where it will help form ATP, it must bind to one of two substances called ceruloplasmin or metallothionein, which are produced only when the adrenal glands send a signal to the liver to do so. If the adrenal glands are not functioning up to par, then they may not carry out this duty. Therefore, copper will accumulate in the blood, instead of being utilized by the body.

However, since high copper is stimulating to the nervous system, this will deplete the adrenal glands even further and perpetuate the problem. It becomes a catch 22. Since the liver is also needed to produce these substances, the health of the liver can also impact copper levels. For the same reasons, a sluggish liver may also cause an increase in copper.

5. Other Heavy Metal Toxicity — Metallothionein, one of your primary copper binding proteins, also attaches to other toxic metals like mercury and cadmium. So if one has a high level of these toxic metals, then all the metallothionein could be used up dealing with them, and not available to transport copper.

6. Imbalance in copper binding substances — An imbalance in metallothionein, ceruloplasmin for other reasons will allow accumulation as well.

7. Birth control pill

8. Estrogen increases the retention of copper in the kidneys.

9. Xenoestrogens — Other estrogenic compounds in the environment, called endocrine disruptors, that are commonly found in pesticides, plastics, petrochemicals, growth hormones, cosmetics, personal care products and much more, also increase the retention of copper in the kidneys.

10. Inherited — If the mother had high levels of copper, this can carry through the placenta to the child.

11. Pyroluria — Pyroluria is a genetic disorder that results in a zinc and B6 deficiency. With the low levels of zinc, then copper builds up in excess.

12. Diet — A diet that is high in copper and low in zinc, manganese and other minerals needed for homeostasis will allow accumulation. Vegetarians are highly susceptible to copper toxicity, because a vegetarian diet is high in copper and low in zinc by nature.

Additionally, Dr. Lawrence Wilson, tells us that one may become attracted to a vegetarian diet and feel better on it initially because they have already have high copper and low zinc levels for other reasons. Glandular activity is stimulated by eating meat, which stimulates the release of excess copper and copper also inhibits one’s ability to digest protein, both of which cause a variety of undesirable symptoms like nausea, sluggishness, bloating and even a repulsion of all protein. When this happens the individual mistakenly believes that the meat is the problem, but it is really the imbalance in copper and zinc. If meat is reintroduced into the diet and other steps are taken, then zinc and copper levels would become balanced and these symptoms would dissipate.

13. Copper toxicity can also occur from copper cookware, swimming pools, dental materials, hot tubs, jewelry, some prescription medications, cigarette smoke and IUDs.

14. Impaired methylation. Methylation is one of your detox pathways that is needed to eliminate toxins like heavy metals from the body. If one is not methylating properly, then metals of all kinds, including copper, may build up in the body. Methylation may be impaired due to deficiencies in a variety of nutrients like B6, B12, folic acid, or magnesium or it could be due to a genetic polymorphism.

Copper Toxicity Symptoms

Excess copper in the body has a stimulating effect on the nervous system, similar to amphetamines or caffeine. Copper toxicity symptoms may affect any organ or system but it tends to accumulate in the liver, the brain and the reproductive organs.

Copper in excess has a profound impact on neurotransmitters in the brain and the autonomic nervous system. It inhibits the brains ability to break down dopamine, increases norepinephrine and decreases histamine, which can result in a wide range of psychological symptoms like mind racing or racing thoughts, uncontrollable speech, anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, restlessness, irritability, agitation, hyperactivity, insomnia, trembling, shaking, nervousness, inability to relax, paranoia, mania, dyslexia or other learning disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar, Tourette’s, autism, ADHD, violence, panic attacks, excessive sex drive, hallucinations, feeling like one is going to lose their mind and more.

It is believed by some that one of the primary causes of all the violence we see in the world may be related to excess copper, as diets in many parts of the world are high in grains and legumes, but void of meat, which would provide the necessary zinc to keep copper in balance.

Copper can also accumulate in the thyroid and lead to Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism.

Vitamin C deficiency — Copper is an antagonist of Vitamin C; it oxidizes it and breaks it down.

Addiction – the disruption to dopamine and norepinephrine that occurs with an excess of copper, can drive one to self-medicate because psychotropic substances mimic our natural neurotransmitters. However, it’s important to note that copper is also needed in the synthesis of many neurotransmitters that regulate our moods, thoughts and behavior, thus again illustrating that fine line of balance that is needed. Additionally, the overexcitabilty to the nervous system caused by copper, may drive one to use addictive substances to self-medicate the discomfort. In the case of addiction, too much or too little copper can be a significant cause of cravings for the substance of choice.

Zinc deficiency – when copper is in excess, then all the metallothionein will be used up trying to shuttle it off to get it out of the way, and none will be available to bind with zinc and carry it where it needs to be.

Cancer – when there is excess copper, there is inadequate zinc. Zinc is crucial in the prevention of cancer due to its impact on immune function. According to Dr. Charles Gant, cancer can’t happen without a deficiency in zinc.

Fatigue – If ATP is not produced there will not be energy, which results in chronic fatigue.

Spaciness – impaired brain chemistry leads to feelings of spaciness and disorientation.

Cravings for sweet or salty foods. However, this is often because of adrenal fatigue that is occurring simultaneously.

Carbohydrate cravings and a dislike for protein.

On the flip side, cravings for chocolate or binge eating may indicate a deficiency in copper, as copper is needed for neurotransmitters that regulate hunger and chocolate is high in copper. However, there are many other reasons one may experience cravings for chocolate or binge eating.

Low histamine, also known as histapenia. Histamine is an important neurotransmitter involved in regulating sleep, pain sensitivity, sex drive, digestion, tear production and immune response. It is typically low when copper is high.

There are many other possible copper toxicity symptoms in the body that may include hair loss, anemia, arthritis, hypertension, neuralgia, headaches, PMS, anorexia, fibromyalgia, allergies, kidney damage, brain and liver damage, high levels of oxidative stress and more. However, it’s important to note, that there are many other contributing factors to each of these conditions. If one is treated for anemia, but it doesn’t improve, then you need to look at copper.

How to Measure Copper Toxicity in the Body

Assessing the presence of elevated copper can be a complex matter and should be done with the assistance of a skilled practitioner. There are a variety of methods that may be used depending on your practitioners preferences, which include the blood, hair, urine and feces.

Common methods to measure copper toxicity in the body include an RBC mineral test, blood ceruloplasmin, a hair analysis and a urine chelation challenge. However, one must understand how to interpret these results accurately, as it is not always a black and white situation.

For example, copper may not deposit in hair, but other indicators in a hair analysis may indicate a copper imbalance. High levels of copper in the hair may indicate that the individual is a good excretor, rather than toxicity and low levels of copper could indicate a poor excretor. In rare cases, such as Wilson’s disease, a liver biopsy may be used. The ceruloplasmin and copper ratio are very important.

Sometimes elevated copper can be seen in rings in the eyes, called Kayser-Fleischer rings.

Copper Detox

It is crucial that one knows how to detox copper from the body appropriately before taking action, because the wrong steps can actually exacerbate the condition.

Additionally, it is also vital to be aware that one may feel worse before they feel better when detoxing from copper toxicity. As the copper is mobilized and exits through the detoxification channels it can produce a wide variety of symptoms like headaches, racing thoughts, skin conditions, mood swings, impaired digestion and increased fatigue. If symptoms are severe, then one may need to slow down the process. Again, one should be under the care of a knowledgeable physician.

1. The first and most important step for reducing elevated copper levels is to eliminate the source. Identify where the excess copper is coming from and get rid of it.

2. Think Zinc. As we mentioned earlier, zinc and copper have an intimate symbiotic relationship. The supplementation of zinc alone can often bring copper levels into balance. After elimination of the source, this is the first and most important step in the copper detox process. You might want to note, that when possible, zinc monomethionine is a more potent form of zinc. Zinc is what removes excess copper in the body most naturally and efficiently.

3. Increase other copper antagonists, which include molybdenum, sulfur, manganese, selenium, B vitamins, vitamin C, and E.

4. Drink lots of water to keep the copper moving.

5. Saunas, steam baths or anything that increases sweating will be helpful.

6. Coffee enemas or plain water enemas can also be helpful in elimination.

7. Enhance the egress points of elimination in the body, which include, the skin, liver, kidneys and colon.

8. Reduce or avoid foods high in copper. Most foods contain some level copper, however the following list contain the highest levels:

• chocolate
• shrimp
• lobster
• wheat
• coffee
• soybeans
• cashews
• garbanzos
• avocados
• leafy greens
• coconut
• sunflower seeds
• sesame seeds
• organ meats like liver

9. Eat more foods that are high in zinc, which include:

• Beef
• Buffalo
• Lamb
• Chicken
• Venison
• Eggs
• Pumpkin seeds

(Meat must be grass-fed and free-range to avoid growth hormones and antibiotics and for proper omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acid structure.)

10. Epsom salt baths. Epsom salt pulls out heavy metals.

11. Don’t be a vegetarian. Being a vegetarian increases your chances of copper toxicity and makes it impossible to overcome, because it is so high in copper and low in zinc. Eat a primal diet.

12. Address adrenal health.

13. Practice deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, Qigong or other similar techniques to turn off the over stimulated sympathetic nervous system and enhance copper detox. These practices will also help decrease stress which is also important for improving the health of the adrenal glands.

14. Get physical exercise. Mild and gentle, not excessive.

15. Chlorella supplementation can be helpful. Cilantro may also be used, but it must not be used until later in the copper detox process after all other steps have been taken, as it can drive the metal even deeper if used too soon.

16. Identify whether methylation is an issue for you and address accordingly. One of the best sources to learn about methylation is in a book called, Autism: Pathways for Recovery by Dr. Amy Yasko.

Synthetic chelators, like Penicillamine, may be called for in some extreme cases, but copper can usually be reduced more effectively, gently and safely without the use of synthetic chelators. Penicillamine is associated with a variety of side effects like liver and kidney damage, blurred vision and ringing in the ears.

Additionally, Tereasa, I suggest you read the following page to learn about the many other factors that can contribute to Tourette’s.

It is vital to be aware that although copper toxicity and its accompanying symptoms can be highly debilitating, it is equally important to be careful not to bring the levels down too low or to cause zinc to go too high, as this can be just as detrimental to one’s physical and emotional health. Remember that balance is the key.

References

Nutrition and Mental Illness: An Orthomolecular Approach to Balancing Body Chemistry. Dr. Carl C. Pfeiffer.

Depression Free Naturally. Joan Mathews-Larson, Ph.D. Ballantine Publishing Group, 2001.

Dr. Charles Gant, Webinars at the Academy of Functional Medicine and Genomics

Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine (Lord & Bralley) 2008.

Dr. Lawrence Wilson, Copper Toxicity Syndrome

Autism: Pathways for Recovery, Dr. Amy Yasko.