Copper / Cu
What Is It?
Copper, (from the Latin name ‘cuprum’) is the third most abundant mineral in the body, it is an essential trace mineral needed for the important role it plays in several enzymatic reactions. Copper is also essential for the utilisation of vitamin C and aids in the absorption of iron.
Although scientifically unproven - folklore has long promoted copper bracelets to help with arthritis.
Why Do We Need It?
Copper eliminates free radicals, plays a role in iron utilisation, making of red blood cells, bone development, energy production, blood clotting, thyroid hormone production and neurotransmitter synthesis.
Copper also plays a role in maintaining the myelin sheath that protects the nerves. It helps in preventing heart problems, high blood pressure and supports the immune system.
Copper works with zinc and vitamin C to form the skin protein elastin It is involved in the body’s healing process, works with tyrosine for hair and skin colouring and healthy nerves and joints and reduces histamine levels so helps alleviate allergies
Deficiency Symptoms
Copper is present in most foods so deficiency is rare but can be a factor in: alopecia, anaemia, Crohn’s disease, depression, diarrhoea, edema, emphysema, fatigue, heart rhythm disorders, hypercholesterolemia, infertility, joint problems, myocardial degeneration, osteoporosis. Deficiency can also impair glucose intolerance, cause seizures, impair respiratory function and skin sores and may impair the ability of neutrophils to kill candida.
Where Can We Find It?
Almonds, apple, artichoke, asparagus, avocado, cashews, banana, beetroot, bell peppers, broccoli carrot, crimini mushrooms, nuts, garlic, ginger, green beans and leafy vegetables, kale, kiwi, lentils, orange, peas, pecans, prunes, pumpkin, radish, raisins, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, spinach, squash, strawberry, sweet potato, swiss chard, tomato, walnuts.
Be-Aware
Elevated levels of copper are toxic and can cause the following problems: mental and physical fatigue, poor memory, depression and insomnia. High levels can also be toxic to the retina, may suppress immune responses and trigger migraine headaches.
Regular intake of antacids may increase the risk of copper deficiency.
Copper and zinc work together but they also compete when supplements are used.
Excessive copper intake can promote destruction of eye tissue through oxidation. Lead to depression, irritability, nausea, vomiting, nervousness, joint and muscle pain. Excess copper can lower zinc levels and produce insomnia, hair loss, irregular menses, depression, depression, arthritis, hypertension and heart attack.
Most at risk of excess are those who drink water from copper pipes, smokers, and women taking the contraceptive pill.
Research
Clinical studies have shown that supplementation may be beneficial in rheumatoid and
osteoarthritis.
A study carried out on rats concluded that: “the appropriate copper balance plays an essential role for the natural resistance of the stomach mucosa and Ranitidine, in conditions of acute copper deficiency, makes deeper the disturbances produced by stress”.
A study published in ‘Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences’ showed high levels of copper may be a causal fact in dementia/Alzheimer’s although further research needs to be carried out.
References
Nutritional Influences on Illness - Mervyn R Werbach
The world’s Healthiest Foods - George Mateljan
Reader’s Digest Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and supplements.
Vitamins & Minerals DeMystified - Dr. Steve Blake
Dr Jensen’s Juicing Therapy - Dr Bernard Jensen
Nutritional Healing - Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
www.bbc.co.uk
www.skinbiology.com
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.