Copper Toxicity

What is copper overload?

Copper overload (also called toxicity), often hereditary, is an inability to metabolize copper effectively. It is not the same as Wilson’s Disease, a rare genetic disorder.

Why is it a problem?

Copper toxicity profoundly affects every system in the body, especially the reproductive, nervous, and glandular systems. It also has a devastating effect on mental health because it lowers dopamine (a neurotransmitter that controls the brain’s pleasure and reward centers) and increases norepinephrine (another neurotransmitter that also functions as a stress hormone) in the brain. Imbalances in these important neurotransmitters are related to anxiety and panic disorders, depression (especially postpartum), bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, violent behavior, and paranoid schizophrenia.

Who can have copper overload?

I often see females with high anxiety, chronic fatigue, severe PMS, and depression to be overloaded in copper due to the relationship between copper and estrogen. However, any gender of any age can have this condition and it is an intrinsic part of autism. Copper rises with estrogen and is an essential component of blood vessel formation during pregnancy. Women who have had more than one child are at greater risk of developing copper overload.

Certain subtypes of breast cancer are estrogen-sensitive, making copper toxic females more at risk.

How can we fix it?

Please understand, copper is a very important metal needed for the body to function optimally, including the regulation of iron metabolism but it must be in balance with zinc. The goal is never to “strip” your body of copper but to balance it, which can be safely done through dietary and nutrient therapy, as well as lifestyle modifications. First, let’s see if you might be impacted by this. Take my free, five-minute life assessment to find out if this applies to you.

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Copper Toxicity Articles

Copper IUDs: What your doctor doesn
Copper Overload

Copper IUDs: What your doctor doesn't know may be harming you

Copper IUDs have soared in popularity as a hormone-free birth control choice for women. What your doctor doesn’t kn...
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Are You Suffering From Copper Overload?
Copper Overload

Are You Suffering From Copper Overload?

Of all the things that can be most debilitating to women, copper tops the list. Born with copper overload and a lifet...
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Breast Cancer, Methylation and Copper Toxicity
Copper Overload

Breast Cancer, Methylation and Copper Toxicity

Breast cancer, methylation, and copper toxicity share common links: Estrogen dysregulation, endocrine disrupters, and...
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Postpartum Depression and Copper Toxicity
Copper Overload

Postpartum Depression and Copper Toxicity

Every week I tell my patients "you’re not crazy, it’s not your fault, it’s copper toxicity that’s to blame." B...
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What is PCOS and How to Reverse It
Autoimmunity

What is PCOS and How to Reverse It

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as polycystic ovarian syndrome, is the most common endocrine disorder in...
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The Truth About Estrogen and Women’s Health
Depression/Anxiety

The Truth About Estrogen and Women’s Health

Since the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study first came out in 2002, estrogen has gotten a bad rap and created a...
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Ashwagandha: Herbal Remedy with Dangerous Repercussions
Depression/Anxiety

Ashwagandha: Herbal Remedy with Dangerous Repercussions

Ashwagandha is a powerful herb. In this week’s post, I share the hidden dangers of this adaptogenic herb. What i...
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Can Multivitamins Cause More Harm Than Good?
Depression/Anxiety

Can Multivitamins Cause More Harm Than Good?

Everywhere we look, we see doctors, nutritionists, health coaches, and even your “healthy” neighbors touting the ...
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Copper Toxicity Podcast Episodes

EP 52: What Is The Main Cause of PCOS? with Dr. Felice Gersh
Podcast

EP 52: What Is The Main Cause of PCOS? with Dr. Felice Gersh

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women.  And all too often, women ar...
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EP 50: Back to Basics: What is Food?
Podcast

EP 50: Back to Basics: What is Food?

In celebration of Eat for Life’s 50th episode, I’m exploring food. What role does your relationship with food ...
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EP 47: Does Zinc Supplementation Deplete Copper? with Dr. Judith Bowman
Podcast

EP 47: Does Zinc Supplementation Deplete Copper? with Dr. Judith Bowman

Our world is filled with dis- mis- and mal-information. I am amazed at how many articles and papers have diametric...
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EP 45: Estrogen Myths, Perimenopause, and Menopause with Dr. Felice Gersh
Podcast

EP 45: Estrogen Myths, Perimenopause, and Menopause with Dr. Felice Gersh

There is so much misinformation out there about hormones and women’s health, especially estrogen. So I’m excit...
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EP 42: My Personal Healing Journey
Podcast

EP 42: My Personal Healing Journey

2021 was quite the year, but we made it to 2022! To kick off the new year, my producer, Sean McMullin is flipping ...
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EP 41: Environmental Toxins and Your Health with Lara Adler
Podcast

EP 41: Environmental Toxins and Your Health with Lara Adler

We talk a lot about toxins and you may think you’ve heard it all before, but hear me out! We are exposed to enviro...
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EP 40: Breast Implant Illness Facts with Danielle Valoras, Part 2
Podcast

EP 40: Breast Implant Illness Facts with Danielle Valoras, Part 2

In part two of our discussion, Danielle Valoras returns to dig into the science behind breast implants, why they caus...
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EP 39: Breast Implant Illness Facts with Danielle Valoras, Part 1
Podcast

EP 39: Breast Implant Illness Facts with Danielle Valoras, Part 1

If you have breast implants and are experiencing symptoms, please hear me. You are not crazy. It's not all in your he...
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EP 30: Post-Birth Control Syndrome: Fix Your Hormone and Digestive Health with Jenna Longoria, FDN-P
Podcast

EP 30: Post-Birth Control Syndrome: Fix Your Hormone and Digestive Health with Jenna Longoria, FDN-P

So many women struggle on birth control. Yet when they finally decide to go off it, they continue to have the same...
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EP 14: Breast Cancer And The Truth About Folic Acid In Cell Division With Dr. Albert Mensah
Podcast

EP 14: Breast Cancer And The Truth About Folic Acid In Cell Division With Dr. Albert Mensah

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a topic that’s near and dear to my heart because breast cancer runs in ...
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EP 11: Healing from Copper Toxicity with Deb Tokarz
Podcast

EP 11: Healing from Copper Toxicity with Deb Tokarz

Could copper overload be at the core of your anxiety and depression?  Copper toxicity is a condition that neg...
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EP 10: How Copper Toxicity Impacts Women with Dr. Judith Bowman
Podcast

EP 10: How Copper Toxicity Impacts Women with Dr. Judith Bowman

High anxiety, depression, brain fog, chronic fatigue, insomnia, and PMS.  If you've struggled with any of the...
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“Before I worked with Sami, I had no idea my irritability, racing thoughts and fatigue was due to being severely undermethylated and overloaded with copper! Knowing this information about my genetics and my health opens so many doors to a path of improved wellness and quality of life. This can be exciting and overwhelming! It is good to know Sami is so kind and personable and she also maps out a diet and vitamin plan that is tailored to my individual needs.”

AMANDA K.

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