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't know may be harming you
Are You Suffering From Copper Overload?
Breast Cancer, Methylation and Copper Toxicity
Postpartum Depression and Copper Toxicity
What is PCOS and How to Reverse It
The Truth About Estrogen and Women’s Health
Ashwagandha: Herbal Remedy with Dangerous Repercussions
Can Multivitamins Cause More Harm Than Good?
Copper Toxicity Podcast Episodes
EP 52: What Is The Main Cause of PCOS? with Dr. Felice Gersh
EP 50: Back to Basics: What is Food?
EP 47: Does Zinc Supplementation Deplete Copper? with Dr. Judith Bowman
EP 45: Estrogen Myths, Perimenopause, and Menopause with Dr. Felice Gersh
EP 42: My Personal Healing Journey
EP 41: Environmental Toxins and Your Health with Lara Adler
EP 40: Breast Implant Illness Facts with Danielle Valoras, Part 2
EP 39: Breast Implant Illness Facts with Danielle Valoras, Part 1
EP 30: Post-Birth Control Syndrome: Fix Your Hormone and Digestive Health with Jenna Longoria, FDN-P
EP 14: Breast Cancer And The Truth About Folic Acid In Cell Division With Dr. Albert Mensah
EP 11: Healing from Copper Toxicity with Deb Tokarz
EP 10: How Copper Toxicity Impacts Women with Dr. Judith Bowman
“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.