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 “wit’s end” wanting to help him. Thank you in advance. ~Teresa
Hi Teresa,
Yes, high copper can be an 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. However, it’s important to note that both high copper and low copper have been found to be able to contribute to Tourette’s and it is critical to work with a doctor who has knowledge in this area.
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 bio unavailable. The first two are self-explanatory, but copper bio unavailable means there is excess copper, but it isn’t easily accessible. Copper bio-unavailability 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 is another copper disorder that can occur. When that is the case, the individual is not able to properly excrete copper, which results in accumulation, and this can lead to brain and liver damage. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of this condition typically present between the ages of 5 and 35. However, other sources state that it may present as early as the age of 3 but is most frequently diagnosed during the teen years. If one is dealing with Wilson’s Disease, then treatment is required that is outside the scope of this article. Seek immediate help with an expert in this area, as it can be life-threatening.
Copper is an essential mineral that is needed for the 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, insomnia, and much more. We discuss the symptoms of toxicity in greater detail further ahead. 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. According to Healthline, normal blood levels of copper range from 70 to 140 migrograms per deciliter. Copper toxicity occurs when the level exceeds 140 migrograms per deciliter.
What Causes Copper Toxicity?
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 the 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 overfarming 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 (especially niacin), 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. It is well documented that oral contraceptives elevate copper levels.
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 had 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. “Recent epidemiologic studies have shown an increased mortality from cardiovascular diseases in people with higher serum copper levels.”
Copper in excess has a profound impact on neurotransmitters in the brain and the autonomic nervous system. It inhibits the brain’s 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 of 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 overexcitability 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.
Copper is used for breaking down the neurotransmitter histamine, therefore, if copper is in excess, it can result in excessive degradation of histamine, which leads to levels of histamine that are too low. Histamine is an important neurotransmitter involved in regulating sleep, pain sensitivity, sex drive, digestion, mood, tear production, and immune response. Low histamine, also known as histapenia, can result in a wide array of symptoms and problems as well like irritability, grandiose plans, visual or auditory hallucinations, and paranoia.
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 Test for Copper Toxicity
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 practitioner’s 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.
Again, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable doctor.
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 before and during detoxing for copper.
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 the 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 of copper, however, the following list contains 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 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio.)
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 overstimulated 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 it 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, Teresa, 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, emotional, and spiritual health. Remember that balance is the key.
Furthermore, as mentioned, too much copper and too little copper can both contribute to Tourette’s and many other conditions, so it is critical to exercise caution when working on this issue and work with a doctor who has expertise with copper.
Do you need help determining if copper is playing a role in your symptoms or if other underlying contributors may exist? Contact me today for a comprehensive evaluation and self-care plan so you can take charge of your healing journey and become more of who you were meant to be.
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.
Copper abstract image by natassa64 from Pixabay
I currently have had an paraguard IUD for nearly a year. After 3 months from insertion, I noticed some changes in my Behaviour and mentality. I thought it was from being depressed caused by my environment and the inability to “deal”. However, as things changed and as I moving forward into my school year, those feelings persisted. They were accompanied with pain in my lower abdomen, back, and so forth. I was worried I may have PID, but was tested for stis and was clean.
In January, my mood persisted. I felt awful, fatigue, depressed at times a bit crazy. When I was in high tension, I would feel pressure on my molars, and my fillings ached by those molars. I thought I was going insane! I went for a blood test and they informed me my iron was low. I’ve been taking my iron pills hoping the symptom would go away… They didn’t.
I did some research online and found some women experiencing the same symptoms, not just emotional but physical! My hair was falling out, feeling fatigue, excess of white hair growth, muscles aches, abdomen pain, lower back pain, anxiety, depressive thoughts, etc… They believed they may have had copper toxicity.
I’m having my iud removed in less than 5 days. What would be the best ways to help eliminate the copper once removed? Would it be okay to take daily supplements with copper? Or should I completely remove copper for a month? I’ve been taking zinc, vitamin c and magnesium for the time being to help “organize the balance”, should I continue taking it after removal?
Hi Suneet,
I would suggest reading the article again, as it outlines pretty clearly how to reduce elevated copper. When one is copper toxic, then typically copper would not be supplemented, as this would only increase copper. Detox procedure and supplements are typically continued until copper levels are back to normal. You should be working with a knowledgeable health care provider to monitor levels.
Best
Cynthia
Outstanding information, thanks so much.
You’re welcome, Cate. Glad you find it helpful.
Cynthia
Hi,
Last yeah i went through a real stress full period but normally i handle stress it pretty good, but this time for a whole three months i was suffering from headaches, emotional, couldn’t concentrate forgetful and so spaced out like my head was constantly in a bad fog, i finally went to my dr and just by dumb luck she accidentally put on my blood test form to check for copper and the result came back positive my copper levels were really high so was my liver count and ANA levels,so after 2 weeks i had to go back for another blood test to see if it was getting better (keep in mind i had already suffered for 2 & half months before seeing the dr) anyways my copper had gone back to normal and my liver and ANA levels did as well but for the past year since having this my head still feels funny but not as bad feels like a constant ache/ fuzzy i also get sharp pains beside my right ear in my head at times and my concentration, memory are still bad but now i also get tremors in my hands. I went back to dr to get re checked incase my copper was up again but nope it wasn’t,only my ANA levels are and they find it weird cause it goes up and down and my head still feels funny. I just want my brain to feel normal again its so frustrating and if its caused by stress, i have nothing to stress about plus i do exercise meditation ect, but nothing is working. If anyone knows how to fix this or what could be causing it please advise.
Thank you very much for the information. I’d the copper IUD for almost 10 years, with minor side effects, mostly mood swings, but never connected the dots. I’d it removed 15 days ago and I’ve gone insane, fatigue, nausea, depression, headache, upset stomach, hot flashes. I’m vegetarian and try to balance my diet, I take complex-b supplements, daily vitamins (centrum), chlorella, spirulina and glucosamine (vegetarian). Any further recommendation?
You’re welcome. lxchel.
I would recommend you look at the steps that are listed above for reducing copper levels. And, as noted above, being vegetarian is one of the main causes of excess copper, so you should take a look at the pages indicated:
https://www.holistichelp.net/blog/being-vegetarian-is-not-healthy/
https://www.holistichelp.net/blog/paleolithic-diet/
Best
Cynthia
Hello, first of all great article! I have noticed many of the symptoms pertaining to mood and mental fogginess above in myself. I attributed it to Birth control pills because they would disappear while I was not taking them. I no longer wanted the synthetic hormones in my system so I got a copper IUD put in. Unfortunately, my uterus expelled it after months of cramps, bloating, fatigue and a feverish joint achiness feeling (no mood problems though). Once it was out, I felt 100% better. Now, I would really like a reliable birth control method. I am leaning toward the pill again until I can afford a tubal ligation. Have you ever heard of anyone using a zinc/vitamin C/ vitamin B group supplement to balance the effects of the birth control pill? I would think it would work, but I am also concerned that I am just treating symptoms rather than fixing the problem.
Hi Kristine,
No, I have not heard of using those nutrients to balance the effects of the birth control pill. In my view that would not be possible. The pill has so many risk factors like cancer, candida overgrowth, impaired gut flora, hormone imbalance to name only a few, that it should be avoided no matter what.
Best
Cynthia
Great article however zinc lowers the sodium potassium pump, so if your sodium is under 3 to 3.5, you should be taking it with manganese, vitamin e, selenium and vitamin c. I stutter and found like tourettes there is a copper storage site with excess copper. If you type in doctor wilsons site ypu can find it.
I moved into a new house a month ago and since moving in have developed ubearable symptoms… Anxiety, ringing in the ears, irritability, kidney pain, headache, insomnia, nausea, rashes, etc. I haven’t been able to find the source of my tremendous ill health until today when I tested the water in the house and found that the copper falls way outside the range of acceptable values. Extremely high. I now have some work to detoxify and change my diet as I was vegetarian and eating beans, rice and guacamole in large amounts. Thanks for a great article. I now have some hope of relief from those unbearable sleepless nights and inability to quiet my nerves.
Hi Pat,
You’re welcome. Certainly could be the pipes. However, there is another possibility you should rule out. Pesticides, could also cause these symptoms. It is common practice for landowner to spray rentals with pesticides in between tenants or if the home was purchase, it is common practice to spray before selling. You can get some basics on pesticides on the following page.
https://www.holistichelp.net/blog/harmful-effects-pesticides/
Best
Cynthia
Thanks for the informative read! I would like to hear more from the ladies that were thinking their copper IUD was to blame and had it removed.. Did it help? What was your experience? I have mine removed tomorrow and am hoping that I am able to overcome these unbearable symptoms that are listed on this page. Thank you!
Hi, I have been suffering with, headaches, pale and yellow skin, depression and joint problems for the past four months. I had my copper coil removed my vagina started swelling. I first suffered with I itching and bloating and insomnia. I was wondering if this could be down to higher levels of copper from the iud. If you could leave me some feedback I would be great full. I am currently taking supplements – vitamin b6, vitamin c, magnesium and zinc.
Hi Victoria,
Yes, it is possible it developed from the IUD. I would suggest finding a doctor who practices functional medicine at http://www.functionalmedicine.org.
Best,
Cynthia
Outstanding article! Thank you for taking the time to post this. I have been very sick since Feb this year ( 2016) and my doctor cannot find any cause of a spreading, itchy, flaky body rash, joint pain, extreme fatigue, dizziness, cognitive changes, eye pain Etc. He has been looking into autoimmune diseases but I know these are only symptoms of some imbalance or toxicity. He did urine heavy metal testing which was negative. So, I’ve been trying to sort this out myself and came across the medical medium who says that eczema/ psoriasis type rashes are from a pathogen in the liver which feasts on the copper ( passed on from mother during pregnancy) and prevents copper detox. Also he mentions high levels of DDT passed on from mother and grandmother prenataly. Somehow the relationship between the pathogen ( which he says won’t be discovered for another 30 years) , the copper and DDT causes a cyclic mess in the liver. So, I want to know how to also detox the DDT and this u known pathogen. It’s all so complicated! Anyway, thank you for this excellent posting.
Hi 18 months ago I made the most horrendous choice in my life to have the paraguard iud .
This coil has made me ill , so ill I am now on Prozac . During my time wearing it I developed various signs of copper toxicity , and went to my doctor a lot with various symptoms . That to be honest I never really conected to the coil.
However when I inadvertently asked my gp could the could be causing these symptoms she laughed at me and told me in no way could the coil be responsible.
I am gutted I was so naive and trusted her , I could kick myself for my stupidity. In over a weekend I went from happy go lucky to a mess it bought me to my knees . My precious children are looking for there mummy . It’s only now 6 weeks post removal I am getting a little respite but I think that’s down to the Prozac.
It started on the Friday never in my life have I ever experienced anxiety I have no reason to be anxious either . I have a wonderful family and yes we have the same problems the rest of the world has . On the Friday I expierenced excessive yawning with a kind of fear behind it , I ate my dinner and it went away . The best day Saturday I was sweating a cold sweat , shivers up and down my spine adrenals causing through my body like you wouldn’t believe , the feeling you get when your hearts pounding and you jump at something but with no switch off button , I was stuck in full on flight mode for around a weeks it was horrendous and completely terrifying, every noise was a million desibelles during this time I think I heard voices just when I was dozing off everything was a threat it was the worst experience of my entire life . This went on for around 4 /5 weeks I was able to function , I was incredibly thirsty my mouth my dry my vision was on high alert so the change in tree colour would be a threat or I though I was seeing things out the corner of my eyes ( that still happens now ) but it’s like a odd shape tree or a movement that I pick up . My vision is blurry and sometimes in a pre migraniois state . As I said it’s only now 6 weeks after removal I am having a little respite . My children are the reason I breathe and I don’t want to loose them , I was so close to checking myself into a mental hospital I just didn’t know what to do ?? . I have changed my diet to only include low copper foods this is because my body seems to react with hives to a lot of foods too , despite having allergy test and being allergic to nothing . My diet consists of carrots eggs cabbage brocolli cauliflower and butter and I add salt meat either chicken lamb or beef . It’s very bland . I am waiting htma results to move forward and have been trying Epsom salt baths . All I want with all my heart and soul is to be the person I know I am and be there forever for my precious children . I hate what this coil has done to me . I’ve been advised to see a fictional doctor as well as getting the htma done . I’ve heard acupuncture is also good for copper toxicity? , I just want tools in my arsenal I’ve been advised not to supplement until I understand where the imbalances lie, I am concerned because my adrenals took quite a nasty hit , I know from other ladies expierenced that detoxing from copper is a roller coaster of a ride . As I said with all my heart I just want to get better any suggestions would be greatly apparicated .
Hi Emma,
I’m sorry you’ve been through such a horrific ordeal. I encourage you to find a doctor who practices functional medicine and who has expertise with high copper. You can search the database at http://www.functionalmedicine.org
Thank you so much for your work. Your writings are very helpful.
Thank you so much for a very helpful article. I went through rough times not knowing what is happening inside of me. I am a 62 years of age male and am suffering with all the mentioned symptoms. I saw the brownish rings in my eyes and a homeopathic doctor-friend of mine suggested that I undergo what he called a Scio scan. Well that is going to happen tomorrow and I cannot wait as my hopes are high to get rid of these awful symtopms and enjoy life again.
I am a refrigeration technician and is working a lot with copper tubing through the years. This and maybe inhalation of gases, pesticides and diet, are the only factors I think that could attribute in my case as I am on RO water for at least 15 years now. Although my symptoms of high allergy started after I seven years living on a plot with only borehole water. None of my family showed these symptoms. I went for blood test for food allergies, then I went holistic and they found that heavy metals was the culprit. I bought a Rife resonator and started metal detox. The allergy symptoms eased out but the ringing in my ears stood, and the everlasting trembling inside of me, fatigue, irritability to any odour, sounds, even the wonder playful laughing of my grandchildren sometimes drives me insane. I am a very loving person and also with my wife, young at heart, but the deeper into the claws of this toxicity, I became an alien, longing from a distance as I am watching the interaction of a still loving group of people, my loved ones enjoying life to the full, while I am irritated with noise, midges, mosquitoes, loving dog that need me just to touch it and the neigbour’s music. Nobody else is deturbed, but I am in high-irritation- mode biting everyone that dare to call me for interaction. This drives me crazy, as I hate myself for I know that I am not the person I display on the moment.
So, again, thank you so much for this article, my hopes run high on this moment and I believe I can still enjoy my slice of happines and loving participation with my family without this lead blanket that suffocates me and most of all compromises my ability to live life to the full.
This is such a great post. I for sure was copper toxic at some point, as I was drinking copper water, using copper kitchen utensils, wearing copper jewellery on top of being a vegetarian for 19 years and a vegan for 4 years!! Recently I switched to a meat based way of eating and so many of my CHRONIC health issues just vanished, depression gone..that was stunning. Such a relief. #meatHEALS.
I removed all copper from my life except the meat.
However, I am autistic LEVEL 1 and was so way before I ever came into contact with copper. That’s the genetic part of autism. In the family.. both sides…
Also my mother had a copper IUD as well, but I only know she had it AFTER I was born, and at age 49 she had a brain stroke.. possibly as a result of copper toxicity.