Possibile causes:
- Hair color, permanent, bleach, pool chemicals
- High amounts in water through copper pipes
- Intake for a long time of multi-vitamins and other supplements
- Intrauterine contraceptive device
- Intake for a long time of hormone substances (antibaby pill, estrogen supplementation during or after menopause)
- Usage of copper utensils
- Hormone adaptation towards end of pregnancy and after birth
- Lack of zinc
- Chromium burden
- Amalgams
- Cigarette smoking
Possible consequences (excluding an increase in copper due to outer pollution):
- Inflammation processes, formation of free radicals
- Joint pain, diarrhea, respiratory illnesses
- Acne, migraines, high blood pressure
- Hyperactivity, behaviour disorders, learning and concentration disorders
- Sleep disorders, depression
- Psychosis, schizophrenia, epilepsy
- High heart attack risk
- Liver disorders (Indian childhood cirrhosis)
- Symptoms of lack of zinc
Measures:
- Eliminate causes
- Zinc supplementation, Vitamin B6, Magnesium and sulphur-containing amino acids (Methionin, cysteine)
Literature:
- Lederer, J.: Cuivre et Chrome. Editions Nauwelaerts, Brüssel (1987) 9.
- Rilling, S.: Kompendium der Mineralstoffe und Spurenelemente. Karl F. Haug Verlag, Heidelberg 1993.
- Akyol Ö. et al.: Hair, nail, serum and urin copper levels in users of copper intrauterine devices and interactions between copper and some other trace elements, Trace elements and Electrolytes, 14 (3), (1997) 124-129
ORTHO-Analytic AG – http://www.orthoanalytic.ch – Switzerland (Hair analysis)